Author: Neel Achary

Techno India DAMA Hospital Completes 150 Voluntary Cleft Surgery At Their 5 Day Cleft Surgical Camp For The Children And Young Adults Of West Bengal

Kolkata, 30th May, 2025: Techno India DAMA Hospital recently completed 150 successful Voluntary Cleft Surgeries for the children and young adults of Bengal. The free cleft surgery camp was organised under Mission Smile, an FCRA registered medical charity in partnership with Muthoot Pappachan Foundation. The 5 Days Camp commenced on 26th May, 2025 and concluded on 30th May, 2025 with a positive and an impactful outcome.

SMILE PLEASE, is the Pan India Initiative of Muthoot Pappachan Foundation to provide free, safe, compassionate and comprehensive cleft surgeries to kids and youngsters from deserving backgrounds. Started in 2014 from Kerala, in partnership with Mission Smile, the Initiative has touched 13 states and so far, has accomplished 3244 successful surgeries across the country. So far 482 kids and youngsters from West Bengal received surgeries through this programme in the last 8 Smile Please Missions at Kolkata. This is going to be the 9th Smile Please Mission at Kolkata as part of this partnership and the Third one at Techno India Dama Hospital.

“Over the last two camps, we have successfully operated on 119 patients, with 76% being children and 24% young adults. A testament to our commitment to transforming young lives through timely medical intervention. This time, we screened around 100 patients each day and executed 150 safe and successful surgeries. Our team remains dedicated to ensuring each patient receives the best possible care and outcomes”, said Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India Dama Hospital.

Overall 49500+ free cleft surgeries have been conducted by Mission Smile and 71000+ medical evaluation across India since its inception. 395 patients received free surgeries through Mission Smile last year and overall 8000+ in West Bengal.

“From May 26–29, 2025, Mission Smile will restore a brighter future to more than 50 children born with cleft deformities. This is thanks to the magnanimous support of the Muthoot Pappachan Foundation and our steadfast partner, Techno India Dama Hospital & Medical Centre. As we approach our 50,000th safe surgery, we remain committed to transforming lives and spreading smiles around the world”, Said Mr Conrad Dennis, CEO Mission Smile

“Muthoot FInCorp and Muthoot Microfin branches in West Bengal, especially in North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, West and East Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and East/West Bardhaman districts were keen in doing extensive outreach activities to reach out to the families of cleft patients, building confidence in them and bringing them to the hospital to avail surgeries to their kids. This is seen as one of the selfless and dedicated acts of the Muthoot staff members who normally are into financial services for which they reach out to the common man in their financial requirements and positively change the quality of their lives”, said Dr Prasanth Kumar Nellickal, Head-CSR of Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, a CSR wing of Muthoot Pappachan Group.

Don’t Let the Monsoon Dampen Your Strength: Indoor Workouts That Work

By-Dr.Palak Dengla (PT), HOD Physiotherapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster RV Hospital

 Monsoon season brings with it the joy of cool breeze, but also a steep drop-in physical activity. Gym attendance drops by nearly 60% during heavy rains (source: Indian Fitness Trends Report, 2023). As a physiotherapist with 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed the silent rise of deconditioning in this season.

 Here’s why bodyweight support workouts at home are your rainy-day rescue plan:
1. No Excuses for Gym Delays: With over 60% of urban gyms reporting decreased attendance due to transport disruption, at-home workouts remove travel from the equation.
2. Rain-Related Deconditioning: Just 2 weeks of physical inactivity can lead to up to 8% muscle strength loss and 4% aerobic capacity reduction.
3. Sarcopenia Risk Rises: Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), especially in those over 40. 1-2% muscle mass is lost annually without resistance training.
4. Strength Is a Survival Tool: Regular strength and conditioning boosts metabolic rate and prevents fat accumulation—every 1 lb of muscle burns 6-10 calories/day at rest.
5. Efficient Fat Burn: Bodyweight training elevates post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), helping burn 15–30% more calories post-workout.
6. Online Sessions = Accountability: Virtual physiotherapy-led sessions have a 70% adherence rate, higher than self-led gym workouts (52%).
7. Muscle Loss = Metabolism Drop: Skipping workouts for a month can lead to a 5% drop-in basal metabolic rate (BMR), slowing weight loss.
8. Accessible & Equipment-Free: Exercises like squats, push-ups, planks, and glute bridges are scalable, joint-friendly, and require no equipment.
9. Improve Joint Stability & Balance: Controlled bodyweight moves enhance proprioception, reducing rainy season-related fall risks, especially in older adults.
10. Boost Mental Health: Regular physical activity reduces monsoon-related mood dips by up to 30%, as per WHO mental health stats.

