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Himalayan Hospital Launches Awareness Campaign on ‘World No Tobacco Day’

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Dateline Dehradun: Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant organized an awareness campaign on ‘World No Tobacco Day.’ Under this initiative, the hospital aimed to educate the youth in the hospital and surrounding rural areas about the diseases caused by tobacco and to inspire them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Led by Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava and Dr. Shaili Vyas from the ‘Community Medicine Department’ of Swami Rama Himalayan University, awareness campaigns were conducted at the ‘Rural Health Training Center’ in Raiwala and the ‘Urban Health Training Center’ in Kurkawala.

Addressing the attendees, Dr. Avani Gupta highlighted the alarming statistics of tobacco consumption amongst the youth. She emphasized how the tobacco industry uses flavours, misleading marketing, and social media to attract young people. Dr. Chirag Joshi discussed strategies to protect children from the influence of the tobacco industry. He advocated for strict regulations on tobacco marketing and sales, promoting smoke-free environments, and educating children about the harms of tobacco use.

Additionally, the doctors provided guidance on quitting tobacco, including nicotine replacement therapy, behavioural counseling programs available at Himalayan Hospital, and support groups for those seeking to overcome addiction. People visiting the hospital’s OPD were also informed about the diseases caused by tobacco consumption.

Present at the event were Dr. Abhay Srivastava, Dr. Vidisha Vallabh, Dr. Chandra Pant, Dr. Deepa, Rita Bhatt, Aradhna Dudhpuri, Farzana, and others.

In a related effort, the Community Medicine Department organized a competition at SDM Public School Pratitnagar, Rishikesh, to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle among students. In the fitness challenge test, Ruchi secured the first place, Rahul the second, and Vikas the third. In the extempore competition, Prerna was first, Sheetal second, and Ishika third. In the quiz competition, Himanshu came first, Saksham second, and Suman third. The school principal, Shashank Chamoli, thanked Dr. Shaili Vyas, Dr. Abhay Srivastava, and Dr. Neha Sharma from SRHU and expressed full support for future awareness programs.

MoU inked between SRHU and CII-Young Indians

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In a significant step towards fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and youth-led innovations, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Young Indians (Yi), a dynamic movement under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Dateline Dehradun: In a significant step towards fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and youth-led innovations, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Young Indians (Yi), a dynamic movement under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

This collaboration aims to empower the next generation of changemakers and shape India’s future by providing a robust platform for students to engage with industry mentors, participate in live projects, and undertake internships.

CII-Yi is one of the founders of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (G20 YEA), which is a collective of leading, entrepreneurially minded organizations, also associated with Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Asia. Yi also organises international missions with an objective of providing global exposure to its members in various fields. It also conducts several workshops on skill building that are designed to raise awareness about the importance of skilling. Yi works exclusively on three fundamental areas of youth Leadership, Nation building and Thought leadership.

The partnership aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of SRHU students by providing them with the opportunity to learn under the expert supervision of industry mentors in a conducive learning environment. This initiative will support the students’ holistic development, as interactions with industry mentors will guide them to become future thought leaders. As such, they will be able to drive both economic growth and social change, contributing to the creation of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. This, in turn, is expected to inspire youth to lead India into its next decade of growth.

The MoU was signed under the guidance and direction of Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, SRHU. The official signing took place during CII 2nd State Council Meet 2024, wherein Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan, Registrar, SRHU, and Amit Rathore, Chairman, YUVA Vertical, Dehradun Chapter formalized the agreement.

The event saw the presence of several notable figures, including Kanishk Jain, Chairman, CII Uttarakhand, and Executive Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceutical Ltd., Suyash Agrawal, Vice Chairman, CII Uttarakhand & Executive Director, Krishna Multimedia Pvt Ltd, G B Springs, Gaurav Lamba, State Head, CII Uttarakhand, Dr. Mohit Verma, Principal, HSMS, Dr. Pradeep Varshney, Director Academic Processes and Quality, SRHU. Dr. Apurvaa Trivedi, Nodal Officer, Industrial Linkage and Development Cell, SRHU coordinated the event.

Through this collaboration, SRHU and Yi aim to create a thriving environment wherein students can develop into capable leaders and entrepreneurs, ready to take on challenges and drive innovation for India’s future growth.

