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‘Green Judge’ Justice Kuldip Singh Passes At 92, In Chandigarh

Sanjeev Kochhar
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‘Green Judge’ Justice Kuldip Singh Passes At 92, In Chandigarh
Large gathering of people from all walks joins his last journey on Tuesday
Will be remembered for his judicial activism to protect environment

He was a man who let his heart do the writing. His deep-rooted love for Nature led him to resort to judicial activism and pass path-breaking judgements on environmental issues and sustainable development, which he ensured were taken to their logical conclusion. No wonder he became popular as the ‘Green Judge’.

Breathing his last at age 92 after a brief illness, the ‘roaring’ Justice (retd.) Kuldip Singh, judge of the Supreme Court for eight long years (14.12.1988 to 21.12.1996), was cremated at the LPG Crematorium in Chandigarh on Tuesday in the presence of a large gathering of people from all walks of life, most notably judges and lawyer.

Court work in the Panjab and Haryana High Court was suspended post lunch to allow the legal fraternity to pay its last respects to the towering judicial personality.

For long, he presided over the bench which handled the MC Mehta case in which several orders were passed to deal with air pollution in Delhi. The MC Mehta bench also passed orders to protect the Taj Mahal from industrial pollution and restricted the activities in the Taj Trapezium zone.

‘Bar Justice’ & Kuldip Singh-Justice Ahmadi episode

Justice Kuldip Singh was one of the handful of ‘Bar justices’, lawyers directly appointed as judges of the Supreme Court without serving as high court judges, since Independence.
He would have retired as Chief Justice of India had the controversial Kuldip Singh-Justice AM Ahmadi episode not happened.

Both senior lawyer Kuldip Singh and Justice AM Ahmadi, then judge of the Gujarat High Court, were appointed as Supreme Court judges on Nov 14,1988. As per convention at the time, a ‘bar justice’ was considered higher in seniority to an elevated high court judge.

Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud has written in his book ‘Supreme Whispers’, published by Penguin, that in August 1988, senior lawyer Kuldip Singh had received a call from the then CJI Raghunandan Pathak sharing with him the proposal to appoint him judge of the Supreme Court with the assurance that he will be the first to take oath and that he will be considered senior.

But when it came to the swearing-in, the order of swearing-in was reversed, and Justice Ahmadi was sworn-in before Kuldip Singh. Miffed over the development, Kuldip Singh reportedly declined to take up the appointment but was somehow persuaded by CJI Pathak against doing so.

When then Chief Justice of India Justice MN Venkatachaliah retired in October 1994, Justice Ahmadi ascended as CJI.

If Justice Kuldip Singh seniority had been maintained at the time of his swearing-in, as per promise and convention at the time, he would have remained CJI from October 1994 to December 1996, the time of his retirement. In that case, after Justice Kuldip Singh’s retirement, Justice Ahmadi, a few months younger to the former, would have remained CJI for a very brief term.

After retirement, Justice Singh headed the Delimitation Commission in 2002 on the readjustment of territorial constituencies for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies post the 2001 Census.

Justice (retd.) Kuldip Singh Chronology

* Born on 1st January 1932 at Jhelum (now in Pakistan)
* B.A. LL.B. from Punjab University, 1955
* LL.B. as internal student from University of London, 1958
* Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln Inn London, Called in November 1959
* Enrolled as advocate in the Punjab High Court in November 1959
* Part time lecturer Punjab University Law College from 1960-1971
* Senior Standing Counsel for the Central Government in the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh from 1971 to 1982
* Advocate General, Punjab from May 1987 to August 1987
* Additional Solicitor General of India from August 1987
* President, Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association 1976-77
* Senior Standing Counsel in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for Punjab University, Punjabi University, Guru Nanak University, Punjab Agriculture University, Post Graduate Medical Institute, Punjab Agriculture, Marketing Board and various other Public Undertakings, Corporations, Local Bodies and Co-operative Institutions
* Appointed as Judge, Supreme Court of India on14.12.1988. Retired on 21.12.1996.

Following is a link to a highly readable column written on Justice Kuldip Singh by Sahil Malhotra on the site ‘Legal Wires’
https://legal-wires.com/columns/justice-kuldip-singh-remembering-the-green-judge/

The Historic Indian Highs In Astounding 295-Run Perth Test Victory Vs The Aussie Lows

Sanjeev Kochhar
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The Historic Indian Highs In Astounding 295-Run Perth Test Victory Vs The Aussie Lows
Milestones galore for stand-in captain and Player of the Match Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli

After playing out a miserable first two sessions on the opening day of the first of the 5-match Test series on a lively wicket at Perth’s Optus stadium, during which they were 32-3 at one stage and later 73-6, India staged a remarkable comeback, working their way from strength to strength, to completely outclass a formidable Australia on their home turf for a historic victory by a massive margin of 295 runs with a day and more to spare.

Led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who deservedly won the Player of the Match award for his devastating match-winning bowling effort (8 for 72), India became the first team to beat Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium, since its inauguration in 2018. Before Monday, Australia had won all four of their Test matches at the Optus – against India, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Pakistan. The team batting first has won all five Tests at the venue.

The Test win marked India’s largest-ever win in the longest format of the game in Australia and the second largest overall. It was also a redemption of sorts coming away from a shattering whitewash by New Zealand in the 3-match Test series on home soil.

Chasing a daunting total of 534 for an improbable victory, Australia’s top order crumbled again, and despite Travis Head’s defiant 89, Mitchell Marsh’s 47 and Alex Carey’s 36, which delayed the inevitable, the hosts were bundled out below the halfway mark.

