Got cured, helping others cure

Chandigarh: Delhi-based businessman Pranav Johri is all set to bring phage therapy to North India. As the resistance to antibiotics grows, this treatment, called viral phage therapy, involves the use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections. Having himself suffered from an incurable antibiotic resistant infection a few years ago, Johri first underwent treatment from November 2016 to March 2018, at Eliava Institute, Georgia. After recovering and learning about the benefits of this therapy, he is trying to make the cure available in India. He was invited by Panjab University's Department of Microbiology to deliver a lecture on Friday. He says he is trying to tie up with doctors and medical institutions across the country to make this treatment accessible to more people.

‘Google siblings’ get it right

Fatehgarh Sahib: Kamaldeep Singh (8) and his sister Mandeep Kaur (5), both students local BZSFS Senior Secondary School, have earned the epithet of “Google boy” and “Google girl”. Both have made it to India Book of Records and World Records of India. Kamaldeep is the “youngest child with extensive general knowledge” and Mandeep Kaur is a “kid with sharp brain”. They can answer any query related to global politicians, sportspersons and famous personalities at the speed of thought. Their father Sukhjinder Singh and mother Gurjinder Kaur are daily wage workers, but they working hard to give their children the best education. Their school bears the expenses of their education.

No easy-going for Bony

Amritsar: Even as former MLA Amarpal Singh Bony has rejoined the SAD recently, it would be hard for him to save his political career with a larger section of party cadres backing Jodh Singh Samra, the young SGPC member who was appointed halqa incharge after Bony's exit. A soft spoken politician, Samra has managed to project himself as the main contender for the party ticket. He is also close to senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Political observers feel that Bony has broken the oath taken at Darbar Sahib along with other Taksali leaders and he would have to do a lot of explaining to people, especially when opponents are likely to project him as an "oath breaker".

Another feather in her cap

Abohar: Shree Saini (23), Punjab-born Indian-American student and anti-bullying activist who was crowned Miss World America Washington, was recently awarded a World Peace Award by Passion Vista magazine in Los Angeles. The magazine honours people from different walks of life for the contribution they make for the betterment of society. Shree Saini had survived facial burns and a heart surgery at the age of 12. Shree has given numerous presentations in over 80 cities and six countries. Passion Vista noticed her work and honoured her. Shree Saini says, "I am honoured to receive the award. My parents' support and blessings have brought me international recognition and achievements. The best award is knowing that you have made a positive difference in someone's life.”

Shun drugs, play sports

Abohar: By offering Rs 1 lakh reward to winners in the 9th Surinder Jakhar Memorial 20:20 Cricket Tournament, Panjkosi Sports Society has given a boost to the "Nashon se door, khelon ki aur" campaign. The tournament was launched by Surinder Jakhar as chairman of IFFCO a decade ago. Now, his son Sandeep Jakhar organises the event on behalf of the society and the Jakhar family. More than 50 teams from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi participated in the two-week long event recently. Kurar village (Kaithal) team won the trophy and Rs 1 lakh prize money after defeating Pipli (Kurukshetra). The runners-up won Rs 50,000. Punjab State Farmers and Farm Workers' Commission chairman Ajay Veer Jakhar honoured the winners. He said it was vital to wean away youth from social evils and involve them in sports events.

Highlighting social issues

Ferozepur: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan recently launched city-based writer Amrik Singh's new book titled "Satyamev Jayate". The writer says his book is a collection of stories of various social tribulations like child abuse, peril of drugs, women subjugation, dowry etc. All such issues were taken up during a TV reality show hosted by Aamir. "I was touched by various social issues which the actor had delved upon during his show," says Amrik, adding that that's why he titled his book after the show. "It was my desire that the book should be released by the star himself, and when I approached him he readily agreed," says the author.

(Contributed by Surinder Bhardwaj, Manmeet Singh Gill, Raj Sadosh, and Anirudh Gupta)

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