Monday, October 29, 2012

In Malaysia:

A Sikh temple stands as a place of fellowship
The gurdwara, the largest in Southeast Asia, offers a variety of services, as well as tranquillity and togetherness, to local Sikhs and people from other faiths.
By Grace Chen for Khabar Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur
October 29, 2012
A Sikh devotee offers prayer at Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan on Jalan Raja Alang in Kuala Lumpur. Activities are not as robust on weekdays but on Sundays especially, yoga and music classes makes the place hum with life. [Photos by Grace Chen/Khabar]
The Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan is the largest house of worship for Sikhs in Southeast Asia.
It is lunch time and Rajinder Kaur, 66, is eating a vegetarian meal of polao, bean curd and lentil gravy in the dining hall of Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan. Lunch is free and everyone, regardless of religion, race or social class, is welcome. About 200 people turn up each day. On festival days, the hall may host up to 1,000 diners.
But Rajinder is not here for free food.

After losing her husband to a heart attack nine years ago, she has come to the largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia to seek peace. Rajinder's late husband used to volunteer in the kitchen.

"In an age where everyone is thinking of making money, this is the only place where I can feel calm and unhurried," says Rajinder.

Jeswant Singh Sran, security chief of the gurdwara car park, has held his post for ten years. He sponsors tea for morning prayers between 5 and 7am, makes sure the area is free of drug addicts, and greets visitors with puns.

"I am the 'only Singh in the world', hence my name, Jeswant. And what does a guy who likes to cool himself in a deep pool of water call himself? Kuldeep," quips the retired police officer.

Jeswant points out three other gurdwaras located within a five-kilometre radius, including one at the police academy in Jalan Semarak, and another at the Jalan Bandar police station.

"Many first-generation Sikhs were recruited in the armed forces. The presence of these gurdwaras kept them steadfast to their duty," says Jeswant, who joined the forces in his youth.

Standing like a sentinel on the border of the Chow Kit market Kampung Baru, the gurdwara is a beacon to the Sikh community, both local and foreign. Foreign workers employed in area businesses comprise 30% of the congregation. They come to volunteer and find comfort in their brethren's company.

The roots of the gurdwara can be traced back to 1819, to its original site where the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital now stands.

According to Sujit Singh Gill, 80, treasurer of the gurdwara for nine years, the British government officially allocated the lot for the Sikh community in Jalan Raja Alang in 1922.

Originally serving the Sikh community from the Setapak and Sentul area during the 1920s, the congregation grew to include businessmen who worked in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the 1960s.

The Malaya Samachar newspaper, printed entirely in Punjabi thrice weekly, with a run of 500 copies per issue, is housed in the complex.

Fifteen rooms are available to house the needy or budget travellers on a temporary basis, but the gurdwara committee is careful whom they accommodate for safety purposes.

The construction of the temple's two buildings, standing on 1.5 acres of land in the middle of a prime commercial area, was fully funded by gurdwara members.

"It is the members who have ensured the survival of the gurdwara thus far," said Sujit, who added that they have 600 lifetime members who contribute RM 100 ($33) to the gurdwara fund annually.

Still, Sujit, the treasurer, feels the gurdwara has seen better days.

A religious school had some 500 students and 20 teachers in the 1970s but had to close due to lack of students. Snarling city traffic, changing five-minute journeys to two-hour crawls, has made it impossible for students to reach school on time.

Gurdip Singh, Sujit's assistant, said it's all about the changing times. But while things may be quiet on weekdays, the complex bustles on weekends. On Sundays, children come for religious classes, yoga and music lessons.

"People still come here to pray in the mornings and evenings. We still have our festivals. Our monthly schedules have few free days and we still cater to community needs like marriage ceremonies and requiem. That is a good sign," Gurdip said. 
In Malaysia:


World Stroke Day 2012:

Stroke Walk and Road Show by CMC Stroke Unit 
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM

Ludhiana, 29th October, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector kathuria) CMC Stroke Unit has been carrying out several public awareness activities in the city for the past 6 days. This is to commemorate the Stroke Week and World Stroke Day. The World Stroke Day is celebrated throughout the world on 29th October every year. Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Chair of the World Stroke Campaign of World Stroke Organization said that this year’s theme is “1 in 6” people will experience a stroke in their life time. 

