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Dr K K Aggarwal

Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee

May 13

20

What is The significance of Silence?

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The true silence is the silence between the thoughts and represents the true self, consciousness or the soul. It is a web of energized information ready to take all provided there is a right intent. The process of achieving silence is what meditation is.

Observing silence is another way of getting benefits of meditation. Many yogis in the past have recommended and observed silence now and then. Mahatma Gandhi used to spend one day of each week in silence. He believed that abstaining from speaking brought him inner peace and happiness. All such days he used to communicated with others only by writing on paper.

Hindu principles also talks about a correlation between mauna (silence) and shanty (harmony). Mauna Ekadashi is a ritual followed traditionally in our country. On this day the person is not supposed to speak at all and keep complete silence through out day & night. It gives immense peace to the mind and strength to the body. In Jainism this ritual has a lot of importance. Nimith was a great saint in Jainism who long ago asked all Jains to observe this vrata. Some people recommend that on every ekadashi one should observe silence if not the whole day but for few hours in a day.

Deepak Chopra in his book 7 Laws of Spiritual Success talks in great detail about the importance of observing silence in day today life. He recommends everyone should observe silence for 20 minutes everyday. Silence helps redirecting our imagination towards self from the outer atmosphere. Even Swami Sivananda in his teaches recommend to observe mauna daily for 2 hours for ekadashi, take milk and fruits everyday, study daily one chapter of Bhagwad Gita, do reguarl charity and donate one-tenth of the income in the welfare of the society. Ekadashi is the 11th day of Hindu lunar fortnight. Ekadashi is the day of celebration occurring twice a month, meant for meditation and increasing soul consciousness. Vinoba Bhave was the great sage of our contry who is known for this bhoodaan movement. He was a great advocator and practical preacher of mauna vrata.

Mauna means silence and vrata means bow hence mauna vrata means bow of silence. Mauna was practiced by saints to end enemity and recoup their enemity. Prolonged silence as the form of silence is observed by the rishi munis involved for prolonged periods of silence. Silence is a source of all that exists. Silence is where consciouns dwells. There is no religious tradition which does not talk about silence. It breaks a out world communication and forces a dialogue towards inner communication that one reason why all prayer, meditation and worship or any other practice whether we attune our mains to the spiritual consciousness within are done in silence.  After the death of a person it is a practice to observe silence for two minutes. The immediate benefits is that it saves a tremendous amount of energy.

Silence is cessation of both sensory and mental activity. It is like having a still mind and listening to the inner mind. Behind this screen of our internal dialogue is the silence of spirit. Meditation is the combination of observing silence and the art of observation.

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May 13

20

Match and spot fixing in Cricket – Loophole and grey areas

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Can betting, spot fixing and match fixing ever vanish from cricket? The answer is no as there are so many loopholes and grey areas.

Here are a few which come to my mind:

