‘Islam forbids botox’

      Muslims in Malaysia have been advised not to undergo Botox treatments as it is forbidden in Islam, a cleric has said

      Kuala Lumpur: Selangor Mufti Mohamad Tamyes Abdul Wahad said the National Fatwa Council had decided to list the beauty treatment as “haram” (forbidden) as it had more adverse effects than good, The Star newspaper reported. 

       He said those providing Botox treatments should stop offering such services. 

       The observations came after Fatimah Wan Chik, the wife of Malaysian lawmaker Suhaili Abdul Rahman, fell seriously ill last week after undergoing the beauty treatment. 

      “People like to do things that they shouldn’t. Do not go against religion for the sake of vanity. There are other ways and products that can make us look beautiful and we need not go against the fatwa,” Mufti Wahad said. 

     Source: IANS

‘Islam forbids botox’

      Muslims in Malaysia have been advised not to undergo Botox treatments as it is forbidden in Islam, a cleric has said

      Kuala Lumpur: Selangor Mufti Mohamad Tamyes Abdul Wahad said the National Fatwa Council had decided to list the beauty treatment as “haram” (forbidden) as it had more adverse effects than good, The Star newspaper reported. 

       He said those providing Botox treatments should stop offering such services. 

       The observations came after Fatimah Wan Chik, the wife of Malaysian lawmaker Suhaili Abdul Rahman, fell seriously ill last week after undergoing the beauty treatment. 

      “People like to do things that they shouldn’t. Do not go against religion for the sake of vanity. There are other ways and products that can make us look beautiful and we need not go against the fatwa,” Mufti Wahad said. 

     Source: IANS

Bengal students best at maths: NCERT survey  

Akshaya Mukul | TNN  New Delhi:

     One of the country’s most stringent surveys of learning abilities of class V students by NCERT has found that West Bengal is on top, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Tripura. Uttar Pradesh has also made rapid strides making it to the sixth position. 

         The survey, which was conducted in 6,828 schools, 79% of them in rural areas, across 266 districts of 33 states and which tested 84,322 students in environment science, maths and language, found that there was a small overall increase (60.31% from 58.87%) in language ability and mathematics (46.51% to 48.46%) in the learning abilities in 2007 from the baseline survey carried out in 2001-02. Bihar and Lakshadweep did not participate in the survey.

        While students in many states had increased learning achievement, among the performing states, the story of Tamil Nadu needed to be singled out. Due to poor performance of students in three districts — Karur, Thrivanamalai and Vellore — the state’s mean average came down significantly from the baseline survey of 2001-02.

        The survey gave 40 questions in each subject. In mathematics, the students were asked questions on highest common factor/lowest common factor, average, profit and loss, simple interest, measurement, fraction and decimal, percent and geometry. In language, questions on structure of sentence, spelling, comprehension of informative passage and story were asked. In EVS, 20 questions each were on social science and science. 

        In mathematics, the mean average of West Bengal students was 60% to 70%. In fact, Bengal was the only state in this category. Class V students of Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, TN, Tripura and UPhad a mean average of 50% to 60%. Students of most of the other states had a mean average of 40% to 50%. These included states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab and Delhi. In Chhatisgarh, Goa and Andaman, class V students had a mean average of less than 40%.

       However, in EVS, Karnataka was on top with a mean average of 60% to 70%. West Bengal students had a mean average of 50% to 60%. Students of class V seemed to have a flair for language.

      The survey showed that students in 14 states had a mean average of 60% to 70%. Delhi students, lower down in other subjects, were in this category along with West Bengal, Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Jharkahnd, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Chandigarh. Other states had a mean average of 50% to 60%.

