Martyr’s family pained at Army’s apathy

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February 25, 2014

It was a moment that the family of Major Pramod Purushottam, who sacrificed his life while fighting terrorists virtually bare handed in Kashmir to save three journalists 14 years ago, was looking forward to.

But it was not to be.

The Army recently decided to honour Maj Purushottam at the Srinagar-based 15 Corps but did not bother to call his wife Lt Col (retd) Valsa Purushottam or his daughter Pallavi in time for the event where his bust was to be unveiled.

The Major’s 94-year-old father, K M Purushottam, who is bedridden for the last four years, stares at his picture hanging on the wall, hardly able to hide his emotion.

Purushottam bitterly recalls how he had to virtually fight it out with the army authorities after his son was killed in 1999 for some honour to be given to him for his supreme valour.

The nonagenarian’s elder son Vinod chips in and pieces together the broken sentence of his father. “Daddy says it took them four years even to get a simple ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ from the Army authorities.”

“Even now, army rubs salts into our wounds. If they were so serious to ensure that the family should be at the function of unveiling the bust of my brother, all they could do was to be systematic and inform us well in advance,” says Vinod.

Vinod said that he had received a call from Lt Col N N Joshi on the evening of February 18 asking whether it was possible for them to attend the function at Srinagar on February 22. “How is it possible in such a short span of time?” he asked.

Valsa says she was not even called as a matter of courtesy. “My going or not going is not important but at least make an effort to reach to the family of the soldier who has upheld the name of the army by making such a supreme sacrifice,” she said.

“I have nothing against the army as an institution. Ever since I have taken voluntary retirement, I have kept myself off of any engagements or the army,” she said.

After ‘chai’, now a NaMo fish stall in Chennai

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

In a break from NaMo tea stalls in many states, Narendra Modi’s name will now sell fish in Chennai. The BJP launched the new initiative to market its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the national election, due by May.

BJP leader L Ganesan inaugurated the mobile NaMo fish stall at the city’s Marina beach. It operates from a van displaying what could be a morphed image of Mr. Modi holding up a fish, and promises to sell at competitive prices.

“This shows we care about the fishing community, we are not just trying to get their support for the polls,” said BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan.

Tamil Nadu’s fishing community comprises some 10 lakh people who can influence the electoral outcome in six Lok Sabha constituencies.

But if the NaMo stall was an overture towards the fishing community, then it seems to have backfired in some quarters.

A few hundred metres from the NaMo stall, fishermen are worried about undercutting of prices.

“If they decide to sell at cheap prices, what about our livelihood?” asked Lingam, a fisherman.

Recently, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj had led a protest against the Sri Lankan Navy’s attacks on Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu on charges of trespass.

At a meeting in Pamban near the holy Rameswaram town, Ms. Swaraj asked the fishing community to vote for Mr. Modi, citing a fisherman he had nominated to the Rajya Sabha from his state Gujarat.

AAP’s Somnath Bharti’s name crops up in another controversy

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Former Delhi Law minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti was linked to a fresh controversy in the national capital on Monday after some people, alleged to be AAP workers, thrashed a civic official near the Deputy Commissioner (DC) office of South zone in Green Park.

According to the police, the victim was identified as Ashok Kumar, who is an executive engineer with the south municipal corporation.

“He was allegedly beaten up by some people who were protesting against the demolition of a house in Hauz Khas area in South Delhi,” said a police official.

The incident took place minutes before Mr Bharti along with some of his supporters reached the spot to protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and its demolition drive.

Mr Bharti, however, claimed that those involved with the incident were not AAP workers and he had nothing to do with them.

He later met the South DC along with his supporters and questioned him as to why the MCD never takes action against the “high and mighty” and always targets the common man.

Mr Bharti also said that MCD should do a survey and make a list of people including MPs, ministers, MLAs and councillors who have broken building bye-laws and take action against them before razing the house of a commoner.

He also claimed that the authorities are specifically targeting AAP supporters.

In his complaint about the incident, the executive engineer claimed that he was beaten up by four people who were allegedly wearing AAP caps and were protesting outside the office before Mr Bharti arrived.

Death with dignity

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Even as Belgium passed a controversial bill that extends euthanasia rights for minors the Supreme Court of India too has allowed passive euthanasia under exceptional circumstances. For introducing passive euthansia in India the law has to be framed very cautiously as the malpractices carried out by Indian doctors are already known to everyone. We do have very good doctors’ highly intellectual paving paths all around the world but when it comes to an Indian patients no doctors step back to mint money on poor or half dead patients. We have witnessed countless con activities which too must have to be encountered.

