2nd National CME of ACOIN held at CMC

There was also a scientific poster competition

Ludhiana, 29th March, 2012(Shalu Arora  and Rector Kathuria): The Deptt of ophthalmology, Christian Medical College and Hospital conducted 2nd National CME of Association of Community Ophthalmologist of India in association with Sant Sarwan Dass Charitable Eye Hospital, Jalandhar, Slum doctor project U.K and vision 2020, India on Pediatric Ophthalmology and strabismus.
The chief guest for the occasion was Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director CMC and Hospital, who also released the souvenir. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Dr. S.M Bhatti, Principal Christian Medical College, Ludhiana , Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Dr.Kanwal Masih, Medical Superintendent, Dr.Nitin Batra, HOD Ophthalmology and organizing Chairman of the CME. .
The guest faculty and Course director of the event was Dr.Tony Aguire, consultant ophthalmologist Caldudale Huddersfield NHS foundation trust U.K, Augenklinik teufen, Switzerland and an adjunct associate clinical professor, University of Texas at Houston, who delivered keynote address on update in Pediatric Ophthalmology. Prominent strabismologists  from various parts of the country delivered lectures on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.
The occasion was also graced by eminent physicians and ophthalmologists from different parts of the country and abroad.
Along with scientific sessions there was a workshop conducted in Department of Ophthalmology on evaluation of squint and pearls of squint surgery.
There was also a scientific poster competition for undergraduate students engaged in research in the field of ophthalmology.

Ms. Dilma Rousseff calling on the President

The President of Brazil, Ms. Dilma Rousseff calling on the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on the occasion of the Summit of BRICS countries, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 28, 2012. [PIB photo] 28-March-2012

Seven Day Protest fast in Delhi

In solidarity with fasting activists in Idinthakarai

Nationwide Protests in support of Anti-Nuclear struggle in Koodankulam

March 26, New Delhi : National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), Lok Rajniti Manch and Delhi Solidarity Group, is  organising a protest and fast from today 26 March 2012 till 1st April 2012, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in solidarity with ongoing fast by activists of the anti-nuclear movement at Idinthakarai, Tamil Nadu against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant.NAPM National Convener and noted Social activist Sandeep Pandey is sitting on a seven day fast.

In Chennai too people are fasting in support of anti-nuclear movement in Koodankulam. In Mumbai, noted film-maker Anand Patwardhan is leading a protest in front of Dadar Railway Station. 

On 27th March, 2012, one day fasts will be organised at many places in support of the local people protesting against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. NAPM Andhra Pradesh is organising a protest demonstration and candle light vigil between 6 to 8 pm on 27th March at Ambedkar Statue, near Tankbund, Hyderabad.

It is ironical that India has raised the issue of atrocities on Tamil people in Sri Lanka at UNHRC but is not relenting its nuclear power pursuit which potentially puts its own Tamil people at grave risk of nuclear tragedy in times to come.

We strongly condemn the undemocratic manner in which nuclear energy is forced upon us. Not only Indian government has used a strong hand to snub the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) in Koodankulam, Tamil Nadu, but also is trying to intimidate and stifle resistance by misleading allegations of a ‘foreign hand’. Dr Udayakumar who leads PMANE has declared his personal assets and he has no FCRA account to receive foreign money. Whereas it is clear that Indian government is working hands-in-glove with bigger ‘foreign hands’ of USA, Russia and other countries in its joint military operations and expanding nuclear programme.

The latest attempt by the CM of Tamil Nadu to brand S.P. Udayakumar as a naxal clearly shows the desperation of the government. We condemn such underhand tactics and attempts by government to mislead general public.

It is the people in Europe and America that have forced their governments by coming out in large numbers on street to abandon nuclear energy. But Indian government is trying to stifle such people’s initiatives to have their say. Our claims of being the largest democracy prove to be hollow.

Recent nuclear emergency in Japan leaves no doubt that this world needs to renounce nuclear power for military and civil/ energy purposes, as soon as possible, to put an end to any further catastrophe in the name of 'energy', 'security' or 'technology'. Nuclear power is clearly the most dangerous options for civil or military use. Countries that have been using nuclear power such as Germany have resolved to abandon nuclear energy by 2022. Japan, USA, and many such nations who were earlier pursuing nuclear energy option are having second thoughts now.

We believe that India should adopt the futuristic energy policy like Japan and the European Union (EU) relying on renewable sources of energy which are non-polluting. Like EU and Japan, India too should aim for a low-carbon energy production system. India’s future energy policy should be low carbon and no nuclear.

We appeal to the Indian government to support dialogue on nuclear energy in a democratic way and until there is a consensus on whether India should go ahead with nuclear programme or not, should stall all nuclear programmes.

National Alliance of People's Movements, Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, Lok Rajniti Manch and Delhi Solidarity Group.

