Soldier Excels in Decontamination Field

By Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry 120th Public Affairs Detachment CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind., Aug. 26, 2011 - Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Michael Clayton, a chemical operations specialist with the 438th Chemical Company here, brings nearly 10 years of experience to an emergency response organization that trains to contend with nuclear, chemical or biological incidents. Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Michael Clayton, a chemical operations specialist with the 438th Chemical Company based at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., brings nearly 10 years of experience to the 19th Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package, an emergency response organization that trains to contend with nuclear, chemical or biological incidents. U.S. Army photo  Clayton also is assigned to the 19th Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package. He is a member of the 19th's decontamination team that treats survivors of chemical, biological or nuclear attacks."We run [survivors] through our decontamination line to clean them up, [to] make sure nothing is on them," Clayton said. Clayton's supervisor, Army 1st Lt. Jason Moore, said the specialist's 5-foot, 7-inch tall, 150-pound frame packs a lot of knowledge. "He probably knows everything there is to know out here" about decontamination, Moore said of Clayton's expertise. The 438th's troops, he added, lean heavily on the soldier. "He's helped me a lot," Moore said. "He makes me better and those he works with better, because he shares his knowledge and his talent." Clayton, who hails from Indianapolis, enlisted in the National Guard in January 2002. For three years he worked full time with Indiana's 53rd Civil Support Team, which helps first responders contend with nuclear, chemical or biological incidents. The 19th, which has been training since March, is here undergoing its mission-ready certification process. "The way I see it, we're going to do really, really well," Clayton said. "The way we've been setting up and working well as a team -- because we're a chemical unit, we already have decon[tamination capability] -- so it's made everything easier." Clayton said he enjoys serving in the National Guard. "It's outstanding; I love it," he said. "Every day we've been doing this, I wake up [and] I'm ready to go."

Interacts with Afghan children in Balay Kalay

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Trident Villanueva, with the New Jersey National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, interacts with Afghan children in Balay Kalay, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2011. The infantry unit provided security for the Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team. (DoD photo by Spc. George Hunt, U.S.

State Level Haematology Quiz held at CMC

CMC Ludhiana and Patiala to represent Punjab 

Ludhiana, 26^th August, 2011 : On behalf of the ISHTM (Indian Society of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine), the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh State level quiz was held in CMC Ludhiana.  Six different medical colleges with post graduate courses from CMC Ldh, DMC Ldh, GMC Patiala, GMC Amritsar, Adesh Institute Bhatinda and RPG medical College Kangra participated in the quiz.

In closely contested competition, Drs Neha Talwar, Navin Mathew and Jessita from CMC Ludhiana were the winners and Drs Kavita,  Vivek Rana and Amit Madaan from Govt College, Patiala were runners up. DMC Ludhiana got third prize.

This was conducted as part of the 1^st National Haematology quiz for post graduates.  The state and zonal co-ordinator Dr Naveen Kakkar said that the unique nature of the quiz was that it was a 3 member team with post graduates from medicine, paediatrics and pathology.

The national co-ordinator Dr M Joseph John, Associate Professor & Head of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at CMC Ludhiana commented that the goal of initiating this event at the national level was to increase the awareness of Haematology as a sub-specialty among the students and the 3 member team would stress on the importance of clinicians and pathologists working together to render the best care for the patients.

The winners and the runners up would be taking part in the North Zone competition on October 5^th in PGI Chandigarh.  The grand finale would be held at the same venue during the national ISHTM conference on 11/11/11 at 11 am. 

