Not Enough Latrines

The XIX Commonwealth Games (CWG) opened on Sunday Oct 3, 2010. If you have not already heard, India is hosting the Commonwealth games this year; but all is not well. There has been an incessant drumbeat of things going wrong, leading up to the games. There were some factors one doesn’t have much control over like- heavy monsoon, terror alerts and Dengue fever. But the main problems started when the international athletes came into New Delhi and found their accommodation were uninhabitable. When the quarters were being built, they forgot to build toilets for the construction workers. They in turn freely used the toilets and ruined their good work. A year ago the federation regulating the games reported that the preparation is far beyond schedule.

After this was debated in the media with pictures of the dirty quarters in major media, the authorities stepped in the correct the problem. But the damage is done. I have no doubt that the games in themselves will be conducted in a very professional manner and the games will have wide following. But I was really hoping for a great CWG, not a mediocre one and then India would have been in the running for hosting the Olympics in the future. That would have been the prize to savor.

Now is there a need for toilets in India in the public space. The answer is yes. The dark and narrow urine streets of Chennai do not count as toilets in the public space. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, which gives away 3 billion dollars per year for global health care, has invested a lot on building toilets. Up to a million and a half children die due to poor sanitary causes in the world every year. One of the success stories have been in North India where women refuse to marry men without toilets in their houses. “No Loo, No I do”.

And why do men find it hard to hold on and pee when ever they feel the urge and how do women hold on for long periods of time? These are tough questions . Maybe men should try wearing Diapers.

Prabhakar

The Bolton Wanderers

This picture is from our recent visit to the UK. We had a lovely visit with Jeyam and Manu. The kids had a great time . Bolton being close to Manchester, I was able to make a pilgrimage to old Trafford (home of Manchester United) and paid my respects. Overall it was a great reunion for me and my family.

A side trip to Edinburgh didn't disappoint either. The city was in the middle of their annual Fringe Festival.

If others have any photos of classmates meeting , would be happy to share in the blog.

prabhakar

Fresh Air

I think all of us remember the the hot august night when we had our reunion last year. Now after a year we were able to install an A/C unit at the surgical oncology unit at Govt Royapettah Hospital. This money came from the surplus remaining from the reunion . Over time its going to help hundreds of poor patients providing comfort after major surgery . More importantly will give great relief from the noise of the giant fan in the post op ward.

Thanks to Vasanthy and Viswanathan in completing this project.

prabhakar

Post Vuvuzela Time

So how was the world cup for all of you. I have been having a great time. The final was not particularly good , but it was the right result. Even though I support the Dutch, they played a negative game. So in my opinion they deserve to lose.

But there have been many disappointments along the way. The refereeing decisions ever really bad, particularly for England. The hand ball by Uruguay which , should be a goal for Ghana was very unfair. They should ban that player for life. I could not stand the fake plays to draw fouls and penalties , dont know how they can look in the mirror and feel good about themselves. Its about time they included video review for goals scored.

But there were some good things come out of this world cup. South Africa delivered a seamless world cup and all the talk about violence etc didnt happen, thankfully.And it was great to see Maradona back and looking good.

So the wait for the next world cup begins. The next one will be a special one- Brazil 2014.

Viva Brasil.

prabhakar

The Beautiful Game

Its time again to enjoy the beautiful game in South Africa. I have been a dedicated follower of the soccer world cup since 1978. Who can forget Paolo Rossi of 1982, Maradona, Platini, Zico , Socrates(the Doctor) of 1986. Over the years I find less time to watch all the matches, but always try.

I have found the games more of a celebration and would be following Brazil, Argentina, England , USA , Ivory Coast. There are always suprises . The big suprise this year is North Korea in the world cup. How did they manage to qualify without the resources and money? When will India field a team? Hope we do in the near future.

So over the next month I will keep blogging about the world cup and hope you enjoy it. Let the games begin. Game on.

Prabhakar

A MIGHTY SENIOR

When I came to Boston Children's Hospital , I didn't expect to meet any Tamilians. Much to my surprise I was interviewed by Dr Babu Koka , Clinical Director of anesthesia at our hospital. He was in the first KMC batch and we often talk about the evolution of KMC. His contributions to pediatric anesthesia have been many, probably the most important is a study in the 70s about the benefit of placing endotracheal tube in infants and children which is not tight and would allow an air leak.

Prabhakar

Here you go guys & girls, some pictures posted by Raghuram (via me ). Don't shoot the messenger !!! I am sure this will stimulate some interesting discussion !!

Regards

Jeyam