Stand for the national Anthem

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and newly commissioned Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants stand for the national anthem at the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School commissioning ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., Aug. 10, 2012.

Road repair

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Shafa, foreground, speaks with an Afghan man through an interpreter about a recent road repair project in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, Aug. 2, 2012. Shafa commands Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa, a unit that coordinates development projects across the province.

Another achievement for CMC Stroke Unit

Awarded Indo-USA Brain Collaborative grant 

Ludhiana, 8th August, 2012. (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)The Stroke Unit of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana has received a 1.18crores grant from the department of Biotechnology, India and National Institute of Health, USA. Dr. Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology is the receipient of this award. This grant money is to develop a National Stroke Registry between India and USA. Dr. Pandian is the Principal Investigator from India and Dr. Aneesh Singhal, Stroke program, Massachusetts General hospital, Boston (Harvard University) is the Principal Investigator from USA in this grant. Dr. Pandian said that this research grant will help India and USA to develop a common stroke database and do cross cultural studies. New information regarding various risk factors for stroke, clinical services for stroke and reasons for delay in treatment are some of the important parameters that will be studied in this research. The information on stroke will be collected from 4 other centers in the country besides CMC Ludhiana. They are PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS New Delhi, NIMS Hyderabad and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
Dr. Pandian stated that this research proposal was selected out of 72 grant applications. Dr. Yashpal Singh, Professor of Neurology said that this Indo-USA collaborative registry will collect data for the next 2 years and many sub-studies will be carried out once the stroke registry is established. Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director, CMC lauded the efforts of the Neurology department in getting the grant.    

Shooting at Gurudwara at Oak Tree, WI Inbox

We are shocked and horrified at the brutal killing
                                                           --Indian American Intellectuals Forum
Tel: (718) 478-5735/   (718) 271-0453   – Email: Katarian@aol.com
http://intellectualsforum.blogspot.com/                                    August 6, 2012
Sub:  Shooting at Gurudwara at Oak Tree, WI
We are shocked and horrified at the brutal killing of our 7 Sikh brothers by a gunman at the Gurudwara (Temple) at Oak Tree, WI.
Since 9/11 several Sikhs have been mistaken for Arabs, Afghans and Iranians; attacked and killed.  We are very upset and express our anguish at the death of our innocent brothers.  Our hearts go to the family members of those who have been killed.  We pray to God to give them inner strength to bear this blow with courage,  patience and fortitude.
It is also incumbent on Hindus and Sikhs to educate our non-Indian American fellows with regard to Sikh Dharma.  Sikhs are peaceful and law abiding people, and are known for their bravery, loyalty and patriotism all over the world.  We have to make it very clear to our American brothers that Sikhism has nothing to do with Islam or terrorism.
At the same time, we urge the Law Enforcement agencies to bring to book the culprits as soon as possible.
Narain Kataria
Vice President
Arish Sahani  

An appeal to good samaritans if Punjab

A golden chance to be the part of life savers

A Courtesy photo:     Cooperating To Meet the Health Needs of Returning Afghan Refugees 

Ludhiana, 6th August, 2012:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) B/O Hardeep Kaur, a 13 days old term male neonate (Unit No: C7391173) was admitted at 2 hours of life on 28/7/2012 in a very serious condition with a diagnosis of server birth asphyxia, Meconium Aspiration Pneumonia and Septicemia.
He received critical care treatment was ventilated for 6 days and now is improving. His father is a daily wages laborer, earning Rupees 4000 per month. However the parents are unable to pay the entire bill and require financial assistance.
Any donations to help B/O Hardeep Kaur are welcome. Cheques in the name of “Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana” can be deposited in the medical superintendent office with the name – for B/O Hardeep Kaur, Hospital Unit No: C7391173 - written at the back of the cheque.
For further details Please Contact Dr.Gurmeet: 9216020400

"False Point Lighthouse" booklet released

The Union Minister for Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan releasing a booklet "False Point Lighthouse" after inaugurating the National AIS network of Directorate General, Light Houses and Lightships, in Chennai on August 03, 2012.   (PIB photo)                                  03-August-2012