Like in the first innings, Jasprit Bumrah (3-42) led the charge, ably supported by Mohammed Siraj (3-51), as Indian bowlers ran through the Aussie second innings.

India’s stunning turnaround after being bowled out for 150 on Day 1, was powered by young Yashasvi Jaiswal’s masterly 161, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 and KL Rahul’s 77 in the second innings.

Test debutant allrounder Nitish Reddy’s contribution also cannot be understated. His hard hitting 41 off 59 balls, the highest score in India’s first innings, and unbeaten 38 off just 27 balls and wicket of Mitchell Marsh in the second has cemented his place in the side.

One of the worst losses for Australia

The 295-run defeat is reportedly Australia’s second highest in terms of runs at home in the last 40 years, the highest being by 309 runs against South Africa at the WACA in 2012.
It is also reportedly their second-highest defeat by runs against India in Tests, behind the 320-run loss in the 2008 Mohali Test.

Australia’s aggregate of 342 runs in the Test is also their second lowest in a home Test since 2000 in which they have been bowled out twice. Their lowest was 246 runs against South Africa in the 2016 Hobart Test. It is also their fourth lowest in a Test match against India and their lowest against them at home.

Australia’s top order failure in the Test (57 runs aggregated by their top five batsmen) is one of their worst ever.

The loss in the first Test of the current 5-match series against India is an ominous sign for Australia. They have not won a single Test series at home since 1970 after losing the series opener. They have lost a home Test series opener nine times during this period and lost eight of these series.

India on a high

India have reportedly twice before gone on to win a Test match with lower than the first innings total of 150 which they posted in Perth – 104 all out against Australia in the 2004 Wankhede Test, and 145 against England in the 2021 Ahmedabad Test.

India’s victory margin of 295 runs in Perth is also reportedly the second highest by runs for any team which has been bowled out for 150 or less in their first innings. The biggest such win was by 343 runs for West Indies, who defeated Australia in the 1991 Bridgetown Test despite a first-innings total of 149 all out.

Bumrah’s personal milestones

Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive bowling average of 9, with match figure of 8 for 74, makes it the third best bowling average by an Indian bowler in an away Test while taking eight or more wickets.

His fifth Test match wicket haul of eight or more wickets while conceding less than 100 runs places him behind only R Ashwin (7 times) among Indian bowlers.

Most fifers for India in SENA countries: With this five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings of the Perth Test, Jasprit Bumrah joined legendary Kapil Dev to record the joint-highest number of five-wicket hauls (seven) by an Indian bowler in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.

Third best bowling figures by an overseas captain in Australia: Jasprit Bumrah’s 5/30 in the Aussie first innings is the third-best bowling performance by an overseas captain on Australian soil. Kapil Dev leads the chart with sensational figures of 8/106, with Sir Gary Sobers following him with a personal best of 6 for 73.

Second best bowling figures by an Indian at Optus Stadium, Perth: The 5/30 bowling effort is the second-best bowling performance by an Indian player in a Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Mohammed Shami claims the top spot with figures of 6/56 in 2018-19.

Yashasvi Jaiswal piles on the records

The conqueror: The Perth Test centurion, in converting all his four Test centuries so far into 150-plus scores. is now the joint second placed batter with four 150+ plus scores before turning 23 years of age. His 23rd birthday falls on December 28.

By bringing up his maiden Test hundred in Australia in the Test series opener in Perth on Sunday, Yashasvi Jaiswal has reportedly become only the second batter in the world after South Africa’s Graeme Smith to convert each of his first four Test hundreds into 150-plus scores.

His 150-plus scores on four occasions in Tests are the joint second most by any batter before turning 23. Don Bradman tops the list with five such scores, while Javed Miandad and Graeme Smith also have four 150-plus scores before their 23rd birthday. Yashasvi turns 23 on December 28.

He also joins three Indian batters with three or more 150-plus Test scores in a calendar year, the others being Sachin Tendulkar (in 2002 and 2004), Virender Sehwag (in 2004 and 2008) and Virat Kohli (in 2016 and 2017).

Yashasvi is now the third Indian batter with a century in his maiden Test in Australia, the others being ML Jaisimha in 1968 and Sunil Gavaskar in 1977.

His 35 sixes in the 12 Tests played so far in 2024 are the most by any batter in a calendar year in the longest format of the game. He bettered Brendon McCullum’s 2014 record of 33 sixes in nine Tests.

Highest opening stand in Australia

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name figures in the highest opening stand for India in Tests on Australian soil. His opening partnership of 201 with KL Rahul in India’s second innings of the Perth Test surpassed the previous highest of 191 runs between Kris Srikkanth and Sunil Gavaskar in the 1986 Sydney Test.

Kohli back among the records

The ‘King’: Virat Kohli is back among the records

With his second consecutive Test hundred at the Optus Stadium in Perth (unbeaten 100) Virat Kohli appears to be showing signs of shrugging off his long and disheartening run of poor form.

This is Kohli’s 30th century overall in Test cricket, and with this knock he has surpassed legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the Indian batter with the most Test centuries (seven) in Australia. In doing so he has also equalled Englishman Wally Hammond’s tally (seven hundreds) for the most centuries by a visiting batter in Australia, placing him second only to another Englishman Jack Hobbs, who has nine centuries.

He also set a record for the most hundreds (10) against the home side in Australia across all formats.

The Perth hundred marks Kohli’s first Test century since his ton against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023. That was Kohli’s first Test hundred away from home in five years.