For more details contact : P.K. Sundaram, 9810556134, Ramesh Sharma, 9818111562, Madhuresh Kumar, 9818905316 and Vijayan M J 9582862682.
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Medical camp by BJGVJ//188 patients were examined

20 Patients fitted with free hearing aids 

The Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) Haibowal Branch Ludhiana in collaboration with Indian Medical Association Ludhiana and coordinated by Voice of Youth Foundation  held a Free Medical Checkup Camp dedicated to the memory of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their 82nd martyrdom day at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Public School, Haqiqat Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana. 188 patients were examined by Dr Arun Mitra ENT Surgeon and Dr.Anakhveer Singh Gill. 20 patients were fitted the free hearing aids after checking their hearing levels. Addressing the gathering Dr.Arun Mitra said that the real tribute to the martyrs is to create a society based on justice and equality to all citizens. He said the quality health care and education is the right of all citizens. Such camps are a miniscule contribution in that direction. He also gave health education about prevention of diseases related to Ear, Nose and Throat. Other who addressed the gathering include Sh.M.S.Bhatia, Maj.Sher Singh Aulukh, Mrs.Gurcharan Kocher, Shri.G.S.Narula, Sh.Harbhajan Singh Bhatia, Sh.Ashish Moliry – Vice President of Voice of Youth Foundation. Mrs.Rajinder Kaur Bhatia – Principal of the school in her thanks giving address appreciated the help extended by Punjab Bank Employees Federation Ludhiana and assured that such like camps will be organized in the future also.
Others who make the function success included Sh.Bhajan Singh, Sh.Avtar Chibber, Sh.Rajesh Verma, Sh.B.D.Saini, Sh.Sunil Grover, Sh.Gulshan Gaba, Sh.Harvinder Singh Obrai, Sh.Prem Grover, Sh.Ramadhar Singh, 

Another play by doctors

Talent sets the stage alight at CMC Ludhiana

The Music and Theatre Workshop of Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana comprises of doctors and students of various colleges of the institution who organizes regular productions. This year, the workshop organized a play entitled ‘Harvey’. The show was staged on three days commencing on the 22ndof march, 2012 at the Lady Willingdon Hall, CMC, Ludhiana.

Mr. Sajin Sunny Mathew, the student co-ordinator of ‘Harvey’ said, “We are glad that the rich tradition of high quality productions we have had in the past has been kept alive with ‘Harvey’ under the patronage of our director, Dr Abhraham G Thomas.”

The play ‘Harvey’ is a comedy in three acts authored by the American playwright Mary Chase. It is about an affable man named Elwood P Dowd (played by Manu Mathew Kurien) who claims to have an unseen friend named Harvey- a six-foot, one-half-inch tall rabbit. His social-climbing sister, Veta( Angela Elizabeth Eapen), and her daughter, Myrtle (Meriya Joseph), find his eccentric behaviour embarrassing. She decides to have him committed to the sanatorium and a comedy of errors ensues. As the play moves hilariously through various comic situations, there is an underlying message of goodwill and encouragement that the lead character always portrays. His philosophy of life is a message to us all. ‘Many years ago,’ he says, ‘my mother told me I should be either oh-so-smart or oh-so-pleasant. I was smart for years. I recommend pleasant.’ Through every stressful situation even in the face of anger, he remains calm, kind and courteous making him well-beloved character by the end. The message of love and bonding between family members which prevails eternally despite mutual faults, is powerfully depicted through the play.

Be it the well- coordinated production, the enticing props and costumes or the proactive backstage crew, the production holds together and moves seamlessly through the three acts. A collective team, comprising a cast of about 11 students and about 50 others pitched in their time, efforts and talents in the making of ‘Harvey’. “An amazing and witty play that’s bound to leave you captivated and entertained” adds Mr. David Livingston. “It was challenging but fulfilling experience  to put up a three act comedy on stage with the right expressions, timings, punch lines to deliver and even working off-screen and on-screen chemistry with the co-cast. It boosted our confidence and built on our positive traits allowing us to improve” said Angela, one of the actors. “Though there wasn’t much tedious work involved, we worked hard at depicting the scenes to the finest detail,” said Ansu John, a member of the props crew. “It was a gratifying job to design the costumes and transport the actors to a different era.” said Amritha Kurien, from the costumes team. The director of the play, Dr Dhruv Ghosh, a paediatric surgeon of CMC said, ‘It was a great joy to work with the students on the play. Their talents never cease to amaze me.’