  1. If a single ball can fetch 10 lakhs to a bowler in the IPL then the bowler who plays all 16 matches to bowl all 384 balls can be lured to a market worth 38.4 crores. Any player, who is made to feel that his bookie worth is Rs. 38.4 crores, invariably may start looking for avenues where he can earn money and yet not get caught. Even if he accepts one ball per match the additional income will be 1.6 crores.
  2. The present players were caught because they were talking on mobile phones, which a professional and seasoned corrupt cricket player would never do. There are better ways of communicating than a mobile phone including personal meetings. A seasoned corrupt cricket player would not fix a ball or an over by showing signals like wearing towels, moving wrist etc. He would do that in a pre-agreed way without making it necessary to show on the field. Showing of a signal means that multiple parties are involved in the booking at multiple levels and the deal has been fixed at a very lower level of the nexus.
  3. If a player wants to bet one ball per match, which is pre-defined ball, it will be difficult for anyone to catch him. For example, a pace bowler is allowed to bowl a bouncer in an over and if he can communicate to the bookie that the fourth of the over will be a bouncer, it will be difficult for anyone to catch.
  4. How can one catch a corrupt player who is betting on a no ball without a usual bookie? Nobody stops the relative, friends or an acquaintance of a player to bet money on a pre-decided ball without involvement of any bookie. For example, a player himself can bet money on his ball through an acquaintance non bookie.  For example, if the 6th ball is going to be a no ball, you don’t need a bookie for the same. You can bet on your own.
  5. Today, people are talking about betting by a bowler, batsman or other players but nobody talks about betting by an umpire. They are the least paid, lead a non-celebrity lifestyle and are most vulnerable. Giving an ‘out’ as ‘not out’ and a ‘not out’ as ‘out’ can change the perception of the game. Their mistakes are never discussed as being fixed. In my feeling, they are the more vulnerable victims than bowlers and/or the batsmen.
  6. It is scientifically possible to bowl in such a way that the bowler decides that how many runs can go on that ball because bowler is the one who is placing fielding. If his field setting is on the off-side and he bowls on the leg-side, there is every chance that the ball will go for a boundary because of lack of fielders on the leg-side.
  7. If a bowler has betted for a minimum number of runs in an over, one may find a typical pattern of runs being scored in his bowling. He may try to give as many runs in the first three balls so that control lies with him for the subsequent three balls. For example, if he has to give 15 runs in an over, he will try to give 12-14 runs in the first three balls.
  8. More the strategic time out intervals (4 intervals of 180 minutes each) more will be the betting options. In fixed matches each cricketing session between the intervals is vulnerable for betting and fixing. Each session is opened for a number of runs by the bookie. Again in the fixed session one will see many typical patterns
  9. For example, if less than 72 runs are to be given in the first six overs, then the bowler may try to give 60 runs in the first three overs and then restrict next three overs to 10 runs. This is done to lure the customers. In a session of 75 runs if in the first three overs, 60 runs are made, all investors will feel of joining thinking 75 runs session will cross not being aware that the session is fixed and the bowlers will not allow more than 75 runs in the session. The bowlers will make sure that in the subsequent session, they don’t give runs.
  10. The reverse is equally true. The bowlers may give only 10 runs in the first three overs making people believe that the batsman would not be able to make runs in the subsequent three overs also and suddenly you find in the next three overs, batsmen make 65 runs. So it is possible to analyze run patterns in each session to suspect betting or fixing.
  11. In the current IPL, we have seen many tight matches which were won in the last over or the last bowl. If this happens too frequently, there are chances of betting or fixing. Already one IPL match is under scrutiny where one team failed to make 14 runs in 12 balls in the last over which is unusual for any IPL match.
  12. You are caught only if you are intercepted while talking over phone or you talk loose under sting operation or you give anything in writing weather print or electronic mail or you are caught receiving money or are in possession of money. A good seasoned corrupt cricketer will never indulge into it.
  13. Alcoholism and womanizing are both a part of corrupt practices and responsible for leak of information. Under the influence of alcohol one tends to talk loose and leak out the secrets. During loose sex with a casual partner also one tends to open out and speak the secrets. Chanakya Neeti, has been advocating about beware of implanted girls by the interested parties.
  14. As per Chanakya Neeti corrupt people are not supposed to indulge sex with strangers especially under the influence of alcohol. The neeti also teaches not to get intimate with a woman. Most movies show this where chief dacoit does not allow women members I the gang.
  15. Womanizing, alcoholism and corruption go hand in hand. People, for whom corruption is profession, always keep woman and alcohol out of their business and if they womanize, it is not under the influence of alcohol.
  16. For B & C grade heroines, cricket stars are a way of getting easy money. Many bookies will hire them to lure cricketers and try to extract secret information.
  17. Remember Charles Shobraj was a genius; if he had used his intellect as a scientist for the welfare of the society, he would have received Noble Prize by now. Ravana and Kansa were both geniuses. Chanakaya Neeti also says that corrupt practices never last for more than 8 years. Our mythology also shows that you have to pay in this birth or next birth for the results of the corrupt actions. The idea, therefore, should be to use your intellect in such a way that it ends up in the welfare of the society and not earning easy money which may put you behind the bars after some time.
  18. Loopholes are and will be there in the society but one should not get lured by the above loopholes but live an honest life.
  19. Of course there will be circumstances where the bookies will make you commit mistakes by blackmailing or threatening you but these are not common instances. They may plant a call girl in your hotel in the disguise of a room service and later blackmail you. They may even make a MMS or film a short movie.
  20. It is also possible that the IO’s are corrupt. Even if the police intercept that a ball is going to be fixed, who can stop the same policeman from earning money by betting on the same ball. Who stops all the investigating officers instead of arresting the bookie earn money by betting?
  21. Who stops two captains to ask their family members to bet heavy amount of money as to which player is going to bat first. Both of them can fix each other and make money by betting without involving a bookie. The same understanding can be between two managers, coaches, or two owners of the teams.
  22. Who stops any renowned cricketer to bet on his own performance through a non-bookie partner? It is easy for them to multiply money of investors through a non-bookie.
  23. Even the commentators influence the match betting. We can some of the past eminent cricketers giving their opinions as to who will win before and during time outs and that puts innocent people to bet their opinion.