SCORE CARD

        In EVS, Karnataka was on top with a mean average of 60% to 70%. West Bengal students had a mean average of 50% to 60%

        In language, West Bengal, Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Jharkahnd, HP, Mizoram had a mean average of 60% to 70%

A TRUE HERO 

 Singh Happy With Noble Act, Rues Labourer’s Death  TIMES NEWS NETWORK  New Delhi:

     Would you risk your life for a stranger? The thought did not even cross 20-year-old Happy Singh’s mind as he jumped into a 12-ft ditch in Malviya Nagar to save the life of a labourer working on a sewer line there. 

         On Wednesday morning, Singh was at home when he heard a commotion of men screaming and women crying for help.

        Said Singh: ‘‘When I heard everyone shouting that a boy had fallen into the pit, I just jumped into it. I didn’t even have the time to think of the consequences. If someone is in need of help, how can you turn your back on him? I did just what I would expect anyone to do for me, if I was in such a situation.’’
   Singh, who stays with his parents in H-block, helps out in the family’s jewellery business. Residents of the area said that this was not the first time that the 20-year-old had risked his life for a stranger.
   As Satyapal Gulati, RWA president of the area, pointed out: ‘‘There was an accident in our colony sometime back. Happy was the first one to pitch in with help. He rushed the injured boy to the hospital. We are all very proud of him. Very few people would have the courage to risk their lives like this.’’
   Singh, who suffered minor bruises while trying to rescue 20-year-old Ashok Kumar, has just one regret that the labourer could not be saved. Once inside the pit, Singh had started out by digging the mud under which Kumar lay buried.
   He was helped by the policemen, who came 15 minutes later, and the fire fighters who had by then arrived at the scene.
   Said Singh: ‘‘I am just sad that I couldn’t do more for the labourer and Kumar passed away. It is unfortunate that no lessons are learnt by government agencies even as people continue to get hurt by falling into open ditches. A few days ago, another labourer had fallen into the pit and hurt himself.’’
   toireporter@timesgroup.com

For 10 rescued boys, it’s the highway to better life  

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  New   Delhi/Gurgaon:

      The opening of the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway will surely bring smiles to the faces of over 1.25 lakh commuters who use the road daily. But for a group of 10 young men, all runaway street children given shelter by Salam Balak Trust, the opening of the expressway translates to a fresh lease of life.

         Amidst all the last-minute preparations on Tuesday, the 10 youngsters sat comfortably in their seats at the 32-lane toll plaza, having been employed by DS Constructions to man the toll gates once the collection process begins. ‘‘We are completely ready for operation. I know it is going to be a big day but somehow, there is no stress. As far as I am concerned, they can start the toll collection right away,’’ said 22-year-old Ashtam Kumar, who was rescued from the streets 10 years ago by the trust.

        Added 20-year-old Ram Kishan, who ran away from home when he was just six years old: ‘‘We had worked at a toll plaza in Raipur-Durg for two years before we were sent to Delhi. This toll plaza is more modern and the number of cars passing through is also much more. So we have been trained to work faster so that there are no jams.’’
   For the past two days, they have been sitting at the gates, informing commuters that toll collection hasn’t started as yet. ‘‘We have been trained to talk to commuters politely and never get into an argument, even if the boom bar falls,’’ said Sandeep Thakur, another youth.

        By reserving 10 per cent of the manpower required to man the toll gates for the economically and socially underprivileged, the developer hopes to fulfil its corporate social responsibility and also provide a source of livelihood to those recruited by hiring these boys. Of the 250 tolling men required, the 10 youths from SBT have already been trained for the job.
         The youths have undergone a monthlong training on the technology and operations of the toll gates and will draw a salary of about Rs 9,600.

STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL 

 Rare disorder: Will to survive keeps her going  

Sonal Upreti I TNN  Mumbai:

Thirty eight-year-old Misha Desai believes God comes in human forms. Battling a rare genetic disorder called myotonic dystrophy since her childhood, she says it was the doctors of KEM Hospital who gave her a new lease of life when her own relatives gave up on her.