Achievemets: CMC city center compelets one year

A large number of patients benefited 

Ludhiana, 3st August, 2012:The CMC CITY CENTER was inaugurated on 01 st August last year at Sirish Hospital, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana and had commenced functioning the very next day. During this one year, the CMC City Center through its Consultant Doctors has been able to provide its services to a large number of patients and citizens of Ludhiana.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Obed, Dy Director, explained that CMC City Center was started in response to the many requests from the citizens of Ludhiana from this part of the city, who found it difficult to approach CMC Hospital. The number of patients attending the OPD at the City Center has been steadily increasing. Patients find it very convenient to seek consultation from CMC Consultant Doctors at the City Center.
Dr Abraham Thomas, Director, CMCH, mentioned that CMC City Center, is a major step to get our services across the city to the citizens of Ludhiana for their convenience.  He was glad that the CMC City Center was able to look after the health care needs of the citizens of Ludhiana.
Dr Sirish Chandra was pleased that CMC City Center has completed one year of service and opined that citizens of Ludhiana should take advantage of these services provided by the City Center. He mentioned that patients attending CMC City Center have been very satisfied with the CMC Consultant Doctors and the other services provided by the Center.
Dr Vijay Obed mentioned that Consultant Doctors of CMC Hospital  of all the specialties were available for consultation in the CMC City Center both in the morning and evening; and include – Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Eye, ENT, Orthopedics, Urology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Skin, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Medical Oncology, Obs/Gyn, Endocrinology and Diabetes, and others.
In addition to the Consultations, various services available at City Center include: Digital X-ray, Digital ECG, modern hematology and biochemistry laboratory, and pharmacy. All these areas are manned by trained and experienced personnel of CMC Hospital. This helps to carry out all the investigations at the City Center, very promptly and efficiently. A complete Physiotherapy Services Unit is also functioning at the City Center. CMC Nursing staff is available all the time to provide care and comfort to the patients; and look after their needs.
In order to serve the community better, a free medical and dental health check-upm camp P was organized at the City Center, which was a great success. A large number of patients benefited from Free Consultations from Doctors of CMC Hospital.   Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria 

Raakhi.....A bond for security

Children tying ‘Rakhi’ to the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, on the occasion of ‘Raksha Bandhan’, in New Delhi on August 02, 2012.   (PIB photo) ..... 02-August-2012

Meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel

U.S. Defense Leon E. Panetta, right center, meets with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left center, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Aug. 1, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Jordan..

A letter from Michelle Obama

 I'm asking you

Rector --

I'm always amazed by how Barack balances his responsibilities as president, a husband, and a dad.

But sometimes even he needs a little help. And this campaign is going to take all of us pitching in.

All of the things we've poured our hearts into -- from passing health care reform to fighting for an economy that works for everyone -- are on the line.

I know I don't want to wake up on November 7th wondering if I could have done more. So I'm doing everything I can between now and Election Day to make sure we can keep moving this country forward for four more years.

We've only got a few more hours before an important fundraising deadline. Please support this campaign by giving $3 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Deadline-Midnight

From all of us, thanks.

CMC surgeon does the region proud

Dr. Navneet Kumar Chaudhry has been elected as President 

Dr. Navneet Kumar Chaudhry, Professor & Head of Surgery at Christian Medical College Hospital Ludhiana has been elected as the President of Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI), North Zone for the term 2012 -2014. Professor Chaudhry was elected to this position during recently held 7th International Congress of Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India, at Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, from July 19-22, 2012. With more than 4500 members, AMASI is the largest section of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI).
The international congress was attended by more than 2500 delegates from all over India and surgeons from Australia, UK, Korea, Germany and US. During the congress, Dr. Chaudhry delivered a guest lecture and chaired 3 sessions on live advanced laparoscopic surgery.
According to Prof. Chaudhry, the main aim of the AMASI is to bring safe and affordable minimal access surgery to the masses, with a special focus on training young surgeons in this highly technical and patient friendly surgical technique.. Dr. Chaudhry is the first surgeon from the state of Punjab to be elected as President of AMASI north zone.
CMC Hospital, Ludhiana pioneered minimally access surgery in early nineties and has played a key role in making this technique popular in North India. ----Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

NSA Looks to Industry for Secure Mobile Capabilities

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2012 - The head of the National Security Agency's information assurance directorate today discussed the agency's goals in providing government with secure mobile devices.

