8th National Stroke Conference

Stroke is the second commonest cause of death

Inaugurated by Health and Family Welfare Minister of Punjab Madan Mohan Mittal

Formal inauguration by Shama Raushan by Health Minister M M Mittal      (Photo: Rector Kathuria)

Dr A.G. Thomas (Photo: Rector Kathuria)

Ludhiana, 1st March, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):The department of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana is organising the 8th National Stroke Conference of Indian Stroke Association from March 1st to 3rd in Hotel Park Plaza. The honourable Health and Family Welfare Minister of Government of Punjab Shri.Madan Mohan Mittal was the Chief Guest for the Inauguration of the conference. In his inaugural address the Health Minister stated that stroke is the second commonest cause of death and fourth leading cause of disability worldwide.In India 1.44 to 1.64 million cases of new acute strokes occur every year and 12% of strokes occur in the population aged below 40 years.  In India 40-50% of stroke patients are left with permanent disability. From the on-going Indian Council of Medical Research funded stroke survey conducted by CMC, in Ludhiana city the incidence rate i.e. number of new cases every year is 162 per 1,00,000 population. There is an enormous need to improve the stroke care in our country and in Punjab. ShriMadan Mohan Mittal also released the Stroke Solidarity String which is an Indigo colored string as a symbol of stroke support and awareness across the world.

Dr Abraham G Thomas, Director of CMC Ludhiana appreciated the efforts of the department of Neurology in bringing the conference to the city of Ludhiana. He also mentioned that Ludhiana city and Punjab has a very high number of stroke patients. CMC has a comprehensive stroke program to cater to the needs of the patients.
Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian the Organizing Secretary mentioned that today experts from India and overseas talked about how to diagnose and treat stroke patients as quick as possible in the ABC of stroke session. In the noon stroke experts discussed about acute stroke treatment with emphasis on thrombolysis.

Dr MR Sivakumar, President of Indian Stroke Association (ISA) mentioned about the various activities of ISA in improving the stroke care and awareness in the country. Dr Natan Bornstein (Vice-President, World Stroke Organisation), Dr Richard Lindley (President, Stroke Society of Australasia) and Dr Craig Anderson (President Elect, Asia Pacific Stroke Organisation) stated the importance of improving care of stroke patients in low and middle income countries like India. 

Dr Manoj K Sobti, member Punjab Medical Council and President, Indian Medical Association, Punjab explained the role of Punjab Medical Council in improving continuing medical education the State. Dr Yashpal Singh gave the vote of thanks. 
The conference will continue till Sunday March 3rd.

World Stroke Campaign

Annual convocation of CMC

The Gift of life 21 years later

Therapist uses art to help troops heal

SRI LANKA: Three years after his abduction,

Pattani Razeek's family still await answers

Still no justice for Sri Lankan activist's family

A report by AHRC

ucanews.com reporter, Colombo
Sri Lanka
2013-02-26 13:42:15 
Pattani Razeek went missing in 2010 near a mosque in Polonuwara. His family received several calls from his mobile phone, demanding money in exchange for his release. Then the calls stopped.

For his son Razeek Rizkkhan Mohamed, the ensuing years have been a tedious process of waiting and suffering.

It was quickly established that Pattani, a rights activist and civil organizer, was abducted and later murdered. Police in Valachchenai in Eastern Province discovered his body and exhumed it in July 2011. But the investigation has made little progress since.

"After years of waiting we still have not obtained justice for my father," Mohamad said.

He added that on February 11 this year – the anniversary of his father's disappearance – the court hearing a case against a suspect allegedly involved was adjourned.

"The key suspect has been released on bail. We have lost all hope of justice," he said.

The family, as well as former colleagues and fellow activists, have complained of long delays in the courts, police inaction in the investigation and the release of key suspects in the case, including Shahadbeen Nowshaad, who police had initially linked to Razeek through the ransom phone calls to the family.

Mala Liyanage, executive director of the Law and Society Trust, said legal and rights activists could no longer tolerate the mockery of justice committed by Sri Lankan authorities.

"We are going to raise the matter with the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission and with the special envoy of the state president for the already neglected justice for this human rights defender," Liyanage said.

Just before Razeek's body was discovered, a rights group, the Sri Lankan Civil Society Activists, issued a statement signed by activists, bishops, priests and other religious leaders, calling on the government to launch a full and transparent investigation into Razeek's disappearance.

At the time of his disappearance, Razeek was a much-loved and widely known rights advocate.  He had served as the managing trustee of the Community Trust Fund as well as an executive committee member of the rights group Forum-Asia.