Passive euthanasia should be permitted only in highly selected cases under the supervision of a team of doctors appointed in every state of India.

India is witnessing massive poverty as people who can earn their livelihood are unable to get high-quality treatment as money plays a major role in healing. All of us are aware that people suffering from cancers can survive till the time they spend lakhs of money over the treatment.

Right to live is important but is it necessary that such a living should be agony free? He should be allowed to die with dignity.

I hope this shouldn’t be a case of “Justice delayed is justice denied”. Aruna Shanbaugh is the first person who needs passive euthanasia. She has undergone suffering and continues to suffer for the sins which was never committed by her. We don’t know what she wishes or thinks.

Just think Aruna’s rapist was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment but the former continues to suffer.

The medical report stated Aruna as fulfilling most criteria of patients in a permanently vegetative state. The report, however, did not mention whether she was being given palliative drugs mandatory for such patients. Inquiries on this issue continues to remain stonewalled.

The nurses say they love her; hence they would rather not use a catheter to catch her body’s wastes; catheters can lead to infections, these require drugs, they prefer to keep drugs to the minimal, just in case “something happens to her”. Which is why — when her gums caught rot, her teeth fell out one-by-one in that locked room — two doctors discontinued her full medical examination even though treatment is offered to her in a private hospital. Earlier, nurses stopped the physiotherapy, causing her body to atrophy, her joints to lock into angles, her nails to grow inwards to cut into her palms. Everything is done in Aruna’s best interests, only outsiders think otherwise. A permanently vegetative state does not permit patients to live a normal life, least of all enjoy, favourite foods, music, converse with people. It also doesn’t allow them to smile in response to an external influence. Aruna has mush tipped into a nasal-feed pipe going directly into the stomach to keep her alive.

Let’s hope for the best.

Home tests for hair loss

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

How do you know if you are in fact inching towards hair loss or panicking for no reason after seeing a few strands on your hairbrush? The signs will be quite apparent and with a few simple tests, you can even reverse the condition if it’s not too late. Though going to a trichologist will be helpful, many ignore the signs and visit one only after it is too late. So, here are two tests you can do at home to detect if you are indeed suffering from hair loss and follow some pointers to help beat the condition.

Though one can take these two hair fall evaluation methods at home, remember, these tests aren’t diagnostic and are only meant to give you an estimate of the amount of hair fall you have.

Daily hair count test

It’s natural to lose up to 100-150 strands of hair in a day. You can keep a check on that by literally counting your sheds for a period of seven days. This is one of the clinical evaluation methods as well. Here, the patient is asked to collect all hair they lose in the shower or sink or on the brush. It is expected to lose more strands on the days you shampoo your hair. This method will help you get a better idea of the extent of your hair fall.

60-second comb test

This is an easier one. Before shampooing your hair, sit on a white sheet, with a white pillow and a comb. Now, for 60 seconds comb your hair from the back of your scalp to the front. You need to repeat this procedure for three consecutive days.

Count all the hair fallen on the pillow and stuck in the comb. It will help understand if you are losing more than 100-150 hair every day.

In case you realise you are a victim of premature hair loss, there are several things you can do to tackle this problem. Here are some pointers to bear in mind to stop hair fall to an extent.

Oils: Oils are extremely healthy and a good way to nourish the scalp and hair. There are a variety of oils to choose from. Castor oil has been effective in preventing and stopping hair fall. Applying egg oil regularly to your scalp is another way of controlling hair loss. Egg oil is extracted from the egg yolks and is a rich source of the essential fatty acids, antioxidants and cholesterol. Here are some more oils you can apply to prevent hair loss. The massaging technique is also important.

A healthy diet: This is the most common suggestion for reducing hair loss. That’s because it’s the most important one too. Our diet should comprise all the essential nutrients required by our body and only then can our hair be healthy. Some common nutrients required are – protein (acts as the building block of every tissue in our body including the hair and scalp), vitamin C (collagen production is very important to hold the hair tissues together in place and vitamin C helps do the needful). Apart from these, you also need copper, iron, zinc and vitamin B complex. Learn why.

Avoid styling products: The heat and chemicals involved in various styling processes are nothing but harmful for your hair and scalp. Their excessive use can damage your hair beyond immediate repair. Therefore people who notice hair loss should be wise enough to avoid using them. Even regular use of hair gels and other styling tools like curlers, etc should be to a minimum.

Apart from the above pointers, avoid washing your hair with hot water, tying it up in a tight ponytail or braid all the time, drink sufficient water and massage your scalp regularly to enhance the blood flow. These are some practices that ensure reduction in hair loss.

Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif gear up for Sri Lankan vacation?