Soldier-songwriter Serves in Afghanistan

By Army Pfc. Christopher Holton Task Force Duke KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2011 - A soldier serving in Task Force Duke here leads a double life. Army Pfc. Zachary William Charles Short strums his guitar in the motor pool at Combat Outpost Herrera, Afghanistan, Aug. 14, 2011. Short, under the stage name Zac Charles, has written and recorded several country music songs. Courtesy photo  In his Army life, Pfc. Zachary William Charles Short is a combat medic with the 1st Infantry Division's Battery A, 1st Battalion, 6th Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. But the 22-year-old native of Bend, Ore., records music under the stage name Zac Charles, and his single "Until I Get Home" became the third-most-requested song on country music radio stations in the Elizabethtown, Ky., area. This is an accomplishment in its own right for any aspiring musician, but judging by the number of fans he's amassed, it may be only the beginning of Short's musical journey. Short said he began writing music at age 12, and that he grew up listening to country music artists such as Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Jeremy Camp. Like that of many other artists, he said, his music reflects his life experiences. "I write about things I see and feel around me," he explained. I think music turns out better that way." Short said he put his music career aspirations on hold when he joined the Army at age 19 to support his family, because his wife and son are the most important aspects of his life. "My wife has been a big inspiration for a lot of my songs," he said. But today, his military duties and missions come first, he added. "It has been interesting to see my military career form," he said, "and I have learned so much." Writing and playing music in Afghanistan helps to lift his and other soldier's spirits, Short said. "My morale has improved greatly being able to do music out here," Short said. "I have also had the opportunity to improve the morale of the soldiers around me. On many occasions, a bunch of us have sat around at night after missions and sang a few songs." Short said his music serves as a constant reminder of how much he loves and misses his family. "I wrote ["Until I Get Home"] when I was away from my wife, and it reflects on the feeling I had then," he said. While in Afghanistan, Short acquired another supporter: U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Bova, a Houston native and fellow soldier in Battery A. Bova said he became an instant fan after hearing Short's music. "He could be an instant star in the world of country music," Bova said of Short's potential. "He just needs to be heard." Upon returning from deployment, Bova plans to be part of Short's public relations team. "Good Morning America" producers, he said, have expressed interest in having Short appear on the program. Bova said he hopes Short can obtain a record deal, "so people who haven't heard him can, and so his fans can hear him more often." Short said he plans to record some tracks in Nashville, Tenn., shortly after he returns to the United States from Afghanistan. "I've got a good studio lined up, and I'll be excited to start recording," he said.

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force

SGPC to launch campaugn against social evils--Badal

Campaign against the drug abuse and female foeticide

 Chandigarh, August 20:-- The Shiromani Akali Dal Patron and Chief Minister, Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal appealed to the sikh masses that to maintain Supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, management of Sikh Shrines in the best possible way, upgradation of Sikh educational institutions and to defeat the forces inimical to the panth, they should vote for SAD-Sant Samaj candidates in the general elections to the “Parliament of Sikhs”, the SGPC.

   Releasing the Panthic Agenda of SAD-Sant Samaj Combine at the 26^th death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal S. Badal said that Sikhs have made huge sacrifices and fought numerous battles to get Gurdwaras vacated from the “Mahants”. He said that a number of “Morchas” were organised by the community including Saka of Nanakana Sahib, Panja Sahib, Jaito Morcha, Guru ke Bagh Morcha and Chabian da Morcha besides others. He said that hundreds of Sikhs were martyred, thousands were imprisoned and thousands other were brutally tortured by the British regime.

Describing SGPC as “Parliament of Sikhs” the SAD Patron said that Shiromani Akali Dal has the honour to claim that right from the time of its inception in 1920 till today the sikh masses have always trusted the SAD for the management of sikh shrines. 

 Releasing the agenda, S. Badal said that people were aware of the fact that right from the establishment of SGPC, the Congress party had always tried to interfere in the religious affairs of the Sikhs with an intention to get the control of SGPC.

 Briefing about the document released today  S. Badal said  that  for the information of the masses, the achievements of the SGPC in the last seven years and earlier, have been included with self explanatory photographs of all important educational institutions, sikh missions, Gurmat Vidyalas and Sarai (inns) built for the convenience of pilgrims.

   S. Badal complemented SGPC for establishing Sikh University and described it as a historic achievement of the Khalsa Panth.

