Author: Neel Achary

Parents’ Forum Organises Protest to Highlight Children’s Constitutional Rights

GURUGRAM, October 11, 2026: 

The Parents Forum for Stem Cells in Autism and Cerebral Palsy held a peaceful demonstration at Subhash Chandra Bose Park in Gurugram on Sunday and released an open letter seeking protection of children’s rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Forum addressed the letter to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Health Minister, the Chief Justice of India and all judges of the Supreme Court.

The demonstration focused on concerns raised by families following the Supreme Court judgment in Yash Charitable Trust & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors., W.P. (C) 369/2022, concerning stem cell therapy for autism. The Forum, which says it represents around 5,000 parents and families, urged the authorities to consider the concerns of families whose children have undergone the treatment.

Dr Seema Mehrotra, a doctor and parent of an autistic child, said her child had shown improvement after undergoing stem cell therapy. “I am speaking not only as a doctor but also as a mother. I have personally witnessed improvement in my child, and I believe the experiences of families like ours deserve to be heard and examined fairly,” she said.

Many parents and grandparents also participated in the protest, sharing their concerns about the impact of the judgment on children who are already receiving or have previously undergone treatment. Sonia, one of the participating family members, said the gathering reflected the collective concern of families seeking recognition of their experiences and a meaningful opportunity to present their views.

The parents questioned whether affected families received an adequate opportunity to present their views during the proceedings. They also called for consideration of scientific papers, patient testimonials and other evidence submitted in the case.

In its open letter, the Forum urged the authorities to protect children’s fundamental rights, provide parents with a proper hearing and evaluate the scientific literature and reported patient experiences placed on record. It also called for due consideration of the work of Indian doctors and hospitals.

The Forum expressed concern over the direction to transition children already undergoing stem cell therapy towards institutions conducting clinical trials. It argued that the availability of suitable trials and the practical challenges involved in transferring children’s care require consideration.

The parents also highlighted the distinction between stem cell-derived products manufactured by companies and autologous cell procedures, in which cells are taken from and returned to the same patient. They called for the relevant regulatory framework and the perspectives of patients, families and treating doctors to receive due consideration.

The Forum further raised concerns about the implications of the judgment for children already receiving treatment and urged the authorities to consider the circumstances of affected families before implementing measures that could alter their access to care.

The organisers chose Gurugram for the demonstration, citing reported restrictions on public gatherings in Delhi. They said the protest aimed to bring attention to the concerns of parents and seek a meaningful opportunity for affected families to be heard.

Through the open letter, the Forum called for a fair consideration of the scientific, medical and legal issues involved, emphasising that decisions concerning children with autism and cerebral palsy should take their welfare and individual circumstances into account.

The Forum reiterated its demand for the protection of children’s rights under Article 21 and urged the authorities to address the concerns raised by families affected by the judgment.

Pune Vet Performs Urinary Bladder Tumour Removal (TURBT) on Shih Tzu Dog Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

Pune: Blood in the urine in an elderly dog can easily be mistaken for a urinary infection or another routine urinary problem. In Angel’s case, the symptom persisted for nearly six months. The 15-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing just 5.6 kg, was eventually found to have two tumours, each measuring 2 cm, in her urinary bladder, which were later diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

A team led by Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, Veterinary Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgeon, along with Dr. Oojas Pardeshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon; Dr. Radheshyam Chaudhari, Urosurgeon(Humans Uro surgeon); Mrs. Reena Haribhat, Veterinary Assistant; Ankita Dwivedi; Tanuja Mungale; and budding veterinarian Anwesha Bhat, at The Small Animal Clinic, Pune, performed a minimally invasive Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumour (TURBT), reported as the first such procedure performed in India. The approach enabled the team to remove the tumours through the natural urinary passage, avoiding conventional open bladder surgery and reducing surgical trauma and blood loss. Angel’s prolonged health struggle began with a symptom that could easily have been mistaken for a routine urinary problem. For nearly six months, the 15-year-old Shih Tzu continued to pass blood in her urine, even though her appetite remained normal. Concerned by the persistent bleeding, her pet parent, Miss Arora, sought further medical evaluation at The Small Animal Clinic, Pune, on September 11. A urine examination detected cancerous cells, prompting the veterinary team to investigate further. A CT scan subsequently revealed two aggressive tumours, each measuring 2 cm, in Angel’s urinary bladder, which were later diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Considering Angel’s age and small size, the operating team explored a minimally invasive option that could remove the tumours while reducing surgical trauma.

