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Heal and hearty
Inventions, research, new technologies, newer machines… the field of medicine has come a long way from the time when doctors operated without anaesthesia. Nevertheless, one thing that probably hasn't changed much is the faith in the community of doctors. It could have dwindled in some cases, but has more or less remained the same or even grown. On Doctor's Day, celebrated to express gratitude to the medical fraternity and to acknowledge their commitment and dedication, these professionals share their experiences, incidents that changed their life and their bond with their patients. There is another significance of the day: July 1 is the birthday of Dr BC Roy, the famous Indian physician. In western countries, Doctor's Day is celebrated on March 30 every year because this was the day when anaesthesia was first used for surgery by Dr Crawford W Long. Always on call
Dr Harsimran Singh, consultant, orthopaedics and joint replacement, Fortis, has the contact of numbers of all the patients he has treated so far in his phone book, which means he is available for advice 24x7. However, his rapport with the patients is not restricted to prescribing treatments. He also takes part in their family functions and celebrations. Oath on Doctor's Day: "It's a day wherein I try to be more patient and look at my patients with more sensitivity." Deciding factor: "When I saw my grandfather in hospital and the doctors taking good care of him, I more or less decided I wanted to be in this field so that I could do something for him. In fact, it has never been a profession for me. It is my inner voice that I am following. This is where my heart lies." Case to remember: "Recently, I did a hip replacement surgery on a 104-year-old woman, who later invited me to attend her 105th birthday. Can I ever forget that moment?" Time, no time: "Thankfully my wife, who is also a doctor, understands the requirements of our work. Nevertheless, I try to spend quality time with my family. My wife and I have lunch together." Internet calling: "I have to be constantly looking and researching on the Internet for new developments on my subject. I am working on computer-assisted knee surgery, which will near completion pretty soon." Longing for a vacation: "Travel for us means conferences. You can look at it as an active working vacation." Indian ideal: "There are many people I look up to, like my teachers at AIIMS and the PGI." Touching lives
For Dr Neelam Malik, consulting gynaecologist and physician, this is not a profession but an opportunity to help people. "It is gratifying to know that I can touch some lives and change them for the better. It is even better to know that I can assist in bringing a new life on the earth." Oath taking: " I would want to thank God and ask him to give me the strength and guide me in my duty. Dream come true: "As a kid, I remember, there was no other game that pleased me more than playing doctor-doctor. I had some unexplained fascination for the stethoscope and medicines. And I am glad that I have fulfilled my childhood desire." Blood dread: "Who says doctors don't feel giddy seeing blood dripping. Long time back, when I began to work, I would feel nauseated on seeing blood. However, with, the passage of time, I overcame this dread." Doctors marry doctors: "I wasn't stuck up on marrying a doctor. My husband, on the other hand, never wanted to marry a doctor. We met and developed a liking and got married. I didn't work for three years after marriage to balance my new role. Later on, my husband encouraged me to pursue my childhood dream." Patients as friends: "There is one patient I cannot forget ever. It was in late 80s that she came to me while she was expecting. Today, she has a 25-year-old son, and I have become an indispensable part of her life. Service with a smile
Dr Swami Dass Mehta, MD and skin specialist, comes to work wearing a polite smile, which stays till the end of the day. Barring a few seconds, Dr Mehta does not let that warm curve leave his face. Why? "I strongly feel that medication with a smile can work wonders for the patients," he says. "Patients who come to me are already suffering. Any kind of curtness will only add to their woes. A warm smile and conversation puts them at ease immediately." Oath taking: "I would want to remind myself of my responsibility and get back to it with greater force and dedication." Inspiration: "My grandfather Dr Bhagwan Das Batta, a retired army doctor, decided to serve in the village at Qila Raipur, Ludhiana. Walking with him on the streets of the village was the biggest thing for me. I respect the dedication with which he worked, the rapport that he shared with the patients and all this inspired me to be what I am today." Don't sit on ego: "One memorable incident is when I was doing my internship. Not knowing much, I referred a patient to the PGI, and got a scolding from my seniors in return. After almost 15 days, the father of the boy came to thank me for my timely guidance. I learnt a lesson. Never sit on your ego. If a doctor can't handle the case, he or she shouldn't sit on it, rather suggest someone whom they think can do something." Family time: "I have a supporting wife, who is a doctor, and a daughter who is also doing her doctorate. We understand the demands of our work. So, we try to spend time home, rather than socialising." Technorati : "I read up on new reaches and discoveries in medicine. When I am home, I also take time out to read up on the Internet." jasmine@triubunemail.com |
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Marching on