  S. Badal further expressed satisfaction over the performance of all 110 education institutions run by SGPC and informed that 74745 students are getting quality education at a cheaper rate in these institutions.

Panthic Agenda begins with the three page impressive appeal  of the SAD President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal. In his appeal S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has described the menace of drugs, female foeticide, environmental pollution as the big challenges before the Khalsa Panth. He stressed that there should be a quality school, a well equipped hospital and a nice play ground along with each and every Gurdwara Sahib being managed by SGPC.

 S. Parkash Singh Badal said that a long pending demand of direct telecast of ‘Shabad Kirtan’ from Sri Harmandir Sahib has been fulfilled. He also lauded the use of Internet and other modern techniques by the SGPC for preaching  sikh religion. 

          Disclosing about the future agenda of the SGPC, S. Badal said that apart from establishment and up-gradation of the education institutions, a campaign against the drug abuse, female foeticide and social reform would be a launched by the SGPC. He also said that Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism in the name of former President of SGPC Panth Ratan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra would be completed in time. Similarly, the most important job of authentic translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is under progress, will be completed in the shortest possible time and it would further be translated to different languages so as to spread the message of social equality and universal brotherhood enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib to whole of mankind. He said that SGPC would establish a wonderful Museum with a cost of Rs. 100 crore at Akali Market Sri Amritsar and  Rs. 25 crore would be spent of construction of Sarai (inn) at Saragarhi site. He said that Langar building at Sri Harmandir Sahib is being upgraded with Rs. 20 crore.

Congratulating the SGPC on successful conduct of ‘Khalsai’ sports S. Badal said that sports is the need of the hour and ‘Khalsai’ sports will continue with the same vigour in the times to come for the better future of the sikh youth.

( Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema )

Secretary & Spokesman,

Shiromani Akali Dal.

BEAS, SATLUJ WITNESS INCREASED DISCHARGE

PONG DAM WATER LEVEL TOUCHES 1387.48 FEET

Chandigarh August 21: Beas and Satluj rivers in Punjab witnessed increased discharge from Pong Dam, Naushera Mirthal and Dhilwan   in Beas, Harike and HussainiWala in Satluj.

       64477 cusecs water was discharged from the Pong Dam against the inflow of 76674 cusecs. There was discharge of 54500 cusec in Beas at Naushera Mirthal and 122500 cusecs in Dhilwan .  Satluj also witnessed the  discharge of 67746 cusecs from Harike and discharge of 51537 cusecs from Hussainiwala.       

       According to an official spokesman the water level in Pong Dam was 1387.48 feet against it maximum capacity of 1390 feet. Last year on this day it was 1370.28feet.        

Due to continuous heavy rain fall in the state, the water level in Bhakra Dam has been increasing. The water level at Bhakra Dam today touched 1667.35 feet water mark whereas its capacity was 1680 feet. According to an official spokesman water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1670.83 feet.        

The water level at Ranjit Sagar Dam has touched 518.69 meter whereas its capacity was 520.94 feet.     

He said that the data received from the Department on 21-8-2011 indicates the level of rain fall during last 24 hours in Madhopur 7mm, Ranjit Sagar Dam 8 mm, Shahpur kandi 7.8 mm , Shena Khera 4.00mm, Mallanwala 2 mm, Kandukhera 5 mm Sidhwan 6mm, Moga 3mm, Bhoond 6.40mm, Khairy 5.60 mm ,Basoli 4.40mm  and Chamba 9.40mm.

