A letter from Namita Bhandare

Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 12:43 PM
We have a long fight ahead. But we will win

Photo courtesy Facebook

Dear Rector,
Yesterday was a sad day as we woke up to the heartbreaking news of the death of the 23-year-old medical student who was subject to a brutal gang rape, beaten and then dumped on the road on the night of December 16. 
Today, we share the same feelings of sorrow, hopelessness, anger and frustration. Yet, I believe that while this is a time for grief, this is also a time for action. This is a time to say: enough. 
Our petition has gathered over 88,000 signatures. It is important to make every voice count and to send a strong message that we will not continue to tolerate sexual violence against women. 
Tomorrow, at 10 am, I am going to the office of Justice J.S. Verma who is the head of a three-person committee that will submit its findings and recommendations on issues of safety of women. I will be submitting our petition with all the signatures (yes, all 2,700+ pages!). 

It is important to keep this campaign going. I am writing to you once again to request you to sign this petition and forward this email to your friends and family.

The Justice Verma Commission is accepting submissions until January 5. We don't have a lot of time. If you would like to make additional suggestions, please leave a comment as 'reasons for signing this petition'. I will be collecting all the comments and submitting them to the committee.

We have a long fight ahead. But we will win. 

With warm regards,

Namita Bhandare via Change.org
A letter from Namita Bhandare 
PS:  Help us reach out to more people by forwarding this email to your friends or share it on Twitter and Facebook.

An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM
A bill must be passed in parliament at earliest
such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people

LUDHIANA, 21 December 2012:A comprehensive strategy has to be evolved through administrative, socio political and judicial measures to combat the inhuman menace of violence against women. This was the consensus arrived at after open debate on violence against women organized by the All India Working Women Forum (AITUC), Punjab Istri Sabha and Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha Ludhiana today at Shaheed Karnail Singh Isru Bhawan Ludhiana. Dr Narjit Kaur –Convener of the forum said that it was heartbreaking and sobering to read the morning papers and realise how low we have fallen as a society and as human beings. A group of drunk middle aged men raped a young physiotherapist and brutally assaulted her and her boyfriend. Even if the girl survives her physical injuries, the mental scars she bears may not be erased for a lifetime. What sort of wicked and depraved men they must be to so casually and easily rob the joy and health of a harmless young girl at the threshold of womanhood and life and reduce her and her family to utter despair?

Mrs.Gurcharan Kochar – President Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana cautioned that it brings us to the urgent question of what needs to be done to prevent more of our daughters being deprived of their happiness, esteem, health and often, their lives. To act strongly and firmly. The female foeticide, honour killings and discrimination against the girl child are a reflection of  gender bias prevailing in the society. This needs to be condemned  and corrected.

Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha said that such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people who feel that they will go scot free after committing the crime. The economic gaps which have increased in the last about two decades have further marginalized the already deprived section of the society who have become more vulnerable to violence.

The meeting proposed following measures to meet the situation.

1.      All concerned men and women holding any position of authority and whose voice can be heard  by many, should publicly express their outrage and concern.

2.      A bill must be passed in parliament at the earliest wherein the outcome of rape cases must be decided within 45 days by a fast track court. Strong punishment must be meted out to the rapist and he must be publicly humiliated.

3.      Police reforms must be undertaken immediately. Political intervention in the police must stop.  If any police station refuses to register a complaint of rape, there must be a strong and well -defined punishment for the concerned officer.

4.      Laws in relation to sexual harassment at workplace should be enacted in consultation with women orgnaisations.


There should be one page devoted in the daily newspapers to women’s safety. This page should exclusively list crimes against women. Detailed identities and addresses of culprits involved, photographs and daily progress on brutal cases (ie who has been apprehended as yet, what punishment has been given etc)

5.      All employers should make their own  workplaces  as safe as possible for women.

6.      There should be several options for safe travel for women including exclusive buses and taxis, train compartments and plenty of well-lit public toilets. These should have female staff manning them as well.

