Quintessence

I hold a flower in my hand
And I gaze into its infinite depths;
All around me I hear whispers
Of nature and its mysteries.

Stories as old as eternity
Of how the soil beneath my feet,
Was once a towering mountain
Before its humble retreat.

I wonder at the royal rays of the Sun-
Sheets of the purest Gold;
Sea waves that gently rise and fall
All in perfect rhythm.

The dew drops that never fail
To welcome me each dawn;
The curious rustling of the leaves
In the cool breeze of morn.

The roar of the thunder frightens me
I tremble, but for a while,
For hither comes the rainbow
To paint the Sapphire sky.

The drops of rain that fell from the Heavens
Join the seven seas,
Leaving behind a rich aroma
Wafting from the wet soil.

Evening time, time for rest,
The little birds return to their nests,
Colorful wings flap in synchrony
As they prepare themselves for the night.

And now a curtain of black satin
Sprawls across the canopy above,
Slowly, like precious diamonds
The stars peep out and shine.

The Moon – the Queen of the Dark
Casts her silver beams
That gracefully alight on the tree tops
Giving them a soft shimmer.

I stand still and marvel
At nature’s age old wisdom,
As she cleverly hides within her cloaks
All her deepest secrets.

Here I am, a harmony-
Between mind, body and soul,
An integral part of the Earth
But a speck in the all its vastness.

The Earth completes the Universe
In a strange limitless space,
Performing a celestial dance
Intricate, yet exquisite.

Each planet remembering its path
Rotating and revolving,
To the tune of a flawless melody
That no man can comprehend.

Who is the Great Conductor
Of this divine orchestra?
Who is the creator
And the law giver?

Quintessence- 
Some call it Science.
Others call it God.

The Story of the Caesarean Section

Childbirth and its complications have always intrigued man. The challenge is to save the life of both the mother and the child. Experiments and experience have taught us methods of achieving the same. Cesarean section is one of them.
During ancient times, C-section was done on the dying mother as a “last resort” to keep the baby alive.
But today, birth by C-section has started to increase globally. Almost one out of every five births in urban India is through a C-section.
How did this change take place between then and now?
To understand this we need to travel back time and trace the history of the Cesarean Section.

Switzerland, 1500
The story goes that there was a sow gelder named Jacob Nufer whose wife had a prolonged labor. To relieve her pain he supposedly cut open her uterus and pulled out the baby. The mother was alive and the child lived till the age of 77. The accuracy of this incident has often been questioned. But nevertheless the story spread and this novel method set the physicians thinking.

1543
The period of Renaissance.
Andreas Versalius published De Corpus Humani Fabrica. The book explained the anatomy of the female genital system. Aspiring surgeons began to study the human cadaver in detail.
But on the darker side, women were not allowed to attend schools of medicine till the late 19th century.
Here comes the interesting story of Miranda Stuart Barry who disguised herself as a man and performed one of the most successful C-sections in the history of the British Empire.

Around the same time, travelers to Uganda were spectators to a procedure that increased the curiosity of the Western world.
Each tribe in Uganda had a Healer. Whenever a woman went into prolonged labor, the Healer would semi-intoxicate her with banana wine and make a mid line incision on her abdomen to gain access to her uterus. He would then massage the uterus and take the baby out. The incision was then sutured using iron needles and the wound was dressed using a paste obtained from indigenous roots.
This was one of those rare incidents in history when the civilized world seemed to be way behind times.

1800-1875
Back in the Western World surgeons now had a thorough knowledge about the anatomical structures within the female body. But C-section still did not make any progress because of 2 reasons:
-Pain. C-section was a very painful procedure and the people looked at the surgeons as butchers and barbarians.
-Infection. Sterile practices were not known then and opening the peritoneal cavity naturally gave rise to many infectious diseases.

Anesthetics were invented in 1846 and this helped the surgeons operate with precision. It also helped them record the details of the surgery.
Soon antiseptics came into picture and the situation seemed ideal for the much dreaded C-section to become widely accepted.

But this did not happen.
And this time it was because the surgeons were afraid to suture the uterus after childbirth. They thought it would lead to infections; they also believed that the uterine muscles would contract spontaneously and stop the bleed. Thus, many young women died due to hemorrhage and shock.
To overcome this, hysterectomy was suggested by a few doctors. But the idea was discarded for obvious reasons.

1882
Max Sauminger introduced the silver wire stitches and a few years later surgeons started experimenting with transverse incisions on the lower segment of the uterus. This greatly reduced the chances of scar rupture in subsequent pregnancies which was a common occurrence with the previously employed mid line incisions.

1928
Discovery of Penicillin. Antibiotics were used to prevent many hospital-acquired infections.

1950 onwards..
Heart monitors and Ultrasound scan were invented. This helped to foresee the complications that might arise during the course of labor. Patients with pelvic abnormalities, placenta praevia, etc. were advised to get a C-section done.