"He worked tirelessly at the time of the last tsunami debacle (in 2004), assisting the victims," said Udaya Kalupathirana, a coordinator with the Human Rights Defenders Program.

"Even after three years of neglect, it is high time to carry out an impartial credible investigation and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime," he added.

Ruki Fernando, a rights activist and friend of the Razeek family, said that police have not even issued a death certificate for Razeek in the 18 months since his remains were discovered.

Even the eight-member commission of inquiry appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa following the end of the civil war concluded in its report that police had failed in their handling of the case.

Fernando added that other rights activists continue to live in fear of a similar fate.

"There has been no effort to address threats and intimidation against local community leaders trying to campaign for justice," he said.

Birth Anniversary

Tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Morarji Desai

The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena, the Chairman, BJP Parliamentary Party, Shri L.K. Advani and other dignitaries paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Morarji Desai, on his Birth Anniversary, in New Delhi on February 28, 2013.  (PIB)           28-February-2013

Face of Defense:

Marine Gains Perspective From Loss of Parents

By Marine Corps Cpl. Elizabeth Gleason Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 - Since Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Nicolai was a boy, he felt a calling to serve his country as a United States Marine. With perspective he gained from the loss of his parents, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Nicolai graduated with honors from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elizabeth Gleason  But before he could follow his dream, he knew his duty was to take care of his parents. In the years before he left for recruit training, he gained the life experience that would propel him through the hard times yet to come.In 2011, Nicolai lost his father, a retired Marine, to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Months before the loss of his father, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after what he thought to be a turning point in his mother's illness, Nicolai decided to enlist in the Marine Corps and follow in his father's footsteps. Nicolai joined the Delayed Entry Program, which allows recruits to enlist in the military and specify a future reporting date for entry. As his mother's condition worsened, Nicolai postponed his ship date until he was no longer able to. He shipped out to recruit training Nov. 26, and joined Platoon 2151, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion here. Three weeks after his arrival, drill instructors escorted Nicolai to the company office. "They told me that the Red Cross called, and my mom had died," he said. "Losing my dad was the only thing that helped prepare me a little bit for losing my mom." Nicolai's mother died the day before initial drill, an evaluation that tests recruits on their drill knowledge and skills, but he stayed and completed it before flying home to be with his family, said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Lopez, his senior drill instructor. Soon, Nicolai was on an airplane, headed back to the depot to finish his training. "Coming to recruit training the first time was hard, but it was harder coming back the second time," said Nicolai, a 22-year-old Medina, Ohio native. "When I got back, I was losing focus, and I was always frustrated. I didn't want to get up anymore. I wasn't the same." With the guidance of his drill instructors, Nicolai said, he realized that although he was struggling, he had to push through and continue. Through the hardship, he kept the position as guide that he had earned early on in recruit training. "I'm pretty sure he still thinks about it, but he doesn't let it get in his way of being guide," Lopez said. "He motivates the other recruits, because they saw him stay strong through what he was going through. He set the example for them." Through his loss, Nicolai said, he gained a new perspective on life that helped him finish recruit training. "I was sitting at medical and had a realization that I defined myself by what I gave up for my parents," he added. "Taking care of my parents is who I was -- it's what I did. When my mom died, that part of my life was over. "I didn't know what I was going to do," he continued. "I was at recruit training trying to become a Marine, but I hadn't made it what defined me. All of a sudden, I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, I want to lead and take care of Marines." Through it all, Nicolai's drive, knowledge, spirit and perseverance not only earned him the title Marine, but also led him to graduate as the company honor man, the recruit who demonstrated the highest level of leadership throughout recruit training. Nicolai's motivation and knowledge of the Marine Corps and life showed throughout training and set the example for all recruits, Lopez said. "I am who I am today because of my parents," Nicolai said. "If it wasn't for my parents who were loving, strict and iron-willed, I wouldn't be where I am now."

Related Sites: Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

“Central Excise Day Celebrations”

Shri Parthasarathi Shome presented certificates

The Adviser to the Union Finance Minister, Shri Parthasarathi Shome presented certificates at the “Central Excise Day Celebrations”, in New Delhi on February 25, 2013. The Revenue Secretary, Shri Sumit Bose is also seen. (PIB photo) 25-February-2013

Dr. Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad

Meets the bomb blast victims  at Yashoda Hospital

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meets the bomb blast victims at Yashoda Hospital, in Hyderabad on February 24, 2013. The Chief Minister of Hyderabad, Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy is also seen. (PIB photo)  24-February-2013