 

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May 13

19

Loose talks can be dangerous

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Once an old man spread rumors that his neighbour was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested and only months later he was proved innocent. After being released he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him.

In the court, the old man argued that they were just comments and were not intended to harm anyone.

The judge told the old man: “Write all the things you said about him on a piece of paper. Tear the paper on the way home, throw the pieces of paper out. Come tomorrow.”

Next day, the judge asked the old man to go out and gather all the pieces of paper that he had thrown yesterday.

The old man said: “I can’t do that! The wind spread them and I won’t know where to find them.”

The judge then gave a verdict against him and said “The same way your simple loose comments may spread like a wind and destroy the honor of a man. If you can’t speak well of someone better not to say anything”

Hostility and cynical behavior can harm a person. Also if we criticize others its we who end up with loosing respect in the society. If we are wrong we loose our credibility and talked about as liars.

Before speaking anything ask yourself three questions and if answer to any one is no, do not speak

1.  Is it necessary

2.  Is it the truth

3.  Is it kind

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May 13

19

Excess Fat around the Waist May Increase Death Risk for Women

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There is increasing evidence that excess abdominal fat is a risk factor for long–term conditions like diabetes and heart disease. However, a recent study from Harvard and the National Institutes of Health published in the journal Circulation links abdominal obesity and women’s risk of premature death.

As per the study, women who carry excess fat around their waists are at greater risk of dying early from cancer or heart disease than women with smaller waistlines, even if they were of normal weight.

In the study researchers followed more than 44,000 nurses over the course of 16 years to track their medical history and lifestyle. At the beginning of the study the women were asked to measure their waists and hips. Every two years, the women completed questionnaires about their health, providing information about their age, activity level, smoking status, diet, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

They examined the cause of death for all women who died over the course of the study. In total, 3,507 deaths occurred. Of these, 1,748 were due to cancer and 751 were due to heart disease. They discovered that women with greater waist circumferences were more likely to die prematurely, particularly from heart disease, when compared to women with smaller waists. For example, women with waist size equal to or greater than 35 inches were approximately twice as likely to die of heart disease as were women with a waist size less than 28 inches, regardless of their body mass index.

Similarly, women with a waist size equal to or greater than 35 inches also were twice as likely to die of cancer as were women with a waist size less than 28 inches. Women who had a greater waist circumference and were also obese were at the greatest risk of premature death. Greater waist circumference is a sign of collecting excess fat around one’s midsection, called abdominal obesity. A healthy waist limit for women is 80 cm and for men is 85 cm. Waist circumference is determined by measuring around the waist at the navel line.

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May 13

18

Should Sanjay Dutt be pardoned?

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Sanjay Dutt tried his level best so that he could be pardoned by the Court, President or by the Governor. Even his producers have tried but failed.

I personally feel that under the law as there is a provision  for pardon, procedural terms and conditions should be clearly laid down, be transparent and fully advertised. The power of pardon is vested in the governor on the state subject, in the President for Union Subject, court marshals and death penalties (Articles 72-76).

Given that Sanjay’s case is under the Arms’ Act, it will fall under the President and not the governor (GV Ramaiya case 1974) who can grant this pardon or exculpate from the offence itself, or reduce the punishment to that already undergone. (Maru Ram 1980 case)

When deciding about a pardon, guidelines normally consider four aspects:

i.  Mercy

ii. That person deserves this on situations and circumstances – reformed character and role in the crime.

iii. Are there others similarly placed?

iv. Public policy (age, woman, long incarceration and public interest)

Why no guidelines have been framed so far because the Parliament fears that if guidelines are laid down, courts will begin to interfere.

Normally, in any legal cases inIndia, decisions come after years of legal battle which is an enough time for a person to reform and to do charitable activity to earn pardon. Sanjay Dutt’s contribution to the film industry cannot be ignored, especially his movies Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai. In both he tried to change the perception of the society but this may not be enough as he played in both the film as a character and not as a director/producer.

