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28th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr. Swami Rama to be celebrated on 13th

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Dehradun: The 28th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT), will be celebrated on 13th November just as every year. Preparations for the event are in full swing. Padmashri Swami Bharat Bhushan (Yogi) will be the chief guest at the event.

The Chairman of HIHT’s Executive Committee and the Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, stated that the 28th Mahasamadhi Day celebration of Dr. Swami Rama will be organized with grandeur. Extensive preparations are underway to make the event a huge success

Dr. Vijay Dhasmana revealed that, the social organization “Young India Association, Alwar, Rajasthan” will be honoured with the Swami Rama Humanitarian Award-2023 for its exceptional contributions in the field of environmental and water conservation, organic farming, and promoting self-governance in rural areas. They have successfully provided water to nearly 1000 villages struggling with water scarcity. For this achievement, the organization will also receive a gold medal, a certificate of excellence, and a cash award of 10 lakh rupees.

Dr. Vijay Dhasmana further shared that during the event, the outstanding employees of HIHT will be honoured with the “Outstanding Employee Award.” Additionally, the launch of HIHT’s 2024 annual calendar will take place, followed by a luncheon. Swami Ji’s disciples will also participate in the celebration.

At Their Worst and Most Human

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Nancy's Kairali Massage Parlour

Earlier, I had read Archana Painuly’s novel, Where do I belong. I enjoyed following the inter-entwining stories and experiencing the individual destinies as they unfold. I was able to relate to many ideas expressed and issues raised. Human nature is universal, and many of the dilemmas her characters encounter are universal. The search for identity is also universal, i.e. the individual’s search for identity, its insecurities contra “society”, society’s expectations.

Now I have had the chance to read the manuscript of Nancy’s Kairali Massage Parlour. The moment I started reading it, I was hooked and became engrossed by Nancy’s destiny and the dilemmas of her turbulent inner life!

I love Archana’s style of writing. I love the quiet, thoughtful mood Archana achieves throughout the novel. Archana’s writing is both simple and profound, a combination I very much appreciate. Her talent for storytelling is a treat for the reader. I appreciate that she brings in the Hindu/Muslim storyline too. I find the manuscript very well-written. She pays close attention to details. I enjoyed the way in which the scenery and the ocean “theme” complement/underpin the storyline too. As always, her characters are well-rounded and human. I managed to get through the whole manuscript in two days because I couldn’t put it down! I find the novel very well-composed. I like the ideas/plots and the way the author creates suspense throughout. I like the way Archana keeps all the ends together to create a meaningful “whole”. I enjoyed the symbolism, the theme of identity, and gender, which the author explores so thoughtfully. I particularly enjoyed being in India, and the warmth with which the scenery and characters were described.

Archana is great at putting into words “the human experience”, and her characters are all very human, even at their worst. In their moments of vulnerability or challenge, the characters remain profoundly human. Thought-provoking stuff, disturbing at times, but with difficulties always being overcome.

I really enjoyed Nancy’s Kairali Massage Parlour. All the suspense, the author’s power of observation, and spot-on assessment of human nature! The storylines were very engaging, and there was plenty of character development. Kunjamma, Appa, Maureen, Laura, Philip, Joshua, Neil, Paul… all the characters are likeable, and we form an instant connect with them. The massage parlour is quite highlighted, described beautifully and tempts the readers for a massage.

I love the way Archana examines themes from so many different angles via various characters with all their different backgrounds, dreams, and expectations. It’s very, very thought-provoking. Great job! It is very intricate and complex, even though the language was simple in style. She experiments with so many ideas and keeps full control, so there are no loose ends!

Well-written in English, the text does not come across as having been translated from Hindi, which is interesting. It reads very naturally in English, as if Archana has written it in her second mother tongue! I found it interesting when Marco came into the scene. The text changed somewhat, the style changed. No idea why, but it was something I noticed. Under all circumstances, these points do not actually mar the text, which has clearly been written by an experienced writer.

It is amazing how many characters and perspectives Archana presents, and I really enjoy and found it engaging with some of the dramatic storylines, characters, and interesting themes.

Troubled Doonites prepare public manifesto for authorities

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Members of the Manifesto committee

Dateline Dehradun: Exasperated with the incomplete activities of Smart City Doon and MDDA, a brainstorming session was organized by like-minded residents of Dehradun in the context of implementing the action plan taken on the basis of the suggestions of the representatives of the social organizations who participated in the recent Jan Samvad organized by the Sanyukta Nagarik Sangathan.

For this purpose, an expanded coordination committee was formed for collecting suggestions from the Doon residents for a public manifesto that will be handed over to the government administration officials, authorities and public representatives for its proper implementation.

There will also be a demand to ensure participation of social organizations in development works. A large scale awareness campaign will be conducted to get the consent and signatures of the common people in the public manifesto.