Speaking to the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association here, Debora Plunkett, director of NSA's Information Assurance, laid out the strategy behind "putting mobile devices in the hands of government users."

"First and foremost, our whole strategy from a classified mobility perspective is very much focused on commercial solutions for classified [communications]," Plunkett said. "It's our intent that we would deliver, end-to-end, a solution that is reliant on all commercial components and we believe we can do that."

The agency is testing concepts, Plunkett said, adding that she often is asked why go "end-to-end commercial?"

"We very strongly believe that, in the absence of our ability to be able to leverage the capacity of industry to deliver security and components that we need, we will not be able to meet the demand signals from our customers," she said. "So it's our intent to do just that."

Plunkett said the "good news" is that the NSA has had "phenomenal partnership and cooperation across industry" in understanding the intricacies of certain capabilities, developing architecture and partnering in testing concepts.

"Partnerships are critically important so [that] we establish that mobile enterprise capability," she added.

Noting the popularity of smart phones and tablets, Plunkett said users are able to use those devices in the comfort of their homes, but then "come to their work spaces and it's like ... they can't do a whole lot. And we want to be able to change that."

A "cultural change" is needed to meet government users' needs, she said.

In the past, Plunkett said, by the time a device was produced and delivered, it was made obsolete by commercial devices.

"[This] became the poster child, instead, for what we don't want to do," she said. "And that is have a very, very long cycle of development, five years to deliver -- millions and millions of dollars to deliver -- and by the time it comes to market it's been overtaken by technology."

Plunkett noted the cultural change was the ability to operate in a space where "cell phones today are obsolete in ... 12 to 18 months."

"We've got to be able to operate in that same cycle as we're looking at putting smart devices in the hands of government users," she said. "We've got to be able to move quickly enough such that we can also be able to evaluate those new devices and put them in the hands of users in enough time while those devices are not obsolete."

Plunkett said this seamless transition will rely on a "cloud" concept, particularly, in the case of customers in hostile environments who can't afford to waste time after a device is lost.

Instead, she suggested, providing users with a device with the appropriate safeguards in place and nothing stored on it. Using the cloud concept, if a device is lost, it could simply be disconnected from the infrastructure, she said.

Plunkett noted changes to "external dependencies" critical to the ability for the NSA to be successful, such as the degradation of the 2G network, which "really kick-started our mobility efforts."

So far, she said, the agency has established a mobility innovation center, delivered a top-secret data and voice pilot, delivered an NSA campus laptop pilot, and developed tablet architecture.

"Looking ahead ... we've got to make sure we're constantly looking at the user experience [and] responding to the needs of the user," she said. "We continue ... to prototype and pilot different services."

Looking forward to a "new way of thinking," Plunkett said she often has to carry up to four mobile devices when she travels outside of Maryland due to current technology capabilities.

"I very, very much look forward to, as do all of us around government, being able to reduce that number to a lot less than that," she said. "And with your help and partnership, I am confident we can get there."

Related Sites: National Security Agency Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association

Carter addresses

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter addresses officers and crew members of the USS Blue Ridge in Yokosuka, Japan, July 21, 2012. Japan is Carter's third stop during a 10-day Asia Pacific trip to meet with partners in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea.

Saluting Sailors

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter departs the USS Blue Ridge after meeting with leaders and conducting an all-hands call in Yokosuka, Japan, July 21, 2012. Japan is Carter's third stop during a 10-day Asia Pacific trip to meet with partners in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea.

A new success by Dr. H S Bedi at CMC Ludhiana

Rare major open heart surgery saves  a new life
Ludhiana, 16th July, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)

