Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana (Punjab) INDIA

The Newsletter of the

Home is where the heart is!

On Founder's Day, we had the pleasure of welcoming the th thbatches of 1980 and 1961 for their 25 and 50 reunions! They

flew in from all over the world to spend a day to reconnect with each other and with Christian Medical College, their Alma Mater.

There was a buzz in the campus, the spring flowers seemed brighter, the chapel music sweeter and the breeze gentler. We spent a wonderful time together and then, all too soon, it was over, with the last guest leaving and waving goodbye! Though everyone has left the college premises in the physical sense they are still here in spirit and continue to carry the memories they cherished, with them.

A home can be a place or even a feeling; you can always carry it with you. You are always welcome to return to Christian Medical College whenever you like, this is your home and you do not need an invitation to visit.

We hope that our Alumni continue to remain connected. We are in the process of adding more information about Alumni events on the CMC Ludhiana website (www.cmcludhiana.in) and are uploading the photographs of Reunions and issues of the Alumni Newsletter.

To many more happy homecomings!!

Sheena SinghPresident

1951 October –midnight- about 20 of us landed in Ludhiana Railway station from Kerala; six of us were to join afresh the Women's Christian Medical college. We, with our luggage, huge trunks and 'hold alls' (bedrolls inside), were hurdled into big tongas pulled by horses and taken to the college in big style. But there was a hush when we reached the hostel, past midnight, mostly every one was sleeping; but our seniors had made beds for us and

soon we retired to sleep after the long 4 days train journey.

Having spent 4 years as a student, I fell in love with my Alma Mater; that love is still there even today. The sound of the word Ludhiana sends a thrill through me. My time in Ludhiana was extended from 4 years to 16 years.

DOWN MEMORY LANE

VOLUME VII No. 1 JULY-2011

EDITORIALMorning breakfast of one parantha was not enough to satiate my hunger, so occasionally one extra egg used to be added. Then we'd rush to the Chapel to attend the 15 minutes Prayer Service followed by roll call which was compulsory for all students those days; then to the class room or the Dissection Hall. After the day's classes, rush to the games field with tennis shoes on and badminton racquet- all in line first for inspection and then went on to play different games. This was compulsory too. I joined the baseball team. The games field was where the present hospital stands. At 7:30 PM there was again the student's prayer in the College Chapel for half an hour with singing, message and prayer.

About studies, I liked Anatomy best and our professor, Dr. Cooke (a British lady) used to be very happy when I got good marks. In

rd3 year, I liked Pathology best and in the final year, Medicine. I got the College Prize for being first in Medicine, but failed to clear it in the public exam; at this time, my parents arranged a marriage for me to none other than my teacher, Dr. John K. Vettath, who was doing his residency in Surgery under Dr. Forrest Eggleston. Our wedding took place after I passed my L.S.M.F. exams in 1956. I had to go to Calcutta for the next two years and I obtained the M.B.B.S. degree after doing the Condensed M.B.B.S. course in R.G. Kar Medical College; then I joined my husband in Ludhiana.

My first year of professional life was in the Dept. of Anaesthesia under Dr. Frank Prior; a memorable year. How he used to teach me ! He also helped me to work by exempting me from taking night calls so that I could take care of our little son. I enjoyed my work as well as talking to patients during preoperative visits and comforting them; but as it was impossible to continue this work without taking night calls, I had to leave this job. God guided me to join the Deptt. of Pharmacology in 1960 where I worked under Dr. Laity from Britain.

By this time, my husband finished his residency in both General and Thoracic Surgery and obtained the M.S. degree from the Punjab University. He is the first person to get M.S. in General Surgery from C.M.C. Ludhiana. He was also awarded the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S) in both General and Thoracic Surgery. But we faced a tragedy at this time. Our little son passed away at the age of one and half years. He had been born with a congenital heart problem (Tetralogy of Fallot); there was no facility for treating such patients in those days. God, perhaps, used this incident as a

seed to start Cardiothoracic Surgery in C.M.C. Ludhiana. My husband was selected to undergo a Fellowship in Open Heart Surgery in U.S.A, in Portland, Oregon, in the Oregon Medical School in 1962. I was also sent along and by God's grace I did Master's in Pharmacology in the same Institution; thus I got the MS degree. On our return to Ludhiana after 1 year, the Dept of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery was started. My husband was the Asst Professor. I was appointed as Lecturer in the Dept of Pharmacology, and after two years as Asst Professor. It was great working among students.