       The disorder is a chronic, slow-progressing, highly variable inherited disease that can manifest at any age. Symptoms include facial weakness and a slack jaw, drooping eyelids called ptosis and muscle wasting in the forearms and calves. It is a degenerative condition.

        Misha, who weighs a mere 32 kg, finds even regular tasks like getting out of bed, lifting the phone receiver and walking, challenging. With a BA honours in English literature from Mumbai University and a Ph.D in alternative medicine, Misha now runs a telephone booth at the working women’s hostel in Kurla, where she now lives.

        Her mother passed away from the same disease when Misha was only 12 years old. After her death, her father, who ran the family business of broadcasting films, took to alcohol. He passed away in 1993, leaving Misha with almost no support system.

         Misha began taking treatment for her condition at KEM Hospital. There she met doctors Praveena Shah, Sangeeta Rawat and Urvashi Shah, who took her under their wing. “She has fought the disease bravely and mentally. Despite personal and financial constraints, she has survived,’’ says Dr Shah, who is a professor of neurology at KEM. The doctors even got her a job as an assistant in the department.

        Duped by relatives of her inheritance, Misha had no option but to seek refuge at the Shraddhanand Women’s ashram in Matunga. Prone to fits, she became part of Samman, an epilepsy support group, where she interacted with patients and tried to help them. “The volunteers there became my friends and helped me survive a difficult phase in my life. I realised then that humanity is not dead.’’

        Psychologist Carol D’souza, who helps run the group, calls her a survivor. “Misha is a strongwilled person. A lot of people can look up to her.’’ D’souza has seen her fight periods of depression and come out on top. “She is doing a good job now and even operates the computer,’’ adds Mrs Upasini, a trustee of the ashram.

        Still on medication for a disorder that will weaken her muscles over time, Misha is struggling to lead a life of independence with her self-respect intact.

     “I have been inspired by my family, like my aunt who has also managed to lead a relatively normal life despite health problems. The doctors at KEM helped me accept my disability.disability.”

      A Real Life story of a lady battling cancer and coming out on top. Am placing extracts. Ed

My never-say-die attitude helped me fight cancer  

     Mamta Sinha, the managing director of Atari Informatics—a computer IT firm—juggles professional life and cancer treatment with amazing grace.

She tells MADHUMITA GUPTA how she lives her life to the fullest after surviving breast cancer, while her oncologist explains the procedure

      ‘Believe me my life hasn’t changed at all. I go about my chemotherapy sessions and routine check-ups in addition to a full time office schedule. These trips for medication are something that can’t stop me from living life on my own terms. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in an advanced stage, five years ago. The discovery was accidental.

‘     I was 37-years-old when I suddenly felt this abnormal boil under my arm. Slightly alarmed I consulted my family doctor who advised me to see an oncologist without delay.
     A battery of tests, including a mammogram and FNAC (Fine Needle test) confirmed the presence of a malignant tumour and within a few days I was operated upon at Apollo Hospital by senior oncologist Dr Samir Kaul. I was told I was going to have my right breast removed(mastectomy). The decision was quick and practical as at that time it was a matter of life versus breast.’

     Despite the fact I’d been diagnosed with the dreaded big ‘C’, there was never any depression at any point of time. I knew I was in good hands and besides there was always the reassurance that breast cancer is completely treatable. Even the inevitable side-effect of prolonged chemotherapy – complete loss of hair, couldn’t dampen my natural optimism. I was assured that it was a temporary phase and sure enough, the hair grew back and as you can see, I sport a chic bob-cut today! And no, it is not a wig!’

     The next few years passed peacefully but then a routine check-up revealed that the cancer had resurfaced, this time in my liver. It was a complete surprise to me as well as my doctors, as there were absolutely no visible symptoms. Another biopsy revealed a change in the nature of the cancer cells and once again a rigorous treatment followed which included ‘targeted chemotherapy’.

