Conference on fungal infections
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, March 12
The 5th National Conference of the Society for Indian Human and Animal Mycologists (SIHAM) was inaugurated by the PGI Director, Prof S. K. Sharma this morning. The main aim of the conference is to bring awareness about fungal infections and conference in Medical treatment of it.

In her speech, the President of the SIHAM, Dr Pankajalakshmi, said harmless fungi was now emerging as important pathogen in patients with low immunity. She said accuracy in diagnosis and prompt therapy, besides use of “prophylactic antifungals” would help in countering these infections. There was an urgent need to work earnestly and impart training in diagnostic mycology, she added.

The general secretary of the SIHAM, Dr S M Singh, focused on the importance of fungi in human health. The PGI Dean, Dr Sudha Suri, said an increase in incidence of fungal infections could prove to be fatal if there was delay in diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis of these emerging infections was a real challenge. She also released a souvenir.

According to a press note, the ISHAM General Secretary , and the Chief of Mycology in Adelaide, Australia, Dr David Ellis, delivered a lecture on superficial fungal infections.

The first “Thirumalachar Memorial Oration” held in the memory of India’s renowned scientist Dr M J Thirumalachar was delivered by a Former chief of Fungal Reference Lab in Atlanta, Dr Arvind A Padhye. He talked about the progress and advancements in the field of diagnostic mycology.

Dr Masako Kawasaki of Kanazawa University in Japan also spoke on the occasion. A mycology quiz was also held. Free papers and posters presentation by participants from all over India was held.

Isha, Nimish best athletes
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, March 12
Isha Mehta and Nimish were adjudged best athletes in the under 14 section in girls and boys categories, respectively, at the VIIIth Annual Sports meet of DAV Public School, Sector 8, Chandigarh, held in the Sports Complex, Sector 7, today. In the under 16 boys section, Aakash Pahuja was declared best athlete. In the under 10 section, Rohan and Nisha bagged laurels in boys and girls sections, respectively, while nine-year-old Vitthal despite injury was able to grab second place in 100 metres race and third place in 50 metres race.

Later the outstanding sportspersons of the school were felicitated by Ms Sarita Manuja, Principal of the school. These included Vijayant Malik, a national-level lawn tennis player of repute who will be leaving shortly to take part in an international tennis meet in Jakarta, Indonesia. Anmol Razdan, chess player, and Nadia Saini, table tennis sensation, had brought laurels by winning several prestigious titles. Mandeep in lawn tennis, Aakash Pahuja in rifle shooting and Isha Kalia in swimming have excelled in their respective sports. Ms Manuja said the emphasis in their school was on the overall development of their students and the above sportspersons were also good in studies. She said they had the best of TT players and the junior players were ready to emulate their seniors. She said the outstanding sportspersons were also given fee concessions, sports kit to further motivate and encourage them.

The results of the athletic events: boys: 100 metres: Amit 1, Kshitiz 2, Navneet 3. 200 metres: Aakash 1, Amit 2, Kshitiz 3.

400 metres: Abhinav1, Aakash2, Amit 3.

800 metres:Abhinav1, Aakash2, Navneet 3.

Under14: 50 metres: Nimish1, Ivneet 2, Rahul 3.

100 metres: Nimish1, Ivneet 2, Tushar 3. 200 metres: Rahul 1, Sahil G 2, Yatin 3. 400 metres; Ivneet 1, Nimish 2, Tarun 3.

Relay 4 x 100 metres: Jyoti House (Ivneet, Yatin, Rahul and Harshil) 1, Abhyas House (Himanshu, Karan, Tushar and Tarun) 2, Nishtha House (Tarun, Rajan, Gaurav and Nimish) 3.

Under10; 50 metres; Rohan1, Aman 2, Vitthal 3. 100 metres; Rohan 1, Vitthal 2, Karan 3. girls: under14: 50 metres; Isha Mehta 1, Shilpa 2, Rashmi 3. 100 metres: Isha Mehta 1, Ruchika 2, Roshni Rastogi 3. 200 metres: Isha Mehta 1, Roshni R 2, Ruchika 3. 400 metres: Roshni R 1, Ruchika 2, Shilpa 3.

Relay 4x100 metres; Abhyas House (Shilpa, Ashima, Nisha and Bhamini) 1, Jyoti House (Isha, Megha, Divya and Medhavi) 2, Nishtha House (Ruchika, Nitika, Ramandeep and Kanupriya) 3. under 10; 50 metres; Nisha1, Bhamini 2, Nitika 3. 100 metres: Nisha 1, Samriti 2, Nitika 3.

Azad steps down as CGA president
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, March 12
Mr Desh Prem Azad, who was instrumental in the setting up of the Chandigarh Golf Association and the CGA range, near Kishangarh, here today stepped down as the president of the association.

Mr Azad, who was elected president of the association in 1997, expressed satisfaction on his contribution to golf. He attributed the success of the CGA to the entire team effort. Mr Azad said, “He has not been able to devote his energy and time on health grounds, so he would not like to continue.”

The CGA in a span of seven years has been able to create floodlit golf range, Hero Honda Golf Academy, nine-hole pitch and putt course, 18-hole golf course for families and Palm Grove Bar. A full-fledged range house which is nearing completion will have a banquet hall, high-tech gymnasium, health club and restaurant.

Mr Azad said the CGA was able to raise a venue for world-class golf competitions, organise coaching camps and send teams for participation in the national-level golf competitions. He said top Indian golfers like Jeev Milkha Singh, Harmeet Kahlon, Amandeep Johl, Amritinder Singh and Irina Brar had always praised the CGA range.

Mr Azad said the association was also able to rope in Dr Donato De Ponziano, a world-class golf teacher from Italy, who gave training to youngsters twice at the CGA range. He said many other golfers and dignitaries visited the CGA range and appreciated the work done for the promotion of golf.

Mr Azad said the Chandigarh Golf team won the bronze medal in the National Games held in 2001. He said another milestone achieved by the CGA in his tenure was the grant of affiliation by the Chandigarh Olympic Association.

Food item licence
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, March 12
Chandigarh’s Director Health Services-cum-Food Health Authority has asked the manufacturers, distributors and sellers of food items, except meat and fruit, to get their licences renewed for 2004-05.

According to a press release, those requiring new licenses could apply in the office of the Licensing Authority at Community Health Centre in Sector 22 on any working day during office hours on the prescribed forms. The free forms will be available at the office of Director Health Service from April 1 to April 30.