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Orientation Program Aids New Military Family Members

By Donna Miles  American Forces Press Service FORT MEADE, Md., Aug. 18, 2011 - A program launched at the Military Entrance Processing Station here has started the military on a path to welcoming family members into the fold before their loved ones ever ship off for entry-level training. Pia Morales, who runs the Army Family Team Building and Army Family Action Plan programs at Fort Meade, Md., explains to families of men and women processing through the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station what their loved ones will experience during initial military training, Aug. 16, 2011. DOD photo by Donna Miles  The Baltimore MEPS, one of the busiest of 26 MEPS stations dotting the country, is expanding the family orientation program it introduced in 2009 to reach more new military families, the station's commander, Army Lt. Col. Christopher Beveridge, said. The program began when the previous station commander, at his wife's suggestion, reached out to the neighboring Meade Community Readiness Center for a plan to engage families of men and women as they processed into the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, Beveridge explained. The Baltimore MEPS is the last stop for recruits from Maryland, the District of Columbia and parts of Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia before they travel on to basic training or boot camp. During a day that begins at "0-dark-30," recruits take their last flurry of tests to ensure they're physically, mentally and morally fit for duty. As the final step before moving out to buses or airports, they sign their military contracts, raise their right hands and take the oath of enlistment. Thanks to the new orientation program, family members are no longer isolated from the process, Beveridge explained. They're formally invited to attend what amounts to an hour-long "Military 101" class, then to participate in their loved ones' swearing-in. "The intent is to get at families right at the door, and ensure they understand that as their loved ones are coming into the profession of arms, that we have programs in place for them as well as their families." Earlier this week, Beveridge kicked off a session in the station's cafeteria welcoming families into the extended military family. "This is a huge, huge day for your loved ones," he told them, noting that they are among less than 1 percent of all Americans who volunteer to serve in uniform. "You can take pride in that," he added. "It speaks volumes about them and their character." Beveridge emphasized the importance families play in their loved ones' success in initial military training and a military career. "Without family support, none of it is possible, and folks don't succeed to the level possible," he says. Army Community Services employees Pia Morales and Melodie Menke, who came up with the program content, understand what it means to watch a loved one leave for military service. "This is a life-changing experience they are departing on," Morales, an Army spouse herself, told the families. But just as it's a first day for recruits launching their military careers, "it's also a first day for their families," she said. So the orientation program walks family members -- many with no previous exposure to the military -- through the basics, beginning with what's ahead for their loved ones. Menke, a former Navy corpsman, explained where the services conduct their initial training, and how long the training runs. Soldiers, the largest group processed through the station, go to basic training at Forts Leonard Wood, Mo.; Benning, Ga.; Jackson, S.C.; Knox, Ky.; or Sill, Okla. Sailors all go to boot camp at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. Marine recruits from the station go to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Airmen go to the Basic Military Training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Coast Guardsmen, the smallest group to process through the MEPS station, go to Training Center Cape May, N.J. Once the recruits arrive at their training site, families can expect one short phone call, Menke said, but shouldn't worry if they don't hear much more for a while. The trainees will be busy with classroom studies, physical conditioning, leadership training and team-building, she explained. Short notes from home and care packages, once trainees notify their families that it's OK, she added, go a long way to boost the trainees' morale. "Encourage, encourage, encourage, because they are going through a lot," Menke told the families. The orientation program includes some nice-to-know military factoids: when service members get paid, what basic benefits they're entitled to and a snapshot of the myriad programs to support them and their families. When the session wraps up just in time for the swearing-in ceremony in an adjoining room, families take along information packets with addresses of websites they can go to for more information and direct points of contact for information or help. Then the families look on as their loved ones, standing in formation, raise their right hands and take their oaths of enlistment. "What we're doing here is an important step in introducing families to the military," Beveridge said. "We recognize that while we recruit the soldier, sailor, airmen, Marine and [Coast] Guardian, we retain families." Feedback about the orientation has been so positive that classes often are standing-room-only, and other MEPS are introducing similar programs, he said. More than 4,000 family members have attended the Baltimore MEPS' training so far, the vast majority during the past 12 months. "Word has gotten out," Beveridge said. "This is something that really resonates with families." Greg and Tonya George, both former soldiers whose daughter Alicia is entering the Air Force, marveled at the way the military is reaching out to military families. "When we were in, you basically went in in the dark and left in the dark," joked Tonya. Greg, turning serious, called the program "really beneficial." "I wish my parents had had access to something like this when I went in," he said. "Back then, if you didn't ask questions, you didn't get answers. So it's great to know that this information is available." Charles Robinson, whose son, Joe, was joining the Navy, welcomed the insights offered through the family program. "It gives me more education about what he'll be going through," he said. "This is great."