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, Veterinary Surgeon at Dr. Pardeshi’s Small Animal Clinic, Pune, said, “Angel’s case required careful consideration because she is 15 years old and weighs only 5.6 kg. While her appetite was normal, the fact that she had been passing blood in her urine for several months could not be ignored. Our investigations confirmed that this was not simply a urinary infection or stone, but two bladder tumours, which were later identified as transitional cell carcinoma. Considering her age, small size, and the location of the tumours, we wanted to avoid putting her through a major abdominal surgery if a safer alternative was possible. This led us to choose Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumour (TURBT), a minimally invasive approach that allowed us to reach the bladder through the natural urinary passage using a resectoscope.”

The procedure, carried out on September 11, is reported by the team to be the first TURBT performed in India, offering a minimally invasive approach to bladder tumour removal in dogs.

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi further explained, “The minimally invasive procedure involved passing a camera through the female genital and urinary tract into the bladder, followed by the insertion of a small resectoscope. Using a monopolar system, we carefully removed the tumours. The procedure lasted around 2.5 to 3 hours, with blood loss of less than 5 mL. In a dog weighing just 5–6 kg, conventional open surgery could involve higher blood loss, making the minimally invasive approach particularly valuable for an elderly and small-sized patient. The procedure was performed under anaesthesia with advanced ventilatory support, and Angel was able to walk within around 15 minutes after the operation. She was discharged the same day. Her blood in the urine started returning to normal over the next two to three days, and she has not had further bleeding since then. It has now been around three weeks, and she is active, alert, and doing well. This approach, which is routinely used in human medicine, allowed us to apply minimally invasive technology to a veterinary bladder tumour and avoid the trauma associated with conventional open surgery.”
The tumour tissue has been sent for histopathological evaluation, while staging is currently underway. Depending on the final staging and pathology findings, the team may consider administering anti-cancer medication directly into the bladder rather than using systemic chemotherapy, if clinically appropriate.
Dr. Pardeshi added, “Bladder cancer is seen in dogs, but it is not always diagnosed early because blood in the urine can initially be attributed to infection, stones, or other urinary problems. Angel’s case shows why persistent blood in the urine should not be ignored, particularly in an older dog. The important aspect of this case is not only the diagnosis but also the minimally invasive way in which the tumours could be treated. We hope that such techniques will open new possibilities for veterinary patients who may otherwise have to undergo more invasive surgery.”

“Angel has been part of our family for so long. Seeing blood in her urine for months was worrying, but we are relieved that Dr. Narendra Pardeshi and his team identified the problem and treated her. We are grateful for the care Angel received,” concluded Miss Ankita Arora, Angel’s pet parent. 

Unseasonal Rain, Chilly Weather Blamed for Himachal Pradesh’s Apple Output Decline

Shimla, Oct 10 (UDN): Unseasonal rainfall, cold conditions during the flowering stage and insufficient chilling hours have adversely affected apple production in Himachal Pradesh this season, state Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Friday.

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Addressing the media in Shimla, Negi said unfavourable weather conditions had affected the state’s apple crop. He also outlined the procurement figures under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), along with measures taken by the state government to clear pending payments to farmers and orchardists.

According to the Minister, the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) and the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited (HIMFED) had procured 13,202.666 metric tonnes of apples under the scheme so far.

Meanwhile, 1,23,34,739 apple boxes had reached markets during the current season, he said.

Government Reports Progress on Pending Dues

Negi defended the state government’s handling of MIS payments, alleging that the present Congress government had inherited outstanding liabilities of Rs 114 crore from the previous BJP administration.

He said the government had cleared the inherited dues and disbursed more than Rs 262 crore to farmers and orchardists so far.

The Minister also accused BJP leaders of misleading apple growers over the payment issue, maintaining that the government had taken steps to address outstanding liabilities and improve the implementation of the scheme.

Application-Based System Introduced

Highlighting reforms under the state government’s Vyavastha Parivartan initiative, Negi said the traditional registration system under the MIS had been replaced with an application-based mechanism.

According to him, the revised process was intended to improve transparency and streamline beneficiary verification. He added that the number of registered farmers and orchardists had declined following the change.

The government has also been making payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

Thousands of Beneficiaries Under Verification

The Minister said DBT payments had been made to 11,285 farmers and orchardists with fewer than 30 bags and another 2,827 beneficiaries with fewer than 100 bags.