During my student days, there are several happy memories crowding in my mind. I was greatly interested in spiritual matters and Ludhiana CMC was the right ground for me to grow up. We students had several staff and senior students who helped us in this; great missionaries taught us many things; we had bible classes, family groups led by senior doctors and other social service activities as well. I was with a group who used to visit the leprosy patients' colony nearby on Sundays. Four male students had been admitted to the Women's Christian medical college for the first time that year. We had a classmate, Rev. Moss who used to preach. We sang, prayed and dressed up their wounds. Apart from the singing sessions in the chapel, we used to have a singing session on Saturday evenings as “Torch Bearers” group in the 'Upper Room' in the Assembly Hall. Some of us used to go there every now and then and spend time in prayer too. That used to be a great blessing. After few years, this place was given to start the Preventive Medicine Department.

During my second, year there was a movement SVMU (Student Voluntary Missionary Union) as part of SCM (Students Christian Movement). It encouraged those students who were interested to do missionary work. I had an opportunity to dedicate my life afresh to our Lord Jesus and to do His work through Church as a missionary; this was my father's desire too; and my mother also had told me that I had been dedicated to God while I was still in her womb; they had brought me up in that faith and now it became my personal experience too. At this time Dr Brown , the Founder of our Institution made her first visit to Ludhiana from her retirement home in Kashmir (a house boat in Dal Lake – 1953). She was ninety. She was escorted from the station in a special vehicle decorated on either side of the car by huge hand made swans and on the Founder's Day –March 24, she was again taken in a similar manner in a procession in a chariot drawn by the students to attend the celebration in the Assembly Hall.

While staying in Ludhiana she gave a talk to the students at Lal Kothi–staff parlour, and it was such a powerful speech. She was reminding us to dedicate our lives to God telling us the story of Joshua asking the children of Israel “whom will you serve? Baal (world), or Jehovah (Jesus)”. Other memory is that of my waking up early, and looking down from the first floor of the old Girl's Hostel and see light at 4:30 AM in Dr Brown's room. This was her habit, all through her life, to spend the first two hours of the day in prayer and Bible Study and in communion with God. From this, she gained strength and wisdom for her life and mission. Oh! This was indeed a great inspiration for me. During this time, she presented a copy of the Scoffield Reference Bible to us, students who were interested in following her heart's desire to be missionary doctors and serve in Christian hospitals. That was a big boost for me for my Bible study, which I was doing at that

time as a correspondence course. I am very thankful for this gift, for it gave me a strong footing in the length and breadth of the Bible and was a great solace in my personal life. It helped me in my later days also to conduct Bible studies for students, nurses and others as well, particularly women folk. It took me 8 years to complete this course during which time I was a student, a doctor and a wife. It still helps me to study the Bible.

Dr. Brown wrote in her diary about the time she was starting the North Indian Medical School for Women (1895): “We seek to train young ladies up to the level of hospital assistants and prepare them for the Government Examination whereby they will be qualified and certified as medical practitioners and have official professional standing. Furthermore, in our ultimate goal... each of the students will be given rigorous spiritual preparation to prepare them fully as missionaries to their own people.”

I am very thankful that I could partly fulfill her desire for young women to be spiritually equipped and work as a missionary to my people. My husband once visited Dr. Brown in Kashmir and she told him, “Son, Christian Discipleship is a full time job”. What a challenge! Her motto was “My Work is for a King.” And she lived up to it!!

After working in CMC, Ludhiana for a total period of eleven years, my husband and I had to come down to Kerala to look after our aged parents (1967). Our friends Dr S Joseph and his wife Dr Susy also came along with us for the same reason.