He now has to his credit an astounding 81 international hundreds.

On the 2nd day of the 5-match Test series opener between India and the hosts at the Optus Stadium in Perth

Farman’s Hats Off Unisex Salon Sec 7 Chandigarh: Edge Over Branded!

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Farman’s Hats Off Unisex Salon Sec 7 Chandigarh: Edge Over Branded!

It’s not a branded salon, yet nothing short of it. A high-end committed clientele speaks volumes of its high-quality services in a slick, well-defined environment, distanced from the hustle and bustle.

Been around for the past nearly eight years, Farman’s Hats Off in the inner market of Sector 7-C Chandigarh is quite a popular unisex hair and beauty salon not only among the well-heeled in the northern sectors of the city, but also among popular personalities from different parts of the region.

On popular demand from various city circles, your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com visited Farman’s, located near the Athletics Stadium, which we often visited in our childhood and better part of youth to witness various levels of sports competitions, to check out what’s so special about the place and get a lowdown on what’s latest and trending.

The man himself, Farman, a bearded middle-aged guy, came across as well-mannered and friendly, and at the same time knowledgeable and professionally hard-boiled.

After the initial pleasantries and general chitchat, Farman opened up about how he started the venture and how over a very short span of time it developed a clientele among males and females alike for whom the place became a regular fixture for all their periodic needs and special occasions.

He attributes the commitment of his clients to highly professional and personalised services in an assured hygienic and cozy environment with nothing but the best of high quality and latest products and equipment being used.

Farman does not hide, in fact emphasises that their charges for various services are comparable with those charged in the branded salons, because “our customers feel more satisfied taking services from us than anywhere else they have experienced. Apart from being highly professional, we are also very transparent in our dealings with them,” he states.

So, among the various services the salon provides, for a routine haircut (female) the charges are Rs 900 and for a male Rs 600. The latest rage for hair straightening among females, the Botox treatment costs Rs 7500, Karatin treatment Rs 5,000, Nanoplasty Rs 7500, Hair colour Rs 9,000 and Balayage highlights Rs 9000.

For skin, the salon has separate well equipped cabins for treatment of acne prone skin, dryness, pigmentation, wrinkles, Hydra facial for all skin types, anti-ageing Skin Aura, Histomer Vitamin C, Casmar facial for pigmentation, Lotus, Oxy and Aroma Magic facials.
Apart from this the salon also offers body treatments, body polishing, body spa and body massages.

Latest hair treatments for females

Hair Botox

It is claimed to have emerged as a true game changer in 2024 being a deep conditioning treatment that coats the hair fibre with a filler like keratin. Farman says though it is a lengthy treatment, taking up to 4-5 hours depending on hair length, the wait is well worth it since it leaves you with softer, shinier hair that is less prone to split ends and breakage.

Hair Botox is claimed to work equally well on all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly. It also makes it easier to get the kind of haircuts that are more likely to suit one’s face shape, even if your natural hair does not allow that.

Most suitable for those with dry, brittle, and colour-damaged hair, the treatment typically lasts at least 3 months, or up to 70 washes, after which maintenance is necessary, just like any other treatment, every 5-6 months depending on how often you wash your hair.

Keratin treatment

This is also a hair smoothing procedure involving the application of a keratin-based product. The product penetrates the hair shaft and bonds with the fibers to form a protective layer that smooths and straightens the hair. The treatment typically lasts 30-35 washes, after which the keratin will naturally break down, and the hair will return to its natural state.

Farman claims Keratin treatments improve hair’s overall health and appearance, making it smoother, shinier, and more manageable. In addition, they can tame frizz, reduce curls and waves, and make hair easier to style.

Nanoplasty hair straightening treatment

This is another hair treatment making waves. Claimed to be an innovative and improved straightening technology, it leads to immediate straightening and restoration of hair using natural ingredients, giving long-lasting straight hair. Unlike traditional chemical straightening methods that often involve harsh chemicals, Nanoplasty uses a blend of organic acids, oils, and proteins.

Nashi Argan treatment

This is a daily use hair beauty treatment from Italy claimed to be suitable for all hair types. It cleanses your hair gently, keeping the amount of water naturally contained in the hair unchanged, helping you to prevent the causes of annoying frizz at the root, ensuring balanced hydration. Furthermore, its formula enriched with organic Argan Oil and Linseed Oil provides new softness and shine with each wash.

Trendy haircuts, styling, colouring for females

Butterfly haircut for long hair

It’s a combination of short and long layers that give your hair dimension, movement and body. The short and wispy layers hit around the chin to highlight your features, frame your face and even contour a round face shape. Whereas long layers of your hair fall below the shoulders to maintain the look and appearance of a long hairstyle. The haircut removes weight and damaged hair ends, leaving your hair voluminous and bouncy that’s able to hold its shape.

Wedge haircut for short hair

With short hairstyles, it can be hard to get some added volume if you have fine strands. A deep side part and long layered bangs (strands of hair that are cut shorter than the rest of the hair and fall over the forehead, usually just above the eyebrows) will lift your style and give a natural-looking body to the hair.

Slicked back styles for extra short hair

For all those females who like to wear their hair extra short, slicked back style with its several variations are a good option.

Simple Long Layers with A Middle Part

Those with long hair, and craving a change or major refresh, can go for layering, which is also in vogue. Layered cut has a major volume-boosting effect on thick hair as well as curly hair, but fine and thin hair also benefit from strategically placed layers.