Family members snap photos and congratulate their loved ones after they are sworn into the military, Aug. 16, 2011. A family orientation program offered at the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station at Fort Meade, Md., welcomes families into the military community on the first day of their service member's military career. DOD photo by Donna Miles Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Malawians nationwide protests on August 17

Malawi Set for Fresh Anti-Government Protests

Washington, D.C:: Malawians participating in nationwide protests planned for August 17 risk being killed or injured unless the authorities halt the use of live ammunition against anti-government demonstrators, Amnesty International said today. 
The protests come amid increased harassment and intimidation of activists and other dissenting voices in Malawi. In July, at least eighteen people were killed and scores of others injured when police opened fire on protesters in a number of Malawian cities. 
"The Malawian authorities must allow people to express their opinions without fear of violent reprisals or arbitrary arrests," said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International’s deputy program director. "The police must refrain from using excessive force. Under U.N. policing standards, firearms should only be used when there is no other means of defending against threats of death or serious injury." 
While some of the July demonstrations had turned violent, most protesters were unarmed. Around 500 people, including human rights defenders, were arrested. 
The protests brought together students, human rights activists and religious groups over a range of issues including repressive legislation, poor governance and fuel shortages. 
The Malawian government has intensified its harassment and intimidation of critics and dissidents over recent months, stifling freedom of expression and creating a climate of fear.  During the July demonstrations, police deliberately targeted at least eight journalists, beating them with gun butts.   
Human rights activists have also been targeted. Some have received death threats, others have been forced to go into hiding. Threats to activists appear to have been fuelled and perpetuated by persistent public criticism by high level government officials. 

Recently, President Bingu wa Mutharika described July’s protests as "the work of Satan" and threatened to “smoke out the organizers," prompting several more prominent human rights defenders to go into hiding. 

Amnesty International again urges the Malawian authorities to open an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the lethal use of force during July’s protests.   

"Such an investigation is now well overdue," said Kagari. "In the interim, we are calling on the Malawian authorities to exercise restraint and to respect their citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. If Malawians want to exercise their right to peaceful demonstration, they should be allowed to do so in safety." 
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 
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Independence Day celebrations

 CMC Ludhiana CELEBRATED 15 August IN TRUE SPIRIT

Ludhiana, :: The 65^th Independence Day celebrations were celebrated in a grand way at Christian Medical College Ludhiana, yesterday at 9:00 am at the College campus of CMC.  Earlier there was a special service conducted at the College Chapel led by Rev. Stanley Thomas, to thank God for the freedom we received as a Nation and all those who made it possible.   Dr. George Koshy, Registrar and Vice Principal of the Christian Dental College exhorted from the Holy Bible that God blesses the Nation which builds on righteousness.

The Chief Guest of the occasion was Brig. M. George Jacob, Station Commander for the Army Unit at Ludhiana.  During the occasion the Chief Guest took the salute from the march past led by the students of all the five colleges of the institution and security personnel.  Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, Director of CMC Ludhiana welcomed the gathering and reminded  everyone present that CMC Ludhiana had played a critical role in the freedom struggle and  it is important to carry on the legacy of our fore-fathers with dedication and perseverance.Chief Guest of the occasion Brig. M. George Jacob said during his Independence Day address that CMC Ludhiana is an institution of national importance and he encouraged all the students to be good citizens and to carry on with passion.  He also highlighted how different sections of the society played a key role in our freedom struggle. 

