Mainland India and North East

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons.com)

In India dialect changes every 2.5 kilometres and social customs at every 5. The breadth and length of this land is home to diverse group of people: some dark, some whitish, some with oriental features. However, we all hold the same passport- The Passport from the Republic of India. Whether is it the 2011 world cup cricket match, standing in unison with Anna Hazare in Ramlila Maidan, candle-light march to hasten justice for Jessica or fighting off likes of Kasab to quench the fire of terrorism- we Indians come together as one. We are in spirit and mind- INDIANS!

However, in every day life all and sundry are busy as bees pitted against time to make ends meet. Running to catch a speeding train or skirmishing with co-passengers for a seat or bargaining with a taxi driver over fare: sometimes one doesn’t realise how dogmatic and ill informed we Indians are about our fellow brothers, even though we proudly claim to be progressive denizens of the largest economy.

India is indeed a land of historic upheavals where numerous races have invaded, bred with natives and ruled for countless years. The gene pool has been diversified resulting in Indians with varied phenotype, varied genotype, varied customs, varied cuisines and varied traditions. Amidst all these diversity we fail to comprehend people from varied walks of life; favour intolerant and myopic perceptions of them.

The recent unfortunate incidents of the unnatural death of Richard Loitam a 19-year old from Manipur; suicide committed by Dana from Meghalaya; the north east rape victims in Gurgoan and Noida has forced the spotlight back on a sore issue: Why are mainstream Indians biased about people from northeast?  Don’t they deserve justice?

We have read about Moghuls and the British Empire. We have gained inspiration from the struggle for Indian independence. However, how many of our Indian brothers know of the prosperous history of the North-East? How many Indians know of the brazen violation of sovereignty by the Chinese into this region? How many Indians are aware of traditions, social customs, and cuisines of people inhabiting the northeast arm of Mother India? Absence of factual detail on north-east from our history books, and dearth of regional political scenario from civics chapters has indeed formed as parapet to alienate people of this region from majority.

The Chinese traveller Huen Tsang who visited in the 7^th century had observed: northeast region as an important physical and cultural bridge between India and South East Asia. This region shares 4500 kilometres of international border with: South Tibet, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan. It has strong ethnic and cultural ties with South East Asia and linguistically favours Tibeto-Burman languages.

So, isn’t it but natural that these natives would incorporate westernized lifestyle in their everyday life as practised by their ancestors?

The financial insecurity of this region attributed to repeated retrogress of ceasefire and peace talks between freedom fighters and the political elite have vastly deterred investors from this region. Since the beginning of economic liberalization in 1990s this region is still in want of infrastructure, employment, and basic amenities. Hence, in want off an education in premier institutes, a taste of multi-cultural ambience, and a better standard of living, immigration occurs in thousands every year into the mainland India.

North easterners stand out in a crowd of Indians: oriental features, pearly complexion, glossy black tresses; accompanied with a moderate choice of wardrobe. For the ignorant Indian they appear as: bizarre liberal breed of men and women, their dialect and food habits atypical, bold fashionistas and find them no different from residents of China or Bhutan! Stigmatization based on myopic assessment of a population which stems from ignorance is the key ingredient for social irresponsibility, intolerance and injustice.

For prejudiced people of the mainstream India the mention of northeast region is synonymous to insurgency and a liberal westernized society who lack “Indian values”. Most aren’t able to appreciate and acknowledge the free-thinking approach prevalent in 220 residing ethnic groups who fondly call northeast their domicile.

The majority of India is embroiled in a vicious cycle. Fear of dowry augments the sentiment that women are gratuitous burden; this sentiment harbingers blood-thirsty poachers; veering to a skewed sex ratio which eventually hastens human trafficking to replenish demands. Indians who express this school of thought see women as commodity, as domestic device to beget male heir or even worse- as lowly life. This bloodthirsty poaching of Indian women at all economic strata shocks liberal north easterners.

Absence of practising dowry and prevalent matrilineal community empowers women with a sense of confidence and open-mindedness in most ethnic tribes of north east in contrary to other parts of the nation. The immigrants’ determination to retain their uniqueness amidst chauvinistic Indians propels the moral police of our Indian society to confidently disparage and sneer at inhabitants from the north-east; while whiffs of massacre are emitted from their own backyard.

