Dr H N BAJAJ - A POLYMATH

This is a statement that resonates globally between the Ayes and the Nays. Meaning, that there can only be two interpretations of this statement - it is completely false or completely true. There is no middle path. The Hindi expression ‘Ghar ki murgi daal barabar' sums up this dilemma. But why? It is a philosophical sentiment, perhaps coined by a hungry husband whose chicken curry dinner was ruined by his wife.   It is valid in India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The coffee you make at home is as good as the coffee made by the barista,  if only one remembers that one is spending hard-earned money to enjoy the same product at a fancy place and a fancy price. Sounds stingy?  Of course it is, unless the employer keeps one’s credit card amply endowed! Of course, the story completely reverses if one is an excellent chef and conjures up dishes at home that are worthy of being included in the cuisine  of a well-known restaurant! A side-effect is the plethora of friends ...

Global politics began after the cremations and condolences were over. A response to such provocation is mandatory. What can that be?   India : The public expects a muscular retaliation against Pakistan. Mr. Modi has to decide the manner this will take. A limited military blow, or an all-out assault? Careful, calibrated diplomacy? He has to avoid any alienation of  Kashmiris in the country and restore The status quo ante. A festering wound will drain resources, and this is what Pakistan wants.  Pakistan : The establishment (read the generals in Rawalpindi) needs a small war. The public there has understood that the army has profited immensely in its years in power. What better way for the generals to regain support and trust than to project the military as the savior?   USA : Trump needs Sunni Pakistan if he is going to take on Shia Iran.   Remember, there is a large border between these two nations. And Terrorism is still nurtured against the US i...

  Some people never retire. Why? Is retirement something to look forward to?  Is retirement a reward to be savored after a lifetime of hard work? The retirement age in India is 60 or 62. Is this the age to retire and vegetate at home? Can one say that when one attains 60, one is old? I see many so-called old people in the OPD who are physically fit and of sound mind but are simply vegetating at home. This gives them a lot of time to conjure up physical ailments, and gives their spouses a big headache! Retirement should be an option and never a mandatory proceeding. Why? Here are some strong reasons: 1. Not retiring keeps one mentally active.  2. Continued social interaction prevents or defers age-related ailments.  3. One remains an asset and not a liability. 4. Continuing to work strengthens one’s finances and the nation’s through  taxes paid and induces a sense of self-value.  5. Experienced workers are an asset to the nation.  6. Many leaders in the...

We, who live in cities and towns, have many transport options — our cars, motorbikes and scooters, buses, metro, cabs, and so on. The weather being oppressive in summer makes staying indoors and air conditioning refreshingly addictive. So, why walk? One crystal clear reason for all of us to walk is that it is healthy.  There are so many reasons - it burns calories, reduces the big tummy that comes with age and a sedentary lifestyle, helps control diseases like diabetes, and improves mental well-being. It is inexpensive, does not need a fancy gym, or equipment. How much should a person walk? Start small — 10 minutes is fine — and gradually increase to 30 minutes. What's a good time to walk? Any time when the weather is cool. Early morning is ideal at this time of the year. Who should not walk? Always consult your doctor if embarking on an unaccustomed exercise program. In general, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, joint disease, and a tendency to fall should seek medic...

                                                                     There was a time when physicians had to be knowledgeable in botany, or the science of plants. This was because there were no readily available, ‘off the shelf’ medicines. Physicians had to collect plants they needed for treatment, prepare an extract, and dispense the medicine. During the era of the Roman Empire, in North Africa, parts of Morocco and Algeria were ruled by a vassal of Rome called King Juba. In his employ was a physician known as Euphorbus, who would go to the Atlas Mountains to gather plants. Here he came across a plant that was a powerful laxative. King Juba was so impressed by his physician’s work that he named the plant Euphorbus in honor of his physician.  This was in 12 BCE.  Several centuries later, a Swedish physici...