7.      All parents, when rearing  their children, should place a very strong emphasis on not letting them use violence. Gentleness must be inculcated from the start in boys especially.

8.      All schools should make self- defence, especially for girls , a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Others who spoke at the meeting include Maj. Sher Singh Aulukh – President BJVJ, M.S.Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJVJ, Jit Kumar – General Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana, D.P.Maur – General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana.  
 An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Daughter Delight

Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM//12/20/2012 10:55 AM CST

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Winstead hugs his daughter during a homecoming celebration on Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Winstead is assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 141, which completed a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.
(USA Dod) Daughter Delight

The colors during the Operation Linebacker II

The honor guard team presents the colors during the Operation Linebacker II remembrance ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 14, 2012. The ceremony commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Linebacker II campaign that led to the end of the Vietnam War. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wiseman, U.S. Air Force/Released) 12/14/2012

CMC Heart Surgery Team finds

Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Heart diseases equally affects people in rural areas

DR Bedi examining patienst at camp opd 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in India.  People across all regions, both urban and rural are equally prone to heart problems. Earlier this disease was majorly seen among people in urban areas due to their sedentary lifestyles, changed food habits, lack of physical exercise and increased level of stress. But today, even in the rural areas people tend to imitate the lifestyle and culture of urban cities and follow the same pattern. So, this causes people to suffer from various lifestyle diseases leading to heart diseases often. Recently the Cardiac Surgery Dept of the Christian Medical College &Hospital , Ludhiana organized  free health checkup camps  at Village Isru in Khanna and in Samrala.  Under this camp, 500  people from different age groups were examined , in which 215 were found to be having heart problems. Among those  24 were children below 15 years of age and 38 were adults below  40 plus years of age.

All patients were examined by super specialists , investigated , counseled and given free therapy . DrHarinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Suregry of CMC & H - stressed that it was a holistic approach to therapy as they laid a great stress on prevention. Trained dietitians and a full time Yoga Acahrya were part of the team which had 6 doctors, 14 nurses and 12 paramedical staff from CMC.

Dr. Bedi says, “The statistics shows a rise in the number of heart patients in rural areas, which is very alarming. It is a matter of concern as this is the highest rise we have observed in a rural area. Change in the lifestyle patterns of people in rural areas have been observed in the recent years, which ultimately leads to increase in various diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and heart problems. At the CMC &H  I see more of patients with heart diseases needing surgery from rural areas today. The numbers have consequently increased. In order to bring this under control, it is the need of the hour to take preventive measures and educate people by creating awareness.”

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H- said that the CMC was committed to a positive health of the people of this region and outreach camps were an integral part of the ethos of CMC.         --(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)  CMC Heart Surgery Team finds

*Dr.H S Bedi may be contacted at: 9814060480

CMC doctor gets award

 Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Received M. L. Gupta Prize in Medical Education

Ludhiana, 18th December, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):Dr. Dinesh Badyal, Professor & Head, Department of Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana  received M. L. Gupta Prize in Medical Education and Technology for recognition of substantial contribution to Medical Education and Technology with special reference to Physiology/ Pharmacology or Allied Sciences in India by Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPI) for the year 2012. Mr. Shahid Manzoor, Honorable Minister of State, Government of UP presented him the award and certificate in inaugural session of the Annual Conference of Physiologists & Pharmacologists of India (APPICON 2012) held in Subharti Medical College, Meerut on 18 December, 2012. He delivered his oration on “Medical education in India: Effectiveness and relevance of faulty development programs in India”

He told that medical teachers used to teach as they were taught by their seniors and there have not been formal training programs for medical teachers. Even in other arts science teachers get formal training for teaching skills. So, there is need to train doctors to be teachers, one of their basic responsibilities in medical colleges. Dr. Badyal has been very actively working the area of medical education for more than 12 years. He is program co-director of CMCL-FAIMER regional institute, Ludhiana. This is one the 6 regional institutes of FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement in Medical Education and Research), Philadelphia, is a non-profit organization of ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), USA. This centre provides fellowships in medical education. He is co-convener of Medical Council of India (MCI) Regional centre for Faculty Development, CMC, Ludhiana. MCI has created 15 regional institutes to train doctors working in medical colleges in teaching skill and technologies. Their centre has trained medical teachers form 20 affiliated medical colleges. These training programs for doctors in medical colleges have become very important as the new curriculum for MBBS needs the teachers to be trained in relevant areas. In CMC and other institutes they have trained a number of medical teachers. 

