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Denis Giles

01 November 2015

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By Almas Shamim

I clearly remember the day. I was around nine years of age, in fifth standard and had just returned home, happy that another tiring day was over. My mummy turned me around, lifted my grey uniform skirt and pointing at a small patch asked me, ‘Yekyahai?’ (What is that?)

I carelessly told ‘Oh, I don’t know…. I must have sat on something…. Maybe during the lunch break … oil from someone’s tiffin maybe’

But, my mummy was in a panic mode- she took me to the toilet and yes, her fear was right!

My underwear was soaking red! I had had my menarche- the first time I got my periods.

What followed for me was a teary and sad week when I refused to go to school and lay in bed as if I was dying and begging my mother to tell me if there was anything else about to ‘happen’ to me, anything else which she hadn’t told me about.

Sometimes, when I look back I wonder why had I behaved so silly, but, then I am reminded – I was only nine years old- a child!

Yes, it wasn’t as common to have menarche at such a young age back then, now-a-days, it is commoner. Yes, my mother hadn’t anticipated that I would get my periods so soon, because both my mummy and my sister had not had periods until they were well into their teen years. But, would my mummy have told me about menstruation had I reached 10, 11 or even 12? I seriously doubt that. My family has not been one where menstruation is spoken about openly. She would have waited until I learnt it myself- by experience or through friends.

It is not any different in many other homes. Things as common as plain biology are held back from children- the way our body changes, the way girls develop breasts or the way they menstruate. This transfer of information may seem trivial to many but is essential not only because it gives some additional knowledge to the child, but also because it make the child realize that it is ‘normal’ and nothing to fear or hate, and that their parents/ teachers will always be there to stand with them and support them if anything about their new body irks them or confuses them. Having this support system is very important to have a healthy body image and also to approach reliable and correct people if there are instances of abuse or pregnancy.

Talking about menstruation to children (both boys and girls) not only helps them who have their menarche around the time their friends do, it also helps those girls who don’t get their periods until late- a girl who has not yet had her periods has a chance of being called ‘names’ by her friends, of being told that she is not normal or less of a girl than the others- all these could have disastrous consequences on the mental health of a young girl. It helps boys to understand differences better and not ‘bully’ girls for being different. Again, ‘talking’ can help dispel these myths and make children aware of how normal it is and how if it happens late or if a girl doesn’t get her periods at all- it does not make her any less of a person and she is as capable of anything that others are capable of.

Comprehensive sex education to all children about the bodies of both boys and girls and the changes they should anticipate, will go a long way in grooming children into healthy, confident adults.

Leaving you with a link to a you tube video (good luck viewing it in our internet connection!) which has a funny take on periods:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvPVyas68jE

Almas Shamim is a public health specialist with a great interest in sexual and reproductive health and rights, and feminism among Muslim women. She currently works for an international humanitarian aid organization in New Delhi

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Denis Giles

14 October 2015

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By K.Venkatesan, HOD, Homescience, JNRM, Port Blair

When a political leader passes away, the cadres belongs to their particular party normally taking part in the procession. But around 5 lakhs of general public comprising students, youth, women elders and children irrespective of caste and religion garnered to give bid adieu to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram despite he doesn’t have the political badge. Around 70% of them were youth and students community. They were thronging to have a final glimpse of their beloved dream hero and role model Dr.Kalam. The police and security personnel didn’t find hard to manage that much gathering. The police admired that we thought managing the public and youth will be herculean task. But that was not the case. They youth eased our job.  Who taught them  to be self disciplined  and who preach them the values of righteousness. He is none other than Dr.APJ.Abdul Kalam. His sudden demise was sent a shocking wave across the spine to the people of home and aboard. The Prime Minister said the “Real Ratna of Bhrat” left us. Obviously Bharat has lost not only an elder son, but a visionary scientist who had the VISION 2020. Dr Kalam was an inspirational person by his ever smiling gesture for the people beyond generations.