The annual musicals and plays have been appreciated by the residents of Ludhiana city and surrounding areas for the many years. This year’s play, ‘Harvey’ was a break from the hectic routine of life as aspiring doctors entertained and enthralled the audience showcasing the power of voice and expression. Aditi George, one of crew members said,  “This year’s play is a must see. Funny and heart-warming, it’s a wonderful night of theatre for the whole family.” --Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

Homage to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Pledge to work for a society based on justice and equality
Ludhiana//March 23, 2012:

The Sanjha Morcha paid homage to the martyrs of the nation Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev today at Jagraon Bridge in which hundreds of activists of Communist Party of India (CPI) Distt. Ludhiana, CPI-M, PPP along with social organizations Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ), Punjab Istri Sabha, All India Working Women Forum –AITUC participated. They garlanded their statues and pledged to build a nation based on justice and equality. The participants said that the martyrs had dreamt of a nation with equal rights to grow for all the citizens. But event after 64 years of independence we find vast majority of our population living under abject poverty and devoid of basic infrastructure to sustain life including nutrition and quality education & health care. This situation has worsened after the economic policies of neo liberalism and globalization.  The communalist and casteist forces are out to destablise the harmony in society. It is the duty of all secular and democratic forces to foil their designs unitedly.   Prominent among those who were present and addressed today include Com.Kartar Singh Bowani, Dr.Arun Mitra, Com D.P.Maur, Com.O.P.Mehta, Com.Ramesh Rattan, Sh.Barat Bhushan Thapar, S.Rajesh Gandhi, Com.Sukhminder Sekhon, Com.Sukminder Lotey, Com.Jagdis, Mrs.Gurcharan Kocher, Maj.Sher Singh Aulukh, Mrs.Kusum Lata, Com.Gulzar Goria, Com.Nageena, Com.Surinder Sachdeva, Com.Ramadhar Singh, Com.Gurnam SIdhu, Com.Gurnam Gill,  Com Randhir Singh, Com.Devraj, Com.Manjit Mehram, Com.Ragbir Sing Benipal, Com.Dinesh Kumar, Com.Samar Bahadur, Com Gulzar Pandher, Com.Mohan Lal, Com.Baldev Walia, Com.Tilak Raj Sangra, Com.Agya Dass, Com.Kuldeep, Com.Vijay Kumar, Com.Buta Singh, Com.arbans Singh.

First Lady Talks Military Family Support on 'Letterman'

First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged Americans 
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2012 - First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged Americans to rally in support of military families during an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" last night.
The first lady shared a few laughs with Letterman, but then grew serious when the topic turned to her Joining Forces campaign. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the vice president's wife, launched this initiative last year to boost support to troops, veterans and their families.
Service members and their families have served and sacrificed for more than a decade, the first lady noted, yet most Americans are unaware of the extent of their challenges. "We take it for granted because we have 1 percent of this nation serving and protecting the rights of the other 99 percent of us," she said.
Growing up in south Chicago and with limited exposure to the military, the first lady said, she wasn't aware of these challenges either until recently. "It wasn't until I started campaigning and traveling around to military bases where I got to meet these very resilient, proud, disciplined, smart individuals," she said. "I thought, 'Most Americans have no clue about the level of sacrifice they're making so we can live in freedom.'"
The Joining Forces campaign is intended to ensure every service member, veteran and family member understands "they live in a grateful nation," she said.
Obama cited the progress she's seen in military family support since Joining Forces launched last spring, particularly in the area of employment. Organizations have been hosting veteran job fairs across the nation, and President Barack Obama has launched programs and incentives to encourage private-sector employers to hire veterans.
Due to these efforts and others, she said, the unemployment rate among veterans is decreasing at a faster pace than the broader unemployment rate. As of last week, the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans was down from last year's high of 12.5 percent to 7.6 percent, below the national rate of 8.3 percent.
While this progress is a "great thing," the first lady said, she also called attention to military spouses' employment challenges. In this decade of war, military spouses have moved forward despite the challenges of frequent moves and deployments -- all while caring for children and a household.
But when it comes to moving forward in their own careers, she said, military spouses often run up against a brick wall as they're forced to kick-start their careers at each new location.
"These men and women are just as trained, they are just as prepared, they are just as competent" as their civilian-life counterparts, Obama said. "They're some of the best this country has to offer."
The first lady encouraged people to find military families in their midst and then "do whatever they do best," whether it's offering to mow a lawn or babysit for a family with a deployed loved one, or providing pro bono accounting or attorney services.
Obama also noted the importance of caring for children from military families. It's hard to imagine what they're going through, she said, as they move from base to base every couple of years. She recalled meeting children attending their 12th school in nearly the same number of years.
Still, they're keeping their grades up and are "still managing to keep it all together," she said. "Just imagine what these kids need."
Military families need to be on the forefront of Americans' minds, she told the audience. And, through Joining Forces, "we'll do everything we can to rally support for them so that they never feel that they're alone in this." 

Related Sites: Special Report: Military Family Support Joining Forces Campaign Related Articles: Veteran Job Prospects Brighter, Panetta Says First Lady, Panetta Unveil Effort to Aid Spouse Employment