In the meeting, brainstorming discussions were held topics that covered the present implementation of smart city action plan, wide spread traffic jams on the roads, encroachment and the problems faced by the common man. Mushrooming multi-storey buildings being built in the middle of the city turning the green city into a concrete jungle day by day, cutting of trees in large numbers were just some of the concerns raised at the meeting. Anger was also expressed over the environmental damage, plight of half-finished footpaths, serious damage to trees and plants covered with thick layer of dust and ash along the historical Parade Ground, every growing population in Dehradun  and lack of public facilities, broken water, electricity and sewerage lines.

The coordination committee formed for the preparation of the public manifesto and the demands related to public interest included Brigadier, KG Behl, Padma Shri Doctor Ravi Chopra, Anoop Nautiyal, Sushil Tyagi, Jagmohan Mendiratta, Jaya Singh, Ira Chauhan, Devendrapal Singh Monty, Pradeep Kukreti, Jitendra Anthwal, Anil Jaggi, Dinesh Bhandari, Jasbir Singh Renotra, Jitendra Didona, Deepak Nagalia, Lt. Col. BM Thapa.

Dehradun Bhangra Club Lights Up ‘Shor’ SRHU’s mega event

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Dateline Dehradun: ‘Shor’ a delightful student-centric dance event at SRHU witnessed electrifying performances led by the Dehradun Bhangra Club. Led by Coach Ajay Singh Rawat, the dances were mind-blowing in their energy and visual impact. This dynamic club, including Ashutosh Pant, Vansh Bhardwaj, Kartikey Barthwal, Garima Suri, Tanishq Kaur, Harshhricha Joshi, Khushi, and Prabh, pulled a huge crowd of students dancing to the lively beats of Punjabi, Pahadi, and Bollywood music. Their ability to blend these different dance styles together made the evening truly special.

Adding to the musical enchantment were Siddharth Lekhwar and Ayush Negi, who played the guitar and flute with amazing dexterity, leaving the audience in total awe. Siddharth’s songs in particular had everyone shouting for an encore.

The night ended on a high note with a dazzling firework display. ‘Shor’ proved to be a roaring succes. Organized by ‘Younite’ the emergetic students group at SRHU, it was an event that spread magic days before the Diwali bonhomie and celebration!

Different doesnt mean less: Project Arunima

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Project Arunima

Dateline Dehradun: Café Commune, Dehradun will turn into a splendid art gallery, one that could remind you of Australia for a special two-hour event in the honour of Radhika, a 51 year old woman with Down’s syndrome.

Currently a resident at Project Arunima, Dehradun, a program for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, ARUNIMA is a Skilling center that is focused on independence, dignity, and respect to all people.

Radhika an extremely talented artist took inspiration for her art work from her time living in Australia. Her work is inspired by Australian Aboriginal art styles which she beautifully translates onto canvas. Her pieces at the exhibit have been donated by her family to the NGO to sell and raise awareness.

A glimpse of Radhika’s art work

Along with Radhika, art work of Sanjay Tiwari and Shikha Pandey will also be on sale and display at the Café from 5:00-7:00 hrs, Saturday evening.

Since 2011, the NGO has served adults with Autism and Developmental disabilities from various socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities with the simple goal of striving to create a world better and more acceptable.

As Meghna from Arunima puts it, “We like to separate ourselves from the labels and not focus so much on disability as we do on ability. Our program works to find the interests of our service users, or friends as we call them, and help them work towards hopefully one day working a regular job in an integrated environment.”

Equipped with trained in-house staff from various backgrounds, including Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, and NGO specific administration, ARUNIMA is doing its best to make a difference.

So get out there and witness how ‘Different’ doesn’t mean ‘Less.’ And lend your whole-hearted support for the noble cause as you learn to look beyond and understand how a person is so much more than his/her disability.

Breast Cancer awareness Programme held at Himalayan Hospital

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Dateline Dehradun: A Breast Cancer Awareness Programme was organized by Dept. of Nursing Quality and CNE team in collaboration with the Palliative and Supportive Care Department of Cancer Research Institute, Himalayan Hospital SRHU at Saraswati Vidhya Mandir, Aawas Vikas, Rishikesh.

The programme was coordinated by Mridula Sunderiyal with the Nursing Quality team. A health talk was delivered by Jaibunnisha Deputy Nursing superintendent, Dr. Sheeja and Dr. Pooja Senior Resident Oncology Department.

During the awareness Programme some activities were organized such as skit on Breast Cancer Awareness and self-examination by palliative care nurses Sukhwinder Kaur, Swati Solanki, Shivani Bhatti, Tanuja and Sunita Kumar Asst. Nursing Superintendent.

Pamphlets and pink ribbons were distributed symbolising Breast Cancer Awareness by Yogyata Kandwal and Rakhi Sharma, in-charge Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward.

Patients benefit from free health camp organised by Himalayan Hospital

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Dateline: A free health camp was organized in Dudharakhal, Pauri Garhwal, by the Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant. A total of 115 patients benefited from this camp. Patients received free check-ups and medications.

The free health camp was organized by the Community Medicine Department of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), in collaboration with Himalayan Sanjeevani Clinic and Gauri Himalayan School of Science and Technology, located in Pauri Garhwal.

