Harbhajan Singh, celebrated his wife Surinder Kaur's birthday on October 2 in 1998 in a special way. He took her to PGI and lovingly told, 'this is going to be our permanent home someday'. Together they filled the form for body donation. Year 2008, when Singh breathed his last, Surinder Kaur, holding back her tears and grief, made sure Singh reached his new home.

"He was a regular at Dr Dewan, head of anatomy department, PGI," recalls Surinder sitting composed and stoic at her home in Sector 29, two years later. "He would see all these doctors studying hard at PGI. His desire was to help someone but we did not have any financial means to spare.

 But so intense was the desire that he decided to give his body for the students to study," says Surinder with misty eyes. "On that birthday he told me, when the time comes, I will bring you here. It was the other way round, but I kept my promise," says Surinder wiping a tear that trickles down. Not only she kept her promise to her husband but on his barsi, she got four more people to pledge their bodies for donation.

Many like her and her late husband are coming forward to give their bodies for research purposes to medical institutions. "People are increasingly pledging their bodies, yet we need a lot more cadavers for making it possible for doctors from ENT, orthopaedic or gynaecology and many other departments to gain experience," says a senior doctor from the Department of Anatomy, PGI.

In 2008-09, PGI received six bodies, two, a year before and only three in 2006-07. "Hands on cadaver practice is becoming even more important with increasing use of ultrasound, MR and endoscope in medicine," says the doctor. "The question is where to gain the real experience because it's not feasible to do so on living people," adds the doc.

Things for sure are looking up. People are increasingly becoming aware and pledging their body. There was an increase to 167 in year 2008-09 from a mere 74 in year 2007-08 and just 27 from 2006-07.

People are open to pledging their bodies, but, the relatives and heirs who have to ultimately take the call when the time comes, as it's a difficult emotional decision. So many rituals that are traditionally associated with cremation are hard to break.

It took Madan Gupta Spatu, astrologer and author close to five years before he could convince his family for the same. "This is something that I am in all power of yet powerless. When the actual time comes it's my closest relatives who can make this happen," says Spatu. Citing example of Rishi Dadhichi who is possibly the first body donor (his bones were used to make 'astras'), Spatu says, "I guess it's the biggest donation one can make." He has finally motivated his family members to follow his will in letter and spirit.

Dolly Dhillon Gujral, a social worker who resides in Sector 21, faced resistance from her husband, but it was her young son who supported her. "The very idea that I will be able serve humanity long after I am gone was so strong that I decided to find all about it," she shares. "I checked all the procedure, what they do and how they preserve bodies. Not only was I convinced but even more motivated to donate my body after an interaction with head of anatomy, PGI, Dr Daisy Sahni," adds Dolly.

"We really treat them well," says a doctor from the Department of Anatomy. "We call them 'teachers forever' because they are instrumental in teaching medicine students. When the body is brought in, the department makes sure that family has something to take back. A sapling of Christmas tree that can be planted in any season is what they have zeroed in as a remembrance.

This results not only in adding to the green cover but also saves felling of a tree that makes for the required wood if cremated the traditional way.

Each medical institution also has a proper code that make sure that the donors are treated with respect. Each students bows before touching the cadaver and folds hands in thanks after finishing as a mark of respect.

Dolly's son Sahib, 27, following his mother's footsteps, also wants to pledge his body. "It makes sense for the body to be used for something rather than be burnt along with precious wood," says Sahib.

"I believe in permanence of soul that eventually moves out of the body. Then why not give its temporary residence for a cause that's worthy," avers this young IT Professional.

Her mother is proud that she will be able to live her motto of serving society even after she is long gone.

"Rather than being burnt to ashes if the body helps students to study then one is truly helping even in dying," she says with smile.

Le Corbusier is rather the prefix than the literature of City Beautiful. It's a towering inheritance that's become an introduction, the individuality, the identity. For the legendary architect's blueprints still remain the most-talked about aspect of this place. The city is more than the sum of its sectors, just as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. For the Corbusier's legacy is much more than the play of light and shadow, the concrete turned spectacular, a group of buildings put together.

The Swiss-born planner still remains the alpha and the omega for the budding architects and their inspiration. "Corbusier is any day inspiring. We start studying him in the first year itself, but seriously start studying him by third year. His urban design concepts, especially Chandigarh, are phenomenal," Bani Amrit Kaur, final year student, Chandigarh College of Architecture, states her reasons. She adds, "We also observe October 6 as the Corbusier Day wherein we invite foreign architects, there's a function, a workshop, seminar all centred on his works mainly."