Revolving our country into a developed one is the first and foremost vision and dream of Kalam sir. That’s the reason why whenever he meet the younger generation he asked them to “Dream-Dream-Dream” further he adds “Small Aim is Crime”.

Next to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Dr. Kalam was the one who very much affectionate towards children’s and concerned about the youth of our country. Dr. V.Ponraj, Adviser to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam used to tell Dr. Kalam’s only properties were his literatures (books) and 64 crore youths of india. That much indomitable faith kept by Dr Kalam towards the younger generation was to see motherland as developed one in all aspects. viz., Education, Health, Employment generation, Defence and Technology etc., The people friendly atmosphere created by Dr Kalam in Rastrapathi Bhawan made him to call affectionately as “PEOPLES PRESIDENT”. There is no need of becoming worldwide popular, but by following the way of Dr Kalam atleast we have to adopt harmony, inter religious, righteousness and maintain brotherhood in our own locality. At the time of interview one of the question raised by media personnel was “as a Scientist what made you to be happy or what is your great achievement”. The reply of Dr Kalam was  FRO  (Floor Reaction Orthosis) to a Polio affected children’s. The FRO is the epitome of convergence of engineering and medical science which reduced the caliper weight from 4 kg to 400 km in turn alleviated the pain of the children which brought smile in their face and parents too.  Whatever meeting or public programme Dr Kalam participates, the children’s and youth throng to get his autograph and he never bothered for children’s cluster rather loved to be with them.

It has now become the site for germination of dream, vision, thoughts, action, innovation, creativity, courage, honesty, integrity, culture of excellence and social service and ultimately to create an enlightened citizens. In his “Song for Youth” Dr. Kalam  wrote, I pray the Almighty: "May the divine peace with beauty enter into our people; Happiness and good health blossom in our bodies, minds and souls". He is the one who brought biodiversity in the historical Mughal Garden of Rashtrapathi Bhawan later which was called Spiritual Garden.  Through “What Can I Give Mission” which connected several crores Youth through electronically and discussed societal models. In what can I give mission he exhorted the students to come forward for tree planting, save the earth, cleanliness etc., That day itself it paved the way for the today Swachh Bharat Movement. “Tirukkural” couplets are played vital role in the life of former president. The speech of Kalam sir won’t complete without quoting Tirukkural. He advised the students to defeat the defeat and should not lose heart rather regenerate energy to achieve the ultimate goal. The speech and address made by Kalam was depending upon the group whether they are students, teachers, youth, women, farmers he asked them to take administer oath related to their field which is developed by him. In addition to that he always ask “ WHAT I WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR”. Under which do something for the society either cleaning, tree plantation, health, education etc. through that the society should remember your contribution.

After dignitaries paid their respects to the mortal remains of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, people in Delhi and various parts of the nation are pouring in 1000's. Lakhs of people are in queue. Mostly 70% of them are youth and students. School after school children are thronging to have a glimpse of their beloved dream role model Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. In the year 2004 Dr. Kalam became the first Indian President to visit the Siachen glacier, which is the highest battlefield  for interacting  with our army personnel.  More credit that as a supreme commander of all three forces he was the first person to fly a Sukhoi jet, travel in a submarine etc. and what not.  At the time of his visit to this islands on 4th September 2009 he delivered a speech on the Seminar on Security and Development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and he said he visited here a number of time, the people of this islands bravely faced the consequences especially at the time of  tsunami.

During a last moment of journey with Dr Kalam’s mortal body, Shri Ponraj said  “a dream hero who implanted a vision in the minds of 640 million of India is going to take peaceful rest as a silent seed, which will transform the youth of our nation to become a great and enlightened citizens”.