Mr Vikas Masih – a   35 year old teacher – was in a very serious condition. He had developed a large blood clot in his lungs – a condition called massive pulmonary embolism – due to which he was not able to breathe. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi realized that Mr Vikas was in imminent danger of death as his oxygen levels were dangerously low. This was damaging his brain and kidneys.
He had already been put on maximal medical therapy including the latest blood thinners at another hospital – but they did not work. The only option to save his life now was a major and rare open heart surgery called pulmonary thrombo-endarterectomy. Dr Bedi said that the surgery is done on a heart lung machine but additionally for a short period of time the circulation even through the heart lung machine has to be stopped. This is called circulatory arrest and is like totally stopping the heart and the lungs - both the natural and artificial ones.
Dr Bedi explained that this is because otherwise the blockage in the lungs cannot be seen clearly. During the tense 10 minutes while the patient was ‘clinically dead’ - on no circulation at all – his lungs were totally cleared of all the deadly clot. Dr Bedi is a pioneer in this field and in fact has trained in this rare surgery at the St Vincents Hospital in Sydney. However this was a very challenging case as Vikas is very young and this extent of disease was unexpected.
The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Sheetal Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Reenus ,  Dr Dinesh, Dr Pratap, Dr William, Dr Pearl,  Dr Savan, Dr Meenu, DR Nina and Dr Ashwin  . The heart lung machine was manned by Mr Jairus and Mr William – who are the senior most perfusionists of Punjab – along with Mr Mathew.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to Punjab so that the people of this area were given the best possible therapy.  

Dempsey Welcomes USA Basketball Teams

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 15, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday welcomed the men and women representing USA Basketball as they held an open practice here for service members, their families and fans from the metropolitan area. Two teenagers from military families watch the U.S. Women's National Basketball team hold a basketball clinic as part of the "Hoops for Troops" outreach program at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., July 14, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. Speaking to the audience at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey welcomed both teams and introduced their head coaches as the players treated fans to activities during the 'Hoops for Troops' program and continued training camp in preparation for the London Olympics. The "Hoops for Troops" program, launched in 2006, provides support for the U.S. military and their families through programs, events, and partnerships, according to the USA Basketball website. "We're happy to have USA Basketball here, both [the] women's and men's teams," Dempsey said. "We're awful proud of you, [and] we've got great expectations. I know you know that." Dempsey introduced the coach of the Men's National Team "on behalf of the 2.4 million men and women serving and their families," and described the former Army officer as a "great friend" and "one of the finest leaders of our time in any profession." "It's an honor for me to be here," said Coach Mike Krzyzewski, noting his family had accompanied him. "We belong to the Army. It's a tremendous honor for me to coach our nation's team." Krzyzewski noted he'd graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1969. "I was an Army captain when I got out of the military to become a coach," he said. Krzyzewski expressed his gratitude in being able to give back to the nation and said it's an honor to entertain troops and their families. "The thing that we, as a group -- USA Basketball, is [most] proud of is that at some point we can give back something to our country ... during this Olympic period," the coach said. "We want to thank all of you for a lifetime of service to our country." "And it's our goal, today, to honor you and to thank you for that great service," Krzyzewski added. Dempsey also introduced Coach Geno Auriemma, who manages the USA Basketball women's national team.
Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Related Sites: USA Basketball
	Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey,, center, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his wife, Deanie Dempsey, left, and Navy Adm. James "Sandy" A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sit courtside and watch the U.S. Men's National basketball team during an open practice for troops and their families at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., July 14, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

Enter in the Diversity Video Competition

Accepting Entries For The 2012 Diversity Video Competition

Are you interested in filmmaking?

Are you tired of being looked at suspiciously because you are Sikh?

 Enter in the Sikh Coalition’s Diversity Video Competition to make a difference, and have your voice heard.
The Sikh Coalition invites you to create a video for this year’s Diversity Video Competition! The first place winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize and have his/her film premiered at the Sikh Arts and Film Festival in New York City in November! The deadline for entry is September 30, 2012.
Once entries are submitted, the public will be given an opportunity to view the top films, and vote for their favorites. Then, a panel of expert judges will select the 1st and 2nd place winners.

Competition Topic

My Crown - My Faith
How does it feel to be a Sikh? Why don’t you try! Walk a mile in our shoes!
Film-makers are encouraged to create a 5 minute video (or less) which depicts a non-Sikh adorning/wearing a Sikh turban for a day, and presenting himself/herself as a Sikh. The turban is a Sikh article of faith, and should always be treated with respect. The film should capture the reactions of passersby, friends, and family members. Pre and post interviews with main characters are encouraged.
The application, rules, and submission instructions are available by clicking here.