After this students of the various colleges of CMC presented a cultural programme depicting the various facets of our freedom struggle through songs, dance and choreography.  This years Independence Day celebrations were co-ordinated by Christian Dental College.  

Zardari should use the occasion of Independence Day

Amnesty International Calls on Zardari to Follow Through on Promise of Reform in Pakistan 

Washington, D.C. – Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari should use the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 to implement legal reforms that would help protect human rights in the country’s conflict-ravaged and impoverished tribal areas, Amnesty International said today. 
On Independence Day in 2009, President Zardari promised to reform laws that currently exclude the citizens of the tribal areas from basic legal protections and disenfranchise them from the country’s political system. 
Millions of Pakistanis in the northwestern tribal areas have for decades lived in a "human rights free zone." They’ve been caught for years between the depredations of the Pakistani Taliban and the brutality of government security forces, while also suffering some of the lowest rates of economic development and access to health care and education. It’s time for the Pakistani government to follow through on its promise of extending basic rights and political participation to them, as President Zardari promised two years ago, Amnesty International urged. 
President Zardari had promised to reform the Frontier Crimes Regulation, a colonial-era law that allows for communal punishment including the destruction of villages and guilt by association, imprisonment without trial, and arbitrary detention at the whim of the government’s political agent. The people of the tribal areas are also excluded from protections provided by the Constitution and national courts. 
Zardari had also promised to extend the Political Parties Act to the area, allowing the people of the tribal areas to join and establish their own political parties and send their representatives to the National Assembly. This would be an important step towards addressing the political vacuum that has fuelled insurgency in the area. 

As Amnesty noted in its 2010 report on the human rights situation in Pakistan’s northwest, As If Hell Fell On Me,reforming exclusionary laws like the Frontier Crimes Regulation and extending the jurisdiction of the Political Parties Act to the tribal areas are urgently needed to begin the process of addressing the chronic abuses and impunity faced by people there. 

The crisis in northwestern Pakistan is now just one of the many problems facing the country, including escalating abuses in Balochistan, where targeted killings and enforced disappearances implicate both state security forces and non-state armed groups, and daily reports of fresh targeted killings in the city of Karachi. 
Pakistan faces a host of serious human rights problems, and the government has to tackle them each. The conflict in the northwest seems to drive several other important problems, such as massive displacement of people, growing extremist attacks, and religious intolerance. Helping the people of northwestern Pakistan could help the entire country. 
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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Breast milk for the optimum growth and development

Ludhiana, 11^th August, 2011:  Breast feeding week has recently been celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.  The Department of Pediatrics Christian Medical College & Hospital too organized various talks, keeping in mind the theme for this year which was ‘Talk to me….’  Dr Inderpreet Sohi, Professor of Pediatrics and Secretary National Neonatology Forum, Punjab conducted an interactive session on breast feeding for the staff nurses.  She emphasized the advantages of breast milk which is specifically meant for the optimum growth and development of the human infant. Babies who are exclusively breast fed have been found to have higher IQ and are better in intellectual activities later in life.  Breast milk is also protective against major illnesses like sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn period 

and diarrhea, respiratory infections and ear infections later on.  It is also protective against allergic disorders like asthma, eczema and cardiovascular disorders, obesity, diabetes and even cancer in later life. It is recommended that an infant be exclusively breast fed upto 6 months of age after which appropriate complementary feeds need to be started to maintain optimum growth.

 Dr Shaveta  Kundra , Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics delivered a talk on breast feeding to student nurses.  She emphasized the advantages of breast feeding to the mother and the factors which help in enhancing the milk flow in mothers.  A relaxed and happy state of mind of the mother, along with sight and sound of the baby enhance milk flow.  Mothers are also advised to take a balanced nutritious diet and plenty of fluids while breast feeding.  Young mothers also need to be taught the proper technique of breast feeding so that they avoid the problems like sore or cracked nipples and breast engorgement and can continue to breast feed their babies effectively. 