Gandhi Bhawan, Capitol Complex, Secretariat, High Court, Tagore Theatre…and the instances for inspiration all around. Adds Bani, "Out of all his designs and structures what I find the most overwhelming and awe-inspiring is the High Court. Because the scale that it depicts is what it stands for, the façade of the building also defines its function." There's an echo. And the chain of insights and ideas continues…Nods Avtansh Ghai, in his final year, "Of all the buildings he designed, High Court is what fascinates me the most. Its method of construction, the sheer scale of the structure and you enter from any side and the building has this larger-than-life effect on your psychology." He adds, "I greatly admire his designs, the emphasis on and the play of light and shadow in his works, simplicity in his buildings, the proportions he uses." No wonder, his project on Capitol Complex was inspired by the Swiss-French architect's design theory. "I did the project under my Principal and it was on the lighting of Capitol Complex."

The list of pluses grows with each query. Joins in Ravinder Sharma, "I admire the Secretariat the most. For the simple reason that it's huge, it's framing of length and breadth. Moreover, even the concrete that he uses." Till someone spells it for us, Brissoliel. Confides yet another student, "He used to see buildings as male or female, that too in a way is fascinating about him. For instance, Sector 17 lacks the feminine touch, there are no curves." For others, it's the complexity in the cut and dried designs, the sheer simplicity at such a large scale that lends the mysticism. Six decades of celebration and counting…

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Hollywood star Drew Barrymore is not a fan of sending emails, and prefers people to take the time to write her a letter. The Music and Lyrics'star, who refuses to confirm speculation she has again rekindled her romance with on/off boyfriend Justin Long, thinks it is more meaningful to pen a note, instead of sending an email or other electronic communication, "I still write letters, I don't want to communicate in a relationship via text and email. I love a letter. You are thoughtful when you write it and someone can read it and hold onto it and go back to it," Barrymore said.

"For me there's something very dangerous to have everything so instantaneous," she added. The 35-year-old star also admitted she likes to listen to cassette tapes, using a typewriter and shooting movies on film rather than digitally, and that she pines for a time in the past when people were more formal.

"There's a part of me that misses the grace and formalities of the past, like when gentlemen wore hats and opened doors. "On the other hand, I love that now we're not trying to pretend so much that everything is prim and proper. I'd like to find a balance," she added. — PTI

Bollywood actor Karishma Kapoor, who will appear in the third season of culinary reality show Kitchen Champion, reveals that Kapoors are foodies and they love rich Peshawari Mughlai food. "The food has been a constant with my family. From childhood, when I used to visit RK Studio and the food used to get served in the lawn of my grandfather's cottage, the food was always biriyani, chicken curry, paya. So, I started loving those foods since then," Karishma said.

The actor is going to appear in the episode to be aired on Colors Channel on Monday. The actor maintains that she is no less a foodie but prefers to have everything in limit. "I am quite a foodie and since childhood am always in and out of the kitchen. I believe in having healthy food, but I don't want to starve myself for it. I eat everything. If you eat within limit, then you can eat everything," she said.

Karishma said she had earlier appeared as a guest in reality show Dus Ka Dum (2008) and judged Nach Baliye 4, but she enjoyed this show the most because it is more interactive. "Honestly, I liked the show very much because I love seeing reality shows and I have been judge of two reality shows before. But this stands different because here I am not only judging the show, we are giving tips on cookery, cooking and helping the contestants, so it was fun," said Karishma. — IANS

We wish they taught destiny management in those 'highly reputed' institutions or if someone found a smart way to change one's luck overnight. Well, if wishes were horses…But this piece of information can be best described as life changing for all the lesser mortals of the world, waiting for a destiny makeover.

Rudralife, a Mumbai-based organisation has brought a string of rudraksh beads worth Rs 2.5 crores, which promises to bring luck to the one who wears it (tempting!). The string contains all the known varieties, those with one face to 21faces. The miraculous rudraksh is on a display at an exclusive exhibition at Aroma-22.

"It is the rarest combination of rudrakshs. It has the combination of trijuti (which is three naturally joined rudraksh), sawar, Ganesh, siddha mala (having all 1 to 14 mukhis beads) and Siva and Parvati as a part of the string. "As it is believed, rudraksha has that mystical power, which has made this bead popular among people of all types, rich or poor, professional or businessman. It has been accepted as the most beneficial rosary to overcome the anxiety, fear and stress and medical ailments like blood pressure, diabetes and others," says Vijay Kumar Sharma, the organiser and representative of Rudralife.