Thus, The Cesarean section is not a procedure that evolved overnight. It had its own history. Mistakes were committed. Lives were lost.
But it has taken a giant leap from being a near-death or postmortem operation to a life saving one. And to the family of the mother and the operating surgeon, it makes all the difference in the world…

Vaccine no guarantee against Cervical Cancer!

The excitement surrounding the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine for cervical cancer is not surprising given that "10 women die of cervical cancer every hour in South East Asia... and shockingly, 8 out of the 10 are Indian women".

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences has declared HPV types 16 and 18 as the main culprits causing havoc in India. They account for almost 70% of the cervical cancer cases in India.

So what exactly is a HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a quadrivalent prophylactic vaccine which offers protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is prepared from a non-infective, DNA free, virus-like particle produced by recombinant technology.

What is the Target Age group?
HPV vaccine is most effective when administered to women falling under the age group of 9 - 26 yrs. This is because a woman who has crossed 26 yrs of age might already be infected with the virus before she gets vaccinated.

How efficient is the Vaccine?
The vaccine prevents HPV infection for a period of 5yrs.
But the recipient of the vaccine should not develop a false sense of freedom from cervical cancer because the vaccine does not offer protection against all types of HPVs. In fact it fails to cover over 30% of oncogenic HPVs.
Thus, regular screening for cancer should be continued.

Moreover, the following risk factors must be kept in mind:-
- Multiple sex partners
- Male partner with multiple sex partners
- Intercourse at a young age
- High parity
- Immunosuppressive states (esp. AIDS)
- Use of Oral Contraceptive Pills
- Use of Nicotine

What are the Side Effects of HPV vaccination?
In most cases there are transient side effects like:
- Erythema and tenderness at the site of injection
- Pruritis
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fever
- Dizziness
A few cases of syncope have also been reported which is why it is wise to keep the recipient under supervision for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Are there any contraindications to the administration of this vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine should not be given to patients who are
- Pregnant
- Suffering from acute illnesses
- Allergic to yeast
- Hypersensitive (to a previous dose of the vaccine)

The WHO rightly states that while the vaccine reduces the prevalence of the cancer, it does not completely eradicate it.
Therefore, spreading awareness about cervical cancer would go a longer way in reducing its incidence than vaccination.

21st century DOC

SUNRISE

How gently the pall of darkness
Slowly lifts,
And the cry of the cuckoo
Pierces the silence of the morning.
The green leaves bathe
In the crystal clear dew,
And the trees stand silently
Watching the slowly fading mist.
Slowly the creatures stir-
Calm and well rested,
And venture out of their homes
To welcome the new day.
The lakes reflect the mountains
Shimmering in the first rays of the Sun,
That sweeps across the valleys
And enters the narrowest alleyways.
Soon the milkman begins his day,
The laughter of children fills the air,
And the whole world experiences
The magic of a new morning.
How gently the Creator smiles
At His marvellous creation-
That was once again basking
In the glory of Sunrise.

Three Students and a Cell Phone - A Short Story

That morning, I was running through the College corridors at a breakneck speed, bumping into anyone and everyone because I was late for the class - and added to that, the first hour was allotted to the Mathematics lecturer Mrs. Alzan (whom the students had generously honoured with the nickname 'The Terror')
When I finally reached the classroom door - panting like a dog-tired donkey - all the heads (including that of Mrs. Alzan) turned towards me.
"You are late Mel," Mrs. Alzan's voice rang out loud and clear. "Come inside and don't be late again." I stepped inside, amazed at my luck, (for Mrs. Alzan held the unique reputation for granting her students a free tour to the Principal's office.) I had hardly taken a few steps, basking in my narrow escape, when Shaan began to sing - or rather - my cell phone began to ring. A few days back, I had set the singer Shaan's famous song 'Tanha Dil' as my ring tone and I used to wait for a call to hear the song. And here was Shaan, fulfilling my wish. I turned slowly to brave the expression on my lecturer's face. Her visage was contorted with rage and somehow (even in that situation) she managed to remind me of a hen that was trying extremely hard to lay an egg.
"..Chalna akele hum yahan.." Shaan was bellowing.
My cell phone was confiscated that very day.

Two days later.

Mrs. Alzan was working out many problems on the blackboard so that we saw more of her back than her front. To my left, Nita was messaging on her cell phone and to my right, Ella was viewing the image gallery on her mobile. Both were busy with their cell phones, though they did (occasionally) bestow me with their looks of pity. As for me, I sat between them like a sanyasini who had renounced all her worldly pleasures (in my case - my cell phone.)
Suddenly, Ella's cell phone gave a loud beep. Most of the students heard the beep though Mrs. Alzan (bless her soul!) was much too immersed in her beloved mathematical sums to notice anything. "My message alert tone is not in the silent mode," whispered Ella. "Then switch it off dumbo," snapped Nita. Poor Ella - she was visibly shaking - hoping that she would not receive any message until she had silenced her alert tone.
"I have switched on the keypad tones by mistake!" cried Ella, seconds later.
Just then, Mrs. Alzan turned towards us with the air of an accomplished warrior, since she had successfully solved a particularly difficult problem. Now all that dear Ella could do was to hope that her well-wisher would not pursue his attempt at sending her a message. Sensing her fear, my chivalrous Nita said, "Give me your cell phone; I shall take care of the situation." Ella was more than ready to part with the half-foot long trouble maker.
Nita walked up to Mrs. Alzan with Ella's cell phone hidden in her pocket. "May I use the restroom Ma'am?" she asked with unusual politeness. Mrs. Alzan gave her grand consent and Nita marched out of the classroom.
Her plan suddenly became evident to me. Nita would switch off Ella's cell phone in the restroom. I could not contain my smile and I flashed all my 32 teeth at once in what you might call the 'Million Dollar Grin'. But unfortunately, Mrs. Alzan caught sight of my Million Dollar Grin and the result was that she quietly slipped out of the classroom to follow Nita.
Both, Nita and Ella, had to hand over their cell phones that day.