They claim they were never against nature but nature was against them. Nothing's ever deliberate; it's how they are psychologically and physiologically. The same was once confirmed by famous make-up artiste Cory Walia, who divulged his personal experience on Pooja Bedi's show, Yeh Bedi Bindaas Hai, "When I was eight, my dad asked my ambition in life, to which I replied that I want to become Helen when I grew up. Mine was a woman's soul and I was always aware of the fact." Probably something similar was realised by actor Bobby Darling, fashion designer Rohit Bal, singers George Micheal and Elton John, and the nearly 35,000-strong gay community in the tricity. "There is a huge difference between us and the successful ones. Those of us who have not made it big in life or belong to the middle class are called perverts. People don't understand that it's a natural orientation and not something we can work upon," says Ahmed. A B.Com graduate, Ahmed is working as an accountant in a private firm in Sector 34 for the past three years. "My sole aim is to make people understand that we are normal and capable of doing any kind of work." To prove his point, Ahmed has now started a gay club, Saksham, in Panchkula, "It denotes that a person's sexual orientation is not an indication of his cognitive abilities. We gays are as competent as any straight person." He was asked to leave home when his parents learnt the truth nine years back. "But life went on and since then, I have been working for the benefits and rights of gays in the city." It was tough for Amit Kumar, son of a senior government officer, to complete his graduation in a co-ed college. Boys would tease and mock at his girl-like mannerisms. "It was the worst phase of my life and I had resolved to quit studies until members of an NGO supported me. I realised I would face the same hostility everywhere because our society is against the idea of homosexuality." Amit is now pursuing an MBA through correspondenc from Manipal University and plans to actively work for the welfare of gays. "My partner and I together wish to take up the cause of a respectable life for gays." After the two gay parades were taken out in Bengaluru and Delhi recently, to support repealing of Section 377, the gays in the city too are hopeful of a positive change. Sanjay, a government teacher in Panchkula, feels that the parades would be instrumental in changing the attitude of society. "Being a homosexual is a taboo in India and probably will always be. If not much, the gay parades will give those parents a relief who feel that only their child is not normal. If not immediately, the situation might change gradually." He also feels that unless gays don't treat themselves as normal human beings, even society wouldn't. "I don't interact with gay clubs much. Instead, I prefer to spend my free time with my partner just like any other couple. We go out on holidays together, shop for each other rather than crying hoarse about society's unfriendly reactions." And to those who treat gays as outcasts, Sanjay has something more to say, "Please don't interfere. Read in books, click on search engines to find the cause why a certain man is gay and you will realise it isn't something we can help." ashima@tribunemail.com (Identities have been changed on request)
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Bend, borrow or steal While Bollywood filmmakers are lifting subjects from Hollywood and movie titles from old Hindi songs, the Indian television industry is taking inspiration from movies for suitable titles for its shows. The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer box office hit Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which created a major buzz at the box office last year, has managed to inspire not one but two shows on the small screen—STAR One's Love Ne Mila Di Jodi and Zee TV's Zing Ne Bana Di Jodi. Though the former is a fun tale of young lovers, the latter is a reality TV series that pits eight uptown girls and an equal number of small town boys and tests their equation. Similarly, the names of shows like STAR Plus' Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and NDTV Imagine's Bandini too resemble titles of Bollywood films. According to Purnendu Shekhar, the writer of Balika Vadhu, there was no intention to copy the name of his show from the film. "During one's life, lots of films and lots of TV shows are made and it's no big deal if somewhere, some topic of a film or TV show matches with one another. When we decided the title for our show, its suitability was of utmost importance and so we finalised on Balika Vadhu," Shekhar said on the phone from Mumbai. The concept of Seeta Aur Geeta, one of the evergreen entertainers starring Bollywood's 'Dreamgirl' Hema Malini, being turned into a television series was first-time TV producer Sunil Bohra's idea. He especially bought the rights of the film to use the storyline and characters for his show. Anjori Alag is reprising Hema Malini's role in the series. — IANS Bollywood borrows southern spice for Kambakkht Ishq, Short Kut The Hindi film industry is infamous for lifting Hollywood movies, but it has often been inspired by cinema content from southern India as well. With forthcoming movies like Kambakkht Ishq, Short Kut - The Con Is On and Wanted, Bollywood seems to be on a spree of remaking films made down south. Releasing this Friday, Akshay Kumar- Kareena Kapoor's romantic comedy Kambakkht Ishq is the remake of Kamal Haassan's 2002 Tamil hit Pammal K. Sambandam. The film was earlier to be remade in Hindi by