The medical students, physiotherapy interns and students, doctors of CMC, Staff and Students of All Saints College of Physiotherapy had gathered near Hotel Park Plaza today for the “Stroke Walk”. The number of people who participated in the walk was 120. During the walk they displayed placards, educational leaflets to the public. They concluded the walk near canal road. Another team of doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and students in a separate vehicle did the road show. They passed through Sarabha Nagar, civil lines, model town and various Malls in the city. In the road show emphasis was placed on recognition of stroke symptoms and accessing to immediate treatment of stroke within 4 ½ hours. Dr Santosh Mathangi, Consultant, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation department who organized the stroke walk and road show stated that after the medical treatment patients should receive rehabilitation in the form of Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy. 

Yesterday the team went to West End Mall and screened about 100 people for the risk factors of stroke. They also distributed stroke awareness pamphlets to the public.

The other key personnel involved in organizing the Stroke walk and Road show were Ms Lizzy Julia, Ms Rajni Arora,  College of Physiotherapy, Mr Navneet Singh, Mr Devan, Ms Deepika Sharma, Mr Dheeraj KV, Vice Principal, College of Physiotherapy, research staff of department of Neurology (Mr Amber Sharma, Dr Shweta Jain, Mrs Gagandeep Mehmi, Dr Deepti Arora, Mr Himanshu Koundal, Ms Raminder Kaur, Mrs Paramdeep Kaur) and students and interns of College of Physiotherapy CMC and All Saints College of Physiotherapy.

The stroke team at CMC is available 24/7 to rapidly evaluate stroke patients who come within the golden time of 4 ½ hours after the onset of symptoms. The stroke warning symptoms are sudden weakness, numbness in one side of the body, sudden trouble speaking or understanding, sudden loss of vision in one eye, sudden imbalance, sudden headache and loss of consciousness. If any of you experience the above symptoms please call the stroke hotline numbers 7508100222, 7508100111.


World Stroke Day 2012: 

Monday, October 22, 2012

And now artificial Ribs created at CMC

Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Reconstruction: the chest of brave-heart boy 
A beaming Master Shubham after surgery  with Dr HS Bedi and the cardiac team. Shubham is holding a sample of the steel rib placed in his chest
Mr Dev Sharan and Mr Amresh Singh of Jamalpur were in  a very difficult situation. The son of Mr Dev (and nephew of Mr Amresh) – a 13 year old bright young boy – Master Shubham Singh – was suffering from a cancer of the chest wall . The cancer – called Ewing’s sarcoma – was eating into his ribs and had a risk of spreading all over his body. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery - at the prestigious Christian Medical College and Hospital , Ludhiana.   Dr Bedi  has trained at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney where he has seen cases of cancer in children deteriorating rapidly if timely surgery is not done . 

Under the expert supervision of  the Medical Oncolgy Head – Dr Kunal Jain – chemotherapy was first given and then a marathon surgery planned  . According to Dr Bedi – the surgery would require a total removal of all affected parts which would lead to a large defect in the chest wall . The ribs are the major supports of the chest wall and protect the lungs from damage .  A plan was made to design artificial ribs tailored to Shubham’s anatomy. A detailed design was made and with the help of Mr Rajinder Singh of the maintenance department of CMC & H - ribs of special medical grade stainless steel were made . Dr Bedi explained that the steel is the same one as used in orthopedic implants and is fully compatible with the human body . At surgery after removal of all affected ribs – the steel ribs were fixed in position . This design worked superbly - the ribs  gave a good support to the lungs and Shubham has made a remarkable recovery with full function of his lungs . Dr Bedi said that Shubham took inspiration from the cricketer Mr Yuvraj Singh .  Shubham is a bright young man , is good in his studies and he wants to study and become a doctor .

The other members of the cardiac team involved in this marathon surgery were  Dr A Joseph , Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Anish , Dr Anuj, Dr Elizabeth, Dr Gurleen and Dr Ashwin.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H  – emphasised that complex surgeries are being done successfully even on small children at CMC. This is possible because of the excellent infrastructure and faculty of CMC . He said that CMC is committed to bring International level cardiac care to the doorsteps of the people of this region.--Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria


Thursday, October 18, 2012

IDPD appealed

Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Australia should not supply Uranium to India
Courtesy Photo
Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) while welcoming the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on visit to India has appealed that Australia should not supply Uranium to our country for any purpose. Dr.L.S.Chawla – National President, Dr.Arun Mitra – General Secretary and Dr.Bharti Uppal – Finance Secretary said that there are many fields where both countries can strengthen trade relations to the benefit of both countries. Australia is the second biggest producer of Uranium in the world. But it is to the credit of Australia not to have any nuclear power plant. Nuclear energy is inherently dangerous and nuclear power plants are neither safe nor economical. Moreover they can be a potential for the production of  nuclear weapons any time in future. That Australia would supervise India over the use of Uranium supplied by it does not sound realistic. India has ample number of renewable resources for energy. It will be pertinent that the two countries work together in the field of renewable resources.
IDPD appealed 
For more detail contact Dr Arun Mitra,General Secretary IDPD on Mobile No. 94170 00360

Friday, October 12, 2012

“Depression: A Global Crisis”

Management and prevention discussed at CMC
Ludhiana, 12th October, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) M. Sc. (N) 2nd year students of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, College of Nursing, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, celebrated World Mental Health Day by putting up poster exhibition in the Medical OPD on the theme  “Depression: A Global Crisis”. The programme started with prayer by Rev. Roger, Fellowship Department. Mrs. Reena Jairus, Associate Professor introduced & welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Kim Mammen, Associate Director, CMC & Hospital Ludhiana. He addressed the gathering and made them aware of depression. Dr. Kim Mammen, Dr. Kanwal Masih, Medical Supdt., Dr. Sandeep Goyal, HOD psychiatry department were honoured and welcomed with flowers.

Prof. (Mrs.) Triza Jiwan, HOD, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, unfolded the theme “Depression: A Global Crisis”. In her speech she explained about what is depression, its causes, management and prevention. Dr. Sandeep Goyal delivered a speech regarding depression, its early treatment and management. The occasion was graced by the benign presence of Prof. (Mrs.) Seema Barnabas(Vice Principal), Mr. Amrian Gill (Deputy nursing Superintendent), faculty, supervisors, ward incharges, staff and students. Pamphlets were released and poster exhibition was inaugurated by the Dr. Kanwal Masih (Medical Superintendent). B.sc Nursing 3rd year students enacted a role play which was very educative. A good gathering attended this programme and gained knowledge about depression. Approximately 160 patients with their relatives viewed the posters. Queries were cleared by the M.Sc. Nursing 2nd year students. A good response was observed. Public also urged to put up such type of exhibitions frequently on different disorders.

“Various Grooming Workshops”


Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM
“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time”
Jagminder Singh

SikhiSidak have decided to organize “Various Grooming Workshops” which ignition a spark in our youth who are unemployed due to various reasons. These classes will cover areas like communication skills, presentation skills, personality development, interview techniques etc. exciting session such as “Interview Skill Sharing Session” for college/engineering graduates/undergraduates by industry experts S. Parvinder Singh (Senior Consultant) & Sdn. Samneet Kaur(Manager) in MNC on 21st October 2012. The session will take place at Singh Study Circle, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi (near Tagore Garden metro station) from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. with support from other organization wiz. Gyan Sewa Trust, Bibek Trust, Better Sikh School and Young Sikh Leaders
“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time” is very much believed by every volunteer. Keeping this in mind SikhiSidak started Spark in year 2011. The motive is only to make the youth successful on professional grounds.
This session is for open for all. One can register FREE on www.sikhisidak.com.
SikhiSidak, a Sikhism based organization, which started the journey in the year 2005 from cob-webbed city, Delhi. It is headquartered in New Delhi with more than 250 volunteers covering every bit of Delhi, NCR and even few parts of Punjab and Haryana.
Contact at Mobile Number:+91-9212408777

Sunday, October 7, 2012

CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”

Obstetrics and Gynaecology were discussed
Ludhiana, 7th October, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, conducted CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”  on the Seventh October 2012, in the Guy Constable Auditorium, CMCH, Ludhiana.  This meeting of Obstetrics and Gynecological Society of Northern India was held under the able guidance of Prof and Head Dr. Kumkum Avasthi with encouragement and support from Director of the institution Dr. Abraham G Thomas.  The conference was duly accredited 4 CME hours by Punjab Medical Council.

A wide array of issues in Obstetrics and Gynaecology were discussed.  The CME attended by nearly 100 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 and congratulated the department for organizing the conference. Dr. Lakhbir Dhaliwal, President of NOGSI complimented CMC for organizing the meeting and emphasized upon role of FOGSI in women’s health.  The occasion was also graced by Dr. Subhash Batta, Civil Surgeon who was the guest of honor and Dr. Arun Mitra, member of Punjab Medical Council.