In the words of Ayn Rand “when you know that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing, when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods but in favours, when you see that men get rich more easily by graft rather than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them but protect them against you, you know that your society is doomed.”

It is indeed pertinent that in the age of liberal media the cobwebs of ignorance must be dispelled. If presumptive Indians indulge confidently in favouring exclusion of residents in the mainstream and derogating brothers of the north-east, we need to ask ourselves- are we progressive denizens of the largest growing economy? 

You and I

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You and I have a long association

Long before anybody knew me.

Blissfully you bore swollen feet,

Accompanied with nauseous mornings,

Cravings for appetizers at unearthly hours,

And bore kicks and somersaults which made you gasp for breath.

The first day you held me in your arms

After an anxious nine-month-long wait

You vowed to protect me with your life.

In crisp white uniform I took tentative baby footsteps,

Into the draconian human world;

On my first day at school,

I cried and howled and bellowed,

Refusing to let go of your protective shadow;

Conversely, your smiling patience encouraged me to endeavour.

At my achievements you clapped until cerise,

Smiled with serene humility at copious compliments by kith and kin alike;

On my mistakes you frowned and reprimanded;

You wiped my tears of grief

Vowing to purge the cause.

Joyous occasions brought excitement in my life

This thrilled you of all;

Trying times were easy to sail through

As you stalled my rage-filled actions

With kind words of wisdom.

As days led to months,

Months turned to years,

Woman of substance have I come to be.

Alas! Running into your open arms at the end of the day,

The supreme safe sanctuary on earth,

I miss so much. 

THE SILENT THIEF

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A mild fever,
A loss of appetite,
A loss of weight,
A motion inconsistency…
WHAT IS THE REMEDY?
We either consume a Crocin tablet or a teaspoon of Gelusil or a laxative to combat
such ‘mild’ symptoms and we’re over the moon on becoming a size zero. Our mind is
so distracted with daily errands that we prioritize everybody and everything, save one
entity, which in quintessence is the sole rationale of our subsistence in the world---
OUR BODY!


The human body cannot send us an e-mail, or make a telephonic call. It sends out
‘‘simple, mild, insignificant’’ signals in intermittent intervals to remind us of our
failing duty towards ourselves. We’re light-hearted and curt towards our failing health
as we indulge in mundane aspects of life. We cajole, we wheedle, and we compel our
body to act acquiescent to our whims that augment a dreadful manifestation called
cancer.

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells which defies the natural cycle of
programmed cell death; thus challenging every law of nature to use its prowess
against the rapidly growing satanic mass. Inception of cancer is person dependent,
event dependent, organ dependent, pedigree dependent but sometimes it is idiopathic.
Cancer cells may dwell in only one organ (benign), or some cells from the tumour
may detach away and migrate through blood in to another organ (malignant) by a
process called metastasis.

Researchers all over the world have given numerous reasons for this hasty duplication
of cells in the human body. There is no dearth of theoretical information proclaimed
through the internet. However, no one has yet been able to eradicate the cause which
leads people into a dire-famine-like-situation for options in treatment of the victims.


Genesis of cancer is attributed to chronic stress, viral infection along with exposure of
the human body to numerous chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, radioactive waves
which are collectively called as carcinogens. These substances are rampart in our
contaminated environment: the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we
ingest. 

An imbalanced diet heralds cancerous cells too. It has been observed that a higher
content of animal protein (red meat, poultry, pork, and beef) which are consumed as
grilled, or tandoori have polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may damage cellular
DNA. Consumption of excessive animal meat causes an accretion of nitrosamines that
contribute towards formation of tumour.


Chief source of fat is dairy products, meat, and eggs which belong to the omega-6
class. Disproportionate consumption of omega-6 class fats releases free radicals and
suppresses immune system. However, fats found in fish and vegetable oils belong to
omega-3 class which facilitates healthy cells. Increased intake of refined
carbohydrates and sugar decreases oxygen level in tissues and supports growth of
tumour in the human body.


