Single window & low-priority service at GB Pant Hospital's 66-C blood test counter upsets patients

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, July 25: In the GB Pant Hospital apart from a blood test counter for males, there is a single window blood tests counter '66-C' for females, here the blood tests is being done in two tiers first (timing between 8.30 am and 10.00 am) with empty stomach and second (from 10.00 am to 11.00 am) after one and half hour from breakfast.

Surprisingly, one can see the long queue maintained regardless of pregnant women, handicapped people, senior citizen women, children or common women were in a single queue, many have found falling due to dizziness.

"I am here since 7.45 am for blood test of my girl child (10 yrs) she insisting for food I don't know when our turn will come", said mother in the queue residents of Dairy Farm.

"Thank God, it is me with my daughter now, suppose if her father had came with her, she should have been in this pushing queue, I cannot imagine”, said a lady in queue in place of her expectant daughter.

"For the whole hospital this is only one blood test counter for females, I being a senior citizen when going to ask that staff for priority, they become anger on me and all of us and ask to maintain queue whatever you may be. How much can one manage this crowd?," said an elderly woman of Buniyadabad.

"Since decades the GB Pant Hospital has the same single counter, for then that was sufficient and ok, but now the population and patients were immensely increased, and to manage it, the health department need to pay attention in this regard", opine Sudhakar of Dollygunj.          

Now-a-days, from early child to the elderly aged, most of the people suffer lifestyle diseases and rush to the GB Pant Hospital for one or another reason. Earlier, the frequent visits by former Lt. Governors of our islands had made facilitation to some extent for the patients, now lack of attention of venerable, GB Pant Hospital has immerged as self styled.

Perilous bridge of Sippighat

TMI Correspondent

   Port Blair, July 25: A disaster is waiting to happen as the steel bridge at Shippighat has developed several cracks with protruded edges of the rusted steel plates may prove fatal anytime, especially at nighttimes any two, three or four wheelers wheel can be easily get into the sizeable gaps.

   "Many Pradhans of away from Shippighat use to pass through the bridge day in and day out, but they never minds while crossing the bridge which is dangerously damaged at the area", says a passerby near the Shippighat Bridge. The concerned authorities please have a look at it!

YOGA in a day, keeps Medicine Away

v  Dr. S. Ganesan

Regional Director, IGNOU

v  Uma Maheswari

Astrologer

   How much time we spend to consult a Doctor? Getting ready, travel time to reach the hospital and waiting time for our turn to meet the Doctor etc, takes few hours of ours. Part of such duration if spent for physical activity at home itself, will keep your health in good condition. Regular, Yoga activity activates the different parts of our body, both internally and externally.  Its contribution gradually nullifies the requirement of medicines. This health fact has been experiment by many patients suffering from BP, diabetics and other health problem.

   YOGA is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being Yoga is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and Nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate change.

   Yoga is essentially spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy living. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning “to join”, “to yoke” or “to unite”. According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga leads to the union of an individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be “in Yoga” and is termed as a yogi and who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as mukti, nirvana, kaivalya or moksa. “Yoga” also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve union between the body and mind to attain self-realization. The aim of Yoga practice (sadhana) is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness and harmony.

   The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religion or belief systems were born. The seers and sages carried this powerful Yogic science to different parts of the world including Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and marveled at the close parallels  found between ancient cultures across the globe. However, it was in India that the Yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the saptarishi, who travelled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core Yogic way of life.

   Yoga is widely considered as an “immortal cultural outcome” of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization-dating back to 2700 BC and has proven itself to cater to both material and spiritual uplift of humanity. A number of seals and fossil remains of Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization with yogic motifs and figures performing yoga sadhana suggest the presence of yoga in ancient India. The seals and idols of mother Goddess are suggestive of Tantra Yoga. The presence of Yoga is also available in folk traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharata including Bhagawadgita and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Tantric traditions. Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-vedic period, the great sage Maharishi Patanjali systematized and codified the then existing Yogic practices, its meaning and its related knowledge through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

   After Patanjali, many sages and Yoga masters contributed greatly for the preservation and development of the field through well documented practices and literature. Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of eminent Yoga masters from ancient times to the present date. Today, everybody has conviction about Yoga practices towards prevention of diseases, and promotion of health. Millions of people across the globe have benefitted by the practice of Yoga and the practice of Yoga is blossoming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.

Before the Practice of Yoga:

·         Sauca means cleanliness- an important prerequisite for Yogic practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.

·        Yogic practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.

