Alternative choice

George G Poothicote, founder-member and secretary general, India International ADR Association (IIADRA) and a grade-A certified mediator, International Mediation Institute (IMI), the Hague

A legal profession is becoming a popular career choice today. An increasing number of students are opting for unconventional careers in the legal field. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is one of them. India has a huge backlog of legal cases pending in various courts, leading to gradual lack of faith in the traditional systems of adversarial litigation. Moreover, the costs involved in filing litigation have become prohibitively expensive. In these circumstances, ADR, especially mediation, has tremendous scope, due to the possibility of a harmonious conclusion, as it is quick and effective.

ADR is now more popularly known as amicable dispute resolution, utilising tools such as mediation and arbitration, instead of the more traditional mechanism of litigation, which is adversarial in nature. Arbitration is less formal than litigation, while mediation is even less formal than arbitration. Arbitrators are usually independent persons who are impartial and parties can rely on them to render specialised decisions. One can definitely make a full-time career out of ADR as there is a huge requirement for qualified and accredited mediators. 

The Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) provides intensive 40-hour academic programmes in arbitration as well as mediation to students and professionals, with opportunities to study and practice sophisticated dispute resolution. IIAM is the only institution in India approved by IMI as a qualifying assessment programme for IMI certification for international mediators. IIAM, along with IMI, also assists young mediators to shadow mediators as a learning process. Opportunities are immense for trained and experienced mediators.

SKILL SETS
In order to make a career in ADR, one needs to be an open-minded person with excellent listening skills with sufficient training and experience in the field. One needs to constantly upgrade one's skills by attending seminars and lectures and reading journals on the subject. Networking through professional associations such as the India International ADR Association (IIADRA) is a requisite for a career in ADR.

                                                                             sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com

All about Ayurveda

  Ayurveda is fast emerging as an interesting option for those seeking a career in alternative medicine. 

A balanced and healthy life requires a good sync between the mind, body and the spirit. And that’s what Ayurveda is all about. Cleansing and purifying the body of three main elements or 'doshas' - ‘vata’, ‘pitta’ and ‘kapha’ through natural healing.

                Ayurveda as a subject is gaining prominence today as they are believed to be safer than conventional ones and the limitations of modern medicine have also added to its popularity. Many colleges and universities like Ayurveda medical college, V P S V Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Ollur, are offering graduate and post graduate degree courses in Ayurveda.

Eligibility
Students, who have completed their plus two in science stream with 50% marks and a good grade in the state entrance examination, can opt for a degree in Ayurveda. “Following a five and half year degree course in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicines and Surgery (BAMS), one can either work as an independent practitioner or opt for a three year post graduation,” says Dr Eswara Sarma M P, principal, V P S V Ayurveda college, Kottakkal. 

Skill sets
According to Dr Anil V Kaimal, senior physician, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda foundation, a sound knowledge of Sanskrit is a pre requisite for any student of Ayurveda. “In this era of alternative medicine, a traditional background or a proper guidance from a reputed Ayurvedic doctor is very important to a career in Ayurveda,” he adds. 

       Advances in Ayurveda involve treatment for skin problems, lung and heart disorders, options for purgation and laxation. “Apart from these, other post graduate disciplines include specialisation in management of fractures and disfiguration, psychiatry, gastroenterology, paediatrics, toxicology, gynaecology, pharmacology, public health and medicine,” says Sarma.

Career opportunities
The prospects of a bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda are numerous from teaching in Ayurveda colleges to private practice of general medicine. Employment opportunities also exist in Ayurvedic hospitals, health centres, private wellness care centre and Ayurvedic resorts.

“Infertility management, adverse skin conditions and upper respiratory disorders are some of the unexplored areas in Ayurveda. Lifestyle clinics dealing with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stress management, etc., is an upcoming area in Ayurveda,” informs Kaimal. With more people resorting to alternative medicine and alternate therapies finding more takers today, Ayurveda is here to stay.

                                              

-Sherene Joseph

Towards a diabetic-free world!

With an objective to raise awareness about diabetes among children, The Times of India in association with Silverline hospital, held an educative session

To commemorate the World Diabetes Day on 14 November, an awareness talk on diabetes among children and its preventive measures was conducted at Choice school, Tripunithara, by a team of doctors from Silverline hospital.

Around 180 students of the age group of 13-15 years attended the programme. Dr Ajish T P, consultant paediatric endocrinologist, Silverline hospital, the main speaker at the event, spoke at length about the occurrence of juvenile diabetes, starting with its history, the causes, treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and ways to prevent them. “Children as young as 10 years develop diabetes today due to various factors but awareness on this disease nicknamed 'silent killer' is still low,” he said.

Stressing the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle, Hannah Sheila Mathison, nutritionist, spoke on the dangers of sedentary lifestyle and eating disorders, leading to obesity trends.  The last session was conducted by Vybhav S, physiotherapist, who emphasised the need for some kind of physical activity in our daily lives. He highlighted the benefits and types of exercises one has to follow for a healthy life.

The live audience interacted well and asked a lot of interesting questions like ‘Is bone weight linked to obesity?’, ‘How eating while watching television is any different from eating with the family?’ and so on. Anjana Unnikrishnan, vice principal, Choice school, proposed the vote of thanks. It was an educative as well as informative programme and the students thoroughly enjoyed the session.

                                                                                                                    sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com