After coming to Kerala, in order to do clinical work in Mission hospitals, I did post graduation in Ophthalmology – Diploma from CMC Vellore (1972) and MS from Trivandrum Medical College (1982). I was 45 yrs then. We both worked together in Mission Hospitals till our retirement. We are blessed with four children, three of whom were born in Ludhiana. All are married and settled. Our eldest daughter (Mini) Mary did her MBBS in CMC Ludhiana (1980). Our children celebrated our

t h 5 0 W e d d i n g Anniversary in Punjabi fashion. Now this is the

th55 year of our life together.

We thank God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for all the mercy and grace He has showered upon us. 'EBENEZER' meaning 'thus far hath the Lord helped us' (1 Samuel Chapter 7 vs. 12.)

May God bless our Alma Mater and everyone who has contributed towards it.

Dr Naomi J Vettath (nee Mathew)

June 21, 2011

Email: vettathj@vsnl.com

Citation : “Dr. Sybil Singh has been selected after due consideration to receive the Annual Alumni Lifetime Service Award of the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, for outstanding work done in India after graduation.

Dr. Sybil Singh belongs to the pioneer Batch of 1953. As a medical student she was an active member of the Students' Voluntary Missionary Movement. After graduation she served at the Francis Newton Mission Hospital in Ferozepur. Thereafter, she served the institution in the Blood Bank, Department of Microbiology, Department of Psychiatry and as the Doctor-in-charge of the Staff and Students Health Service.

She went on to do her Post Graduation in Physiology and continued till her superannuation as the Professor and Head of the Department. She has also served in the capacity of Vice-Principal and took a keen interest in the students. After retirement she has rendered services in the Charity Clinic of the Hospital.

We recognize her dedication and exemplary contribution for the welfare of the students, the community and the institution. In giving you this award, Dr. Sybil Singh, we take pride, for you have demonstrated to us how “To serve one another in Love”.

Dr Sybil Singh of the pioneer batch of 1953, receiving the Alumni Lifetime Service Award

ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ALUMNILifetime Service Award 2011

Dr VK Satija Memorial Award for Best Clinical Teacherwas awarded to Dr. Shekhar Upadhyay

CONVOCATION-2011

Batch of 1976 Award for Excellence in Teachingwas awarded to Mrs Madhu Mita Mukherjee

“ Coming to CMC as a clueless 18 year old, more than 3000 kms away from home, I really didn't know how my life would pan out in the coming years. As a co-recipient of the B e s t A l l R o u n d Graduate this year, I was overcome with emotion as I rolled back 5 years of my life to see the 'Me' that came here.

One word that could sum up the drastic changes & dramatic refinements I see in my life today would be a 'Mega Metamorphosis'. What enabled & brought it around are the stupendous investments of time, love, care, encouragement, counselling & guidance that has been so generously dished out by members of the faculty, seniors & my peers. CMC has always provided a unique blend of academics, sports & theatre. The exposure & interaction I was privileged to share here has served as nothing less than a boon. Friends from almost all the states of India which is a unique feature of CMC further added to the outlook of my life. I shall always take utmost pride in being a part of this institution & living by its motto -My Work Is For A King ” - Ajay Alex Varughese

Eileen B Snow CMC Alumni Award for theBest All Round Graduate

(Shared by Ajay Alex Varughese & Simi Samuel - Batch 2006)

"Stepping in through the portals of CMC, one thought crossed my mind. I wondered how my life in CMC would be. Everywhere that I went, people told me-“It's time to leave behind the child in you. You have to be a r e s p o n s i b l e a d u l t now”. Would CMC drain my sunny side out off me, turning me into a nerd head of some sort? I couldn't have been more wrong.

CMC gave me some of the most memorable moments I had in my life. The morning marathon to reach class on time, morning classes and clinics, getting reprimanded for not knowing answers....then in the evenings- fun time with friends, roaming around the hospital for no reason, frequent visits to local watering holes ( Big n Meats being my favorite)….. the list goes on….. Also being part of the Students Council 2009 as the Treasurer was a wonderful opportunity to serve my college.

Now after 4 and a half yrs of student life, when I enter the hospital as an intern, I look back and I realize that I was lucky indeed to be a part of the CMC family. CMC is a platform where you first encounter the real world. My life here has taught me patience, perseverance, courage and the will to help the needy. It has made me more focused and strong. Everything I am now is all because of what I learnt at CMC.