As a character, he was asked to do the role and that does not show that he himself believed in the roles he played. If I was Sanjay Dutt, during this period of trial, I would have committed my life by creating an NGO and worked for the welfare of the people who died in the Bombay Bomb Blast or would have created NGO and picked up a national campaign on any of the diseases or poverty reduction. I know Priay Dutt, his sister, is doing a lot of charitable activity under the Nargis Dutt Foundation, but Sanjay Dutt name publicly is not linked  with that campaign and charity.

The implications of Sanjay

Dutt case will also fall in the Salman Khan case of killing the rare breed of black deer. Ultimately, if the case is decided against him, Salman will also end up behind the bars. If I would have been him, I would have created  an NGO to work inIndiato prevent endangered species of animals to vanish from the country. I know the punishment of cutting a tree is to plant 100 trees, if Salman Khan could adopt a mini forest and help in breeding the same endangered species of black deer and in turn gives back India 100 such black deers, it will be easy for public to create a campaign in his favour to pardon if he is found guilty.

Some may argue this act would prove that he is guilty, that may not be true that one can come out by saying because I am implicated in such a case but I feel that these endangered species of animals should be protected and preserved.

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May 13

18

Exercise reduces Depression

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A British study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology said those who get regular vigorous exercise are less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over time.

In general, men who reported regular vigorous exercise — such as running or playing soccer — were about one-quarter less likely than their less active peers to develop depression or anxiety over the next 5 years.

Even Small Amounts of Exercise Are Beneficial

In a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, by Dr Timothy Church of Louisiana State University System it has been shown that even small amounts of physical activity–approximately 75 minutes a week–can improve cardiorespiratory fitness levels of sedentary overweight individuals.

Commenting on the study Dr K K Aggarwal said that while this level of exercise is lower than that currently recommended to produce weight loss, the current findings may be used to encourage those people who don’t exercise at present to start some form of physical activity.

Improvements in fitness are associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week, the reports suggest that 60 minutes of exercise each day may be necessary to prevent weight gain.

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May 13

17

Who is responsible for subordinates’ mistakes?

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As per Medical Council of India Act, doctor in charge of a case is responsible for mistakes of his juniors and staff working under him.

The same is and should be applicable to any other profession. In the recent case of Pawan Bansal where one of his subordinates took a bribe on his name falls under the same category. The very fact that one of his staff  who happens to be his relative also was interacting with railway officers, it only means that railway officers were not given instructions by the Minister that no dealings should be done by his staff members without his knowledge by people who are near-dear to the minister.

I recall, a high court judge who on the day of his appointment called his friends and asked them that if they like to continue friendship with him then they will have to give an undertaking that they will not appear in his court as lawyer. And those who want to continue professional relationship in future will not attend any of his social or private functions and will not even send new year or Diwali greetings to him. He also had a meeting with his family and told everyone categorically that none of them should talk to him about any case till his tenure as high court judge is over.  He also gave instructions to his personal staff in the high court that they will not talk or entertain any work or request, if it comes from any of his friends or family members.

If a relative or a personal staff of any minister approaches to the high up officials of the ministry for any work, unless specifically instructed by the minister, they will presume that they have been approached with the consent of the minister as no one will dare to talk to CMD or a Chairman of a public sector undertaking with following words – “minister desires that the following may be done………………__” .

In this case, if Pawan Bansal is honest and not at mistake, still he has done a mistake of not informing the railway higher officials not to listen to relations or personal staff for works which can end up into corruption.

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May 13

17

Porcine Whipworm Ova Safe for Treatment of IBD

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Orally ingested ova of Trichuris suis, the porcine whipworm, has been found to be active in an open-label study of Crohn’s disease, and in a small scale, placebo-controlled trial in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are diseases of the affluent society. Many trials have shown that infection with parasitic worms is protective. Intestinal helminths induce Th2 cytokine release and specifically down regulate Th1 responsiveness

Administering eggs from the porcine whipworm T. suis to patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is a safe and possibly effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease according to a report published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. In the open-label trial, 29 patients with refractory disease, and a Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) of 220 to 450, ingested 2,500 T. suis ova in a beverage every three weeks for 24 weeks. By week 12, 22 patients (75.9%) experienced a decrease in CDAI of more than 100 points, or had a CDAI of less than 150. Another 18 patients (62.1%) were in remission. (Four patients withdrew early because of disease activity or pregnancy.) They observed no adverse effects or complications. In the treatment a single dose of 2500 live T. suis eggs are given orally.

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