Balayage highlights technique

If the traditional hair colouring methods leave you with unnatural-looking highlights, it’s time to consider transitioning to a more refined and modern approach of balayage hair colouring. Balayage, a French term meaning “to sweep,” is a technique involving skilled application of a hair lightener by hand, creating a seamless and gently transitioning gradient of brightness towards the hair’s ends.

Farman says through they have colouring and other products from all international brands like Loreal, Wella, Schwarzkopf Professional, etc, in colouring they are currently preferring to use Wella products, because they are coming out with best shades. Light blonde ash gold colour is among the most trending colours, he added.

Trendy haircuts for males

Zero fade cut

In the ever-evolving world of men’s hairstyles, the zero fade has emerged as a popular and stylish choice. A zero fade, also known as a skin fade or bald fade, is a type of haircut where the hair gradually transitions from longer lengths to shorter or shaved lengths as it moves down the sides and back of the head. The term “zero” refers to the fact that the hair is faded down to the skin, creating a seamless blend between the longer hair on top and the bare skin on the sides and back.

Buzz cut

A buzz cut is characterized by very short hair that is cut uniformly all over the head. It is typically done with clippers, and the hair is usually between 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in length, although variations are possible.

The buzz cut creates a uniform, even look with no noticeable taper or fade. It results in a textured, slightly stubbly appearance.

Would you like to try out Farman’s Hats Off!

The salon at a glance

From Farman’s album

Oncologists Debunk Sidhu’s Theory That Strict Diet Control Cured His Wife’s 4th Stage Cancer

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Oncologists Debunk Sidhu’s Theory That Strict Diet Control Cured His Wife’s 4th Stage Cancer
Navjot Kaur Sidhu is learnt to have been battling breast cancer for the past year and a half and in due course it had entered 4th stage
Sidhu had held a press conference in Amritsar earlier this week to claim that starving the cancerous cells by not eating sugar and carbohydrates, and resorting to intermittent fasting helped cure his wife’s seemingly ‘incurable’ fourth stage cancer

Cricketer-commentator and former member of Parliament and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu’s recent announcement about his former state legislator wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu having been declared clinically cancer-free from fourth stage cancer, and forcefully crediting the turnaround to a strict diet regime consisting of ingredients widely believed to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, created quite a public sensation.

But even before the euphoria over the cure had died down, oncologists across the country, while hailing the news of Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s remarkable recovery, challenged the former Punjab Congress president’s overenthusiasm over his claim that the cancer cure was a result of strict dietary control.

Cancer specialists from the region as well as nationally, while acknowledging the fact that controlled diet and practices like yoga and meditation can play a supportive role in mitigating the side effects of scientifically and medically proven cancer treatments, asserted that there is no “high quality evidence” to support the claim that consuming specific traditional herbs, spices, vegetables, etc can cure cancer.

The director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, CS Pramesh joined over 260 oncologists in refuting Navjot Singh Sidhu’s claim that a strict diet helped his wife beat stage 4 breast cancer.

In an open letter, shared on social media by Pramesh, these doctors cautioned the public against delaying scientifically proven cancer treatment while opting for “unproven remedies” after listening to Sidhu’s statement.

In their letter, the oncologists said there is no “high quality evidence” to support the claim that consuming raw turmeric or neem leaves could cure cancer. While research is ongoing for some of these products, there is no clinical data currently to recommend their use as anti-cancer agents. We urge the public to not delay their treatment by following unproven remedies, but rather to consult a doctor, preferably a cancer specialist, if they have any symptoms of cancer.

“Cancer is curable if detected early and proven treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy,” the letter said.

Oncologists from the region approached by your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com also slammed Sidhu for making such misleading statements public which can potentially be dangerous for cancer patients, who might be encouraged by his claims and stop or avoid taking scientifically proven cancer treatments and put their lives in danger.

While one of the oncologists contacted preferred to remain anonymous, Dr Sachin Gupta, Director, Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Mohali, came on record to point out that Sidhu by his own admission has said that his wife underwent surgery as well as chemotherapy during her treatment, but by overemphasising the role of strict dietary control in her cure, unsupported by any scientific or medical evidence, he has done a great disservice to the public at large.

The oncologists also called Sidhu’s statement as premature and irresponsible, describing it as playing to the galleries. Cure for cancer is not as simple as Sidhu has tried to present it. Some cancers tend to relapse, and he should have taken this reality into consideration before making such a sweeping claim so early, they cautioned.

Sidhu had held a press conference in Amritsar earlier this week to announce that his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been declared clinically cancer-free. The videos of the conference went viral on social media, prompting practitioners of ayurveda and other alternative forms of medicine to go gaga over Sidhu’s claims.

In the videos, Sidhu can be heard as claiming that starving the cancerous cells by not eating sugar and carbohydrates, and resorting to intermittent fasting helped cure his wife’s seemingly ‘incurable’ fourth stage cancer.

Sidhu further revealed that his wife Navjot Kaur did not eat anything after her evening meal around 7-7:30 p.m. till 10 a.m. the next morning.

Her daily routine included lemon water, raw turmeric, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, and tulsi. Sour fruits and juices extracted from pumpkin, pomegranate, amla, beetroot, and walnuts were integral to her diet. She also consumed anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer foods, with medium of cooking restricted to coconut oil, cold-pressed oils, or almond oil. Her morning tea featured spices like cinnamon, cloves, jaggery, and cardamom, Sidhu had said.

She was only given water with a pH level of 7, Sidhu shared, describing it as the most important part of her diet.