writer-turned-director Anees Bazmee for south-based production house G.V. Films, which had acquired the remaking rights for Rs 500,000. But it was producer Sajid Nadiadwala who finally made it after buying remaking rights of the same film by reportedly shelling out Rs 7.5 million. Short Kut, another forthcoming comedy, is a remake of Roshan Andrews' Malayalam movie Udayananu Tharam. Similarly, southern dancing star Prabhu Deva's directorial venture Wanted, which has Salman Khan in the lead, is a remake of Tamil film Pokhiri. A recent example of a successful Bollywood remake of a south Indian film becoming a huge hit is A.R. Murugadoss' Ghajini (2008) that was a remake of the 2005 Tamil film of the same name. Remaking southern hits is not a new trend in Hindi cinema. There have been hit films earlier like Nayak, Saathiya, Viraasat and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. — IANS
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Fan fare
A mini Punjab. That’s what Opinder Sekhon’s treasure trove of phulkari, parandis and pakhis looks like Manpriya Khurana Did anybody ever think 'limited edition' gives the ultimate bragging rights? Can you determine the 'market price' of family heirlooms with tradition and a tale each to them? For how much should heritage go under the hammer? Timeless, classic, unparalleled! Precisely what makes the collection of Opinder Sekhon just perfect for this week's collectors addition. "Antiquity is a passion with me, I started collecting these items only a few years back. It all stems from my passion for villages, I miss my village a lot," she puts it in words before opening the doors and drawers filled with timeless treasure troves. A brief look around at the displays and you realize it's actually too much to take it in at one go. Needless to say, there's stop, stare and an anecdote sharing ritual at every step. In a corner, lie juttis, the quintessential Punjabi footwear. She explains, "My khosas and jutti collection is from Muktsar, Fazilka, Malout, Rampura and Patiala." Just above on the table lie authentic hand-woven jholas with traditional booties and motifs in the shape of flowers and animals like tiger, peacock, and birds." She continues, "It's a dying art, but on the whole the silver lining is people have once again started valuing and preserving traditional things." Belonging to a family with a royal connection, the access came easy and as did the passion. She shares, "My husband's grandfather served with Maharajas of Patiala. Actually, their family have been ahalkars and kiledars in the house of Patiala for the past nine generations. And I would say my idol is Dr. Mrigendra Singh, a Sikh scholar from Yale University. He too inspired me to continue with this passion." Moving on, in another room there's a splash of colours with the very traditional phulkaris. She picks one fuschia-coloured fabric to explain the intricate elaborate designing. "This is called baagh phulkari. I have about 20 pieces." Then the very rural, rustic covers, "They were generally used to cover pettis and sandooks." Hand fans, pakhis, in colourful fabrics with traditional creases line another corner. Then there are suits and traditional wear around 75 years' old. She says, "This gold suit is my husband's grandmother's, the fibres are all made of gold and then woven into fabric." Does she still wear them? She laughs, "I'm trying to get a replica made of them, but I don't wear them for the fear that they might get worn out." That's not it. She showcases yet another electric pink traditional attire resembling ghagras with 75 creases to each of them! Did we mention, the long forgotten colourful, quintessential parandis? Add to it the very conventional belts in colourful muted tones, aesthetic enough to spill onto the dress. Perhaps, a little outsider in this mini-Punjab, nonetheless with a historical value, is a coat. She says, "It's called Great Coat, it was used in World War-II, made by US but in ‘62, it was gifted to India because of a surplus. Another thing passed on by the ancestors. Like we said, it's all about valuing tradition; those in the maddening race to update and westernise their houses 'up to the minute' can blush or blemish! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Come, adopt
People for Animals, Chandigarh, has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and forever too. l
Three beautiful and adorable female and two good looking male pups, one month old, black and brown colour, mixed Hindustani breed, healthy and playful are available for adoption. l
Two female kittens, one month old, grey and black color, very active for adoption. For any information, contact: PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Saturday Or visit us at #1522, Sector 11 D, Chandigarh. www.pfachandigarh.com |
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Fair ‘n’ glowing