 Sample Bodyweight Workout Routine for the Monsoon Season:
• Warm-Up (5 minutes): Light jog/spot march in place or dynamic stretches
• Main Workout (30 minutes): Bodyweight Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Push-Ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Pull-Ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Lunges – 3 sets of 15 reps/leg
• Plank – Hold for 30 secs – 1 min, 5 sets
• Mountain Climbers – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Soleus Push ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Cool Down (5 minutes): Stretching focusing on major muscle groups

Take Home: Don’t let the rains derail your goals. Commit to Smart, remote Physical Therapist-approved bodyweight support workouts and stay strong, dry, and on track.

PHDCCI Delegation Meets Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir to discuss Development and Investment Opportunities

A high-level delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), New Delhi, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhavan.

The delegation, led by Shri Rajeev Talwar (Retd. IAS), Former President of PHDCCI, included Mr. Sameer Gupta (MCM Member), Retd. Major General Ashok Narula (AVSM), and Mr. Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, PHDCCI Kashmir. The meeting focused on key developmental projects, investment opportunities, and collaborative initiatives to bolster economic growth in the Union Territory.

During the discussions, Shri Rajeev Talwar highlighted PHDCCI’s commitment to supporting Jammu & Kashmir’s industrial and infrastructural advancement. The delegation commended the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for his visionary leadership in ensuring peace, progress, and prosperity in the region.

The delegation particularly appreciated Shri Manoj Sinha’s proactive role in “Operation Sindoor”, lauding his efforts in reinforcing security and stability in Jammu & Kashmir. They praised his unwavering dedication to fostering a conducive environment for development and investment.

Additionally, the PHDCCI delegation met with Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Discussions centered on the preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, ensuring safe and seamless pilgrimage arrangements. The delegation also deliberated on infrastructure projects for the shrine board and enhancing facilities for devotees.

Reaffirming their support, the PHDCCI delegation pledged full cooperation to the J&K administration and armed forces in initiatives promoting sustainable growth, employment generation, and industrial development.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaborations to accelerate Jammu & Kashmir’s development journey.

World No Tobacco Day: Wockhardt Survey Reveals High Tobacco Use, Urges Stronger Action

Mumbai, May 2025 — A recent health survey conducted in observance of World No Tobacco Day has raised alarm bells over the continued prevalence of tobacco use within local communities. The study, organized by Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, reveals a high incidence of tobacco consumption—often compounded by alcohol use—creating a dangerous double threat to public health.

 Out of more than 1,000 respondents, a significant number admitted to regular tobacco use, with some acknowledging a dependency that they’ve struggled to overcome despite understanding the risks. The survey reflects a stark reality: awareness is not enough. Addiction, reinforced by powerful withdrawal symptoms, often pulls individuals back into the habit even after repeated attempts to quit. Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, Consultant Oncosurgeon & Minimal Access Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, expressed deep concern over the findings. “Tobacco and alcohol together act like a double-edged sword. Not only do they significantly raise the risk of cancers—especially of the oral cavity, throat, and esophagus—but they also reinforce each other’s addictive grip,” said Dr. Kaushik.

 He added, “People aren’t ignorant. Many want to quit. But addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition. Unless we offer structured support and medical alternatives, they remain stuck in a vicious cycle.” The survey data show a mixed landscape. While awareness campaigns have made some headway—most respondents could list key health risks linked to tobacco—this hasn’t translated into large-scale behavioral change. For instance, in one set of responses, 117 participants said they had tried to quit tobacco, but 149 admitted to relapsing. Other similar comparisons in the survey suggest that quit attempts are common, but successful cessation remains rare.

Dr. Tirathram Kaushik emphasized that quitting tobacco requires more than willpower. “Nicotine is highly addictive. We need to treat it like any other medical dependency—with pharmacological therapies, counseling, and community-level interventions,” he said. “We also need to recognize that mental health plays a big role. Stress, anxiety, and social pressure often drive people back to these habits.” Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road is urging community leaders, schools, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable anti-tobacco initiatives. These include integrating tobacco cessation programs into primary healthcare services, increasing access to nicotine replacement therapies, and using digital platforms to reach younger populations.