I am grateful to the almighty God for making me a part of this prestigious college. I also thank my parents, my teachers and dear friends who supported me in my good and bad times and encouraged me to achieve the Best All Round Graduate Award". - Simi Samuel

th th thThe Founder's Day was celebrated on March 24 2011. The batches of 1980 and 1961 had their 25 year and 50 year Reunions respectively.

The day began with Chapel Service in the College Chapel, followed by the formal inauguration and CME in the Anatomy Lecture Hall.

A lamp was lit by senior administrators, senior alumni and alumni office bearers to pay a tribute to our Founder, Dame Edith Brown. Then the batches introduced themselves and spoke about their lives, and mementoes were presented to them by the Director, Dr Abraham G Thomas, and Dr Sybil Singh. The Lunch was followed by guided tours around the Hostels and Hospital. In the evening the batches went to see the Broadway Musical 'Wicked', staged by the students and doctors of the institution. This was followed by dinner in the Faculty Club.

The following Alumni returned to their Alma Mater: Batch of 1961: Dr.Sureshwar Singh Bedi, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr.Kiran Bali, Dr.James D. Cotelingam, Dr. Sutinderjeet Singh Khurana, Dr. Tarlok Singh Purewal, Dr.C.S. Rakalla, Dr. Ashok Malhotra, Dr. Maney Dhanraj Etwaroo, Dr. Rajinder Kumar Sharma.Batch of 1980: Dr. Anita David, Dr. Harpreet Kaur Mann Khera, Dr. Jessy Thomas Samuel, Dr. Mary John Vettath Varghese, Dr. Payal Jain Gupta, Dr. Rawanjit Brar, Dr. Reena Saluja, Dr. Suma Thomas, Dr. Sushiela John Thomas, Dr. Swapna Mala Singh, Dr. Vani Gupta Aggarwal, Dr. Aveninder Meet Sachan Nayyar, Dr. Deepak Thatai

thFounder's Day , March 24 2011

thBatch of 1961 (50 Reunion)

thBatch of 1961 (50 Reunion)

th

Batch of 1980 (25 Reunion) th

Batch of 1980 (25 Reunion)

Chapel Service

Inauguration & CME

Lunch in the Faculty Club

Cultural Program & Dinner

Founder's Day - Snapshots

Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of Indiath

(AMASI- 18 Skill Course) thThis year the 18 Skill Course of the Association of Minimal

Access Surgeons of India and FAMS Examination (under the aegis of the Association of Surgeons of India) was hosted by

th thdepartment of Surgery, CMCH, Ludhiana from 14 to 17 of April 2011. The course was inaugurated by our esteemed Director, Dr. A.G. Thomas. The Course Convener was Dr. Navneet Kumar Chaudhry, Prof. & Head, Department of Surgery. The faculty comprised of Dr. C. Palanivelu, the founder president of AMASI & the pioneer of laparoscopy, along with Dr. Om Tantia, Dr. Dalip Gode, Dr. B. B. Pathania among others. One of the main attractions of the course was the live workshop. The last 2 days were assigned for the Fellowship exam (FMAS) which was taken by 68 surgeons. Three of our faculty members Dr Shekhar Upadhyay, Dr. Pankaj Sircar & Dr. Vinay Gaikwad were awarded the fellowship after due evaluation.

Step Down Unit and Cardiology Ward with state-of-the-art facilities for cardiac monitoring and Telemetry System. The new unit also consists of a Noninvasive Cardiology Lab and an Academic wing.

With the commencement of the new Cardiology wing, there will be facilities available for performing increasing number of procedures like Coronary angiography, Coronary angioplasty,

Stenting, Pacemaker & ICD implantations and Cardiac Electrophysiological studies. The ICCU at the new wing is attached to the Cath Lab which will be especially beneficial for patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes. A second Cath Lab is also being installed at the new wing shortly.