·       Yogic practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm, water if you feel weak.

·         Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.

·         A mattress, Yoga mat, durrie or folded blanket should be used for the practice.

·         Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.

·        Yoga should not be performed in state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry or in acute stress conditions.

·       In case of chronic disease/pain/cardiac problems/pregnancy and menstruation, a physician or a Yoga therapies should be consulted prior to performing yogic practices.

 During the Practice of Yoga:

·         Practice sessions should start with a prayer or invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.

·         Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.

·         Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.

·         Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.

·         Do not hold body tightly, or jerk the body at any point of time.

·         Perform the practices according to your own capacity.

·         It takes some time to get good results, so persistent and regular practice is very essential.

·         There are contra-indications/ limitations for each yoga practice and such contra-indications should always be kept in mind.

·         Yoga session should end with meditation/deep silence/ shanty patha.

After Practice of Yoga:

·         Bath may be taken 20-30 minutes after practice.

·         Food may be consumed 20-30 minutes after practice.

Yoga is essentially a path to liberation from all the bondages. However, medical research in recent years has uncovered many physical and mental benefits that Yoga offers, corroborating the experiences of millions of practitioners. A small sampling of research shows that:

·         Yoga is beneficial for physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning and cardio-vascular health.

·         It is beneficial in the management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension and many lifestyle related disorders

·         Yoga helps to reduce depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders and stress.

·         Yoga regulates menopausal symptoms

In essence, Yoga is a process of creating body and mind that are stepping –stones, not hurdles, to an exuberant and fulfilling life.

Hasanas	Benefits
Vaksasana (The Tree Posture)	Improves neuro-muscular coordination, balance, endurance and alertness, It tones up the leg muscles and rejuvenates the ligaments also.
Pada-Hastasana (The hands to feet postures)	Makes the spine flexible, improves digestion, prevents constipation and menstrual problems
Ardha Cakrasana (The half wheel posture)	Ardha cakrasana makes the spine flexible and strengthens the spinal nerves, Strengthens the neck muscles, and improves breathing capacity, Helps in cervical spondylitis
Trikonasana (The Triangle posture)	Prevents flat foot, strengthens calf, thigh and waist muscles, makes the spine flexible, and improves lungs capacity
Bhadrasana (the firm/auspicious posture)	Keeps the body firm and helps to stabilize the mind, keeps the knees and hip joints healthy, helps to relive knee pain, acts on the abdominal organs and releases any tension in the abdomen, benefits women by relieving abdominal pain often experienced during menstruation.
Vakrasana (the spinal twist posture)	Helps to increases flexibility of the spine, helps to overcome constipation, dyspepsia, stimulates pancreas and helps in the management of diabetes

Yoga saves our time, money and also avoids side-effects of medicines. It relieves from medicine dependent life to normal healthy life. It develops our fitness and wellness for long period of life. Let us try ourselves to do yoga daily to keep ourself healthy and happy.

……………………………………………………………………………….

(The authors are Dr. S. Ganesan Regional Director of IGNOU, Regional Centre, Port Blair and Uma Maheswari, Astrologer and can be reached at rcportblair@ignou.ac.in (M-8900936718)

ANMF’s maiden conference on role of media in isles held

Port Blair, July 18: "The role of private media here has been augmenting day by day and it serves as a vigilant watchdog of the society in these islands. It creates awareness among the people regarding their rights and duties. Media today has become central to politics and public life and it should promote involvement of people in policy decisions of the government," observed the Member of Parliament," Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray. He was addressing a day-long conference organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) on the role of private media in these islands on July 16, 2018. Padmashree awardee and ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, A & N Islands, Mr. Naresh Chander Lall was the guest of honour, while representatives from various political parties, social organisations, journalists attended the conference.

Appreciating the active role of the private media in these islands, Mr Ray said that the media here always kept the administration alert on issues relating to public interest. "As the Member of Parliament, I credit the private media here which always kept highlighting my works for the community. In my opinion, there should be regular interaction between the administration and the media so that the masses are kept informed about the developmental initiatives undertaken by the government. The media should bring the truth before public. The media has all the right to criticize a public figure or an organization, but it should be based on facts. Moreover, the media should refrain from publishing reports that can derail the development initiatives of the government," said the Member of Parliament assuring all support to media organizations in their endeavours. Mr. Naresh Chandra Lall said that private media here has been playing an important role covering all spheres in these islands. It also played an important role in giving platform to the artists and not only encouraged artists, but also presented their talent to everyone.