 “We must move beyond slogans and posters,” Dr. Kaushik stressed. “We need action—structured, science-backed, and compassionate. Every successful quit story is a life extension.”

Rotaract District 3132 Hosts Transformational District Team Learning Seminar 2025–26 in Solapur

Solapur, Maharashtra:
Setting the stage for a year of innovation, leadership, and community impact, Rotaract District 3132 recently conducted the District Team Learning Seminar 2025–26, hosted by the spirited Rotaract Club of Tembhurni. The event, spearheaded by District Rotaract Representative Elect (DRRE) Ar. Ketaki Sanjay Kulkarni brought together a dynamic assembly of district officers for a full-day experience of structured learning and leadership alignment.

Guided by the vision of District Governor Rtn. Sudhir Lature, this year’s seminar emphasised deeper engagement through interactive Breakout Sessions and a well-curated Learning Handbook — tools that supported active participation, collaborative thinking, and skill enhancement.

“Leadership demands that we invest in growth, not just in service,” DG Lature remarked during his inaugural note, highlighting the necessity of time investment from all district leaders to make their roles more meaningful.

Notable Speakers and Special Guests

The seminar featured influential voices within the Rotary-Rotaract fraternity:

• Rtn. Narendra Shelar, Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session, delivered a motivational address setting the tone for the day
• PDRR Rtn. Shrikant Dad, whose strategic insights challenged attendees to think beyond conventional boundaries
• Rtn. Yashwant Hande, Chief Guest for the Valedictory Session, brought the event to a powerful close with his message on service-led leadership

Behind the Success: A Collaborative Force

Special recognition was extended to Rtn. Rtr. Prasad Warad, District Learning Facilitator & DRCC, whose hands-on involvement and leadership of the breakout sessions played a crucial role in the seminar’s success.

The host club and various team members also received high praise for their dedication and execution:

• Rtn. Rtr. Ritesh Shah and Rtr Ishan Gandhi for their coordination in ensuring smooth participation
• Rtr Sanjana Nagtilak and Rtr Usha Bamne for effectively conducting the seminar as Masters of Ceremony
• Rtr Chanakshi Sakala for creative poster designs and event photography
• Rtr Akanksha Tiwari, DRRN Rtr Amit Bhosale, and DRR Rtn. Rtr. Rohit Chavhan for providing unwavering support and initiative
• Rtr Raman Tiwari, Rtr Aaditya Lature (Secretary, Rotaract Club of Latur Midtown), Rtr Shounak Durugkar, and the Solapur host team for their hospitality and logistics management

A Vision for the Year Ahead

Reflecting on the experience, DRRE Ketaki remarked,

“This seminar was a testament to what we can achieve when passion meets purpose. It marks the beginning of a year where every officer is not just prepared—but inspired.”

With such a promising and energizing start, the seminar has successfully built momentum for the Rotary International Year 2025–26, empowering district officers with the mindset, tools, and unity needed for collective impact.

Adani Gangavaram Port Wins Platinum Award in Environmental Excellence at APEX India Green Leaf Awards 2024

Visakhapatnam: 30th May, 2025: Adani Gangavaram Port, the deepest and one of the most modern ports in India, has won the Platinum Award in Environmental Excellence at 9th APEX India Green Leaf Awards 2024. This award recognizes the port’s outstanding achievements in sustainability, innovation and best environmental practices. It also recognises Gangavaram Ports state-of-the-art green infrastructure.

The award highlights Adani Gangavaram Port’s continuous efforts in promoting sustainable port operations through various environmental initiatives, including air and water quality management, waste reduction and recycling programs, green belt development, and energy efficiency measures. These include the implementation of continuous ambient air quality monitoring systems, fully mechanized cargo handling, integrated truck tarpaulin facilities, mechanized road sweeping, and the complete ban on single-use plastics within the port premises. The port’s proactive approach to environmental protection aligns with its vision of fostering sustainable economic growth while preserving natural resources for future generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Adani Gangavaram Port Limited management said, “We are happy that winning the Platinum Award in Environmental Excellence at 9th APEX India Green Leaf Awards 2024 is a significant achievement for the Adani Group. “This award is a testament to our commitment to environmental excellence. We are dedicated to leading the way in sustainable infrastructure and responsible operations, ensuring that environmental care is an integral part of our business strategy. The port’s proactive environmental programs and community engagement efforts have positioned it as a benchmark for sustainable port operations in the country

CSMVS Successfully Concludes Curatorial Workshop 2025 with a Focus on Curation, Heritage, and Research

Mumbai, 30 May 2025 – The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, concluded its highly anticipated Curatorial Workshop 2025 , held from 26th to 28th May at the Nalanda CSMVS Learning Centre. Organized under the CSMVS Staff Excellence Program, the three-day workshop was supported by the Kshirsagar family, in memory of the late Mr. Eknath A. Kshirsagar, former Chairman of CSMVS.