Bill Aitken, Mussoorie’s resident author turns 90

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Author Bill Aitken at 90

Dateline Mussoorie: This year, it’s a very warm summer in Mussoorie. Ma and I make our way to Oakless to meet resident author William McKay Aitken or Bill Aitken as we have known him since childhood. Bill turned 90 today. We find him, as always, in the best of health and spirits, if you take away the usual twinges in the hinges.

I have never been better,’ he says. At ninety Bill takes a five kilometre walk –  twice a day plus the usual household chores and gardening keep him busy, come rain or sunshine. It helps to keep his Scottish genes in shape and as he says: ‘It helps me sleep better.’ Longevity runs in the family: ‘I have two older sisters,’ he says, adding: ‘They live in London and they call me on my birthday, Christmas and New year, but as we are all going deaf, we make polite noises and whisper sweet nothings to each other and put the phone down,’ he giggles.

Bill cuts his birthday cake surrounded by friends and family

His landline has been ringing all week with his fans calling him from Lucknow to Bombay all taking no chances, congratulate him days in advance, as he politely says, ‘Plus or minus a few days, chalta hai!’

A prolific writer, Bill Aitken has over two dozen books to his credit, a British-born Indian travel writer and mountain lover from Scotland, Mussoorie has been his home for over four decades.  His books cover his travels around India, its mountains, rivers and its steam trains… Seven Sacred Rivers, Divining the Deccan – A Motorbike to the Heart of India, Footloose in the Himalaya, The Nanda Devi Affair, Exploring Indian Railways, Sri Sathya Sai Baba – A Life, Literary Trails, Riding the Ranges – Travels on my Motorcycle, Mountain Delight, Travels By a Lesser Line, Zanskar, 1000 Himalayan Quiz to name a few. Even today we find him working on his latest book review.

Keeping tradition alive, the Jind family lays out a feast for Bill and his close circle of friends and family at their residence St Bernard, celebrating a thorough gentleman who has added value to his home in the hills in many ways than one.

Climate Change is also a Health Emergency

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Seminar organized at Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant on the occasion of 'World Emergency Medicine Day.'

Dateline Dehradun: A seminar was organized at Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant on the occasion of ‘World Emergency Medicine Day.’ Speakers mentioned that climate change is also a health emergency.

On Monday, a seminar was organized by the Department of Emergency Medicine at Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. D.C. Joshi stated that World Emergency Medicine Day was initiated by the European Society for Emergency Medicine and was first celebrated on May 27, 2019. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the critical role of emergency medicine.

Head of the Emergency Medicine Department Dr. Reshma Kaushik said that climate change is also a health emergency. This year, the day is being observed with this theme. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is currently the greatest health threat to humanity. Climate change affects people’s health in various ways. It also causes other problems such as extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms, and floods, disrupting food systems, increasing water and vector-borne diseases, and exacerbating mental health issues, leading to increased mortality and illness.

During the event, a quiz competition was organized with 45 medical students participating. The team led by Martin won the quiz competition. On this occasion, Dr. Mukta Singh, Dr. Ruby Kataria, Dr. Komal Thakur, and Dr. Himanshi Vaidya were present.

Two-day workshop on Research and Biostatistics organized at SRHU

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Workshop on research and biostatistics statistical methods organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University.

Dateline Dehradun: A two-day workshop on research and biostatistics statistical methods  was organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant.

The Department of Community Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) organized a workshop on the topic “Foundations of Research and Biostatistics: Building Blocks for Effective Health Sciences Research.’

Expert Dr. RM Pandey, former Head of the Department of Biostatistics at AIIMS New Delhi, guided the participants in writing quality research papers for publication with a basic understanding of statistical methods in research.

Dr. Jeeva Shankar of the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS New Delhi gave detailed information to the participants about the art of conducting literature review, the role of bias and confounding factors in research and various statistical tests based on the characteristics of the data.

SRHU Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal reiterated that statistical analysis is an important part of any research.

He said that one of the most important trends shaping the future of research is the rapid development of technology. From big data analytics to machine learning and artificial intelligence, technology is changing the way we do research and opening new avenues for scientific investigation. Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, Principal, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, delivered a lecture on quality improvement in health research. He said that quality improvement is brought about by health research. It systematically improves care. It aims to establish the parameters necessary to reduce variation, obtain predictable results, improve outcomes for patients, health care systems and organizations.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava, organizer of the workshop, said that 35 participants from various academic departments of the university attended the workshop. Director General (Academic Development) Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, Akanksha Uniyal, Abhinav Bahuguna were present on this occasion.