Nivea has introduced Nivea Visage Sparkling Glow, a unique line of products in the mass premium fairness segment. Nivea Visage's superior and exclusive White Crystallite Technology (WCT) is a unique formula comprising fine Quartz crystals + White pure actives (derived from natural ingredients), strengthened by Licorice (traditional lightening agent) Together they reduce the production of melanin and its distribution while Double UV protection protects the fairness and keeps it intact. The Sparkling Glow range is a comprehensive offering comprising cleansing toning and moisturising products that provide the benefit of fairness plus protection. The age control variant in particular is a first initiative in the first segment combining fairness and anti ageing benefits. The product formulas for the entire range have been adapted to the Indian skin after extensive research. Feel fresh Avon has just the right offering to help you beat the scorching heat. Engulf yourself in the pleasant and breezy fragrance of Senses as Avon introduces two new deo sprays and perfumed body powders. While Senses Deo Spray offers you a 24-hour deodorant protection from body odour for all day long freshness, Senses perfumed body powder keeps your skin feeling soft and refreshed with a hint of sparkle and shimmer. So enjoy the citrus-fruity fragrance of Senses Re-charge and the mint and watery notes of Senses Get Ready, which is your best bet this summer to keep feeling energised, fresh and smelling great all day long. — TNS
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up Monsoon skin care Shahnaz Husain After the arid conditions of summer, high humidity during the Monsoon poses a problem, especially for those with oily or combination skins. Oily skins look even more greasy and dull, due to sweat and oil sections being deposited on the skin. Sweat on the skin and scalp also attract dirt and pollutants from the atmosphere more easily. Deep pore cleansing is important, in order to keep the pores free of clogged oil and dirt. After washing or cleansing the skin in the morning, use a facial scrub twice a week. Apply it on the face and rub gently on the skin, using a circular motion. Then, rinse off with plenty of plain water. You can make a facial scrub at home. For oily skin, mix rice flour with a little rose water. For normal to dry skin, mix wheat bran (choker) or ground almonds with milk or yogurt. For oily skins, a scrub can be used daily. For dry skin, use it twice a week. For extremely dry and sensitive skin, avoid scrubs. It is important to rinse the face well with water in order to get rid of all residues and sweat deposits. In fact, during the rainy season, wash the face several times with plain water. Night time cleansing is a must, to remove the impurities that have collected on the skin during the day. A flower based skin tonic or freshener is a boon in humid weather. Rose water can be mixed with witch hazel to make a refreshing skin tonic. For oily skin, mix them in equal quantities. For dry skin, mix one part witch hazel with three parts rose water. Keep the mixture in a bottle in the fridge. Wipe the face with it, using cotton wool pads. It not only refreshes the skin, but also helps to tighten the pores and prevent spots and pimples. In humid weather, the skin can be prone to blackheads and eruptions. Preventing blackheads helps in the prevention of acne. If there are blackheads, a facial scrub should be used on the blackhead-prone areas. But do not apply scrubs on acne, pimples or rash. The scrub can also be applied on open pores and the marks left by acne. Or, mix oatmeal with egg white and apply on the face twice a week. Wash it off when it is dry. Stubborn blackheads should be removed at a skin-care clinic, by a trained therapist, using proper methods. Pinching blackheads, or trying to remove them at home, not only leads to infection, but also scarring. Avoid touching the face, without washing your hands and never pick or pinch blackheads and pimples. If there is rash, pimples or acne, the face should be washed with a medicated soap, or medicated cleanser only twice a day, morning and night. Then wipe it with the rose water and witch hazel skin tonic. It is better not to use harsh astringent lotions. If you buy an astringent lotion, mix it with rose water and keep in a tightly closed bottle in the fridge. Add a little rose water to sandalwood paste and apply on the rashes and eruptions. Neem leaves can also be used to treat rashes, pimples and acne. A handful of neem leaves can be simmered on very low fire in 4 cups of water for one hour. Leave it overnight. Next morning, strain and use the water to wash the face. Make a paste on the leaves and apply on pimples, rash and acne. Oily products, like heavy nourishing creams, should not be used when the weather is humid. If your skin is dry, you will find it looking and feeling better during the Monsoons. A light, liquid moisturizer should serve your purpose, both to keep the skin moisturized and as a base for make-up. If you are out during the day, carry a small bottle of skin tonic in your handbag, so that you can use it whenever the skin feels sweaty and greasy. Wet tissues and skin cleansing pads are also useful for refreshing the skin. After wiping the face with wet tissue, use compact powder. It helps to refresh the skin and remove the oily look. If your skin is very oily, multani mitti may help to reduce the oiliness. Mix it with rose water into a paste and apply on the face, washing it off when it dries. For a monsoon face mask, mix 3 teaspoons oatmeal with egg white and one teaspoon each of honey and curd. If you don't want to use egg white, add rose water or orange juice. Apply it on the face and wash it off after half an hour. Use it twice a week. Dry and powdered lemon and orange peels can also be added to face packs. During the monsoons, the body loses fluids through sweat. Remember to drink more fluids to keep the system flushed. Take plenty of "nimbu paani" and fresh fruit juices, apart from plenty of water. Avoid heavy starchy meals. Include salads, fruits, sprouts and yoghurt in your daily diet. Substitute your hot cup of tea with iced tea, lemon juice and a dash of honey. Beauty is not just a question of how you look, but how you feel and at no time is this more relevant than during hot, humid weather.