 Keeping in mind the theme for this year’s breast feeding week a session on breast feeding was also taken By Dr Noorul Ain, Resident Department of Pediatrics, for the expectant mothers attending the antenatal OPD. They were taught the technique of proper breast feeding and also how to tackle any problems that may arise and were motivated to exclusively breast feed their babies till 6 months of age.. --Shalu Arora

CME on “Controversies of Obstetrics and Gynecology”

Ludhiana, 7^th August, 2011: The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, conducted  CME on “Controversies of Obstetrics and Gynecology” on the Seventh of August in the Guy Constable Auditorium. This Quarterly meet of Northern Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India was held under the able guidance of Prof and Head, Dr Kumkum Avasthi with constant encouragement and support by Director of the institute Dr Abraham G Thomas. The conference was duly accredited 4 CME hours by Punjab Medical Council.

A wide array of debatable issues in obstetrics and gynaecology were discussed and was attended by nearly 200 local practitioners as well as medical fraternity from nearby medical colleges.
The gathering was addressed by chief guest Dr Abraham G Thomas who welcomed the delegates congratulated the dept for organizing the conference. Dr Lakhbir Dhaliwal, President of NOGSI complimented CMC for organizing the quarterly meet and emphasized upon role of FOGSI in women’s health. The occasion was also graced by Dr G.S.Grewal, member of Punjab Medical Council  

The conference covered debatable issues in obstetrics ranging from changing trends in breech and instrumental delivery to recurrent pregnancy loss and IUGR management .Burning issues in Gynecology providing insight to infertility, HPV vaccination and misuse of emergency contraception were also covered. Eminent speakers from all over North India deliberated on the same.

The conference ended on a successful note managing to clear a lot of misconceptions on the controversial issues on the subject. 

A decisive battle against corruption has begun

Anna Hazares message to the Nation for 15th and 16th August

My Dear Fellow Indians,
A decisive battle against corruption has begun. We are not against any political party. We want systemic reforms. We want a corruption-free India. After all, what are the people asking for – a strong anti-corruption law which provides for honest and time-bound investigations and trials that result in jail for the guilty, confiscation of embezzled money and their dismissal from service? Are we asking too much? For two months, we were talking to the government. Government seems unwilling to take even small steps against corruption. Government appears insincere. We have met all prominent political leaders. We have tried everything. What do we do now? When I announced my indefinite fast from 16th August, the government threatened that they would crush us the way they crushed Baba Ramdev's peaceful agitation. Friends, this is a historic opportunity. We can't afford to lose it. We are determined to fight to the end. If they arrest us, we will peacefully offer ourselves. If they use batons and bullets, we will happily lay down our lives but will not leave the place. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely non-violent movement. “If you fast on 16th August, you will be crushed” – this is what they are saying. “We will impose section 144 on Jantar Mantar” – this is what they are thinking. But I say that if every citizen in this country takes off from his work from 16th August, comes on the streets in front of his house, at the crossing, with a tricolor in his hands shouting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and raising slogans against corruption, they will fall short of batons and bullets. The government may arrest one Anna Hazare but how will they arrest 120 crore Anna Hazares? They may impose section 144 at one Jantar Mantar but will they impose section 144 on the whole country? And let me tell you – the police and army is with us. At traffic signals, policemen stop us, express their support and wish us well; at Raj Ghat, the policemen donated generously for the movement! So, will you take off from your work from 16 August? Will you descend on the streets with me? This year, the country will wait for 16th rather than 15th August. In solidarity,
thanks
Anna Hazare 
(Please make copies of this pamphlet and distribute it in large nos.)
“WHY GOVERNMENT'S LOKPAL IS DANGEROUS???” Government's Lokpal is targeted against those who raise their voice against corruption rather than to punish the corrupt!
The government's Lokpal bill covers only about 0.5% of public servants, yet it brings under its ambit virtually every citizen's group and organization, registered or unregistered, meant to serve the social sector. This raises a pertinent question -- whom is the Lokpal really targeted at? There are more than 1.25 crore central and state government employees. Out of this merely 65,000 Group A Central Government employees would be covered in the government bill leaving out all the lower officers and staff. This effectively means that there is no remedy against corruption that a common person faces daily in police, roads, industry, licensing, transport, roadways, municipality, rations, health services, education, pension, provident funds, Panchayat, forest department, irrigation department, etc. On the other hand, Lokpal would have jurisdiction over ALL NGOs, trusts, societies like Resident Welfare Associations(RWAs), big or small, whether registered or unregistered, whether they receive government funding or not, up to the village level! For instance, consider a group of citizens that unearths corruption of the Sarpanch and Block Development officer (BDO) in a village. The government's Lokpal can't take any action against the Sarpanch or BDO but it CAN lock up the group of HONEST active CITIZENS. Each and every association, like Resident Welfare Associations, Market Associations, even your neighborhood committees that organize festivals like Durga Puja, Ramlila, etc. would be under the purview of Lokpal. While there is no disagreement that the rot of corruption is also afflicting many societies, associations and NGOs, there already exists a plethora of laws like the Trust Act, Societies Act, FCRA, etc. to monitor them. Lokpal was originally intended for checking corruption in public servants. Regardless, if it is being extended to all associations of civil society, then why shouldn't it also cover all companies, businesses, political parties, and media houses?