The workshop was led by esteemed art historian and museum consultant Dr. Gauri Parimoo Krishnan, who brought over three decades of international experience in curatorial practice and museum leadership to the sessions. Participants included curators, educators, researchers, and heritage professionals from CSMVS and partner institutions.

Workshop Highlights:

Day 1 focused on the curation and display of permanent galleries, providing deep insights into interpretive storytelling, spatial planning, and audience engagement. The day concluded with gallery walkthroughs and interactive group discussions.

Day 2 explored special exhibitions, emphasizing thematic narrative building, temporary exhibition design, and project-based collaborations. Dr. Krishnan also shared case studies from her work at the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Indian Heritage Centre.

Day 3 was devoted to collection-based research and the representation of tangible and intangible heritage in museum displays. A highlight was the discussion on the future of inclusive and community-centric curatorial practices, followed by a closing ceremony and certificate distribution.

“This workshop reaffirms CSMVS’s commitment to curatorial excellence, research, and community engagement. The event also showcased recent museum-led publications including “Ancient Sculptures: India, Egypt, Assyria, Greece, Rome”, “The Buddha Within”, and the children’s educational series “A Puzzling Past”, underscoring CSMVS’s role as a dynamic center for research and outreach.

70% Indians Fall Short on Daily Fibre Intake

India, May 30, 2025: On the occasion of the World Digestive Day, Aashirvaad Happy Tummy platform released an insightful analysis of the nation’s digestive health based on the responses provided by over 8 lakh people. The results included over 1.27 lakh respondents from Fiber Meter and over 7.4 lakh from Digestive Quotient on Happy Tummy. Aashirvaad Happy Tummy is an online platform by Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains, which serves as a comprehensive guide focused on digestive health and fibre intake.

 The Fiber Meter report revealed that 70% Indians who responded to the survey, did not consume the recommended daily fibre intake. The gap is wider among women, with 74% reporting inadequate fibre intake compared to 64% among men, highlighting that majority of people missed upon an important component of digestive health. Research links low fibre intake to common digestive issues such as constipation and chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Highlighting the importance of Digestive health, Dr. B S Ramakrishna, Director & Senior Consultant -Medical Gastroenterology, SRM Institutes for Medical Science, Chennai stated “The central role of the digestive system and the gut microbiota in development and perpetuation of many chronic diseases is now well appreciated. Scientific evidence consistently highlights the role of dietary fibre—particularly from whole grains and multigrain sources—in supporting gut microbiota diversity and enhancing overall digestive health. On World Digestive Health Day 2025, with the theme Nourish to Flourish, it is imperative to promote fibre-rich diets as a cornerstone of preventive health strategies to address the dual burden of undernutrition and non-communicable diseases.”

 Mr. Anuj Rustagi, Chief Operating Officer – Staples and Adjacencies, ITC Foods, said, “Fibre is foundational pillar for our digestive health and yet daily diets of a majority don’t reflect this priority. With most people underestimating the role of fibre, which acts like a natural panacea for the digestive system. The survey demonstrates a serious fibre gap in Indian diets, which merits urgent correction. Simple shifts—like including multigrains, vegetables, fruits, and adequate water—can go a long way in improving gut health.”

 Talking on the importance of Diet & Digestive health, Ms. Anita Jatana, Chief Dietician at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi said “Increase in prevalence of digestive health issues is mostly due to poor dietary and lifestyle habits. Consuming a diverse array of fiber-rich foods, particularly whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables are essential for promoting optimal digestive health. These foods are also naturally rich in essential micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that contribute to overall physiological well-being. Multigrains like whole grain wheat flour, oats and millets must be incorporated in daily diet instead of refined grains. Complementing balanced diet with adequate proteins, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals and fiber intake with proper sleep, hydration, physical activity and relaxation supports digestive health.”

 These findings are based on analysis of self-reported responses submitted between 2021– early 2025 on Aashirvaad Happy Tummy platform, with respondents from across India.