The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Mr. Jassi Khangura, MLA. Dr. A.G. Thomas, Director, Christian Medical College & Hospital was the guest of honor. It was well attended by over a 100 delegates from all over India. Mr. Gordon Mac Kinlay, from Edinburgh, Scotland, Prof Long Li, from Beijing, China and Mr. Ashish Minocha, from U.K. were the eminent foreign faculty who attended the conference. They were assisted by 18 Indian faculty members.

thThe 6 Annual Conference cum Workshop of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons of India (PESI 2011)

th th4 to 6 March 2011

The Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery Department of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, hosted the prestigious “International Master Class on Venous Disease

th th– 2011” on 7 -8 Feb 2011, under the leadership of Dr Harinder Singh Bedi - Head of CTVS.

The leading surgeons in this field including Prof Jean-Francois Uhl (France), Dr Ted King (USA), Dr Mark Malouf (Australia) and Dr Benigini (France), were invited to give their expertise so that the latest techniques could be used to help people of this region. Over 100 delegates from all over India actively participated in the IMWVD-2011.

International Master Class on Venous Disease (IMWVD-2011)

rdA new Cardiology wing on the 3 floor of Beryl Howie block of the hospital was inaugurated on March 11, 2011 by Dr. Rajender Gyani, Chairman of CMC Ludhiana Society. Dedication of the block was done by Orthodox Bishop His H g . G h e e v a r g h e s e Marcoorilos. Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director, CMCL and Dr Rajneesh Calton, Professor & Head of Cardiology department proudly presented the new Cardiology wing which includes a 15 bedded Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU), a

NEW CARDIOLOGY WING WITH 15 BEDDED ICCU INAUGURATED

CMC's Music and Theater Workshop's musical for 2011-“Wicked”

Who would have thought that the glitz and glamour of a Broadway musical could be experienced here in Ludhiana, Punjab? Well CMC's Music and Theater Workshop made this

th possible when it struck yet again with its 16 production, the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The musical was held on March

nd rd th22 , 23 , and 24 this year in Guru Nanak Dev Bhavan. The story of this contemporary and bold musical is based on the book of the same title by Gregory Maguire. The musical was directed by Dr. Sajin George, along with Jerin Kuruvilla (music) and Felix Manoharan (acting). The choreography was by Dr. Savan Sarah and Dr. Amrutha Paul.

The tradition of musicals started in CMC in 1992 with Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and has progressed over the years to become an event cherished by all students and faculty.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Founder’s Day celebrations will be held on Saturday, th 24 March 2012 at CMC Ludhiana. The batches of 1981 &

th th1962 will celebrate their 25 & 50 reunions respectively.

CMC LUDHIANA RATINGS IN 2011!

India Today : 17thOutlook : 10th

Out of 335 Medical Colleges in India, CMC Ludhiana ranks as follows in the surveys done by 2 leading National Weeklies:

CMC Upgrades to 75 MBBS Seats

Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, under the able leadership of our Chairman, Dr Rajender Gyani and our Director Dr Abraham G. Thomas, has been upgraded to admit 75 MBBS Students from the Academic Year 2011. Students have been admitted from all over India, representing 16 states, and also from overseas.

We are proud to welcome them into the CMC family.

This has happened after 58 years of the start of the MBBS course at CMC in 1953, with 50 students; 25 boys and 25 girls; an up gradation from the previous LSMF course.

Thank You !Thank You !We thank the Batch of 1980, for donating funds

for printing this issue of the Alumni Xpress!

Designed By Dr S B Pandhi www.cranialsprinters.com 0161-2421872

Dr Colin Hyde, PhD. (15.04.1933 – 13.01.2011)

Dr. Colin Hyde served in the Faculty of the Christian Medical College for almost 4 years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry [1967-1971]. He contributed enormously to the setting up of the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at CMCH. Colin Hyde heard

about the need of a Biochemist from an advertisement in a Missionary Magazine inserted by Prof Grüber who was working at that time at CMCH. Colin got in touch with Prof Grüber and this was the motivating factor for Colin to join the faculty at CMCH. Colin did his training in Clinical Biochemistry at the St Thomas Hospital, London, and the Westminster Hospital, London, and he got his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry.