Patients began arriving at the camp early in the morning. Dr. Neha Sharma from the Community Medicine Department conducted health check-ups for women and also provided information about the importance of hygiene. She distributed sanitary napkins to women.

Dr. Harsh Priyadarshi from the Orthopaedics department educated patients about knee and shoulder exercises. Dr. Shitabh Sharma explained diseases related to the eyes and their prevention. Dr. Mohit Dhaundiyal provided health advice to patients suffering from various health issues. The Gram Pradhan, Vipin Dhasmana, praised the organization for providing the free camp. Patients in the hilly region benefit significantly from having preliminary examinations and treatment available locally, as they would otherwise have to travel to the city.

Approximately 115 patients benefited from the free health camp, including 90 women and 25 men. Besides free health check-ups, patients also received free medicines. The arrangements for bringing and dropping off the patients were also provided free of cost.

In the management of the free health camp, Medical Social Worker Aradhana, Pharmacist Shailesh Bhatt, Nursing staff Shivangi Chauhan, Dr. Manya Sarwal, Dr. Neha, and MSc Epidemiology students Adarsh Jakhmola and Rahul Negi, among others, provided support.

Cake mixing ushers in good tidings

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Traditional cake mixing

Dateline Mussoorie: The Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie brought in the spirit of Christmas with its annual cake mixing ceremony, a symbol of ushering in good tidings and happiness all around.

In its sprawling Central Lawn, keeping in tune with the Christmas theme of green, red and gold, the hotel picked the ideal spot on an early autumn evening to hold its customary ceremony. The annual cake-mixing has over the years, become an inseparable part of Savoy’s  Christmas celebrations.

Savoy Cake mixing

Keeping the timeless tradition alive, the hotel staff, guests along with special invitees from town armed with their gloves and ladles collected around a large tub to mix the perfect blend of dry fruits, liqueurs, candies and spices all laid out on a table to work a scrumptious traditional cake batter.

The ceremony began under the watchful eyes of Head Chef Rajeev Badola who guided the guests every step of the way, “We have used close to 50 kgs of fruits, black currant, apricot, ginger peels, prunes, figs, resins, dates, tutti-frutti, spices, mace, soaked in choicest of spirits such as wine, rum and brandy and stirred. 2023 is Year of the Millet, so we shall also try to use millet in this traditional blend closer to when we bake.

After being soaked for weeks, this perfect blended fruity mixture will then be baked into traditional festive indulgences which in turn sets the tone for the onset of Christmas in the hill-station.

The ceremony was followed by High Tea with an array of tea and delectable finger food to choose from. The magical evening came to an end with the magnificent winterline sprawling across the horizon and the aroma of the freshly mixed cake batter lingering in the air.

Himalayan hospital successfully conducts endovascular repair of aorta

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The patient with his team of doctors post operation

Dateline Dehradun: Ramesh Sharma, resident of Udham Singh Nagar, who had undergone angioplasty for heart treatment at Himalyan Hospital a year back, was brought to the hospital’s Cardiology OPD earlier this month. Dr Chandra Mohan Belwal attended to his complain of abdominal pain and lower limb pains. Detailed evaluation and investigation revealed that his aorta, which is the largest artery of the body had ballooned in its lower part and was leaking blood into the abdomen, hampering normal blood flow to the lower limbs. CT also showed that his arteries to lower limbs were critically narrowed.

This disease is called Abdominal aortic aneurysm with contained rupture with severe POVD. This type of disease can be treated only by open surgery but considering the risk involved, the patient was given the option of Endovascular Repair of Aorta (EVAR) by Dr Belwal in which arteries in lower abdomen and upper part of thighs are opened using stent graft system. It’s a complex surgery. After discussing the complications with the patient and family members the patient was finally taken up for EVAR . The surgery was 6 hours long and was eventually successful only because of multispeciality approach and support system that provided best of care.

The teams from the Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery and Anaesthesia contributed significantly to the success of the surgery. Dr Chandra Mohan Belwal, Dr Anurag Rawat, Dr Kunal Gururani from Cardiology , Dr Bhawna Singh, CTVS surgeon and Dr Kriti from anaesthesia made this mammoth task a success.

Dr Belwal in his brief post surgery mentioned that this type of surgery gives patients immediate relief from life threatening complications like rupture of aneurysm and restores normal blood flow to lower limbs. He also stated that this specific surgery was conducted at Himalayan Hospital for the first time, with the result that it can now help lots of similarly afflicted patients with similar confidence.

Swami Rama Himalayan University abuzz with sounds and colours of Dandiya Dhamaal

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Dateline Dehradun: Students from various colleges of the University enthusiastically danced Dandiya and Garba during the celebration.

On Saturday, the Garba program at SRHU’s Himalayan School of Biosciences and Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

Students presented attractive dances with enthusiasm and excitement to the tune of electrifying music during the Garba Raas. They danced to Hindi, Garhwali, Gujarati, and Punjabi songs, with some students even dressed in traditional Gujarati Garba attires.

Spiritedly students danced Dandiya Raas for hours on end. Faculty members, including the college principals, were present during this event that encapsulated India’s kaleidoscopic traditional heritage.