Padma Bhushan for Punjab cardiologist
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 10
Moga-born Punjab cardiologist Dr Purshotam Lal has been bestowed with the second highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, for outstanding contribution in the field of medicine. Born to a cycle repair worker of Pato Hira Singh village in Moga district, Dr Lal rose to be the Director, Metro Hospitals and Heart Institutes, showing that grit and determination can take a person places.

A pioneer in the field of stenting, Dr Lal was the first to introduce coronary stenting in India and has conducted several successful procedures involving ASD closure device (to close heart holes), balloon valvuloplasty.

Expressing gratitude to the state where he was born, Dr Lal has taken a pledge to serve the ailing cardiac patients of Punjab and has announced the setting up of a 100-bedded Metro Heart Institute in Ludhiana over the next 18 to 20 months.

Cricket tourney
Our Correspondent

Samrala, April 10
The cricket tournament organised by the Youth Sports Club, Khattran, concluded here today. Eighteen teams participated in the tournament, said Mr Malvir Singh Khattran, president of the club. The team of Khanna was declared first.

Gymnasts honoured

Khanna: The Ludhiana District Gymnastics Association organised a function at AS Senior Secondary School, Khanna, to honour gymnasts here today.

Arjun Parsad, Kuljinder Singh, Satish Kumar, Sandip Kumar, Kumari Rekha, Subeh Singh, Sukhjit Singh, Robbin and Gurmeet Singh were honoured.