The Various State Governments are vying  each other for paying tribute to Dr Kalam,  through naming and renaming the educational institutions and roads in the name of that great soul. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar  has announced  the Kishanganj Agriculture College will be named after former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

"The government has decided to rename the college as APJ Abdul Kalam Agriculture College," Nitish Kumar added.  Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh announced the  Technical University has been renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University.  For remembering the contribution made by Dr Kalam  in the first successful land-to-land test of the Prithvi Missile which was conducted from the other part of the mainland and it landed on the then and previously uninhabited 'Wheeler Island' on November 30, 1993.   Shri Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Chief Minister announced Wheeler Island in Bhadrak district as “Abdul Kalam Island”. The Government of Tamil Nadu  instituted an award in memory of Abdul Kalam, celebrate his birth anniversary as Youth Awakening Day.  Shri Oman Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala announced  Science Festival Trophy After Kalam and Kerala Technological University named after Dr Kalam. The Department of Posts, Government of India will release the Dr Kalam’s stamp on his birth anniversary.

What we are going to do for Dr Kalam:

At the time of his visit to this islands on 4th September 2009 he delivered a speech on the Seminar on Security and Development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and he said he visited here a number of time, the people of this islands bravely faced the consequences especially at the time of  tsunami.  Whenever I met Dr Kalam during our discussion he has shown enormous love towards the Islanders, because he himself hailed from Rameswaram Island and he admitted that he know the pain and problems of the Islanders. He was very much concerned about the development of Andaman & Nicobar Islands especially, he asked me to work on PURA, (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas), New and Renewable Projects, Conserving Biodiversity etc.

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands also as a rich  tribute to Dr Kalam, the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) may think of naming the road after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and  the educational institute  could be named as Dr Abdul Kalam College. The ensuing year the JNRM will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee Celebration. The entire science block may be named as Dr Kalam,s Block. 

The inspiration received from Dr Kalam the youth of our country  will become a asset for the nation to fulfill the vision of Dr.Kalam. We miss your selfless smile and sparkling eyes sir.

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Denis Giles

18 October 2015

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By Almas Shamim

I have lost count of the number of times I have heard and read the harmful nature of drug addiction and the havoc it can wreck in an individual’s life. ‘Don’t do drugs’, ‘Say no to drugs’ are words that are very commonly used. Yet, the fact remains that people of widely ranging age groups have been reported to be using addictive substances/’drugs’.

In such a situation, does it really help if we simply put out messages for adolescents and young adults to abstain from drugs? The situation is very similar to asking adolescents and older adults to abstain from sex. In both circumstances, while some do succeed in abstaining, others go ahead to exert their autonomy and indulge in sex or/and drugs. What, then, becomes of the latter group?

They are ostracized by the society for being addicted to drugs and signed off as failures who couldn’t ‘abstain’ from these ‘evils’. The heightened stigma pushes this group further away from the mainstream, to a risky life of no return. The very society which, more often than not, influences people into the habit of drug use- refuses to show ownership of these members once they have been consumed by their habit. And even here, like in all other aspects of life, the poor fare worse than the rich.

The real danger of such an attitude towards drug use is that it presents life as a black or white situation- where you are either a clean, sober, healthy person or a poor, wretched, drug addict with innumerable diseases. Such an attitude forces people who use drugs down a pre-determined path towards poor physical, mental and social health.

This need not be the case.

The key to a healthy society is not ‘abstinence’, for the simple reason that it does not necessarily work. The key is ‘Harm Reduction’. Harm reduction is an umbrella term given to the many small steps that can be taken for people who use drugs, so that their life can be supported and improved. To begin with there should be sufficient knowledge amongst people on the various side effects that the various ‘substances’ can cause, the interaction these substances will have with any other medications they are taking and the safe range of dose and frequency of the drug use that will not cause any harm to the user. A special concern of IV drug users is that they tend to share their syringes- this can lead to the spread of transmissible diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C among others. Access to new and disposable syringes can go a long way in the control of spreading these infections in this vulnerable population. Collection of used syringes, provision of clean cotton swabs and maybe even drug use booths can help in reducing the severe harm that is associated with drug use. All this can be accompanied by an Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) which will help the user to find a substitute to the used ‘substance’ if he/ she is motivated to quit drug use.

It is extremely important for us to realize that ‘Harm Reduction’ and providing syringes to drug users is not a method to promote drug use. On the contrary, it is to support them who either choose not to abstain or are unable to abstain from drug use, but have a right to good health and inclusion in the society.