In his oration Dr. Badyal explained the evolution of training programs for medical teaches in India. He added that more and more doctors are being opting to get trained in faculty development as the awareness has increased and regulatory agency is making it criteria for teaching appointments. With accreditation becoming a norm, soon the trained faculty and faculty development program will be much sought after. The whole consortium of trained faculty and feedback from students and faculty is contributing to evolution of medical education in our country. 

Dr. Badyal also received Best Paper award last year in an International conference for his work in medical education. He also trained doctors in use of alternatives and simulations to replace animals in medical education. He is faculty in National and International programs in medical education.                                           CMC doctor gets award 
Dr.Dinesh Badyal may be contacted at: 9815333776

Chrismas Fire-2012 Ludhiana

Another colorful presentation by CMC artists

Ludhiana,16th December, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The CMC family celebrated Christmas with good cheer and religious fervor. The high point of all the Institutional Christmas Programs was the “CHRISTMAS CAMP-FIRE” held in CMC Children’s Park on the evening of Sunday the 16th of December 2012 witnessing a gathering of about 1400 people including staff and their families joined by friends and well wishers of CMCH.

The items included singing of Christmas Carols by choirs, and choreography by small children. The neighboring churches i.e. the Orthodox Chruch, Marthoma Chruch and CNI Chruch also participated in the programs. Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Darbara Singh of CNI Kalvari Chruch, Ludhiana.

The dignitaries present included Director, Dr.Abraham G Thomas, Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Medical Superintendent Dr.Kanwal Masih, General Superintendent Mr.Ashley Isaiah.

The Director in his address greeted the gathering and wished everyone A Merry Chrismas and a blessed new year. 
CMC Chrismas Fire-2012 Ludhiana

Govt.of India Wall Calendar for 2013 Released

Calendar a Vital Tool to Reach the “Aam Aadmi”- Manish Tewari

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari addressing at the release of the official calendar 2013, brought out by the DAVP, in New Delhi on December 14, 2012. (PIB Photo)

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari addressing at the release of the official calendar 2013, brought out by the DAVP, in New Delhi on December 14, 2012. (PIB Photo)

The Government of India’s Wall Calendar for 2013 was released today in the presence of Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari along with Minister for Telecommunications and IT, Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and PMO, Shri V. Narayanasamy. Justice Markandey Katju, Chairman PCI and Secretary (I&B), Shri Uday Kumar Varma were also present on the occasion.  The theme of the calendar is based on “Bharat Nirman and other flagship schemes of the Government”.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari said that the calendar as a tool of communication played an important role in disseminating information regarding the policies of the Government. This was despite the fact that media platforms were enhancing their reach through digital means of communication. The calendar ensured that the benefits of the flagship schemes reached the doorstep of the “Aam Aadmi” especially as the objective was to showcase images of rights, “Haq for the common man”.  This initiative of the Government was a step to make the people aware of policies that aimed to achieve inclusive growth in the governance process.  Shri Tewari further added that the people residing in rural areas always have the passion for wall calendars hence the calendar brought out by the Government can serve as an important source of information for them.

Earlier, Shri Kapil Sibal and Shri V. Narayanasamy highlighted the initiatives taken by the Government to promote the rights and entitlements of the common people through the various flagship schemes.

 Over the years DAVP had been successful in developing a composite broadbased social advertising brand the “Bharat Nirman” which caters to disseminating information of various flagship and other welfare programmes and the achievements of Government of India. The visual portrayal in the 2013 Calendar too is based on this composite branding.