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Alleged lovebirds RanbirKapoor and Katrina were believed to have called it quits after a spat but if the latest reports are anything to go by, then the two are still going strong together.

After a much controversial Spanish vacation last year, RK and Kat are reportedly planning to spend some time together in Sri Lanka. The couple had made desperate attempts to keep their trip to Ibiza hush-hush, but images of the two in their swimming costumes surfaced online, thereby creating much hullabaloo.

Both Ranbir and Katrina have been tight-lipped about their relationship and have categorically denied being in love with each other. But the pictures that emerged after their Spanish trip painted a different picture.

Nonetheless, the two seemingly have made up their minds to let bygones be bygones and plan yet another trip to be with one another amidst their busy schedules.

Katrina is currently busy shooting with HrithikRohsan for ‘Bang-Bang’ in Manali and her alleged beau is in Sri Lanka for AnuragKashyap’s ‘Bombay Velvet’.

Sangram Singh, PayalRohatgi to get engaged!

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Lovebirds Sangram Singh and PayalRohatgi are all set to take their relationship a step further. The actress will get engaged to the wrestler on 27th February, a leading daily reported.

Rohatgi, who was the first one to pop the question, is happy to have found a soul-mate in Sangram Singh. Payal had met him a few years ago on the sets of a reality show. They connected brilliantly and have since then been together.

Sangram was a part of the seventh edition of reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’ and had confessed his love for Payal a number of times. And it is just a matter of time when the two take the marital plunge to become Man and Wife.

Here’s wishing the duo hearty congratulations in advance.

Randeep Hooda waiting for Naseeruddin to watch ‘Highway’

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Actor RandeepHooda, a huge fan of Naseeruddin Shah, says his latest film ‘Highway’ will remain incomplete until the veteran actor watches it.

“For me, `Highway` is incomplete till Naseeruddin sir watches it. I am eagerly waiting for his review. I want him to see the film and sit down with me and discuss about it,” Randeep said.

“He has been receiving a lot of calls from the many people praising my work. So he is very happy about it,” added the actor, who has worked with Naseeruddin on the theatre platform too.

Randeep had earlier organised a special screening of ‘Highway’ for Naseeruddin, but the latter could not make it.

“Unfortunately, he couldn`t make it for the screening. Nonetheless, he will soon watch the film,” he said.

‘Highway’ has opened to mixed reactions, but Randeep is confident that the movie will pick up on word of mouth.

“When we made this film, we were certain that this film was not a huge opener kind of a film. The film has received mixed reactions and I hope the film will pick up over word of mouth. So far the reviews have been favourable for me and for the film,” the 37-year-old said.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, ‘Highway’ which released Feb 21, features Alia Bhatt as the female lead.

My daughters weren’t impressed by my six-pack abs: Farhan Akhtar

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Actor-filmmaker FarhanAkhtar, who worked out hard to get a perfect six-pack abs for his 2013 entertainer ‘BhaagMilkhaBhaag’, says his two daughters were not so impressed with his beefed up physique.

“Honestly, I don`t think they (my children) were so impressed by my six-pack abs. I think what they found very entertaining was the running,” Farhan said.

Recently, Farhan took part in racing events at his daughters` school, and he took the lead in all. His daughters Shakya and Akira were proud.

“They really saw the effects of it when I ran in the apparent race. That was truly an exciting moment for them. Unfortunately, all the others were left far behind. So for them it was a nice moment of victory,” said Farhan, who is married to celebrity hairstylist AdhunaAkhtar.

Currently, Farhan is busy promoting his forthcoming film ‘ShaadiKe Side Effects’.

He said: “This is a very relatable film about marriage and relationships. I hope everyone likes it.”

Directed by SaketChaudhary, the film also features VidyaBalan.

Lupita Nyong’o laughs off dating rumour

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Afternoon Voice

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February 25, 2014

Actress LupitaNyong`o has denied dating rumours with fellow Oscar nominee Jared Leto.

The `12 Years a Slave` star, who is garnering much praise for her work in film, jokingly said on `The Ellen DeGeneres Show` that Miley Cyrus was the reason behind their break-up, reported Radar online.

“You`re actually in tabloids as well, which means you`ve really made it cause there`s rumours that you and Jared Leto are together,” DeGeneres joked.

“Ah, but I thought Miley Cyrus broke us up,” Nyong`o responded, laughing. “That was the last thing I heard,” she added.

Reports about Nyongo`s supposed relationship with the `Dallas Buyers Club` star were thwarted when rumours began to surface that Leto was actually hooking up with Cyrus.

“It`s crazy because when I read these rumours, I mean, they`re so detailed that even I start to question if they`re true or not,” Nyong`o told the host.