Heart Valve Replacement conducted without surgery at Himalayan Hospital

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Cardiac Department doctors at Himalayan Hospital successfully performed a heart valve replacement using the new TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) technique

Dateline Dehradun: The Cardiac Department doctors at Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, successfully performed a heart valve replacement using the new TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) technique without open surgery. For the first time, an 80-year-old patient’s heart valve was replaced using the TAVI technique. The elderly patient is now completely healthy and has been discharged after treatment.

Dr. Anurag Rawat, Head of the Cardiac Department and Senior Cardiologist at Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, said that a few days ago, an 80-year-old elderly patient visited their OPD. Tests revealed that the patient was suffering from severe stenosis of the aortic valve, located in the main artery (aorta) that supplies blood to the heart and body. This condition was putting immense pressure on the patient’s heart, causing breathlessness. The patient was at risk of heart failure or severe irregular heartbeat.

Dr. Anurag Rawat explained that traditionally, such cases were treated using the open-heart surgery technique. However, due to the patient’s advanced age, surgery was deemed high-risk. Therefore, for the first time, the TAVI technique was used for the patient’s heart valve replacement and treatment. In the TAVI technique, the aortic valve is implanted using an angiographic method without incisions or anesthesia. This procedure is known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

Dr. Rawat further mentioned that with the increasing age and deteriorating lifestyle of people, the prevalence of diseases is rising. However, with advanced medical technology, treatment has become much simpler and more accessible.

Dr. Hemchandra Pandey, Director (Health Services) at Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, congratulated the entire Cardiac Department and said that by performing such high-level procedures, the department has reached new heights while serving the general public.

*Procedure Team:* The procedure was performed by Dr. Anurag Rawat, Dr. Bhavana Singh, Dr. Kunal Gururani, Dr. Chandramohan Belwal, Dr. Deepak Oberoi, technician Praveen Kumar, Pramod Singh, Virendra, and the nursing team.

*What is Aortic Stenosis?*
Senior Cardiologist Dr. Anurag Rawat explained that aortic valve stenosis is a condition commonly seen in the elderly, with a high risk of death if untreated. The treatment involves aortic valve replacement, previously done only through open-heart surgery.

*What is the TAVI Technique?*
Senior Cardiologist Dr. Kunal Gururani explained that in this new process, a new valve is inserted without removing the damaged old valve. The new valve is placed inside the damaged valve. This procedure is known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). In this surgery, the TAVI is performed successfully, and the patient recovers within a few days and returns home.

*A Boon for Heart Patients: Advanced TAVI Technique*
According to a report, about a quarter (24.8%) of all deaths in India are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Aortic valve stenosis is a severe heart condition common in old age. It is the third most common valve disease in the adult population of India, seen in 7.3% of cases. Cardiologist Dr. Chandramohan Belwal stated that traditionally, this was treated with open-heart surgery, a serious and complex procedure requiring prolonged hospital stays and long recovery time. Thus, the TAVI technique is nothing short of a boon for heart patients.

Swami Rama Himalayan University Jolly Grant and BCIL Sign MoU

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Swami Rama Himalayan University Jolly Grant and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) New Delhi will now collaborate in the field of innovation and technology transfer.

Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University Jolly Grant and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) New Delhi will now collaborate in the field of innovation and technology transfer. An MoU was signed between the two institutions to this effect.

Under the guidance of Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), the MoU was signed by Registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijlwan and Dr. Purnima Sharma, Managing Director of BCIL.

On this occasion, SRHU Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal said that this MoU will accelerate the development of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst faculty and students. Both parties will work together on technology evaluation, licensing agreements, IP management, and quality assurance measures.

Dr. Dobhal emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting a favorable environment for technology transfer and its commercialization. He mentioned that this collaboration would help in fostering socio-economic development and creating new pathways for research and innovation.

Dr. Purnima Sharma, Managing Director of BCIL, highlighted the importance of strong IP management and public-private partnerships in advancing innovation and economic development. She stated that SRHU, known for its commitment to research excellence and technology development, is sure to play a crucial role in providing the necessary technical expertise and knowledge for the successful transfer of technologies.