Sidhu claimed that it took Navjot Kaur just 40 days of strict diet regime to overcome stage 4 cancer for which medical experts had given her just about 3% chances of survival.

Navjot Kaur had been battling cancer for a year and a half, during which she received treatment essentially in government hospitals, including Rajendra Medical College and Hospital, Patiala.

Paras Health Panchkula Launches Two Dedicated Facilities For Respiratory Care

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Paras Health Panchkula Launches Two Dedicated Facilities For Respiratory Care
Opening of Asthma Precision Clinic and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services coincides with World COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Day observed on Wednesday (Nov 20, 2024)

It is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, approximately 5% of all global deaths, and eighth leading marker of poor health, yet it is most neglected. In India, there are 70 million (7 crore) patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 6% of whom suffer from serious asthma, a condition in which despite treatment and care symptoms remain uncontrolled.

Coinciding with the World COPD Day, organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) with “Know Your Lung Function” as the theme for 2024, pulmonologists from Paras Health (hospital) Panchkula at a press conference on Wednesday announced the launch two dedicated facilities to provide focused care for respiratory diseases such as severe asthma and COPD under one roof.

Pulmonologists Dr Robin Gupta, Dr SK Gupta and Dr Kritarth shared with the media persons that the aim of the newly launched Asthma Precision Clinic and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) services is to address the rising burden of respiratory conditions in the region by offering innovative diagnostics, personalized treatments, and comprehensive support.

Cautioning people against ignoring symptoms like chronic cough, breathlessness and fatigue as normal, related to change of season or advancing age, etc., the doctors advised medical consultation and investigations in such cases before these conditions develop into more serious respiratory diseases.

This assumes greater importance especially in the wake of recent severe air pollution being witnessed in several parts of North India because poor air quality exacerbates conditions like asthma and COPD and increases the risk of pneumonia and lung cancer.

They informed that the Asthma Precision Clinic is designed to deliver individualized care to patients with severe asthma. By integrating biological therapies, FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) testing, and skin prick testing, the clinic ensures precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Biological therapies specifically target inflammatory pathways to manage severe asthma symptoms, while FeNO testing provides real-time insights into airway inflammation for more accurate treatment adjustments. Skin prick testing helps identify allergen triggers, allowing patients to adopt customized allergen management strategies.

The lung experts further shared that introduction of the Asthma Precision Clinic is a crucial step toward improving asthma care in the region. By focusing on individualized treatment and addressing specific triggers, the aim is to help patients achieve better asthma control and lead healthier lives.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme will provide comprehensive support to patients suffering from COPD. This multidisciplinary approach focuses on improving lung function, reducing symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue, and enhancing overall quality of life.

The programme incorporates exercise training, disease management education, behavioral counseling, nutrition advice, and psychosocial support to ensure a holistic treatment experience. It will not only reduce hospitalizations but also help patients regain independence and improve their mental well-being through targeted interventions.

About World COPD Day

It is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide.

The 2024 theme for World COPD Day is “Know Your Lung Function.” World COPD Day takes place on November 20th. This year’s theme aims to highlight the importance of measuring lung function, also known as spirometry. Although spirometry is an integral tool for diagnosing COPD, it can also be used to measure lung health throughout life.

We now know that there are many other factors besides tobacco smoke that can contribute to COPD. Our lungs are continuing to grow from the womb all the way through young adulthood. Throughout this period, we are vulnerable to insults such as air pollution and respiratory infections that can impede lung growth and increase our risk for developing chronic lung disease later in life.

Unfortunately, much lung function can be lost before we develop symptoms. Lung function is not only a predictor of lung health, but our overall health. Even small decrements in lung function are associated with increased risk of death. Measuring lung function throughout life can provide opportunities for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of multiple lung diseases, including COPD.

Following is the link to WHO website for more info on COPD:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)#:~:text=Chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease%20(COPD)%20is%20the%20fourth%20leading%20cause,%2Dincome%20countries%20(LMIC). 

Much Awaited 12th Edition Of Chandigarh Lit Fest – Literati 2024 Is Here

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Much Awaited 12th Edition Of Chandigarh Lit Fest – Literati 2024 Is Here
The opening day of the three-day fest (Nov 22) will have a soulful musical evening ‘Aaghaaz – Shaam-E-Ghazal’ at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan in Sector 38 featuring renowned artist Kanwar Jagmohan
Chandigarh Lake Club on Nov 23 and 24 will be venue to thought-provoking discussions, book launches, engaging sessions, and book readings featuring some of the most renowned names in literature, art, and culture
One of the highlights will be launch of book on Ratan Tata, ‘The Legend Lives On: A Man Called Ratan Tata’
Among other highlights, actor Tusshar Kapoor will discuss challenges of single fatherhood

Over the years it has become the most important literary event on the annual art and culture calendar of the Union territory of Chandigarh, and literature lovers look forward to its dates being announced around this time of the year. The wait is over! Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) on Saturday announced a power-packed line-up of authors and literary activities for the 12th Edition of Chandigarh Lit Fest (CLF) – Literati 2024 to be held from November 22 to 24.

Sharing details of the literary extravaganza at press conference, Festival Director of CLF Literati 2024 and Chairperson of CLS Dr Sumita Misra said, “Themed on ‘Celebrating Creativity,’ the 3-day literary festival promises an exciting mix of thought-provoking discussions, book launches, engaging sessions, and book readings featuring some of the most renowned names in literature, art, and culture.”

The festival will commence with a soulful musical evening, Aaghaaz – Shaam-E-Ghazal, featuring the renowned artist Kanwar Jagmohan at the Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan in Sector 38 on November 22.

Thereafter, on November 23 and 24, the venue of the literary sessions will move to the Chandigarh Lake Club. On both days the sessions will start around 11 a.m. and continue till evening.

The detailed programme

November 23

• Musical performance “Chords from the Heart” by Pt. Subhash Ghosh.
• Keynote address: Madhav Kaushik, President of the Rashtriya Sahitya Akademi
• Launch of ‘Ratan Tata: A Life,’ a compelling new biography by Dr. Thomas Mathew, a retired bureaucrat, followed by an interactive session with the author
• Session on “Punjab: The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy and the Narratives Around It” will have speakers Kishwar Desai, an award-winning author, playwright & historian; and Navtej Sarna, former Indian Ambassador to USA
• Session “Punjab di Zubaan: Young Poets Discuss Punjabi Poetry in Current Times” will have young poets Randhir Uppal, Wahid Khadial, and Jassi Sangha delving into the evolving landscape of Punjabi poetry
• Session, “Legal Landmarks: Charting the Path of Justice” will feature Pinky Anand, a renowned lawyer & politician who has served as an Additional Solicitor General at the Supreme Court of India and lawyer Saudamini Sharma, who will discuss key legal milestones in India’s history
• “Voices of Valour: Stories of Bravehearts,” with General Ian Cardozo (retd.), the first officer of the Indian Army to be awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry; and General Syed Ata Hasnain, a highly decorated Indian Army officer and one of the foremost writers and analysts on J&K, Pakistan & Middle East
• “Ink and Imagination: Crafting Poetic Worlds,” will see Dr. Sumita Misra, a prominent poet of contemporary India & the recipient of multiple Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi Awards, in conversation with writer Aradhika Sharma on the art of crafting poetry
• Session “Daddy in the Driver’s Seat: A Single Father’s Experiences” will feature Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor, who has ventured into writing with his debut book ‘Bachelor Dad: My Journey’, a memoir that explores his experiences as a single father of his son Laksshya, born through surrogacy in 2016.

November 24

• Session ‘In Memoriam: A Tribute to Dr. Surjit Patar,’ by Poet Amy Singh and Jassi Sangha, a well-known Punjabi writer, assistant director, and film researcher.
• “History as Storytelling: Reviving the Lost Chapters,” led by author Ira Mukhoty, a best- selling writer of narrative history and author of ‘Akbar: The Great Mughal’
• Discussion on “Beauty in Diversity: Love, Language, and Poetry” featuring Rakshanda Jalil, a multi-award-winning translator, writer, and literary historian and Vijai Vardhan, a senior retired bureaucrat whose most recent book ‘Happening Haryana’ captures the history of Haryana from the Harappan age to the present
• “Sahitya Samvad: Katha aur Kalpana”: Dr. Madhav Kaushik, an eminent Hindi poet and author, who is also President, National Sahitya Akademi; and Jitendra Srivastava, a renowned poet and critic with 30 books to his credit will discuss the interplay of storytelling and imagination in Indian literature
• Session ‘AI and Creativity: Friend or Foe?’ will see Author Khushwant Singh, and Affan Yesvi, a Sufi scholar, columnist, and entrepreneur, in conversation with Renu Sinha, where they will deliberate on AI’s leap into the creative cosmos
• “The Power of Narrative Theater and Beyond”: theatre doyen MK Raina, known for his contributions as an actor, theatre director, filmmaker, scriptwriter, academic and author; and Padma Shri Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, a widely known theatre artist and director, will discuss the transformative power of theatre as a medium of storytelling
• Session “Echoes of 1984: Loss , Survival & Identity Narratives of Loss, Survival, and Identity” will offer a poignant discussion with eminent writer Bubbu Tir and Sanam Sutirath Wazir, a human rights activist and author of ‘The Kaurs of 1984: The Untold, Unheard Stories of Sikh Women’
• “Exploring India’s Civilizational Wealth: Language, Spirituality, and Heritage” will feature Pavan Varma, a writer-diplomat who has written over a dozen best-selling books; and Sankrant Sanu, an author and the founder and CEO of the publishing house Garuda Prakashan, who will offer an insightful exploration of India’s rich cultural tapestry
• “Fear and Folly: The Intersection of Horror and Satire” will see authors Soham Shah Soham, a filmmaker, fine artist, advertising company creator, and author who has debuted with novel ‘Blood Moon’; and Karan Oberoi, a model and the founder of India’s first boy-band ‘A band of boys’ will explore the delightful and disturbing blend of horror and satire in contemporary narratives

The festival will also witness the launch of more thana half dozen books in the ‘Book Buzz’ activities. These are “Udaari (Punjabi)” by Sarabjit Singh Madan; “The Diva Who Died to Live” by Sharat Ralhan; “Sulagdi Dharti” by Dr. Sanjeev Kumari RJ; ‘The Diva Who Died to Live’ by author Sharat; ‘Geisha in the Gota Patti’ by author Chetna Keer; ‘Udgar’ by author Sarika Dhupar; ‘Reflections of Ram Sevak’ by author Anirudh Tiwari.

 

 

Art Comes To Chandigarh ‘Naturally’ @105arts

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Art Comes To Chandigarh ‘Naturally’ @105arts
The nature-inspired exhibition is displaying powerful works of 13 well-known artists from across the country

Private art gallery ‘105arts’ in Chandigarh’s sector 11 has become a landmark for art lovers in the tricity and around, bringing quality exhibitions of well-known artists from across the country every few months. Starting Saturday, the gallery, founded by art lover Mehak Bhan in 2021, is offering us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a
nature-inspired exhibition, ‘Naturally’, displaying powerful works of 13 artists.

At a private viewing for media and a select gathering on Friday evening, Mehak took us around the exhibition and shared: “Inspired by being natural as our fundamental state, we present ‘Naturally’ that brings together the works of 13 remarkable contemporary artists from across India, each of whom taps into the elemental beauty of the natural world through their own distinctive lens.”

Giving details, she said “From the serene landscapes of Bhaskar Rao Botcha to the contemplative horizons of Vinod Sharma, and the vibrant, life-affirming forms of Ganapati Hegde and Pappu Bardhan, the art works invite us to slow down, to reflect, and to reconnect with what lies beyond the surface.

“Through the interplay of light, colour, and texture, artists like Sucharita Sengupta Suri also remind us of nature’s quiet, enduring power and its ability to evoke a deep emotional response.”

Further, the exhibition puts the spotlight on the transformative power of ceramics in the hands of Anuja, whose work brings earthy textures and organic forms to life.

Dolly Dhillon, Manish Chavda, Samir Mohanty, and Shuvankar Maitra each contribute their unique perspectives, merging the essence of nature with deeply personal expressions. Whether it’s through vivid landscapes, abstract interpretations, or intricate details, they invite us to see nature not just as a backdrop, but as a central narrative of life itself.

105arts founder and curator Mehak Bhan

According to Mehak, the purpose behind ‘105arts’ gallery is to provide an accessible platform for artists – upcoming and established, as well as to bridge the gap between avid art collectors, first time buyers and art viewers. “Easy to exhibit, walk in, enjoy art and if something is compelling enough, to take it home,” she added.

Public Viewing: November 16-22, 2024
Timings: 11am to 5pm
Venue: #105, Sector 11, Chandigarh

Interfaith Harmony Symposium Resonates With Large Chandigarh Tricity Audience

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Interfaith Harmony Symposium Resonates With Large Chandigarh Tricity Audience
Brainchild of well-known author-mentor Col DS Cheema (retd.), event hosted and organised by Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary

It was a serious attempt at revive the age-old practice of interfaith dialogue to trigger a process of bringing about greater harmony among people of various faiths. And, the Interfaith Harmony Symposium organised at Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, which brought together experts from various fields, including preachers, thinkers, authors, jurists, teachers, artists, and military men, proved highly successfully in opening the minds of a large audience, including school students, to the common message enshrined in the tenets of all religions – of love, compassion, understanding, tolerance and acceptance.

A brainchild of well-known author, mentor, trainer and motivator Col Daljeet Singh Cheema (retd.), the symposium was organised in collaboration with the Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, in the school premises on Thursday to commemorate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

The symposium had four panel discussions on different themes – ‘Dichotomies of our times and the need for interfaith dialogue, Spiritual perspective of interfaith dialogue’; ‘Guru Nanak’s philosophy for searching peace, harmony and happiness, Music as creed of worship in Guru Nanak’s ‘baani’, Sufi perspective of love for humanity’; ‘All faiths are faiths of love and compassion, religion and spirituality’; and ‘Interfaith harmony in Armed Forces’.

A book ‘101 Divine Thoughts of Guru Nanak Ji’, authored by Col. Daljeet Singh Cheema (retd.), was also released.

Panellists in all four sessions emphasised that there are no differences or conflicts between religions, but lack of understanding of our own and others’ religion, coupled with sustained campaigns of misinformation and falsehood by vested interests, including politicians and religious leaders, was fuelling mistrust and tensions between religious communities.

Though the forms and symbols of worship may differ in various religions, but all agree with the Oneness of God, who has created this beautiful Universe, was the message which came out loud and clear from the symposium.

The panellists were also one in stressing that to love God, people of all faiths need to love His creations in all forms.

Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula students sing a ‘shabad’ at the Interfaith Harmony Symposium

Urging people to make it a point to read religious scriptures to be able to better appreciate the commonalities in the tenets of different religions, the panellists encouraged them to hold honest and healthy dialogues and discussions with people around them, only then they will realise that love is intrinsic in all human beings.

The importance music as a means of spreading the universal message of love and compassion, as practiced by Guru Nanak, was also underscored in the symposium.
In the last panel discussion, the Indian armed forces were presented as a role model for tolerance, acceptance and respect for all religions.

An example was given of a journalist once asking a top-ranking military officer how many Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and members of other religions there are in the Indian armed forces, and getting a stunning reply, “None! In our Services, we have only soldiers, airmen and sailors.”

The symposium aptly began with Musicality and Sikh Faith by Sunaini Guleria Sharma and rebab rendition by Kaka Gurdeep Singh Rababi, while Bhavan students sang an inter-faith song and ‘shabad’.

Participants were treated to a special millets lunch designed and prepared by well-known chef Vikas Chawla at his speciality millets restaurant Jhumroo in Mohali.

One Michelin Star Winning Houston Restro, Musaafer Has A Chandigarh Connect

Sanjeev Kochhar
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One Michelin Star Winning Houston Restro, Musaafer Has A Chandigarh Connect
Restaurant co-owners, couple Shammi (Gurpreet) & Mithu Malik hail from Chandigarh
Musaafer’s Executive Corporate Chef Mayank Istwal is from Dehradun

Hailing from Chandigarh, couple Shammi and Mithu Malik have been making waves with their authentic Indian and contemporary cuisine restaurant Musaafer in Houston, Texas, USA. The popularity of the restaurant located in the Galleria shopping mall in Houston has now won it international recognition having won its first coveted Michelin star designation.