     ‘Technology also helps me go about my business with this tiny device, a ‘chemoport’, inserted in my body through which the medication is given allowing me to have my weekly chemotherapy sessions minus the painful injections each time. The device is so tiny that once you’re used to it, it’s easy to forget that it’s even there! In fact, very recently I motivated another fellow patient to use it—it’s so much better than going through the injections each time.

     All the medication has taken its toll of course, and my immunity has reduced considerably. I’ve to be very wary of catching infections. Also post-treatment, I need to be alert about my checkups. Apart from that I have to have a healthy, protein rich diet. With these little precautions, I manage tolive my life as fully as possible. Sure,
the adjustment to living without a breast took a while, but it doesn’t bother me now.
Luckily, my finances were completely covered by my company which enabled me to afford this expensive treatment.

     Cancer has taught me to treasure every little thing about life, whether it is spending time with my nieces and nephews, enjoying a good movie or savouring a beautiful sunrise. I’ve learn’t to take the niggling little problems in my stride and always look at the bigger picture.’

     And the secret behind my almost-miraculous recovery, I feel, is the whole-hearted support of my doctors, family, friends and, I guess, my own will-power and never-say-die attitude!
Dr Samir Kaul, Senior Consulting Oncologist, Apollo Hospital, has been treating Mamta right from the beginning. He says:Mamta is an unusual patient, infact she’s the ideal patient. She exudes positive attitude in a way that we frequently use her as role-model or a coach for the patients who are not as courageous as her.

     Mamta’s own will power has also been instrumental in her recovery, as the mind can certainly influence the body. Hereditary causes of cancer can’t be changed but changes in our lifestyle can be instrumental for preventing cancer. We can certainly ensure taking regular balanced meals and avoid obesity at any cost.
     

     Regular check ups, including a mammogram and pap-smear tests for women in their mid 30s, is a must for early detection of any malignant growth, specially so if there has been cancer in previous generations. I would like to warn women about the long term use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement medication without medical supervision.
      I’m optimistic because cancer is completely treatable provided it is detected in time.
goodhealth@mailtoday.in

There is an extremely inspiring article in the Indian Express (Sunday Edition) today titled “From Sir With Love” (http://www.indianexpress.com/sunday/story/260332.html) on the inspiration behind the movie, Amole Gupte, who has drawn from instances in his life to write the script of the movie Taare Zameen Par.

Aamir Khan has played the role of Gupte’s real life art teacher Ramdas Sampat Nikumbh. Gupte, unlike Isham Nandraj Awasthi, was a brilliant student at school always coming out a winner; and like the character loved to paint but was battered by pushy parents and our blind education system. “As a kid, once you start winning, you are doomed to repeat the success”, he says.

Gupte goes on to point something very important about how the human society is engrossed in this maddening competition. He says, “If a kid is hyperactive at home because of a decline in playing spaces outside in our urban areas, it’s not a problem. Animals accept their offspring as they are. A tribal father in a jungle will accept the way his kid is; he isn’t bothered about his kid’s pace of climbing a tree, but we always seem to be judging. Even in an art workshop, parents say, ‘Why is your tree not perfect?’ ‘Why are the walls of your house not straight like the others? …’ It’s a pity that we have stopped finding the beauty in the ordinary. Now we have no allowance for deviance”.

This is a very significant point. All parents want their children to study hard and become first-graders, cut-off admission percentages in most Delhi colleges for decent courses is now in the range of 90% and above, schools are now not education children in readying them for life but rather readying them for the IITs and top-notch colleges.

There is a certain kind of sadness about this whole thing; this endless race to become the best. There can be only one winner in a 100-meter race, and we all want our children to be this winner. Yet life is not about 100-meter races; it is a long-marathon, just to make an inept sort of comparison, between running and life.

Yet this marathon of life has all winners. There are no losers. For what becomes of a so-called winner in this world? He still becomes old, even after accumulating extraordinary amounts of wealth, which he can not spend in seven lifetimes, and eventually dies, and gets buried or burnt depending upon the region and religion he was born in.