Pass it off as superstition? "Rudraksh has scientific qualities. It has been known for its curing and healing powers, extremely helpful in cardiovascular diseases, increasing memory and intelligence levels. It is probably the only living seeds inside it, with a life span of over 300-400, and if well kept then even a 1,000 years. It can be inherited by generations," Vijay informs us with some facts. "Also, some researchers in Germany believe that rudraksh elements like copper, gold, iron and some alkoids present in it can contain some anti-AIDS drug. Though an extensive research is being done on it," he adds.

Supernatural or superficial powers apart, it sure is a fascinating bead. Rudralife apart from being the largest traders in rudrakshas have conducted five successful scientific researches on the usage of rudrakshas and have medical patents. They have been undertaking research and development along with organisations like AIIMS, BHU and Bombay University to develop the usage of Rudraksha as a medicinal plant. "We are the only organisation which is in possession of a 70 year old rudraksha tree at the shrine of Triambekeshwar in Nepal. We have conducted more than 280 successful exhibition worldwide, including Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom and United States and our aim is to educate and make people aware of the uses of rudraksh," says Vijay.

Well, all things aside, as far as this Rs 2.5 crore life changing rudraksh, it's a motivation for the ones who can't buy it and a possession for those who can (as they already have luck by their side!) 

No Matter how fond one might be of an alien land, no matter how much it offered, it could never be home," expresses No Way Home, a fiction from the house of Penguin.

"My friends often joke about 'touching this book', as it took 25 years to see the light of the day," shares Amarjit Sidhu in lighter vein and much at ease about the fact. Born in a village in Punjab, brought up in the city, Sidhu now shuttles between Toronto and Chandigarh.

"If something has to happen it happens. Sometimes things that one really desires to do has to be put on the backburner due to circumstances, but then dreams are not something that you leave behind," he smiles.

Amarjit studied literature way back in eighties. And his book captures the essence of those very times and events. "I was little surprised that Penguin accepted it for it has no steaming scenes. It is a story of the evolution of a person," says Sidhu.

A fiction that covers the journey of Dave in three stages - academics in America where he goes with some expectations, coming back to India and his time in Canada where circumstances force him to be. No Way Home is a sensitive portrayal of an artist in search of his roots.

The book also chronicles historically significant times, Punjab in early 80s. "But that's one dimension of the story, there are many other levels to the story," puts across Sidhu with conviction.

A fleeting look at the book that only confirms it. "I am just a few pages in to the book, yet I can see influences of great writers, not just superficial but expressions by one who has assimilated it all," shares one of the friends of the author, who have gathered to felicitate him.

If we divide today's fiction in two parts - commercial and literary, No Way Home for sure falls in the latter. But Sidhu is fine with the first category as well. "There are all kind of readers and they want to read different things at different times, so it's pretty all right. But the problem with new writing is that it is set in 'anglicised insular world' that exists in real India," avers Sidhu. His character in the novel tries to reconcile these two worlds and that is what Sidhu expects to some extent from new writers as well. "Most of the new fiction is on relationships. I feel one needs to move beyond. One really hopes and wishes that they engage the 'other India' as well that exists away from this insular world."

The lemon packs quite a bit of punch in its small form. Most of us know that it is a rich source of Vitamin C and have taken it at some time or other. Added to a glass of cold water, it can be most refreshing during the summer months. Taken regularly, it is a preventive against colds and actually strengthens the immune system. We also add it to salads, snacks and food, because its tanginess adds to their flavour. But, there are a number of ways that the common lemon can be used for both health and beauty.

The lemon increases the body's resistance to disease. Its content of glucose and minerals help to replace what the body loses through sweat, specially during the summer months. It has been found that taking lemon regularly can help to relieve headaches, soothe digestive problems and even help people suffering from anxiety. It stimulates blood circulation, reduces arterial pressure, activates bile and intestinal secretions. In other words, it can promote a general feeling of well being too.

What we have to remember is that the lemon is best taken diluted, adding it to water. You can start your day with the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water. This combination can help to keep the system flushed and aid the removal of toxins and wastes. This will also reflect on the skin, keeping it clear and glowing. Weight watchers will also find this beneficial.