The conference covered debatable issues in obstetrics ranging from induction of labour, abnormalities in fetal heart pattern, risks and complications of induction and pain relief in labour.  Burning issues in gynecology providing insight in to menopause and various issues in “Life after Fifty” 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.


CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”

Friday, October 5, 2012

Com GurudasDas Gupta Calls upon the workers

Lead the fight against anti people & pro-corporate policies of the govts:AITUC Meet
Fri, Oct 5, 2012 at 3:25 PM
The UPA-II Govt. is increasingly working in the interest of big corporate business houses of India and the international cartels undermining the national interest. Latest decisions of the Govt. are enough indicators of the rightist shift in the policies detrimental to Indian growth and progress based on justice and equality. These are against the basic spirit of the Indian constitution which speaks of justice and equality as its mainstay.  The Govt. is more inclined to respond to the demands of the international finance capital and the MNCs while hitting the common man hard, even denying them basic amenities like food, shelter, health and education.  Therefore there is an urgent need for the working people to unite in strength to lead the struggle against these policies so as to meet the goal of sustainable development in the interest of all the people of the country. This was stated by Com. Gurudas Dass Gupta, Member Parliament and General Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) while addressing a largely attended convention of the workers organized by the AITUC at Punjabi Bhawan here at Ludhiana today. on that score, the job insecurity and the job losses on the one hand and increased trends of contractorization and outsourcing,  contractualisation and casualisation of labour is norm of the day. There is attack on unionization itself and pressure on existing unions to suppress and intimidate them to contain their activities. Bringing in FDI  in retail trade will be big blow to more than 4 crore small traders, shopkeepers, marginal and poor farmers, other small producers of goods in home based and small scale industries etc. The government has been responsible for unprecedented rise in corruption at higher places with loss to national revenue and denial of rightful share of common people in the wealth being produced in the country. He further deplored that accumulation of wealth in the hands of few, whereas the vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. The latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees whereas 70% Indians are forced to live on meager spending of Rs.16.60 paise per day. With the policies being pursued will further hasten these gaps.  
He said, the govt. continues to act in ruthless manner against the common people and the response to people’s agitations by the Prime minister and some of his ministers are arrogant to the core.  
In this background he said, the trade unions have come out with their strategies to fight the attacks of government on working people. National convention of workers organized by 11 central trade unions and other independent federations and associations representing several sectors of economy held on 4th September at New Delhi noted with grave concern on the government’s non-responsive attitude to the plight of the working people and their agitations. They have decided to intensify their joint agitations on the charter of demands which includes seeking check on price rise of essential commodities, end to labour law violations, for social security and pension to all workers, abolition of any ceiling on Provident Fund, gratuity and bonus, abolition of contract labour, steady regularization of them and equal pay for equal work, no disinvestment of public sector/ govt. sector enterprises and resources, national minimum wage to be raised to not less that Rs. 10,000, universal entitlement of maternity benefit to working women etc. 
It is decided in the convention that 18th – 19th December 2012 would be observed as All India Law Violation Day and on 20th December there would be march to Parliament which will be carried forward later on through intensive campaign for organizing  two days national general strike on 20-21 February 2013. 
Addressing the gathering Com Nirmal Dhaliwal, President and Com Bant Singh Brar, General Secretary of Punjab unit of AITUC said that the state govt. of Punjab is not following a different course as regards the economic policies in general are concerned. Rather it has been taking anti labour and anti farmer measures. They informed that several more conventions will be held in the state on these issues, where Com Gurudas Dass Gupta MP, General Secretary AITUC will address. 

Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Vice President Punjab Kisan Sabha criticized the present Akali BJP State government as it tolerates and permits communal activities of several groups reminding the dark days of terrorism which people of Punjab would never want to be revived in this land of peace and harmony amongst common masses. The people of the state while fighting against retrograde, anti people economic policies of the central and state govt. would have also to be continuously vigilant and brave fighters against divisive forces.

Today’s convention was attended by representatives of various organisations of workers and employees from Construction, Hosiery, Roadways, PRTC, Banks, Power sector, FCI Palledar, University, PSSF, Govt. Class 4 employees, Corporation, BSNL, ASHA workers  and unorganized sector. 

Com O P Mehta General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana and Com D P Maur, General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana assured that they will participate in large number in the march to parliament at Delhi on 20th December and the general strike on 20-21 February 2013.

Comrade O P Mehta                                                       Comrade D P MAUR 
Gen. Secy: AITUC Ludhiana                 Gen. Secy:
Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana