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Misleading Consumer Ads Will Hopefully Be Checked With 2019 Act, Says NCDRC President

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Misleading Consumer Ads Will Hopefully Be Checked With 2019 Act, Says NCDRC President

False and misleading advertisements promising things like whiter teeth in two weeks or four shades fairer skin in a month may soon a thing of the past once ‘The Consumer Protection Act 2019’ comes into force, expectedly later this year or beginning of next year.

This is the level of confidence National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) President Justice RK Agrawal (retd) exuded while delivering a lecture on the topic “Advances In Consumer Law – Vision For Future” at a conference on “Consumer Is Always Right?” organised by Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown in association with Rotary Club Chandigarh Central on Saturday.

File Photo Of Justice RK Agrawal (retd), President, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

Justice Agrawal informed the gathering that the Act, which is awaiting government notification to become law, while clearly defining what constituted a misleading advertisement, has for the first time specified penal provisions, including fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment of up to two years.

“It also provides for prosecution of celebrities, including imposing fines (on them) for endorsing products with misleading claims,” he said, while expressing confidence that these measures will prove to be a strong deterrence against such unethical practises.

Justice Agrawal hailed several other forward looking provisions of the Act, including introduction of the concept of mediation, as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, and establishment of a national level ‘Regulator’ called ‘Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)’ with wide ranging powers.

Enumerating some other important provisions of the Act 2019, the National Commission President said among these inclusion of offline as well as online transactions through electronic means or by teleshopping or direct selling or multi-level marketing in the ambit of the Act was quite noteworthy. He felt that raising of the pecuniary jurisdiction of district fora, state commissions and national commission to Rs 1 crore, Rs 10 crore and above Rs 10 crore, respectively was a welcome step.

“The changes that have been incorporated in the Act 2019 will most certainly ensure a safer and fairer market for consumers to interact with the providers, but to what extent, only time will tell,” he remarked.

While acknowledging that the 1986 Act, with amendments in 1991, 1993 and 2002, had benefitted lakhs of consumers, Justice Agrawal at the same time admitted to several lacunas in it, which needed to be fixed.

Huge Pendency

Sharing some facts and figures to point out that the previous Act had failed to meet the expectations of the consumers in a rapidly transforming world, he said though disposal rate of complaints in the various consumer fora had on an average been over 90%, yet there were over 4.5 lakh pending cases in all fora as on Sept 30, 2019. 

With cases dragging on for over a year on average, there was growing disillusionment and frustration among the consumers, who were hesitant in approaching the consumer fora. The reasons for the delay, he said, were many, including lack of infrastructure, appalling working conditions, non-functioning of consumer fora due to delay in appointments of presidents and members, adjournments taken by lawyers and unnecessary pleadings.

Why New Law Required

Giving justification for a new Consumer Protection Law, Justice Agrawal emphasised that with changing times, the consumer law had to grow in order to satisfy the needs of a rapidly  changing society and keep abreast with economic developments.

Another consideration was that consumers were now participants in a global and online market. The potential of the internet to create a virtual borderless market had made the domestic territorial-based consumer protection laws incompatible with the non-territorial or cross-border nature of e-transactions, raising issues relating to enforceability of judgements and laws, he shared.

Therefore, for a long time a need was being felt to suitably amend the existing Act to deal with these aspects of the globalised world, Justice Agrawal added.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Microbiologist Society India Recognises PU Profs Devotion To Teaching

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Microbiologist Society India Recognises PU Profs Devotion To Teaching

He was drawn to tears as a gathering of students, researchers, teachers and academicians drawn from various scientific backgrounds gave him a standing ovation on his receiving the ‘Lifetime Devotion Award’ from the Microbiologist Society India. He is only the fourth microbiologist in the country to receive this award since its inception.

Though his individual achievements as a microbiologist place him at a high pedestal, it is Prof Sanjay Chhibber’s devotion to teaching which has won him the award. The unassuming and caring senior most professor of the reputed Microbiology Department of Panjab University Chandigarh, who has dedicated four decades of his life to teaching, resides in the hearts of his students, colleagues and all others who come in his influence, and it showed in the spontaneous response.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

The award was conferred upon him during a symposium on “Innovative Approaches In Microbial Biotechnology” organised by the department on Friday.

Unable to hold herself back while sitting in the audience, his PhD course mate of yesteryears Dr Madhu Kaul, who retired as Principal of Govt Home Science College Chandigarh, in an impromptu profusion of emotions spoke highly about Prof Chhibber’s unflinching love for teaching. He let go several opportunities of holding high administrative postings in the field of education during his illustrious career just because he wanted to remain closely connected with his students, she shared.

The current Chairperson of the department Prof Kusum Harjai also fondly remembered being Prof Chhibber’s first student in the department and how she held him in high esteem and respect.

Reading out Prof Chhibber’s citation, Dr AM Deshmukh, President, Microbiologist Society India, said he is a renowned scientist who has made immense contribution in the field of medical microbiology. His work involves understanding of host-parasite interactions in terms of bacterial virulence. Currently, his laboratory is engaged in finding alternative strategies to curb rising antimicrobial resistance in bacteria in case bacteria fails to respond to available antibiotics.

His work on bacteriophage therapy, where he uses phage as antibacterial agent with or without antibiotics, has engaged the attention of the scientific community the world over. He has published this work in national and international journals and has patents in this area, Deshmukh added.

He emphasised that such illustrious scientists, who are equally passionate about sharing their knowledge, and encouraging and guiding young scientific brains to find sustainable solutions to existing and future worldly problems, are a rare commodity.

Accepting the award in all humility, Prof Chhibber, true to his reputation dedicated the award to the training, guidance and inspiration provided to him by his teachers and senior colleagues because of which he could challenge his own limits. He gave equal credit to the research scholars working as a team with him, “just like family.”

In the symposium, Prof. RS Awasthi from Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Renapur, Maharashtra delivered a lecture on the theme “Innovative Approaches In Microbial Science”, while Prof AM Deshmukh from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Osmanabad, Maharashtra made a presentation on “Biotechnological Solutions To e-Waste”.   

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Society Needs To Find Ways To Settle Consumer Issues Out Of Court, Let Courts Be Last Resort

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Society Needs To Find Ways To Settle Consumer Issues Out Of Court, Let Courts Be Last Resort

The society must generate greater awareness and devise ways to settle consumer issues out of court. Judicial courts or consumer disputes redressal fora should be considered as a last resort. This is the general line of thought which prevailed at the conference on “Consumer Is Always Right?” organised by Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown in association with Rotary Club Chandigarh Central in the auditorium of Goswami Ganesh Dutta SD College in Sector 32 on Saturday.

Justice RK Agrawal (retd), President, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, the chief guest on the occasion, while speaking on the topic “Recent Advances in Consumer Law – Vision for Future” hailed the ‘The Consumer Protection Act 2019’ as a landmark legislation which is expected to bring further relief to consumers in the rapidly changing world environment. He hoped that it will come into effect soon, after the government notifies it.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Earlier giving an overview of the topic of the conference, Rtn. Salil Bali, President Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown, shared with the audience that apart from its core areas of service to society his club was laying special focus on consumer protection, and laws associated with it. He hoped that Rotarians will play an important role in consolidating the consumer protection movement in the country.

Conference chairman and former member of the National Commission Rtn. Dr. BC Gupta, in his presentation “My Tryst With The Consumer Law”, presented half a dozen interesting examples from his five-and-a-half years experience in the commission to give the consumer movement food for thought. Situations are not always cut and dried and consumer disputes redressal agencies have to play a balancing act in such matters, he emphasised.

He also called upon the society, and organisations like Rotary clubs, to play a proactive role in generating greater consumer awareness and take steps for redressal of consumer issues out of court.

Rtn. Balram Gupta, Director Academics, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, in his topic “Rotary Connects The Consumer” said he was looking forward to the implementation of the new clause of alternative mechanism of mediation in the 2019 Consumer Act, which he thought was a laudable initiative.

Giving an international perspective to consumer law, young lawyer Sukhandeep Singh quoted profusely from the UK law to highlight the need for making the framework for consumer disputes redressal more accessible and faster.

NC Rana, President, Consumer Association Panchkula, speaking on the topic “Fate of Consumer”, felt that the structure of the consumer redressal mechanism in the country made it extremely inaccessible for a vast majority of people residing in the rural areas, where lack of awareness was also a big stumbling block.

The presidents of the state commissions of Haryana, Punjab and UT Chandigarh, Justices (retd) TPS Mann, PS Dhaliwal and RS Attri were felicitated on the occasion.

Among others present were Rtn. Raman Malik, President, Rotary Club Chandigarh Central, and past President Chandigarh Midtown Rtn. RTPS Tulsi.

Rtn. Jitendra Dhingra, District Governor, Rotary District 3080, who was to be Guest of Honour, could not make it because of unforeseen personal compulsions.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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North Zone Coord Committee Of MRs Seeks Govt Help To Stem Dangerous Drift In Ties

Sanjeev Kochhar
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North Zone Coord Committee Of MRs Seeks Govt Help To Stem Dangerous Drift In Ties

There was a time when medical representatives (MRs) of major pharmaceutical companies were in perfect sync with the medical fraternity, strutting in and out of doctors’ clinics almost at will. But things are no longer hunky-dory. The prying eyes and ears of pharma majors through I-pad and mobile GPS reporting apps has snapped that string of confidence between the white coats and the men pushing for their company drugs with free sampling.

As the multi-national and indigenous pharma companies grow in size, and pressure increases to maximise profits, the conflict with their so called “ambassadors” in the market is taking on dangerous proportions.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Besides alleged illegal surveillance of MRs by hired security agencies and violation of privacy, there are also issues of their exploitation, which include low pay and negligible annual increments, working hours beyond the stipulated eight hours without overtime compensation, overload of work, unrealistic targets, attempts at weakening their unions and punitive actions like transfers to far off places, summary dismissals and slapping of allegedly false police cases.

Various MR unions of North Zone, comprising Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, under the umbrella of their North Zone Coordination Committee (NZCC) recently held a stormy convention in Chandigarh to take stock of the situation.

Talking to LifeInChandigarh.com on the sidelines of a media briefing after the convention, NZCC leaders named a few pharma majors operating in India, who they alleged were indulging in unfair means to weaken the unions and fulfil their “nefarious agendas”. They claimed that these companies had hired private security agencies at huge cost to track the activities of their MRs who indulged in union activities.

These agencies had also been assigned to instigate the MRs and get “false police cases” of manhandling registered against them, the leaders alleged, and went on to give examples of a few such cases registered in police stations in Yamunanagar, Ambala and Bathinda between July and August this year.

They claimed that when these security agencies went into action, the MR associations had conveyed their apprehensions to respective district police chiefs in the region. But while the police in these states are promptly registering cases against their members on the complaint of companies, the pleas of MR associations are being ignored, they maintained.

Among the leaders who addressed the media were NZCC joint coordinators Ajay Sharma and Arvinder Sharma, legal advisor Vishal Sharma and leaders of MRs’ associations of Haryana and Delhi Deepak Singh and KK Mittal, respectively.

They claimed that there have also been isolated cases of tragedies in traumatised families of MRs, including suicide by an MR and aborted pregnancy of another MR’s wife.

Naming a particular pharma company, the NZCC leaders claimed that it had pressurised its MRs to resign en masse from their respective associations. The resignations were rejected by the associations since these had been submitted under duress, they said, and added that a letter of protest from the coordination committee to the owner of the company went unanswered.

The leaders informed that cases of alleged harassment and victimisation of MRs by their company management were piling up in labour courts, and because of such cases dragging on for months, the families of complainants were suffering untold misery as in several cases the companies withheld salaries to such litigants. Wherever possible, the MR associations were helping out such families financially and morally, they added.

An active member of the MR association in Jammu, while relating his tale of alleged exploitation by his pharma company, claimed that even after 18 years of service he was getting a measly monthly salary of Rs 18,000. His last annual increment was just Rs 400 despite the galloping price rise, he rued. “Kya khayenge aur kya bachalange. Hamare bachchon ka kya future hoga,” he asked and exclaimed “Abb bhagwan ka hi aasra hai!”    

NZCC is demanding that the respective state governments strictly enforce the labour laws applicable to the industry and safeguard its members against exploitation by their employers. They are also demanding that the alleged false cases registered against its members in different police stations in the region be withdrawn immediately.

Restoration of a congenial working environment, and bridging of the trust deficit between the employee and the employer, is the ultimate solution to the dangerous drift in relations, the NZCC leaders asserted.       

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Faith Must Override Political Bickering Over Nanak Celebrations, Say Sikh Leaders

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Faith Must Override Political Bickering Over Nanak Celebrations, Say Sikh Leaders

There will be symbolic 550 devotees in the ‘jatha’ under the banner of the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Foundation to be taken on the historic journey to the revered Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan to participate in celebrations of first Sikh master Guru Nanak’s Dev’s 550th birth anniversary.

The Guru’s abode for the last part of his life, and the place of his final rest, is being thrown open for visa-free travel to a general mass of followers of the Sikh faith from the Indian side in November this year following an agreement between the two nations, torn by conflict since Partition in 1947.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

The pact, fulfilling a longstanding demand by devotees, has triggered a wave of elation among devout Sikhs across the world, with thousands wanting to be among the first to undertake the daylong journey of faith along the less than 6 km Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak. Work is underway at a frenetic pace on both sides of the border to complete the road and other facilities for pilgrims en route on schedule despite several hiccups, including delays in land acquisition.

Inviting devotees wanting to be part of the ‘Anandpuri Jatha’, which will be leaving for Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Chandigarh and Hoshiarpur on November 30, the foundation’s Managing Trustee Sodhi Vikram Singh said the 550 faithfuls will be ferried to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan in 13 luxury buses after assembling at Dera Baba Nanak.

Considered a direct descendant of Baba Suraj Mal, elder son of 6th of the 10 Sikh Gurus, Guru Hargobind, Sodhi informed that number 13 is considered auspicious in Sikh faith as against the general belief that it is an unlucky figure.

He said the foundation is in touch with Indian and Pakistani authorities responsible for border crossing and travel and a final word on approval for the ‘jatha’, along with other details and formalities, are awaited. In all likelihood, the devotees will have to fill up a form, format for which will be provided by the Pakistani government. The expenses for the daylong travel are expected to be in the region of Rs 2000-2500 per devotee apart from the applicable US $ 20 entry fee charged by the Pakistan government from foreign travellers, he added. 

Supporting the ‘jatha’ initiative of the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Foundation, Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha President Prof. Sham Singh and General Secretary Khushal Singh, Global Sikh Council President Gurpreet Singh and Dr Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from the Institute of Sikh Studies, who were also present at the media interaction, made an impassioned appeal to members of the Sikh faith across the world to immerse themselves completely in reverence of the Guru Nanak and pledge to follow his core teachings of humility, universal brotherhood, being one with Nature and gender equality.

Denouncing the running battle, apparently for political mileage, between the Amarinder Singh led Congress Government in Punjab and the Sikh religious umbrella body Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), controlled by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), they said this is no time to score brownie points but to rise above all differences and celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner. There should be no political messaging and no political interference in the celebrations, they asserted.

They said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had set a perfect example in this regard by extending the state government’s full support to the celebrations of the 350 birth anniversary (Prakash Utsav) of 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh at Patna Sahib in 2017. He had done it in total reverence to the Guru and not allowed any political or administrative interference in the celebrations. 

Gurpreet Singh of Global Sikh Council informed that Giani Harpreet Singh, acting jathedar (head priest) of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, the Akal Takht, has called a meeting of association of all Sikh bodies and well respected representatives of other faiths and organisations in Ludhiana on October 20 to discuss and finalise details of the celebrations.

He said it is time that followers of the Sikh faith dwelled deep on issues which were close to the Guru’s heart. Giving examples of deviations from the guru’s teachings, he said the current trend of image worship was strictly against Sikh tenets. The followers of the faith must also introspect whether they have given the status in society to women as propagated by the Guru. If not, then they must take correct their attitude towards women. This will be true reverence to the Guru on his 550th birth anniversary, he added.  

Ms. Sartaj Lamba, who is arranging travel and logistics for the ‘jatha’, and who was also present at the media interaction, can be reached on M: 8725002575 or mail id : sartaj@flywithaj.com.

Sodhi Vikram Singh can be reached on his mail id : sodhi.vikram@gmail.com

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Less Seen Canine Breeds Afghan Hound, Tibetan Spaniel, Alaskan Malamute To Spice Up Show

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Less Seen Canine Breeds Afghan Hound, Tibetan Spaniel, Alaskan Malamute To Spice Up Show

Just two more impressive open dog shows stand between organisers of the Panchkula Open Dog Show and getting Kennel Club of India (KCI) championship status for their pet project. No wonder then that Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is going the extra mile to ensure a quantitative and qualitative leap in the second edition of their open dog show over the inaugural edition in 2018.

The event is scheduled to be held at the Parade Ground in Sector 5 Panchkula on October 19 (Saturday) from 12 noon to 7 p.m. Shyam Mehta, a seasoned KCI licensed judge from Gurugram will judge the event.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Sharing details of the 2nd edition,  Sikander Singh, General Secretary of the club, Sarvpreet Singh, Vice President, and Dr Ravinder Singh, Founder Member & Vet Advisor, told LifeInChandigarh.com on the sidelines of a media briefing that participation of dozens of dog breeds from across the country in this edition is expected to double from last year’s 100.

Among the top and exotic breeds expected to participate from the entire Northern region, and as far as from Chennai, are Afghan Hound, which Sikander claimed had hardly been seen in dog shows in the country in the last 15 years, Tibetan Spaniel, Alaskan Malamute, Toy Poodle and Toy Pom. Participation of Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Labradors is always the highest in Indian dog shows, and naturally, these breeds witness the toughest competition, he added.

As far as the Indian pure breeds are concerned, he said the standards prescribed by KCI for breed dogs which can participate in championships are extremely stringent. Hence, only a few breeds like Himalayan Sheepdog, a mastiff-type mountain dog found in northern hill states, and Rajapalayam, once companion of the royalty and aristocracy in Southern India, and now nearly extinct, are eligible to participate.

Apart from a free check-up and rabies vaccination camp for the canines, a dog adoption stall will also be set up. There will be awareness sessions for visitors on ‘How To Co-exist With Street Dogs’.

Though this dog show, Sikander Singh is also seeking to dispel from the minds of the general public, including dog lovers, a “misconception” that strong breeds like Rottweiler are “danger”. Presenting his champion Rottweiler ‘Etios’, claimed to be the only Rott bred in Asia to have won a top 10 (7th) position in a global dog show held in Boxberg, Germany, before media persons, he clarified that Rotts are a very strong breed, first bred for their role as cart-puller dogs, and later as guard dogs, but at the same time they are extremely gentle, docile, loving and loyal in a homely atmosphere. Despite its macho looks, the fourth most popular dog breed in the world (as per world body FCI – Federation Cynoloqique Internationale) is also easy to maintain, he maintained.

Sikander Singh can be reached @ 9915268876, FB page Vom Carnivous Rottweilers or on mail id carnivous351@gmail.com

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Ayurveda Is A Complete Health System; Adopt It As A Way Of Life

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Ayurveda Is A Complete Health System; Adopt It As A Way Of Life

If we adopt the ancient science of Ayurveda as a way of life, it is perhaps the only complete health system in the world, capable of effectively addressing global health issues. But there are challenges galore with questions being raised over quality and safety of various Ayurvedic formulations and therapies, lack of adequate clinical trials and absence of international standard certifications.

These and many other issues were the focus of a National Seminar on “Challenges and Strengths of AYUSH For The Prevention & Management Of Lifestyle Disorders” organised by the Shri Dhanwantry Educational Society at the Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital in Sector 46 Chandigarh. Ayurveda and naturopathy experts from the region and from other parts of the country delivered four technical lectures to an audience primarily comprising students from ayurvedic colleges from the region as well as alumni and faculty of the host college.

A new logo of Dhanwantry College being unveiled during the course of the National Seminar on AYUSH

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Ashok Bhan, who has been closely associated with the institution for long, in his inaugural address, set the tone for the seminar. Sharing fond memories of his personal experiences with traditional forms of medicine and Ayurveda practiced by highly respected “vaids”, he said the science contained in these is matchless. But unfortunately the “shodh” (research) done by these great personalities remained confined to their families and were not documented for reference of others.

Noting that for ancient wisdom we are dependent on ancient Indian scriptures, he said the least that institutions like Dhanwantry College can do is to get these Sanskrit scriptures translated in the common man’s language and undertake further research, which should be documented for posterity.

In his technical lecture, Dr JLN Sastry, Head – Health Care, Dabur Research & Development Centre, emphasised that “our traditional simple meals, comprising roti/rice, dal, vegetables and ghee/butter, were balanced and wholesome. Eating habits and lifestyle were also disciplined. With modernity and fast paced life, our eating habits are now dictated by novelty, trends, taste and convenience, with least emphasis on having a balanced diet. Irregular gaps between meals and skipping a meal or two altogether is also leading to health issues,” he added.

Giving a presentation, Dr Sastry said Ayurveda emphasises on maintaining a correct lifestyle, considers prevention first, adopts a holistic approach towards health and wellness, and advocates maintaining a balance in the “Three Pillars of Life”, which are proper digestion, proper sleep and proper management of sexual activities.

Dwelling on recent drugs developed by Dabur, he particularly mentioned Glycodab which had proved effective in managing and containing Type II diabetes. The formulation was the outcome of research and testing by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (CCRAS) and, after securing rights, it was developed, standardised and further tested on various parameters by Dabur Research & Development Centre.

In his lecture, Dr Dharminder Vashisht from the well known naturopathy centre in the region, Sanjeevani Kaya Shodhan Sansthan, Jind Road, Gohana in Sonepat district of Haryana stressed the need to treat the mind before body.  A good doctor must always shower his utmost attention and affection on all people who come to them for consultation and treatment to win their confidence and trust, he stated.

He strongly advocated that people recharge themselves at least every 12 hours by taking a few minutes out of their daily schedules to concentrate on their own selves by maintaining silence, doing yoga or meditation or just praying, because spirituality is the essence of life.

Dr Deepika Gunawant (MD Ayurveda), who is a Senior Consultant – Ayurveda & Wellness at the Max Multi-speciality Centre in New Delhi, in her presentation while hailing Ayurveda’s holistic approach, which emphasises on preventative aspects of health, well being and lifestyle, emphasised that clinical studies had substantiated the effectiveness and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines and therapies.

At the same time, she said the Ayurveda industry had to address the growing concerns worldwide over quality and genuineness of raw materials used in its formulations and therapies. Non compliance with international quality and safety certifications was another area where the industry needs to seriously move forward without delay, she added.

Renowned naturopath Prof (Dr) BT Chidanandan Murthy, who is currently associated with  Jindal Naturecure Institute on the outskirts of Bangalore, one of the top five naturopathy institutions in the country, said naturopathy believed that elimination of toxins from the body removed the cause of the disease. Suppression of disease leads to chronic disease. It also believed that there are tremendous healing potentials within the body, and body and mind have tremendous recuperative, rejuvenative and restorative powers. These potentials have to be activated through various forms of stimulations, he added.

Secretary of the Shri Dhanwantry Educational Society Naresh Mittal informed the gathering that 2,000 BAMS students had passed out from Dhanwantry College since its inception in the mid 1970s. Now the college-hospital is poised to rise to the next level with an entire new four-storey block under construction and introduction of Masters courses (proposed 12 seats in six specialities) besides increasing BAMS seats from 60 to 100.   

Ayurvedic ‘Gyan’ Extracted From Presentations

Dos & Don’ts Of Sleep

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  • Wake up in the Brahmi Muhurta i.e. 43 minutes before sunrise (between 5:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. in summers and 6:45 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. in winters)

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  •  Retire to bed as early as possible, but not before sunset in any case

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  • Afternoon nap is advisable (43 minutes only), but while sitting in an armchair. Sleeping during daytime is ill-advised

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  • Sleeping in the right lateral (side) position is advised using a thin pillow. For digestive disorders left lateral position is recommended

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  • Going to sleep immediately after finishing lunch or dinner is a strict no-no

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  • Children, aged people, pregnant women and the sick and ailing are exempted from general restrictions

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Means To Induce Sleep

Oral

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  • Ashvagandha with milk

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  • Brahmi or Mandukaparni as stress busters

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  • Tagar or Jatamansi as natural tranquilisers

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External

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  • Ghee/curd application on the sole of feet

    • rn

  • Meditation/yoga

    • rn

  • Music Therapy

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LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676 

Japanese Consumer Electronics Giant Sharpens Focus On Premium Products For Value Growth

Sanjeev Kochhar
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0
Japanese Consumer Electronics Giant Sharpens Focus On Premium Products For Value Growth

As the country’s leading consumer electronics brand, Sony India will continue to strengthen its premium brand position by launching new high quality, high technology products in the Indian market at the same time as in the European markets. The company claims to be on course to achieve its ambitious targets of registering a quantum jump in value growth during the current festive season (mid August to mid November) as compared to the previous year’s season by adding a strong line-up of new innovative and premium products across all categories and sugar coating it with attractive consumer and finance offers.

Sunil Nayyar, who steered Sony India’s sales pitch for eight years before returning in 2018 as its first Indian origin Managing Director after a brief stint in the US market, told LifeInChandigarh.com on the sidelines of a media interaction in Chandigarh on Monday that television sets continue to remain the mainstay of the company’s business in India, though it also has a strong presence in all other categories like home audio, personal audio and digital imaging.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

“We are undoubtedly the No. 1 player in the premium big screen size (55 inch to 75 inch) OLED and 4K television segment, which we pioneered. The range boasts of far superior picture quality, audio quality and overall consumer experience compared to the immediate competition, he asserted.

Nayyar claimed that Sony India also has a sizable presence in the 43 inch and 49 inch television segment, though it does not enjoy a dominant position in the popular 32 inch segment, vitiated by a prize war with newer entrants vying for a piece of the big pie. However growth in the big screen size and premium segment has already outstripped that in the popular segment, he informed.

“Though the overall market scenario has stressed the consumer electronics market as much as most of the other markets, we are confident that this has more to do with the market sentiment than any structural problem in the Indian economy. We are positioning ourselves strongly to take full advantage as soon the curve starts to once again move steadily upwards,” he added.

Nayyar shared that despite the low sentiment, the company looked set to achieve its target of achieving a 40% increase in the contribution of its premium products across all categories to its total revenues in the country in the next couple of years. Currently premium products contribute 25% to Sony India’s total revenues, he said.

“For this festive season, we have set a growth target of 100% in premium television segment, 15% in overall television business, 80% in digital imaging, 40% in soundbar, 50% in party speaker and 90% in headphones business over what we achieved in the previous year’s festive season,” Nayyar shared.

He claimed that among other premium Sony products across categories topping the sales charts are full frame mirror less cameras (which have become the choice for marriage shoots and top professional photographers in the country), Dolby Atmos soundbars and extra bass noise cancellation headphones.     

www.sony.co.in

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Our Promises Are Practical & Workable, Within States Resources, Says Nadda & CM Manohar Lal

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Our Promises Are Practical & Workable, Within States Resources, Says Nadda & CM Manohar Lal

In an apparent play of words, an upbeat Bharatiya Janta Party in Haryana on Sunday released what it called a ‘Sankalp Patra’, instead of a ‘Ghoshna Patra’ (poll manifesto), a week before the state goes to the polls in the state.

In the document titled “Mhara Sapnon Ka Haryana 2019-2024”, the party pledged to carry forward Chief Minister Manohar Lal’s “remarkable achievement” of steering the state away from the infamous politics of “parivarvaad, jaatiwaad aur brastachaar” towards “clean and non discriminatory politics of inclusive development for all sections and all regions of the state” as endorsed by the party’s National Working President JP Nadda.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Without an iota of an apology for keeping the media persons, gathered in the central ballroom of hotel The Lalit in Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park for well over an hour, during which the “compromised media” remained mute spectators, Nadda and Chief Minister Manohar Lal boasted that the people of the state for the first time ever had made up their mind six months in advance to retu the BJP to power.

Rubbishing the main rival party, the Congress’ announcement in its election manifesto of waiving off farm loans in the state, the BJP leaders maintained that the people of the country had seen through these gimmicks of the grand old party which it had already failed to deliver, as promised, in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The BJP’s pledge document on the other hand was promising only whatever was practical and implementable keeping in mind the financial capacity of the state, they added.

The Chief Minister also blasted the Congress for promising to withdraw the imposition of minimum educational qualifications for contesting panchayati raj elections in the state, saying instead of promising to take the state forward the Congress was bent upon derailing its progressive policies initiated in the last few years.

Under the head ‘Kamau Aur Tikau Kheti’, the party, apart from reiterating its commitment to existing central and state government concessions and schemes for farmers and doubling their incomes by 2022, has also promised that provisions will be incorporated in relevant laws to ensure that farmers seeking crop loans do not have to mortgage their land to the extent of more than 125 % of the amount of loan sought.

Efforts will be made to resolve the SYL canal issue with Punjab at the earliest and the state government will pursue with implementing agencies for early execution of the Lakhwar, Renuka and Kishau dam projects in which Haryana has a lion’s share of water.

Haryana BJP has also committed itself to creating a new ministry for youth development and self employment. A Startup Mission will be launched for strengthening the startup ecosystem in the state with the establishment of four Entrepreneurship Hubs. With an investment of Rs 500 crores, more than 25,00,000 youth will be provided skill training. Students will be provided guarantee free loan for higher and professional studies.

Reiterating its commitment to continue to invest heavily in promoting sports and fitness activities down to the village level, the state party has undertaken to open 1,000 sports nurseries.

In the sphere of women and child welfare, a commitment has been given to make the women and children anaemia free. Stores will also be opened across the state for marketing the products of all women’s self help groups (SHGs).

In another new, an Antodya Ministry will be created to ensure that the economically weaker sections of society are able to effectively avail of various central and state government schemes targeted at them. Skilled workmen and artisans will be provided guarantee free loan of up to Rs 3 lakhs.

For the elderly, the state party has promised to concert all Old Age Homes into well-equipped Mode Senior Citizen Community Centres. Every district will have at least one such community centre. Day care centres will also be opened for them in all places with a population exceeding 10,000.

For citizens with special needs, a scheme will be launched for their skill development to make them self reliant. Facility of guarantee-free soft loan of up to Rs 3 lakh will be extended to them to start their own business.

Opening of 2,000 wellness centres is among the dozens of other pledges made by the ruling party in the state in its ‘Sankalp Patra’.