Government's Lokpal Provides Greater Protection to Corrupt! 
Provisions in the government's Lokpal Bill heavily favour corrupt public servants. Under this bill, a public servant accused of corruption is allowed to turn around and file a lawsuit against the complainant accusing him of filing a frivolous complaint. The government will provide a free advocate to the accused to help prove the citizen was wrong, while the citizen has to fend for himself. If the complaint proves to be frivolous, the minimum sentence FOR THE CITIZEN is TWO YEARS. But if the corruption charges are proved, the minimum sentence for the public servant is just SIX MONTHS!

Will then any citizen dare raise a voice against corruption?

Now CMC city center in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, 1^st August, 2011 : In response to the many requests from the citizens of Ludhiana, the CMC Ludhiana City Center has been inaugurated at the Sirish Hospital, Ghumar Mandi, and it has commenced functioning from 01-August-2011. Patients and their relatives have found it difficult to reach CMC Ludhiana due to the traffic congestion at Ferozepore Road, Jagraon Bridge and Brown Road. The CMC City Center has become a convenient center for consultation with the senior consultants of CMCH.

The City Center Consultations will function from 04.30 PM to 08.00 PM on Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays the City Center will function from 03.00 PM to 05.30 PM. All basic investigations using the latest computerized and automated equipment will be done from 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays at the City Center.  

The following specialty clinics will be running at the CMC City Center: Medicine; Surgery; Pediatrics; Pediatric Surgery; Orthopedics; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; ENT; Dermatology; Dental; Ophthalmology; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Cardiology; Cardiac Surgery; Thoracic & Vascular Surgery; Nephrology; Urology; Plastic, Microvascular & Reconstructive Surgery; Endocrinology & Diabetes; Clinical Hematology & Hemato-oncology; Oncology; Chest Medicine; Medical Gastroenterology; Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology & Counseling. Senior Consultants will be available on their designated days and patients can make prior appointments by calling in at the following contact numbers: 0161-2401566; 0161-2408303; 7508899099 [Mobile].

Dr Abraham Thomas, Director, CMCH, while inaugurating the CMC City Center, highlighted that this has been a major step to get our services across to the citizens of Ludhiana at their convenience. CMCH is well known for its team of internationally reputed and experienced consultants and their services will be made available at the CMC City Center. Dr Vijay Obed, Deputy Director, CMCH, will be the co-coordinator of the City Center along with Mr AG Isaiah, GeneralSuperintendent, CMCH.