The general secretary of ANMF, Mr. Sanjib Kumar Roy said that the media here is playing the role of the opposition. The work of the media is to inform the administration about public affairs and highlight problems faced by the society. It's the local media here which reports about serious crimes like rape, suicide, POCSO violations etc whereas the government run daily tries to veil flaws on the part of the government authorities," he said.  A discussion session was organised in the second phase of the conference. In addition to the leaders of the major political parties of the archipelago, people from Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other areas also expressed their views on the role of media in the archipelago.

The president of Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma lauded ANMF for organising such a conference for the first time in these islands. "This kind of conference should be organized from time to time. With the advent of social media, there has been a lot of challenges before the print media. Regardless, the media of its archipelago is doing its job without any discrimination," he said assuring financial support to the local media through advertisements from the Andaman Nicobar State Co-operative Bank. Mr. Sanjay Meshack, convener of Aam Aadmi Party, A & N Islands, said that the media is doing commendable work in the archipelago. "It has brought the truth from time to time. Journalists should always publish the news on the basis of truth and facts before the islanders."

The Principal of JNRM, Dr. N Francis Xavier, former Municipal Chairperson, Smt. Sheela Singh, Deputy Director of PIB, Port Blair, Mr. Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor, Dr. S Ganesan, Regional Director, IGNOU, Port Blair, Smt Rubina Siddiqui, Smt Kiran Tigga, Mr. Suderendra Dahladka of Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Subir Chander etc. also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the president of ANMF, Mr. K Ganeshan highlighted the role of media and journalists in the Isles. He also raised many issues related to journalists and the media world. Journalists here have never lagged behind in raising local issues and strived to provide information related to the new path and development of the society, he added.

Students overloaded buses in Islands; matter of grave concern

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, July 11: The department of traffic police officials and state transport authority office may have claimed their concern for traffic rules and travel safety norms but when it comes to practice of overloading the buses with school students, it seems they are least concerned.

Stuffed in the buses like birds in a poultry farm, some school students are also foisted to stand in the window and are generally seen hanging half in the air.

The warning issued by the STS to heavy trucks, medium goods vehicles to refrain from overload, and recent warning to the two wheeler drivers and the pillion riders to wear helmets, but it has failed to take note of the buses that double up its capacity, especially private buses in the morning and afternoon as students are literally packed like sardines.

The traffic police, soon after the Supreme Court's mandatory direction for the pillion riders to wear helmets, have now swung into action to enforce wearing of helmets by the pillion riders too in the islands, busily.

However, the 'bullet buses' in our islands, starts the day with race to beat one another; drivers try to overtake one another for that extra buck which put the common man's lives in danger especially in the wake of poor roads, narrow lanes and school timings.

"A simple counselling for these errant drivers could be handy to calm their nerves, said an old man standing at a road side by watching a fully packed bus passes through in a lightning speed. Another passer by suggest that surprise raids should be made on the running buses, the passengers should enforce the drivers not to exceed the speed limit and the conductor not permit beyond capacity."

In contrast, it has also been observed that the public or govt buses even in the peak hours ply their buses empty or without passengers, since their job is to finish regular given sorties of the department.

Efforts to solicit comments from the Director (STA) and Dy.SP (Traffic) on the issue over their respective official phones were unattended.

The danger is looming large if caution is not exercised, especially in bad road condition coupled with ever increasing traffic may jeopardise the precious lives.

Poem: A Time of Truth

DRMs and Unemployment problem; a setback for islands' evolution Youths expecting LG's attention

TMI Bureau

Port Blair, June 14: These days the Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs), working in various departments in the A&N islands are facing tough time concerning their job regularization. Obviously, the youths serving since years together under concern department as DRMs are now finds themselves locked in the social order.

"Most of the youths who are serving as DRMs in various departments are became age barred to apply for any jobs vacancies, and others from ground of mechanical, electrical and civil skilled DRMs are has to face dissatisfaction in applying for jobs other than their related skills. Secondly, most of the DRMs are married, and some among them are having young children too. In addition, the market inflation in the islands is also not letting them be calm, and circumstances forces them for agitation against their job regularization", an aware citizen of Delanipur said.

"The Heads of the concern Departments also with the want of works be done in the respective departments are extending the DRMs tenure up to an unending period by fractions. However, the concern departments assures to sort-out DRMs issues. The DRMs and Unemployment problems in the islands are badly effecting the development of these islands", the citizen added.