During the lifetime ofcourse, life would have been quite comfortable. This can be the only argument. It can also be argued that we should pursue and enjoy material gains because what else is there in life. Enjoyment is fine, but greed is probably not. It does not get us where we say we want to go as an overall race and as a society.

The race for being numero uno is all about greed. It is untrue if it argued that it is about being good at what you do. Had that been the case, parents would have encouraged children in our society to identify their core in-born interests and groomed them to pursue these interests.

Our whole system of parenting, bringing up, education, etc. is so entrenched in “me becoming better than the other“, that you create insecurity in children, and then try have them see security in studying better and making something from their lives. There is an extraordinary sense of sadness in this whole structure.

The Waldorf Schools are an excellent break from this sick education system, and the competitive madness. There have been experimental schools in India as well, although my guess is they are few, and not in the mainstream.

This is why, Taare Zameen Par, is such a relief. As Gupte aptly puts it, “The reactions, especially of fathers, surprised me. That people are coming out of the theatres with wet handkerchiefs shows that the heart of the nation is in place. The success of the film strengthens that hope.”

     A great deal is being written about the Small Car Nano, a prominenet milestone on the highway of Indian Technology. Ratan Tata has delivered what he promised, despite so much opposition and cynism. His team deserves a mention too.

    All eyes were turned towards the shy 36- year old Girish Wagh, Head, Project Team, People’s car, Tata Motors when Ratan Tata called for him onstage while unveiling the People’s car – Nano. He walked up t o the stage with a light gait and smiled awkwardly while looking upwards.
     The soft spoken engineer is an unlikely hero . He was among the 3,500-odd engineers who toiled at the Pune factory in 2004 to launch vehicles using the Ace platform. As a divisional manager at the time he had designed Ace, Tata’s mini truck.

      The product was ahead of its time and boasted of a modern cabin compared to its crude three wheeler rivals. Tata Ace created a new mini segment in India. Priced between Rs 2.25 lakhs -2.35 lakhs. It was best suited for use by villagers in carrying goods over short distances.
The dedication Wagh has shown over the years had made him different and today he is among the handful of people who have led projects that built new vehicles from scratch for Tata Motors in the last three decades.
      Today, Wagh is amongst the top team leadres of Tata . He headed a team of 500 people to design Tata’s Nano.

      Speaking at the launch of the Nano car today Girish Wagh, said the car had an oxidation catalytic convertor and it emitted 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
      Further stressing the point on features in the car he mentioned the car meets all the safety norms and will be available in several versions which will be introduced in phases,’’ he said.
Insiders in the company Wagh say he is a true team leader and believes in hard work and dedication to his job.

     The man behind the car has come a long way and now he joins the league of Sumant Moolgaonkar and Ratan Tata who have started projects from the scratch.
     The Nano has been benchmarked with the Maruti 800 which is the smallest car in the country and was a runaway success for two decades. The Nano costs half as much. However, Suzuki executives maintain that it is not possible to produce a car at such a low cost.

     Shinzo Nakanishi managing director of Maruti Suzuki India speaking before the unveiling of the car said, “we cannot make a cheaper car. We don’t know how to make a 1-lakh car unless we sacrifice something. We won’t go below the 800 in our product line-up.”
       Maruti Suzuki’s mini 800, priced at nearly double the Tata car, was the cheapest in the market. Asked about the impact of the Tata car on Maruti’s sales, Nakanishi said: “There may be some impact.”

      Venu Srinivasan chairman and managing director TVS Motor Co said, “it is fantastic; outstanding engineering. It helps redefine the sector in the country. It has established new grounds.”
P. Sam group head marketing and sales of Yamaha Motor claimed, “the 1-lakh rupee car is not going to impact our potential customers. Our customers would buy our products for the sheer joy of riding.”

      Onkar Kanwar of Apollo Tures said, I congratulate Tata. He has delivered what he promised.