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Theory of relate-ivity
Life of a woman is not easy. While there are zillion reasons and facts to prove the point, mostly it’s because when you are born a woman, multi-tasking comes as an inborn gift. So, on a day when you need a smile like the sunrise or have secrets to share, and hugs that help heal the heart, who do you call? Hmmm…not a difficult one to guess. Your soul sister, the office gossiper with an awesome sense of humour or a humble classmate, kitty party butterfly with a killer style sense, friendly next-door lady or that sweet, compassionate social group acquaintance who serves the dual purpose of a friend and agony aunt. Phew…going by the number, one sure is forced to believe that a girl needs a thousand girlfriends. Someone to share surprises, hysterical bouts of shopping, listen to your endless you-know-what stories, to count your hook-ups and break-ups…in short, being by your side. Girlfriends are important for all women. Whether they are married or single, mothers or grandmothers, they are the people that we find our precious moments of reprieve with. We can let down our hair. We can let down our guard. We can be selfish. We can crack jokes. We can be ourselves and relax. Agrees Glory Khanna, a psychology student from DAV-10, “There are different categories of friends who will be there for you on one call, your shopping buddy or haircut buddy. I have girls in my class who are my gossip buddies, and I catch up with my old school friends as well. You hang out with them, sharing a part of your life and not whole.” Though every girl has a chosen one, who becomes a dumping ground for all your emotional needs, there are others who fill in the required gaps. The number doesn’t exactly matter, but depending on your emotional needs, one can categorise their girlfriends. “I hang out with three different female friends, each important in their own respects. It’s like depending on your need and comfort level, I go for a book reading session with one and party hard with the next. The point is to be with somebody who you can relate to, someone who understands that particular need of yours and fulfils it. It doesn’t have to be forced upon,” says Megha Manik, a lawyer. So, while we multi-task with a zillion things around, friendship falls in the category too. “As mother, we benefit from talking to other moms who have been through the same things we have. As wives, we relate better to women who have shared our experiences. As women, we experience a unique emotional connection with our female companions that is very different from the intimacy and emotional connection we feel with our spouses. Every woman connects with another, and we all need these relationships for different reasons,” says Zareen, a city-based psychologist. So, when you see them in the back of the restaurant, hear their peals of laughter, or a group running together every morning, sometimes carrying a pile of bags or just sitting together at the coffee joint. Who are they, you ask? Angels or friends — you never know.
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A knotty affair
An extra-marital affair should not be reason enough to break a marriage Picture of infidelity
Marriage is sacred
— Manisha Nagi Signs of cracking
— Benu Walia |
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People who are having a relationship outside marriage are infidels. Marriage is not just a union of two souls but a bonding between two families. As per our tradition, they say that marriages are made in heaven but in the 21st century there are only a few takers for this concept. A fling is definitely a picture of infidelity. But, it can never equate with a ‘real relationship,’ which a marriage offers. People who are insincere to their respective spouse are actually problem makers. They create problems for their families by throwing life out of gear only to be the centre of attention. Personally, I feel they are fools and their foolishness is apparent on their faces. One wonders how can a woman go so low despite knowing that she is carrying on a relationship with a married man; she is willingly becoming ‘the other woman’, derogatorily known as ‘mistress’ thus in the process trying to wreck someone’s marriage. — Gehna Vaishnavi
In India marriage is considered a sacred bond, not meant to be broken. It is not a ‘ghost’ that can be removed by signing a divorce petition in court. Just ignoring the spouse because of another relationship destroys the sanctity of marriage. People who ditch their partners for another may too become the victims of the same circumstances later on. Infidel partners take refuge in the belief that their fling is real love notwithstanding their marriage. Their dream bubble would burst one day and cause an emotional rebound. But still it would not be enough to break the marriage because in the present society when a married man becomes infidel, wife usually forgives him but the vice-versa is not possible.
Of course a casual fling outside marriage is reason enough, rather more than enough, to break the marriage and no two ways about it. Apart from legally speaking, marriage is all about trust and fidelity. A fling, whether casual or not, is more than reason enough to break the marriage. It’s a symbol of incompleteness of marriage and sooner or later the crack or issue is bound to seep in, because such things are inexcusable.