Around 7,000 farmers and orchardists with more than 100 bags had been identified for verification, he added.

Of these, approximately 2,000 cases had been verified, while land-related documents were being sought to complete the process for the remaining 5,000 cases.

The verification exercise is aimed at establishing beneficiary eligibility and ensuring that payments under the scheme reach the intended recipients.

Re 1 Increase Announced Under MIS

Negi further said the state government had announced a Re 1 increase under the Market Intervention Scheme, a move expected to benefit apple growers across Himachal Pradesh.

The announcement comes as growers contend with weather-related challenges affecting production, alongside concerns over procurement and payments.

With apple cultivation serving as a key source of livelihood for thousands of farming households in the hill state, the impact of adverse weather and the timely implementation of government support measures remain important concerns for the sector.

Odisha Student Union Elections: Nomination Process Ends Across Colleges, Universities

Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (UDN): The nomination process for student union elections across colleges and universities under Odisha’s Higher Education Department concluded on Thursday, marking a key step towards the conduct of student polls across the state.

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The state government has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the election process proceeds smoothly, transparently and in an orderly manner, according to an official statement.

The Higher Education Department has been closely tracking developments at educational institutions through a state-level control room operating under the direct supervision of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal.

The control room has been established to monitor election-related activities, coordinate oversight and facilitate the smooth conduct of student union elections across the state.

With the nomination phase now complete, attention is turning to the subsequent stages of the electoral process at participating institutions. The department’s monitoring arrangements are aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining orderly procedures throughout the elections.

Student union elections play an important role in campus life, providing students with an opportunity to elect representatives who can raise their concerns and advocate for their interests within their respective institutions.

The Higher Education Department’s continued oversight is intended to support a fair and well-coordinated electoral process across colleges and universities in Odisha.

Durga Puja 2026: Rourkela Pandals to Showcase Jagannath’s Suna Besha and Dantewada’s Rani Mahal

Rourkela, Oct 10 (UDN): Preparations for Durga Puja are gathering momentum across Rourkela, with artisans and puja committees working against the clock to create spectacular pandals for this year’s celebrations. Among the major attractions, Sector 7 will feature an entrance inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, while Sector 9 is set to recreate the architectural grandeur of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal.

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The two installations are expected to draw devotees and visitors with their distinctive designs, elaborate craftsmanship and impressive dimensions, adding to the festive atmosphere in Odisha’s Steel City.

Sector 7 to Present a Grand Tribute to Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha

The Sector 7 Durga Puja committee is preparing an elaborate entrance structure inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, the revered golden attire of the deity. The design aims to bring the splendour of this iconic religious tradition to the city’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Measuring approximately 45 feet in height and 120 feet in width, the structure is expected to make a striking impression on visitors. Organisers plan to use around 4,000 bamboo poles, 300 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,000 pieces of cloth to bring the ambitious design to life.

More than 15 artisans are engaged in the construction, working long hours to complete the intricate structure before the festivities begin.

Beyond the main attraction, the committee is also planning a meena bazaar to offer visitors an additional festive experience. Devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga while exploring the surrounding attractions.

Sector 9 to Recreate the Heritage of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal

At Sector 9, the Durga Puja committee is preparing a grand entrance inspired by Dantewada’s Rani Mahal, bringing a distinctive architectural theme to its 35th year of celebrations.

The proposed structure will stand 80 feet tall and span 90 feet in width. Its construction involves approximately 300 bamboo poles, 600 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,500 metres of cloth.

Over 20 artisans are working on the installation, carefully shaping the materials to recreate the grandeur of the chosen design. The scale of the project is expected to make the entrance a prominent attraction during the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the clay idol of Goddess Durga is nearing completion, marking another important milestone in the committee’s preparations.

Artisans Race Against Time Ahead of the Festivities

With Durga Puja approaching, workers at both Sector 7 and Sector 9 are focused on completing their projects within the stipulated time. From assembling the large bamboo frameworks to adding decorative elements and finishing the idols, every stage requires careful planning and coordinated effort.

The contrasting themes promise to give visitors two distinctive experiences: the spiritual splendour of Lord Jagannath’s golden attire at Sector 7 and the architectural magnificence of Rani Mahal at Sector 9.

As the final preparations continue, Rourkela is gearing up for a vibrant celebration, with the two pandals poised to become notable highlights of the city’s Durga Puja festivities.