Dr. Colin Hyde served in the NHS as a Senior Biochemist until he retired in 1995. After retirement from the NHS, Colin used to visit CMCH every year for a period of up to 3 months till 2005 as a Volunteer and he would help in quality control, standardization of laboratory techniques, taking tutorials and teaching of Laboratory Technicians, Medical Students and Post Graduates. Dr Rebecca Abraham who served at CMCH as HOD of the Biochemistry Department wrote about Colin, “He was a wonderful colleague, so caring and helpful”.

Colin Hyde served in the Council of the Friends of Ludhiana, UK, for some years. Colin and his wife, Ursula set up in 1990 the yearly West Midlands Meeting of the Friends of Ludhiana at their Village in Long Whatton and they would invite all the friends and well-wishers of CMC Ludhiana, Alumni and Volunteers who had worked at Ludhiana for a day's get-to-gether with an Indian meal prepared by them. Colin used to speak about CMC Ludhiana at various churches in the Midlands and disseminate information about the work done here.

Colin Hyde was a person whose life was founded on a firm Christian faith, who was blessed with a clear intellect and was self-effacing and modest. A Memorial Service to remember the life and witness of Dr Colin Hyde was held at the Long Whatton Methodist Church on 02-Feb-2011. He is survived by his wife, Ursula; sons, Ralph & Tim and daughter, Marion, their families and two grand children.

Contributed by: Dr Kim J Mammen

Mrs Ann Scott (14.10.1917 to 04.08.2010)

Ann Bicksler, was a trained head nurse when she married Dr Kenneth Scott in 1942. In 1952, the couple with their two boys went to live in South Korea where Ann continued her service in the training

of Korean nurses. Later, after the birth of their third child, Betsy, Ann started the first crippled children's hospital unit for polio victims in Korea, outside Seoul. In 1963 a call came from India for Dr Scott to assume the position of Director of CMC Ludhiana and the Scott family made their home here for the next ten years. During those years, Ann supported her husband in all his activities, looked after the many visitors and hosted regular faculty get-togethers. In April 1974, the Scotts handed over the reins of leadership at Ludhiana to Dr Nambudiripad and returned to the USA to establish their first real American home in their married life.

OBITUARIES

Prof. Dr. Med. Johannes Ludwig Emil Grüber (1922-2011)

Dr Hans Grüber passed thaway on 17 June, 2011.

From 1964 -1971 he had served as Assistant and then Associate Professor in the Department of P a t h o l o g y, C M C L , eventually becoming the Head of Department.

Dr Hans Grüber was born thon 5 June, 1922 in Hamburg. From 1945-1951 he was a

Medical student at Marburg University and between 1951-1955 he specialized in Pathology at Jung-Stilling-Hospital in Siegen. In 1958 he joined the Department of Pathology and Bacteriology of the Christian Medical College Ludhiana, as Clinical Assistant. He went on to become a Demonstrator and Lecturer by 1963. From 1972-1976 he served as Medical Director of Christoffel Blindenmission, Bensheim.

Contributed by: Dr Kim J Mammen

Dr. Scott with Mrs. Scott and their daughter Betsy

Contributed by Mrs Ursula Hyde, and forwarded by Dr Kim J Mammen

Editorial Board : Dr Nitin Batra

Dr Jugesh Chhatwal

Dr Rupinder KaurDr Gagandeep Kwatra

Dr Naveen KakkarDr Sheena Singh

Contact us at : Association of Medical AlumniChristian Medical College, Ludhiana - 141008, Punjab, India

Phone : +91-161-2610615 , +91-161-5010920-25, Extn.: 4548 (8:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs), E-mail: cmcl_alumni@yahoo.com

SPONSOR A NEWSLETTER ! : It is our endeavour to release 2 issues of the Alumni Xpress each year. It has a wide readership as indicated by your e mails. We would appreciate contributions towards covering the cost of the Newsletter which is Rs 15,000 to 20,000 for designing, printing and posting 500 copies of an issue. Contributions may be made in the name of the Association of Medical Alumni CMCL with a letter indicating that it is for the Newsletter. The contributions may be posted: c/o The President, Association of Medical Alumni, CMC Ludhiana-141008, Punjab, India.