The former Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen AK Singh (Retd.) has directed the Secretary (Personnel) to expedite the recruitment process for filling up vacant posts in various departments of the Administration on June 17, 2016. He has directed that these vacancies should be filled up in a gradual manner. As many as 4127 posts including group A, B(G), B(NG) and group C posts are lying vacant in various departments of the Administration, said a release on June 17, 2016.

Moreover, the former Lt. Governor, Lt Gen AK Singh (Retd) while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 67th Vanmahotsava celebrations held at Tagore Auditorium at Middle Point on August 04, 2016 referring to the unemployment problem in the islands, the Lt. Governor mentioned that "the Govt. cannot provide employment to all as the govt. jobs are limited and he called upon the younger generation to develop the spirit of free enterprise. With the inception of undersea cable, the Administration will be able to provide platforms in every field for the Islanders to prosper". The Lt. Governor urged the students to work hard to realise their dreams and assured that the Administration will create environment and atmosphere where they will be able to flourish.

But, the number of educated unemployment youths are increasing year by year and employment opportunities seems less in comparison to the huge number of pass outs from different education institutions in the islands, and the OFC cable project also seems far at distance to witness the day of opportunities for unemployed youths.

Now, the youths are highly expecting from the exceptional Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, who always strives for the welfare of the islanders to unlock some projects for employment generation for the benefit of the working DRMs and educated unemployed youths of these islands.

Airlines in the Air: Islanders on the Ground People demands justified airfares

TMI Bureau

Port Blair, May 16: Airfare for to and fro Port Blair touches sky high, most of the poor islanders counting stars during vacations in islands as the air fare locked them here.

Every year during summer vacations the Islands' populace at large numbers use to attend their mainland viz. Chennai, Kolkata, Vizag, Delhi, etc. and for obvious reasons Ships and Flights tickets are found to be on demand these seasons. Despite the operation of 3 ships and 3 charter flights in Chennai, Kolkata, Vizag sectors the demand cannot be seen sufficient. About 16 flights (including chartered flight) flying for the Veer Savarkar Air Port, Port Blair each day, among them 7 for Chennai, 5 for Kolkata and 4 for other destinations.

The usual airfares are always at sky high during much needed times from Port Blair to Chennai. Whereas the airfare for far Bangkok from Chennai is found much lower than the price of Port Blair to Chennai sector per person. (Calendar fare of May 2018, Port Blair to Chennai and Chennai to Bangkok can be seen in screen shot pic)

Ironically, the areal air distance between Port Blair and Chennai is 1303 km, and from Chennai to Bangkok located beyond Andaman is at 2196 Km distant. But, the airlines flying for Port Blair is seems have pledged to loot the islanders, no matter what. Despite they get subsidized fuel in the islands, islanders never seen any justified airfare during past several years.

A wholesale shop owner in city, who frequently use to go Chennai by air, alleges that, "the flights which are landing here are flying back with full tank subsidized fuel, in return islander gets all time high fares compared to other national and international destinations. Making groups and booking series of seat in flights by some travel agencies might be a reason for high airfares, and the airlines in nexus with the travel agencies doesn't letting the fares down to normal, regardless to, even if it flew with few passengers, as a new proverb of these days and time 'Everything is fair in Love and Business' goes on in our islands."

However, people demand the intervention of concern authorities to justify the fare issues of airlines flying to Port Blair.

Buniyadabad Multipurpose Hall useless for public PBMC allows no functions inside

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Mar 30: The Multipurpose Hall at Buniyadabad is turning into a unique monument as still it is left for display purpose only instead of multipurpose use for the residents of the area since its completion.

The Multipurpose hall in Ward No. 8, Buniyadabad has been in a ready condition for 3 years now after its inauguration on 14th August, 2015 by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, PCC President in the presence of Shri M. Arumugam the then Chairperson, PBMC and Shri K. Ganeshan, Chairperson, F.T.A. Sub-Committee PBMC. But it has been left as a monument without any proper use for the people of the area. The Port Blair Municipal Council is not allowing people to arrange any functions in this community hall.

The people of the area are celebrating special occasions as Birthdays, Sankranti, wedding receptions, etc. in the playground despite having a ready Multipurpose Community Hall at Buniyadabad. But this building fully comes into use only during elections as Polling Booth.

“The authorities should not let the public property rot under useless condition. The construction of a Multipurpose Hall Building is a matter of crores, which cannot be misused, at least not as a tombstone. The guarantee of a new building structure is approx 30 years and this hall has already completed its 3 years without any public use. Moreover the PBMC has deputed a watchman for the community hall, whose deployment is also a bad deal with the public money,” people say.