Repeated ingestion of artificial sweeteners like Aspartame (Sugar-free) in diet pepsi/
diet cola/ or as sugar substitute in tea/ coffee can cause aspartame poisoning and lead
to formation of brain tumour. Food containing steroids and preservatives when
irradiated with cobalt-60 and caesium-137 produces unique radioactive products
(URP) which are carcinogenic; allows hindrance in DNA repair mechanisms.
Increased intake of chocolates, coffee, tea, cola, alcohol, nicotine products promotes
accumulation of gene aberrations, failed DNA repair which may be inherited and
expressed in subsequent descendants.


Each cancer has a specific symptom like severe headache for brain tumours, recurrent
cough in lung cancer, and abdominal pain in ovarian cancer, to mention a few. Other
symptoms are chiefly bowel obstruction, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight,
anaemia, pain, fever, malaise.    


In most cases, the identified tumour is either in grade III or grade IV, wherein the
clinicians make a strong attempt to prolong the sufferers’ life by surgical removal of
tumour followed by several rounds of radiation or chemotherapy. However, there is
always a possibility of residual disease (relapse of cancer). Most drugs used for
chemotherapy are cancer specific. Hence, the efficiency of those drugs too has its
limitations.


In the ever developing, ever evolving, ever changing society that we live in, the only
constant is change. Scientists are investigating novel methods and drugs for the
benefit of mankind. An emerging weapon to annihilate cancerous cells from causing
anarchy: IMMUNOTHERAPY. One such example of immunotherapy is Dendritic
Cell Vaccine. The Late Dr. Ralph M. Steinman not only won the Nobel Prize for
Physiology and Medicine in 2011 for his discovery of “the dendritic cells and its role
in adaptive immunity” but was also a recipient of his own discovery to fight
pancreatic cancer that plagued him.


Dendritic cells are mature, activated form of macrophage found predominantly in
skin. It’s been established that if dendritic cells are immature due to faulty gene, they
falter in their function to facilitate elimination of tumour cells, allowing amalgamation
of tumour cells in organs. The Dendritic Cell Therapy is spanned over six months to
raze cancerous cells and diminish the probability of relapse. Dr. Jamal. A Khan heads
the Institute of Cellular Therapies in Noida where Dendritic cell vaccine is being
administered in cancer patients to augment a new era in cancer treatment. However,
some clinicians are sceptical of the dendritic cell therapy: more clinical data that elicit
positive outcome is crucial before it is candidly apparent as an alternate treatment.


Apart from Dendritic cell vaccine; scientists are testing their scientific acumen to
redress cancer by other vaccines such as antigen vaccine, anti-idiotype vaccine, DNA
vaccine and tumour cells vaccine. However, this route is less traversed hence ample
basic experimentation and clinical trials are warranted before the Food and Drugs
Administration (FDA) in United States may approve as a parapet against cancer.  


There has been development in the field of radiation therapy as well. Selective
Internal Radiotherapy (SIRT) as known in German Cancer Research Centre also
called as Trans Arterial Chemo Embolization(TACE) in United States is an emerging
field. It is a type of radiation therapy used to treat patients afflicted with unresectable
hepatic cell carcinoma (liver cancer) only. The bilirubin level must be below 2mg/dl
for optimum outcome.


SIRT uses millions of glass or resin microspheres embedded with radioactive isotope
yttrium-90. SIRT targets inaccessible tumour cells in the liver. The advantage of SIRT
lies in piece of evidence that forty times more radiation may be administered into liver
cancer cells than conventional radiation therapy. The University of Maryland Marleen
and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Centre in Baltimore were the first to deliver direct
radiation to cancerous liver cells through microscopic glass beads in 2000. The FDA
in United States had approved the use of SIRT technique to treat patients with primary
colorectal cancer with liver metastasis in 2002. Side effects of SIRT include lethargy,
nausea.  However, in India SIRT is not rampantly performed as we necessitate state-of-art skilled personals. We also must be cautious of commercial establishments
professing SIRT in our country.    


