Ludhiana, March 26
The three-day 'obesity and weight loss camp' which commenced at SPS Apollo Hospitals here today to mark the inauguration of weight loss clinic, received a huge response.

On the opening day, as many as 60 obese persons sought consultation from specialists, dieticians and physiotherapists.

Dr Arindam Ghosh, a laparoscopic surgeon, remarked that a whopping 10-14 per cent of the adolescent population worldwide was affected by obesity and it was being fuelled by a sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits comprising largely of junk food and the complete lack of exercise or physical activity.

The USA, he added, was said to be the most obese nation and Australia was not too far behind with projections stating that in Australia every third child was expected to be obese in the next five years.

The situation, pointed out Dr Ghosh, was not much different in India. Most of the urban Indian families too were facing a problem in getting their little ones to go out and play rather than surf the internet or watch television, while at the same time tucking in junk food from popular food-retail outlets.

"Fast-food outlets are the largest culprits in creating obesity, because they give children food that is not healthy, marketing it aggressively with toys and other goodies." 

Ludhiana, March 26
The second annual meet of the Doraha College of Education was inaugurated by Kuldip Singh, DSP, Payal. Kamaldeep bagged the first positions in the 200m and 100m races and the long jump competitions in the meet.

The results of various events:

100m race- Kamaldeep-1, Mandeep Kaur-2, Pawaldeep-3. 400m race - Balwinder-1, Ashu Joshi-2, Manpreet-3. Long Jump - Kamaldeep-1, Mandeep-2, Simerjit-3. Shot put- Pinkal-1, Kiranjeet-2, Amanpreet-3.

Chati Race-Charanjit-1, Kiranjeet-2, Amanjot-3. 200m race- Kamaldeep-1, Balwinder-2, Sumadeep-3. 50m race- Manpreet-1, Poonam-2, Veena-3. Gandhi House won the tug-of war contest. Races like chatti race, lemon and spoon race, sack race, skipping race were also held.

The meet began with a marchpast by the students of Gandhi, Tagore and Aurobindo House. Speaking on the occasion DSP, Kuldip Singh, said scholarships had been earmarked for meritorious students of the government schools of the area. He stressed on the pivotal role played by teachers for the betterment of the society. He said that an effort had been made to raise the standard of government schools in Payal tehsil by adopting them through NRI's during his tenure. He also lauded efforts of the management of the college in bettering educational facilities.

Dr S M Kant, director, Youth Welfare, Panjab University, the chief guest for the cultural programme and the prize distribution function. The students presented folk songs, Bhangra and Giddha.

The principal of the college Dr J Kiran Gera, in her address threw light on various intra college competitions like home science, poetry recitation, teaching-aid preparation, quiz, extempore, etc. organised in the college. She stressed on the need for physical exercise and sports as an integral part of education curriculum.

Students along with their teachers Raj Kumar and Arshdeep received the trophy from Dr Kant. Davinder Singh, sports teacher, was honoured by the management for his hard work and dedication.

Manjinder Kaur, principal Mata Ganga College for Girls, Kottan, D. S. Gosain, principal, Saraswati Model School, Rajrani, Municipal Councillor, Doraha, Dr R. K. Lekhi director DIMT, Doraha, Manjula, principal SGHPS Doraha, Inderjit Singh, president Dasmesh Charitable Hospital, Doraha were also present on the occasion.