Among others present on the occasion were party general secretary in charge for Haryana affairs Anil Jain, state party chief Subhash Barala, Union Minister and party in charge of the election campaign in the state Narendra Singh Tomar, Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana minister and chairman of the manifesto committee OP Dhankar, Haryana minister Anil Vij and Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria.

Spicy Desi Punjabi ‘Tadka’ With a Kiwi Twist

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Spicy Desi Punjabi ‘Tadka’ With a Kiwi Twist

It’s called the Coriander’s – Ethnic Indian Restaurant some 13,000 kms away on the beautiful South Island in New Zealand. With three busy restaurants, all in the suburbs of Christchurch, largely patronised by local New Zealanders and Indian tourist groups (now even Indian students thronging professional colleges and universities there), the chain of restaurants owned by Amardeep Singh, who is also its head chef, has set foot in his mother land.

The first of the restaurants in the country with plush interiors (all of Amardeep’s restaurants have been designed by interior designer Avijeet Ghoshal of Design Studio 385) has opened up in Bestech Square Mall Mohali, promising the foodies a delightful experience of spicy desi Punjabi ‘tadka’ with a Kiwi twist. The restaurant also serves other genres of cuisines, including oriental and sea food. Its starters, drinks and desserts on its menu are also a treat to the taste buds.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Talking to LifeInChandigarh.com at a media preview on Monday (the restaurant opens to the public on October 19 with singer, guitarist and lyricist Gurnazar Chattha doing the honours), Amardeep shared that more than anything else his decision to come to Mohali was inspired by his late father Hardarshan Singh’s wish that he set up a restaurant here as well. “It took me a decade after he left this world to set up shop in Mohali, but now I am ready to move to other places in India with my children having grown up and helping me in my business,” he said.

Emphasising that the quality and consistency of food, ambience and service defines the experiential quotient of any good restaurant, he informed “we have worked hard to tick all the right boxes. We are giving the customers a five-star experience with warm and rich colour of interiors and decor and luxurious furniture with marble table tops and cushy chairs for that classy dining experience.

“The quality and taste of our multi cuisine food sets us apart. We are very particular about procuring our ingredients from the best sources. The ‘jeera’ we use comes from Rajasthan and the spices from Goa. All the chicken and mutton is cooked using a process of marination and fermentation. We select the finest cuts and seasonal veggies that go into our dishes.”

The menu at Ethnic Coriander Mint is mouth-watering. The signature non-veg dishes in the main course include Murg Kadhai, Chicken Posht, Fish Malabari, Chicken Madras and, of course, the quintessential Butter Chicken (an in-house recipe has been brought from New Zealand for this all time favourite). Mutton Madras and Chicken Vindaloo, a spicy and tangy chicken dish, are also worth trying. Murg Dum Biryani and Vegetable Jalfrezi are inviting. 

In small bites, Lal Mirch Ka Paneer, Tikka Bharwein Golgappe, Palak Patta Chaat, among others are delicious. The clay oven recipes in veg boast of Ajwaini Soya Chaap. In non-veg,  this section offers delights like Coriander’s Special Tikka and Gosht Roonaki Seekh.

A host of options are available in breads with the most notable being unique Chocolate Naans and sumptuous Malabar Paranthas. In desserts, Kulfi Faluda is something very special to the restaurant.

A meal for two will cost around Rs 1,000.

Amardeep always cherished a passion and love for food, and his association with the hospitality industry on reaching New Zealand shores in 1999 paved the way for venturing into the restaurant business eight years hence. “Back then, there were not many Indians in Christchurch, and only four-five Indian restaurants were in business. There was scope for a quality Indian restaurant and my first Coriander’s – Ethnic Indian Restaurant opened up at Rolleston, a suburb of Christchurch. After tasting success, I opened a chain of restaurants, all in the suburbs of Christchurch. One was destroyed in the devastating earthquake in 2011. Now I have three running – at Rolleston, Bush Inn and St Asaph Street – all doing brisk business.”

The South Island of New Zealand, is host to a lot of beautiful places, including Christchurch, and attracts domestic and foreign tourists in large numbers. Rhithik Roshan’s super hit debut Bollywood movie in lead role “Kaho Na Pyaar Hai” was also shot largely in the scenic beauty in and around Queenstown, which is also on South Island.

“We regularly host large groups of tourists, including Indians, at our chain of restaurants, which are gaining in popularity by the day because of the ambience and consistently good food and service,” Amardeep informed, and asserted “The same will be replicated in Mohali, and all the other Indian cities in which we open on franchisee model in the coming years.”           

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676 

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