Musaafer is among only six restaurants in Houston city and 15 in entire Texas state to win One Michelin star designation, which recognises a restaurant’s “high-quality cooking” and deems it “worth a stop.” Houston has a staggering 12,000 small and big restaurants.

Musaafer’s Executive Corporate Chef Mayank Istwal, who hails from Dehradun, received the famous embroidered Michelin star jacket in the inaugural invite-only Michelin Guide Ceremony 2024 Texas, a private award ceremony held at the 713 Music Hall in Houston on Monday night (US time), accompanied by the co-owners of the restaurant Shammi and Mithu Malik.

The ceremony kicked off with a message from floating astronauts, including Indian origin Sunita Williams, from the International Space Station (ISS). Houston is home to NASA’s pioneering Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

In an exclusive telephonic with your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com, Shammi (Gurpreet) shared: “Musaafer, an Urdu word for traveller, is an outcome of a quest for authentic recipes and their ingredients from the vast and multi-cultural Indian sub-continent, for which Chef Mayank Istwal was sent on an ambitious 100-day journey across 29 Indian states and beyond, to gather stories and experiences along the way and bring home age old regional recipes, which have been translated into the restaurant’s eclectic menu.”

Shammi further said, “The intention of Musaafer’s gastronomic experience is to showcase our homeland in a manner that authentically honours the country’s culinary diversity. It is an educational tour for our diners, where Executive Corporate Chef Mayank Istwal vows to take you on the 100-day journey, which he embarked on through the 29 states of India and beyond.

“With his cutting-edge skill, creativity and imagination, the chef translates his redefined vision for traditional Indian recipes into stunning, new-age plate presentations and also ensures that Indian cuisine holds the same place on the global culinary stage as any other top cuisine.”

Though this aspect is not considered in the Michelin star-rating, the restaurant’s interiors present both the grandeur and simplicity of the Indian heritage.

Quoting a food critic, “dinner in a shopping mall doesn’t sound promising, unless you’re headed to Musaafer. The sheer scale of this grand hall, with its arches, towering windows, labyrinth-like layout, and elaborate patterns, feels like a palace of its own.”

Another critic has written, “This larger-than-life restaurant is reminiscent of a palace, with stunning artwork, fabrics, furniture, and décor all imported from India. Beyond the glitz and glamour, there’s a menu chock-full of sensational bites, such as tandoori octopus and the chef’s exquisite mushroom ceviche. The authentic Indian aromas, spices, curries, and flavours will transport you to the subcontinent – no passport required!”

Reacting to the One Michelin Star designation, Shammi and Mithu, while sharing their gratitude for the award, said: “It reflects the dedication, passion, and tireless efforts of our entire Musaafer family. This honour reaffirms our commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience inspired by the rich culinary heritage of India.”
Commenting on the Michelin recognition, Executive Corporate Chef Mayank Istwal said:

“The Michelin recognition is not only a personal achievement for Musaafer, but also a reflection of Houston’s thriving culinary landscape. We feel incredibly honoured to stand among so many talented chefs and restaurateurs in this vibrant city, and we are excited to see Houston’s dining culture continue to flourish.”

www.facebook.com/musaaferhouston 

World’s Highest Mudh-Nyoma Fighter Airfield In Ladakh Becomes Operational

Sanjeev Kochhar
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World’s Highest Mudh-Nyoma Fighter Airfield In Ladakh Becomes Operational
95% work on the nearly 3-km runway complete, enabling emergency operations of heavy lift military transport aircraft and frontline fighter jets
Airfield will become fully operational by September 2025

Imagine a nearly 3 km runway at a challenging altitude of 13,700 feet, on tough terrain and in harsh weather conditions, where temperatures can drop to as low as minus-35 degrees Celsius, being constructed and readied for emergency operations in a record time of a year!

Yes, India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has made it possible by completing 95% work on the runway at Mudh in Nyoma subdivision of the newly announced Changthang district of eastern Ladakh as on end of October this year on what was earlier an advanced landing ground (ALG).

The airstrip is now ready for emergency landing of heavy lift aircraft as well as advanced fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

With the completion of the other allied infrastructure like hangars for the aircraft, air traffic control building, and hard-standing areas, etc., Mudh-Nyoma will become fully operational for normal flight operations by September 2025 as the highest fighter airfield in the world.

Nyoma is on the southern shores of Pangong Tso lake and Mudh-Nyoma airfield, just 35 kms from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the India-China border and about 200 kms from Leh city, is expected to provide a strategic boast to the Indian military for rapid mobilisation, deployment of forces and other resources and carrying out regular air patrol and reconnaissance missions.

The advanced landing ground was already being utilised for operating a fleet of helicopters, including Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters ever since the armed Galwan clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in 2020 lead to heightened tensions and massive aggressive deployment of troops and heavy weaponry on both sides of the contested border.

Apart from providing strategic military advantage, the Mudh-Nyoma airfield is expected to stimulate economic growth in this remote region by providing improved civilian connectivity to local communities and tourists alike.

According to Colonel Ponung Doming, the first female Colonel rank officer from Arunachal Pradesh with the BRO and Commander of the 755 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Himank, the Rs 218 crore project has involved a significant manpower effort, with up to 450 labourers being deployed through harsh summer and winter conditions.

Currently, Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport serves as the main air hub, with military equipment and other supplies being transported overland to forward positions from there.

Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport
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