The Calendar designed and printed by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting depicts the various flagship programmes of the Government of India. The theme of the calendar is: ‘Bharat Nirman- Sabka hit, Sabka Haq’.

This year’s calendar portrays in colourful images the regime of Rights (Haq) for the common man (aam aadmi) by encouraging the intended beneficiaries to claim the benefits under the Bharat Nirman and other flagship schemes of the Government of India.
January month displays the ‘AADHAR’ based Direct Cash Transfer Scheme being implemented in 51 districts from January 2013.The scheme ensures the intended beneficiaries to receive full benefit of the central government programmes.
February month shows the PM’s New 15-point Programme for welfare of Minorities. This programme provides various facilities to minorities to seek equitable share in economic activities, including education.
March month represents the ‘Sarva Shikha Abhiyan’, a prominent program which provides primary and upper primary education for children with new intervention as uniform, transport facility.
April month is dedicated to a unique scheme, Mid Day Meal Scheme nurturing crore of children with hot cooked meals in schools.11.85 lakh schools have been provided with kitchen devices.
May month exhibits one of the most popular scheme, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which has benefited more than five crore families in the year 2011-12.
Universal Immunization program is the key depiction of June month. About 2.5 crore children got the benefit of free vaccination. 
Literacy and education are the key to human resource development. July month is dedicated to ‘Saakshar Bharat Abhiyan’ launched in 372 districts. This mission will empower the seven crore illiterates is 1.6 lakh village panchayats to impart functional literacy.
Healthy mothers and children build the brighter present and future of the nation. The month of august presents ‘Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram’ benefiting one crore pregnant women with all free medical services.
September month page is dedicated to empowerment of schedule castes through Schedule Castes Empowerment Program which provides benefits to 48 lakh students, including new scholarship schemes.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is the theme of October month. Through this scheme over 46 thousand habitations have been connected through all- weather roads.
Power is the basis of development. November month throws light on Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. This scheme completed electrification of one lakh villages till October 2012.
The well renowned scheme Indira Awas Yojana covers the December page of the calendar. (PIB)    14-December-2012 18:08 IST
CP/ST

Chrismas Drop

12/12/2012 05:22 PM CST

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Timothy Oberman, left, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nick Alarcon, right, watch out the back of a C-130H aircraft after dropping the first pallet of humanitarian goods to the island of Ulal, Dec. 11, 2012. Oberman and Alarcon, loadmasters, are assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Operation Christmas Drop is a nonprofit organization powered by volunteers from Andersen Air Force Base and the local Guam community.

Christmas Celebration, 2012 by CMC

The whole gathering was then enlightened

Ludhiana, 10th December, 2012: Advent is the time to share love, joy and peace with others. College of Nursing, CMC, Ludhiana celebrated Christmas. The programme began with a welcome speech by Principal Prof.(Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh, after which all the dignitaries, guests, teachers and students joined the college choir to sing the congregational hymn.
The opening prayer and the Christmas message was given by Rev. Rogers. The whole gathering was then enlightened with the message from the Director Dr. Abraham G. Thomas. He remembered the old staff and their dedicated services towards the institution as many of the alumni graced the occasion. The soulful and pleasant carols by students mesmerized all and filled the whole air.

Continuing with the Christmas merriment College of Nursing students presented the Christmas play “This is Christmas” which showed God’s love for mankind by sending His only begotten Son for our salvation and this love has to be reflected in all of us.

And then came the most awaited moment i.e. “Arrival of Santa” who had a merry time with the gathering and distributed gifts among students. At the end all enjoyed the fellowship & relished the banquet together as a family in beautifully decorated and illuminated College of Nursing.

Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief

12/06/2012 03:00 PM CST

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today. President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo  Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department." Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011. "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said. Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009. Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command. "[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said. Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: U.S. Central Command DOD News Release

PM consoling Shri Naresh Gujral

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife Smt. Gursharan Kaur consoling Shri Naresh Gujral son of the former Prime Minister, late Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, in New Delhi on December 01, 2012.  (PIB)          01-December-2012