Speaking to this correspondent, Shri K. Ganeshan, Councilor (Ward No. 8) said, “A legal case on this Community hall is under process in the court and court has issued an order that we are following.”

Water leaks from underground pipelines at Garacharma Junior Engineer assures rectification in two days

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, May 04: This is high time to get together to conserve water in our islands to survive some more days in view of shortage of water in dams and still a long time left for monsoon rains to hit this year. In this connection, of course the general public must give their contribution towards water conservation by limiting their usage and by avoiding water overflow at homes and commercial places. Similarly, it is also the responsibility of APWD and Municipal Council to provide proper maintenance and checkup to the pipelines lying underground.

For instance, pictures show the leakage from underground pipe lines at Garacharma Junction, Garacharma Medical and Garacharma to Attam Pahad way. In these areas the days on which water is supplied, people witness leakage of water from underground pipelines flowing on to the roads.

If these underground pipelines were checked properly and leakages repaired on time, the water scarcity situations in islands can be averted and sufficient water can be conserved. In view of hot summer and drought like situations increasing year by year, the authorities should set a special strategy to face the summers in future. Also authorities should keep an eye on domestic and commercial pipe connections.

Speaking to this correspondent, the Junior Engineer, Water Treatment Plant, APWD, Prothrapur, Shri Rakesh Kumar said ‘these leakages will be rectified in two days, we have already directed the concern contractor to rectify it but due to the engagement of hitachi in other places it is taking little time. The leakages of pipelines are in our knowledge and we are making continuous efforts for its rectification on time”.

Legal Aid awareness camp and symposium by AILA Forum held

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, June 20: The All India Legal Aid Forum (AILA Forum) have organised a legal aid awareness camp and symposium on "Legal Aid Awareness in the present Society" in the auditorium of the Anthropological Survey of India on June 16, wherein the Hon'ble Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta, Chairman of Tripura Human Rights Commission and Lokayukt, State of Sikkim was the chief guest on the occasion. Beside, MP, ANI Shri Bishnu Pada Ray and other guests Director of ICMR, HoD (Commerce) JNRM, Acharya Sudiipananda Avadhut of Ananda Marga, Dr. RK Halder were also present on dais on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon'ble Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta informed the gathering about the essentiality of 'Law' in the daily life of people in India, "from a baby in mother's womb to the expiry of an individual the 'Law' plays an important role in protecting every citizen, equally. In India, being world's second largest democratic country, citizens have many rights; a single person can make a difference in our system with his constitutional/ fundamental rights given by 'Law' in our democratic country". However, he appreciated AILA Forum for organising such camps and symposium, he also said that the forum should also organise it in different parts of A&N Islands, so that people can become aware and will also avail the facilities at their respective districts or areas during the time of any disputes or injustice confronting them. He expressed his happiness for being present in the awareness camp in Port Blair.

Earlier, Shri Joydeep Mukherjee, General Secretary, AILA Forum, in his welcome address he said "this is the second year we are organising an awareness camp here in Port Blair and from many years in other parts of India we are always serves the down trodden people in the interest of justice. He said the midday meal being providing in schools now was the effort of AILA Forum, the forum filed a PIL during 1993 in the Supreme Court of India, which was later passed in the interest of people. He further informed the gathering that citizens of islands can approach AILA Forum for legal assistance".

Speaking on the occasion, MP, ANI, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray highlighted the BJP govt's achievements towards down trodden people in the islands as Rs.5 Lakh worth treatment is providing free to below Rs.3 Lakh annual income families and grant of 1/30th of Pay + DA to the DRMs of different department of A&N Administration. He further has requested the AILA Forum to file PILs on Land Acquisition and on Viper Island issues.

Dr. Rajveer, HoD (Commerce) JNRM spoke on importance of law in the present society, in his speech, he expressed happiness for organising legal aid awareness camp and symposium in Port Blair and he urged AILA Forum to organise this type of camps in rural areas, schools and colleges also in different districts, so that the message should be reach to last person in the society.

Question and answer session was also held in the camp lawyers, officials from police and defence forces and general public were cleared their queries.

Later, by singing 'Vande Mataram' by school children the programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Joydeep Mukherjee, General Secretary, All India Legal Aid Forum.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A perfect example of a ‘Mini India’, where people hailing from different linguistic, cultural & religious backgrounds live in perfect harmony emulates the example of ‘Unity in Diversity’ prevailing in A&N Islands.