Clinical Trials Day celebrated at SRHU

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Dateline Dehradun: The healthcare community came together to mark International Clinical Trials Day at Swami Rama Himalayan university, a momentous occasion celebrating the pivotal role of clinical research in shaping the future of healthcare. Amidst the festivities, a special workshop on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) was conducted, underscoring the commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring the integrity of clinical trials.

As part of the global observance of this special day a distinguished workshop on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) was organized by Dr Bindu Dey Chairperson Clinical Trial Committee SRHU and Dr Nikku Yadav Coordinator Clinical Trial Centre SRHU, spotlighting key principles and best practices essential for maintaining the integrity and ethical conduct of clinical research. Led by esteemed speakers Dr. NK Arora, Executive Director Incline Trust International, Sanjay Gupta, M/s Catalyst Clinical Services Pvt. Ltd., Delhi and Prof. DC Dhasmana, Department of Pharmacology SRHU the workshop provided attendees with invaluable insights.

Dr. NK Arora, a leading authority in the field of clinical research, delivered a compelling presentation on the key principles of Good Clinical Practice. Emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, patient safety, and data integrity, Dr. Arora underscored the fundamental principles that serve as the bedrock of GCP compliance.

The inaugural session commenced with an enlightening discourse on the significance of clinical trials and the paramount importance of patient safety. Led by esteemed speakers Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari Pincipal Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Hemchandra Director Medical Services, Himalayan Hospital the session set the stage for a day of reflection, collaboration, and innovation in the field of clinical research.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, a renowned expert in neonatology and clinical research, delivered a poignant address on the importance of clinical trials in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. He underscored the critical role of rigorous scientific inquiry in evaluating new therapies, interventions, and medical technologies, emphasizing the indispensable contribution of clinical trials to evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Hemchandra, a distinguished clinician and patient safety advocate, elucidated the principles and practices essential for safeguarding the well-being of research participants in clinical trials. Drawing from his extensive experience in healthcare quality improvement, Dr. Hemchandra emphasized the ethical imperative of prioritizing patient safety at every stage of the clinical trial process, from protocol development to post-market surveillance.

Sanjay Gupta, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in clinical trial management, shared practical insights into implementing GCP standards in clinical research. Drawing from his wealth of expertise, he elucidated strategies for ensuring protocol adherence, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance throughout the trial lifecycle.

Prof. DC Dhasmana, a distinguished academic and researcher, provided a comprehensive snapshot of Good Clinical Practice, offering attendees a nuanced understanding of its core tenets and application in real-world scenarios. Prof. Dhasmana’s presentation encompassed a wide range of topics, from risk management to informed consent, highlighting the multifaceted nature of GCP compliance.

Dr. Deorari and Dr. Hemchandra candidly addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the clinical research community, including issues related to patient recruitment, data quality, regulatory compliance, and access to innovative therapies. They called for collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders to address these challenges and harness emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials.

In the valedictory session, Dr Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor Swami Rama Himalayan University, and Prof Vijendra D Chauhan, Director General Academics and Development SRHU awarded the Certificates of appreciation to the Clinicians working hard in conducting clinical trials namely Dr SK Verma, Dr Kunal Gururani, Dr Ankit Batra, Dr Avtiti Bhaveja and Dr Akash Rawat. Dr Dobhal reiterated, “At SRHU, our mission in the realm of clinical trials is clear and resolute: to conduct research that translates scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients and communities. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in clinical research, with a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of research participants.

Dr Bindu Dey said that the workshop featured interactive learning sessions designed to engage participants and foster meaningful discussions. Topics ranged from protocol adherence and regulatory compliance to risk management and quality assurance, empowering attendees with practical knowledge and tools to excel in their roles within the clinical research ecosystem.

Dr Nikku Yadav said that all participants including students of MSc Clinical Research had the opportunity to network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration. The workshop served as a platform for fostering connections and building relationships across diverse sectors of the clinical research community.