India’s “National AIDS Control Organization” has also been actively involved in ‘Harm Reduction’ and recognizes it as a major step in the prevention of HIV infection.

To know more on harm reduction, do visit these sites:

http://www.wpro.who.int/topics/harm_reduction_injection/en/

http://stopaids.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Harm-Reduction-Factsheet-Web-Version.pdf

Almas Shamim is a public health specialist with a great interest in sexual and reproductive health and rights, and feminism among Muslim women. She currently works for an international humanitarian aid organization in New Delhi

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Denis Giles

04 October 2015

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-Elrika D'Souza and Vardhan Patankar

Every year, we dedicate the 2nd to the 8th of October as the 'Wildlife week'. It is during this period that we reflect on our countries' rich biodiversity and the services it provides us. While we celebrate this week here, in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, there is a greater reason to fete our success and evaluate our failures in protecting our very own State animal, the dugong.

The dugong or pani suwar has a long history of existence in these islands. Old fishers recollect sighting herds of 10-15 dugongs just a few decades back when there were over two hundred animals inhabiting these waters. Most people in the islands believe that dugongs are found only in Dugong creek in Little Andaman. Contrary to this, dugongs have been and continue to be reported (although few in numbers) from islands in North Andaman (Reef, Sheame and Landfall), South Andaman (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiatapu), the Ritchie's archipelago (Neil, Havelock and Inglis), Little Andaman and around the Nancowry group of islands.

Sadly, hunting in the past and accidental entanglement in fishing nets has led to drastic declines in dugong numbers making it rare to sight an animal in the wild in recent years. Recognising this fact, in 1992, the Ministry of Environment and Forests amended the status of the dugong, giving this marine mammal legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. In 2002, the dugong was declared the State animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. At the national level, a Dugong Task Force was constituted in 2008 and in 2011, a project was approved to recover the species under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, for a period of five years.

The Department of Environment and Forests here in Port Blair along with scientists at the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore, have been working together ever since, to develop a management and protection plan for the animal. Over the years, this effort has been headed and managed by officers at the Department like Mr. D.V. Negi, Mr. G.N. Sinha, Mr. S.S. Garbyal, Mr. K. Ravichandran, Mr Ajai Saxena, Mr A.K. Paul and Mr B.P. Yadav. 

As researchers of the project, we identified important dugong habitat during the first two years of the project. Over 50 seagrass meadows are present in the shallow waters of the island, but animals appeared to feed in only eight of these meadows. The selective diet of the dugong and presence of their preferred seagrass species at these sites is the main reason. We monitored seagrass meadows over two years and learnt that dugongs repeatedly feed in these sites throughout the year, rarely abandoning the site. Only seventeen individuals have been sighted till date, of which three were mother-calf pairs. The low numbers are alarming and monitoring and protecting these select habitats and the remaining individuals has become important for the animals survival.

It has been four long years since the start of our joint efforts. While we have gathered the basic information needed to protect the species and manage its habitat, there have been several roadblocks. These have been mainly due lack of continuity in sanctioning of funds, delays in fund release when sanctioned and insufficient funds when released. While these hindrances have not discouraged efforts from the department, it has surely affected the momentum of work and increased the time frame for achieving the set goals.

After a year's lag, this financial year seems promising, with the Ministry sanctioning funds. In the months to come there are plans to identify clear terms of management intervention, establish a monitoring programme for the species and its habitat, and help further clarify aspects of the species biology, behaviour and ecology, that would be critical for its rational conservation.

Besides increasing our understanding of the dugong, there are also huge practical challenges to conserving the species. Fishing nets and high-speed boats in dugong habitat and hunting by communities who believe in the totemic and cultural value of the animal are a few of these. A major community-based conservation programme with the joint effort of all stakeholders over an extended period is a must and. The declaration that accorded it the status of the State animal will otherwise, amount to nothing more than a mere symbol.

Elrika D'Souza is a Research Fellow at the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore and  Vardhan Patankar is an INSPIRE fellow at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore. They can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.