Ludhiana, December 17
The Indian Dental Association (IDA), Ludhiana branch, today went online by launching its website www.ldaludhiana.com. It was inaugurated by Dr Bhagwant Singh, vice-president, Asia Pacific Dental Federation, at the annual general body meeting here.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhagwant Singh lauded the working of the IDA’s Ludhiana branch, particularly for organising quality CDE programmes. He also congratulated the new office-bearers of the IDA, which included president Rajesh Bhanot, honorary secretary Vikas Jindal, treasurer Neeru Singh and joint secretary Bhawdeep Singh.

Giving details of the website, Dr Vikas Jindal said it contained all information about the Ludhiana branch. The website allowed dentists to register themselves online.

In her inaugural speech, Dr J. Bindra focused on the professional events and programmes the Ludhiana branch of the IDA had organised during the year.

Dr Jindal exhorted the dentists to attend CDE programmes organised by the IDA to update their clinical skills. He, being a member of the Dental Council of India (DCI), told the house that the IDA and DCI had formulated compulsory hours of CDE for the dentists to get their registration with the council renewed and to continue with their practice.

Games were played on the occasion while awards were given to the best dressed couple and best dancing couple, apart from winners of lucky draw.

The IDA celebrated the birthdays and anniversaries of all those members whose dates coincided with that of the meeting.

Ludhiana, December 17
Dr Sanjay Saluja, Senior Consultant Physician at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital here, participated in the world conference on diabetes, organized by the International Diabetes Federation at Cape Town, South Africa last week.

The global meet and a CME on diabetes, which was part of the conference, was attended by more than 14,000 physicians from various countries.

Sharing his experience, Dr Saluja said the conclave was an academic feast as most renowned and some of the world acclaimed endocrinologists discussed their clinical experience and knowledge with the delegates. The latest developments in the management and field of medicine in relation to diabetes, were under focus and special emphasis was laid on the prevention of complications of diabetes by both pharmacologic as well as non-pharmacologic methods, especially life style modifications.

Observing that the condition was rightly called a silent killer and almost growing epidemic, he informed that various treatment options were discussed so that diabetics could have a near-normal life. Latest drugs available at present, and the ones in stage of research, were also discussed. Dr Saluja said he had come back with a keen desire and matching experience so as to be able to apply the newly acquired knowledge towards providing a better lifestyle to his diabetic patients.

It may be mentioned that Dr Saluja had recently completed a special 6-month course in diabetes from University of New Castle, Australia.

Ludhiana, December 17
Punjabi University, Patiala, along with Kurukshetra University, Gurukul University, Hardwar, and Lucknow University boys came out triumphant in their respective matches and advanced into the last eight stage of the 44th North Zone Inter-Varsity Hockey Tournament being played on the Punjab Agricultural University campus here today.

The pre-quarter final played between Punjabi University, Patiala, and MJPR University, Bareilly, turned out to be a mismatch as the former emerged winners hands down 10-0.

The Punjabi University lads were so dominant that they gave no chance to their opponents to settle down and wrapped up the issue quite easily.

In a ding-dong battle, Kurukshetra University managed to scrape past Panjab University, Chandigarh 3-2. Kurukshetra varsity lads went into an early lead (5th minute) through Varinder Malik. Three minutes later, Panjab University restored parity through Gurtej Singh who converted a penalty stroke to level the score.

PU players went ahead in the 11th minute through a field goal scored by Amit Bhargav. However, Kurukshetra University boys did not budge under pressure and made concerted attempts. The repeated attacks proved fruitful in the 24th minute when Jalweterpal Singh sounded the board. He again struck in the 29th minute to put his side ahead.

Panjab University players made desperate attempts to pierce through the KU's defense but their efforts could not fetch the desired results. Kurukshetra University boys managed to hang onto the lead till the long whistle to secure a berth in the quarter finals.

The match played between Lucknow University and Delhi University was too a well fought one as players of both the sides exhibited good stick work.

After the first barren half, Lucknow University scored the first goal in the 39th minute through penalty corner conversion by Abhivek Singh. Sarvesh Kumar increased the lead in the 59th minute which sealed DU's fate and assured Lucknow University a place in the last four eight stage.

In the last pre-quarter final, Gurukul University, Haridwar routed Bundelkhand University, Jhansi 6-0. The winners led 5-0 at half time. The scorers were Pradeep, Rohan, Rajinder, Abhishek, Devender and Ajay.