Following each presentation, interactive discussions and Q&A sessions provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, seek clarification on complex topics, and share their own perspectives and experiences. The lively exchange of ideas fostered a dynamic learning environment and enriched the workshop experience for all attendees. Those present included were PG students, Clinicians, and faculty members of HIMS, HSBS and Somaya Research and Health Service delegate. Dr Sanchita HCN Principal, Dr Sanjay Gupta HSBS Principal, Prof Asha Chandola-Saklani, Dr Nupur Joshi, Dr Vikash Jadon, Dr Geeta Bhandar, Dr Taruna Sharma HOD Pharmacology, Dr AK Srivastava HOD Community Medicine, Dr Ruchi, Dr Deep Shika, Mr Abhinav Bahuguna, Dr Abha Srivastava HOD Physiology, Dr Deepa Singh HOD Anatomy, Dr Aksh Dubey, Dr Nupur Joshi, Dr Vikash Jadon, Dr Geeta Bhandari and Dr Rajeev Bijalwan Deputy Director Health RDI.

A skilled leader always follows the process of learning: AP Parigi

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A guest lecture on uncertainty management by AP Parigi at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant (SRHU).

A guest lecture on uncertainty management was organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant (SRHU). The lecture discussed how effective management of uncertainty enhances leadership skills.

The guest lecture was in the Adi Kailash Auditorium. The main speaker, AP Parigi, co-founder and director of Radio Mirchi, and director at Bennett and Coleman Company Limited, stated that qualities such as vision, integrity, and decisiveness are essential to becoming a good leader in the business world. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong ethical foundation in leadership and professional management through his personal experiences.

Parigi emphasized that a skilled leader recognizes and motivates individuals to perform better. He stressed the need for empathy and emotional intelligence in effectively leading and managing teams, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within organizations. He underlined the role of communication as a crucial element, emphasizing its importance in achieving goals and solving problems, and that communication should be regular at all levels.

Parigi pointed out the significant role of habits in our lives and mentioned that continuous learning determines the success of any institution or individual in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. He shared lessons learnt from his extensive experiences with leading enterprises like Radio Mirchi and various other businesses. He discussed the challenges faced, strategies adopted, and key moments that shaped his journey as a leader in the media and entertainment sector.

Before the lecture, AP Parigi was honored with a memento and a shawl by Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University, and Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Mohit Verma, Principal of Himalayan School of Management Studies, expressed gratitude to everyone. The event saw the attendance of students and faculty members from engineering, management, biosciences, yoga sciences, pharmacy, nursing, and medical colleges.

Happy 90th Birthday Ruskin Bond!

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Dateline Mussoorie: The grand old man of mountain, author Ruskin Bond turns 90 today.

Since morning an unending line of fans, VIPs, friends and family made their way up to Ivy Cottage, Landour to wish their favourite author on his birthday. It was a back-to-back,  packed day for him as he released three titles: Hold on to your dream; The Hill of Enchantment and  How to be Happy by leading publishing houses including Aleph Rupa and HarperCollins, at Cambridge Book Depot, along the Mussoorie’s Mall Road, earlier in the afternoon.

Ruskin at the Savoy with owner KK Kaya, Madhu Kaya and author Ganesh Saili celebrating his birthday

After sunset, the author made his way to Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels The Savoy Mussoorie for a meet & greet and book signing for his fans on the Central Lawn. Talking about his association with the place, the author recalls: ‘It’s always good to be back in the Savoy especially on my 90th birthday. I have so many fond memories of this place. It always feels like I’m coming to the welcoming arms of an old friend. At every step, memories come rushing back.’

Of his first visit to the hotel, he recalls he came here for the first time in the late 1980s, when he had been invited over by the then-owner Anand Jauhar (better known as Nandu to his friends) for dinner in his cottage. Another invitee that evening was Ruskin’s Editor Valerie, who was staying at the hotel along with her parents and had come out here on a business trip from London.

Over the years, my friends and I became regular visitors. The Savoy remains an integral part of many of my stories that took shape here!’ he adds.

Mr. Gautam Valli, General Manager, Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie said, ‘We are honoured to host the author on his special 90th birthday whose presence adds to the rich literary heritage of our esteemed establishment. We extend our heartfelt wishes for his continued good health.’

Before the author signs off to join his intimate friends and doting family for dinner Bond says: ‘Try to make this a better world, because at the moment, its very broken and unhappy, you see it all over, and we should in our small way do our best and strive to make it a better, happier and more peaceful place.’

We at Newspost wish more power to ‘the Man With the Golden Pen.’ May this enchanter of the written word continue to remain one of our most prolific author of our times.

Happy 90th Birthday Ruskin Bond!