As a cosmetic ingredient, lemon can be used in various ways. The only thing to remember is not to use it undiluted, as it can be harsh on the skin. On areas where the skin is thicker, lemon can be used by itself. For example, for dark elbows, rub lemon halves and then wash off with water. Over a period of time, it will cleanse the skin and lighten its colour.

Lemon can also be used as a hand lotion. Mix it with rose water and rub it into the skin of the hands. For rough hands, rub granulated sugar and the juice of a lemon together with the hands, till the sugar dissolves. Then rinse off with water. Done regularly, it will help to improve the skin texture.

Oily skins can really benefit from a lemon treatment. Dilute the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and use this to wash your face. If it seems harsh for your skin, add more water. Gently blot the face with tissue or a clean towel, instead of wiping it. Lemon not only helps to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance, but also reduces surface oil. This treatment can be beneficial during summer, when the skin tends to seem more oily. In fact, during summer, you can freeze this lemon water in an ice cube tray. Wrap the ice in a clean tissue or cloth and rub it gently on oily skin. It not only reduces oil, but it extremely refreshing. Some people have sensitive skins. So, if your skin burns or itches with the application of lemon-water, you should not use it.

Honey mixed with lemon juice can be applied on the face daily. While honey moisturizes the skin, lemon juice restores the normal balance and lightens skin colour over a period of time of regular use. For oily skin use one part of honey with two parts lemon juice. For normal and dry skin, use honey and lemon juice in equal quantities.

Lemon can also be used as a hair rinse. You can add lemon juice to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse, after your shampoo. You can even add it to "tea water". Boil used tea leaves in enough water and cool the liquid. Add the juice of one lemon and use it as a last rinse. This helps to add shine to the hair.

Due to its many beneficial properties, lemon has been used as an ingredient to formulate creams and lotions for skin care. It has been used, along with aloe vera to formulate cleansing gels, helping to get rid of dirt and pollutants, without disturbing the normal acid-alkaline balance. A lemon-turmeric cream has been used as a pre-bath cream and also a soap substitute, for people with dry, dehydrated and sensitive skins. Lemon is a powerful natural cleanser.

Flashes some condom advertisement on TV and all family members scatter to finish their 'unfinished' work. Another recent social campaign on TV concerning STDs sends everyone around into hiding with some 'genuine' excuse. So, when we come across a research by a dating service in the UK that mentions, "Marriage takes a toll on your sex life. One third of married people no longer fancy their partner as much as they did in the early days," it isn't the issue of happy or unhappy marriage that's a matter of concern here, but the fact that how many couple in our society actually admit if there's something wrong with their sex life? Rajesh Gill, a city-based sociologist, confirms what we already suspected, 'a couple seldom discusses sex-related problems with counsellors considering the social taboo attached to it'.

"A man's masculinity is questioned if a couple visits a counsellor to discuss such personal issues. The ideal Indian marriage is one institution in which the couple has enough understanding to cope with all problems. But the issue is how many marriages are ideal," Rajesh questions. She feels it's the cultural effect on people's psyche that does not allow them to come out in the open with such problems. "Our society is still conservative. It's proved by enough instances of marriages where the husband and wife continue to live under one roof even when the basic understanding is amiss. How can one expect them to discussing sex issues with outsiders?"

The psychosexual clinic that's open to public on every Wednesday in PGI hardly sees any patients. Adarsh Kohli, additional professor, Department of Psychiatry, feels that it'll take another 10 years for people to share their private life with outsiders. "Sex life of a couple is a closely guarded secret. Also, in our society, it's considered indecent to discuss sex. People feel inhibited to share details even with their family members. Expecting form them to share problems with a counsellor is a little too much." But she does get anonymous phone calls, letters and mails seeking solutions to personal problems. "Which means people do have problems and want to solve them but are scared of the social stigma our society has attached to it".

People, who gather the courage of seeing a counselor, prefer to visit alone, even without the partner. As Dr Simi Waraich, psychiatrist, Fortis, says, "They don't feel shy to discuss their sex lives when they are on their own." Such cases, however, aren't too many. And what are the problems they come with? "Usually the queries are related to sexual anxiety or lack of desire. Those who are about to get married are scared of that something might go wrong during the intercourse. Also, some suffer from spectator anxiety." She says that the only way to make people talk about their bedroom secrets is educate them that's it's okay to discuss them and the problems are common to majority of the couples. Don't turn a blind eye towards the matter!

ashima@tribunemail.com