Since yesteryears, Indians have thwarted illnesses through conventional, home-made
remedies. Dr. S.P. Kaushal in India had a vision to “fight cancer with herbs”. He
pioneered The Sino-Vedic Cancer Clinic in Delhi. Along with a team of skilled
professionals they established herbal formulations extracted from herbs to combat
failing immune system, prevent metastasis of cancerous cells; halt clonal evolution
and autonomy of cancerous cells and give support to programmed cell death. These
herbal formulations help alleviate the fragile, retrogressing health of cancer victims,
and may be safely taken along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  


Cancer patients at their terminal stage are relinquished by clinicians and prescribed to
palliative care. It is a specialised arena of health care that focuses on alleviating
suffering and paroxysm of pain in patients. It utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to
originate a plan of care that includes physical, emotional, spiritual and social concerns
that come to pass with highly developed illness. In India there are few non-governmental organisations (NGO) who are involved in providing palliative care to
terminally ill individuals. In a small town called Erode in Tamil Nadu, an
establishment called Lotus Holistic Medicine strives to use holistic approach to
deliver people from twinge and enhance their life. This organisation uses a
combination of SIDDHA, conservative medicines, naturopathy, yoga, and spiritual
therapy to negate disease. It embraces an all-inclusive outlook to treating diseases and
alleviates health with tenderness.


In order to prevent initiation of cancerous cells, healthy nourishment is essential and
crucial for fighting against cancer. Food those rich in vitamin A (mackerel, herring,
salmon, carrots, sweet potatoes, apricot, and beetroot), vitamin C (oranges, star-fruit,
pineapple, citrus fruits), vitamin E (sunflower seeds) must be consumed in plenty.
Selenium rich food includes pumpkin seeds, almonds, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, and
broccoli help detoxify liver; folic acid rich cabbage, green leafy vegetables, and
avocadoes help in maintaining fidelity of DNA replication. Garlic, cherries,
aubergines, red grapes aid in nullifying cancerous cells while lentils, chickpeas,
kidney beans, cow-peas, other pulses, green tea neutralise free radicals in the
digestive tract and blood stream hence prevent interference in DNA repair
mechanisms. High fibre food includes oatmeal, raisin bran, whole- wheat pasta, and
brown rice, whole-wheat bread which aid in keeping our digestive system clean and
healthy. Our daily routine must also include exercise to maintain a well balanced life.


Pedigrees that elicit incidence of cancer do not necessarily mean that the progeny will
develop it; however it only increases their susceptibility towards its manifestation.
Depending on the cancer genetic history, a licensed genetic counsellor may guide off-springs to a range of available genetic testing. Genetic testing enables individuals
make informed decision on their nutritional needs and existence. These tests indicate
the presence of aberrations in specific genes that causes certain cancer (example-
BRCA1 contributes towards breast cancer); yet one must always remember that a
verdict can be translated into disease only by our own contribution of draconian life
style and callousness. 

In the words of Susan Sontag: “Illness is the night-side of life, a more onerous
citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well
and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we prefer to use only the good passport,
sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as
citizens of that other place”. At this point of time we need to seek not only medical
intervention but also reach out to untapped power that’s within us in our mind.
“Focusing on perfect health” is a touch we can strive for within ourselves;
notwithstanding what may we experience at the exterior.  


We will loose our war against cancer if we choose to play hide-and-seek with
carcinogens; hence the only ways to combat is share information and prevent life
styles that supplement genesis of this Satan. In majority of cases of cancer, the
patient falters to acknowledge symptoms. It is our obligation as friends and well-wishers to pore over each other and lend a hand keep the “relentless and insidious
enemy” at alcove.

Gratuitous Burden

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Season of spring brought me,

Into the supreme safe sanctuary,

Roots of security grew,

And so did me.

The first day you saw me,

The grainy image of my limb and head,

Tears stung your hazel eyes,

Your spirit and soul spellbound.

They claimed “gratuitous burden”,

Sentiment echoed in unison,

Advices given by well meaning,

Forcing you to come on board.

You bore the brunt for protecting me:

Acid poured on you angelic visage,

You bellowed and winced in pain,

And your prayers went in vain!

Enraged at “well-wishers”,

You dug your heels to fight for us,

An aggressive tigress did you come to be,

Kept blood-thirsty poachers at bay.

We jumped the guns,

Ducked at pelted stones,

And played deaf to everyone,

Who spoke of dowry!

We smelt the vernal showers,

We felt the sweltering heat,

We gazed awestruck at autumn maple leaves,

And snowflakes in winter we did catch.

The mêlée is far from over,

An up-hill trek for us both,

For we need to exemplify,

Gratuitous burden we are not!