Five days later.

"Therefore students, cell phones are the main culprits," concluded Mrs. Alzan. "Look at your classmates - Mel, Nita and Ella - I have confiscated their cell phones and now, they pay their sincere attention to my lectures even though they are seated in the last bench of the classroom. "
And sure enough, my two friends and I nodded innocently at whatever she said.
However, what Mrs. Alzan was unaware of, was the fact that our highly benevolent friend - Janet - who was seated right in front of us had switched on her mobile which was now playing a Hindi song from the Film 'Dil Chahta Hai' at a comfortable volume so that only the last two benches could hear it.
And the three of us were gently nodding to the rhythm of the song
'...Hum hain naye andaaz kyun ho purana..!'

Rahul Gandhi: The Chocolate Boy of Indian Politics

"So..Rahul Gandhi is the prime-ministerial candidate of the Congress Party?" asked Nimisha.
Nimisha is a childhood friend of mine. She had just returned to India after spending 7 years of study in England and I took it upon myself to take her for a stroll along the roads of Bangalore. It was election time and she was apparently enthralled by the huge posters and colourful banners of the various political parties that adorned our streets.
"I suppose Dr. Manmohan Singh is their candidate," I replied.
"But I see more of Rahul's posters on the election pamphlets than Dr. Singh's!" exclaimed Nimisha.
I chose to remain silent.

The elections are finally over and the Congress has returned with a thumping majority. But the 'man of the match' - Rahul Gandhi - has once again retreated into his shell!
In fact, the zeal and enthusiasm that Rahul portrayed while campaigning for the Indian National Congress has motivated even the opposition party (the BJP) to encourage its youth wing - Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
As for Rahul Gandhi, he remains as humble and simple as ever.
Surprisingly, this 38 year old 'Cambridge educated' MP from Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) has listed 'farming' as his only occupation, thereby identifying himself with the poor farmers who truly constitute the backbone of our nation.
Recently, Sushma Swaraj- a senior BJP leader- has accused the media of succumbing to the "gore chitte, chikne chupde" (fair and chocolate-faced) Congress leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi.
Perhaps they have failed to notice the immense potential behind this 'chocolate face'.
During our landmark elections this year, Rahul travelled across the country to campaign for his party. No Congressman could compete with Rahul's ability to make fiery and candid speeches in a nation that speaks over 60 languages.
The NDA government had earlier come up with slogans like 'India Shining' and 'Hindutva' during their election campaigns. But Rahul has slammed these slogans and upheld his own party's aim to work for the 'Aam Aadmi' (the common man) in his speech at Maharashtra. In his own words: "If you go to a village and ask what 'India Shining' means, the villagers will be unable to understand what it means. This thinking is that of rich people. They fight for privatisation, they fight for the stock market; but do not reach your houses."
He once again portrayed his skill at sending forth strong messages to the opposition party in the simplest words when he said , "They (the BJP leaders) did not go to the houses of the poor, the farmers, the Dalits and other weaker sections of society. They just went to the houses of the rich."
Right from the day Rahul entered politics, he has had to face the strong criticism and the rude remarks made by the opposition party members.
First, they pointed out the fact that his mother was an Italian, thereby making him unworthy to join Indian politics. Later, as his fan-base grew among the Indian Youth, they held his 'chocolate face' responsible. And recently, a BJP political analyst has asserted that Rahul Gandhi is a "proxy PM candidate" who "can say what he wants without being held accountable."
These are a few baseless and frivolous remarks that crumble before Rahul's cool-headed nature.
This young politician has successfully tackled complex issues that only the Ministers of the Cabinet address. From lodging in posh and luxurious hotels to spending nights in farmers' huts - this man has willingly tasted everything. He is one of the very few leaders whose dedication and deeds has enabled him to state with firm conviction : "We functioned as per our promise."

Recently, Nimisha gave me a call after she had returned to London.
"So Rahul Gandhi is not the Prime Minister of India?" was her first question.
"No," I answered.
"I guess he has become a member of the Council of Ministers.." she added hopefully.
"No.." I repeated. "He has turned down the offer."
"Ah!" she exclaimed. "That's bad... I wish I knew the reason why..."

Well, actually Nimisha, we all wish we knew the reason why...!