Eligibility

• Contestants of all ages may submit to the competition.
• Prior film experience is not necessary.
• All entries will be considered without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability

Awards

• First Place: $1,500 cash prize and your film will be premiered at the Sikh Art and Film Festival.
• Second Place: $750

Submission Deadline

All entries must be submitted online no later than September 30, 2012. To download an instruction and application form, please click here. All information, details, and contact information for inquires may be found at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/our-programs/education/diversity-video-competition.  

CMC organized another event for patien

A Free Medical & Dental Health Check-up Camp
Ludhiana, 8th July, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 

A  Comprehensive Free Medical Health Check-up Camp was organized at Sirish Hospital/CMC City Center,(B-XX 1140, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi), Ludhiana on Sunday, 08th July.  

Specialist Doctors from Christian Medical College and Hospital examined medical and surgical patients; for Skin, Pediatrics (Child Specialist), Ob/Gyn (Problems of ladies), Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist), Dentist (Problems of Teeth), Ear, Nose and Throat, Orthopedics (Bones and Joints),etc.
The team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff examined about 300 patients in the camp. This is the first time CMC Hospital has organized a free camp at Sirish Hospital.
Mr Gurprit Bassi (Gogi), Municipal Councilor, Chief Guest for the occasion, inaugurated the camp by cutting the ribbon. He lauded the efforts of CMC and Sirish Hospital for extending free medical check-up service to the community. He wished success for the camp and opined that such medical camps should be held more frequently. The camp was dedicated with a prayer by Rev Rogers.

Dr Sirish Chandra and Dr Baljinder Kaur expressed their gratitude to CMC Doctors for conducting this camp and for providing expert consultation for the patients.

Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director CMC, mentioned this camp is part of the commitment of CMC to serve the community by providing expert health care.

Also present on the occasion were: Dr Kim Mammen, Dr S C Khosla, Dr Vijay Obed, Mr Ashley Isaih. 

An urgent appeal

 Woman Needs Help to Survive

Ludhiana, 7th July, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Mrs. Sosan Daniel from Ludhiana is in a difficult situation. Sosan Daniel (Hospital Unit No. C-7171827) is a 60 years old lady.  She has been hospitalized since 2-6-2012 with a diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus type 2, Diabetic nephropathy, CKD- stage V, systemic hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea. She requires respiratory support for her OSA and has been advised dialysis which has been deferred due to financial constraints.
The patient is poor, her outstanding bill is nearly Rs. 1 lakh and her daily expenses is approximately Rs. 5000/-per day. The cost of initiating hemodialysis is Rs. 10000/- for three consecutive sessions and maintenance hemodialysis for a period of 1 month is approximately 25000/-. She requires prolonged hospital stay and her family is desperately in need of financial support for continuation of treatment.For further details Please Contact Dr.Navjot Singh- 9815543708

India’s Informal Economy and Foreign Investment

Amanpreet Singh Chhina                                                                            06 July 2012 

Oxford: Depreciating value of Indian rupee has raised enthusiasm among foreign investors/NRIs to invest in India; however, without seriously analysing the fact that 80 percent businesses in India are based in informal economy and huge amount of black money is involved in the real estate and private sector. Generally, the purchasse of any property in India involves 60 to 70 percent of black money and therefore the seller faces many obstacles to bring that investment back to the foreign country. “Many foreign investors are facing money laundering inquires by the investigating officers in foreign countries” said Makhan Singh (NRI), Solicitor Advocate of England and Wales.
In India, growth in informal sector is much higher than formal sector and even the Prime Minister of India is not sure about the actual GDP of the country. It is estimated that illegal transactions in the property sector alone generate about Rs. 2,000 crores of black money in a year in India, assuming that there are about fifty lakh transactions in urban property every year. Necessary steps should be taken by the Government of India to match government value of the property with fair market value to clamp down black money and money laundering in the country. It must be remembered that a simple ‘Welcome Back’ slogan by the Prime Minister of India will not attract back Indian professionals and investors unless a corruption free infrastructure and business environment (single-window clearance) is provided. GOI should develop policies to combat money laundering and black money issues so that foreign investor or NRI’s can invest in India.

 A S Chhina on FDI

India’s Informal Economy and Foreign Investment