Assam scientist finds cancer cure ‘breakthrough’

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: The long and elusive global hunt for a cure to cancer now has an Assam link. Assam-born research scientist Bikul Das, based at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the US, has made a major breakthrough towards cracking the elusive cancer code, or a part of it. In a research, Das has shown that certain human embryonic stem cells, in times of stress, produce molecules that not only benefit themselves, but help nearby cells survive.

Dr Das at his lab.

Scientists are working towards using embryonic stem cells as therapy for many diseases.

Das’ work is expected to help enhance the therapy and also reduce side-effects and in the process prevent some stem cells turning cancerous.

“Altruism has been reported among bacterial populations and among humans and other animals, like monkeys and elephants. But in mammalian cells — at the cellular level — the idea of altruism has never been described before,” Das told Seven Sisters Post.

While altruism is generally thought of as a virtue, it can have a downside for human embryonic stem cells HESCs: the altruistic cells appear to be more prone to accumulating mutations, a sign that they could lead to cancers. A better understanding of HESC altruism could provide new insights into cancer therapies, as well as improving scientists’ ability to develop safe and effective stem cell treatments for other diseases.

“By understanding the molecular mechanism of how normal stem cell become cancer stem cell can lead to cancer cure. The issue is mainly stem cell therapy. Cancer is the secondary focus,” added Das, who is the lead author of a paper that documents altruistic behaviour by HESCs.

The finding arose from Das’ research into how HESCs react to low-oxygen environments, important because many cancerous tumours are low in oxygen. These cells have the capability to develop into many different cell types through a process called differentiation. Scientists had previously shown that when embryonic stem cells are under stress, levels of HIF2-alpha and p53 both goes up and most of the cells differentiate or die.

Dr Das during a visit in Arunachal Pradesh

What makes this study unique is t hat Das and colleagues were able to isolate the altruistic cells that exhibit a low p53 level, which helps them to escape death or differentiation. Most importantly, Das discovered that the level of p53 fluctuates in the altruistic fraction in a pattern that keeps the p53 at low level, thereby interrupting the regular oscillation. The fluctuation of p53 protein, known in scientific language as “p53 oscillation” could occur in any given cell in a set pattern over time, after the cells are exposed to stress.

Depending on where the p53 level in the cycle (high or low), stem cells either stop their normal cell cycle, die or repair mutations in their DNA to continue living. Das got $100,000 as grant from the Gates Foundation for his research endeavour. So far, he has also received more than half-a-million dollar grant from government and private foundations of North America to conduct his research on cancer and stem cells.

Before coming to Stanford in 2009, Das did his PhD in Molecular Oncology from the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto. Earlier, he spent six years (19941999) practicing internal medicine in India and Bhutan after completing his MBBS in 1993 from the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He is the author of 15 journal articles, book chapters, and books. He serves on the editorial advisory board of Stem Cells International, and reviewed more than thirty journal articles.

Dr Das with his family members

Das has also been awarded several international awards, including the Schweisguth prize by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, Harold E Johns Award by the Canadian Cancer Society and Scholar-intraining award by the American Association of Cancer Research and Japanese Cancer Society. Since his days at the GMCH, Das was interested in the single cell — how a cell divides and grows, and how this growth is controlled. But he decided to do research on cancer after seeing his father suffer and die of cancer.

“I saw my father, late Krishna Ram Das suffering from esophageal cancer when I was about to start my post-graduate training in New Delhi. Then I decided to further expand my own ideas on cell growth and cancer, and do research on cancer. So, I started thinking on my own ideas on cell growth, about why some cells grow out of control to become cancerous cells,” Das, who hails from Sualkuchi of Kamrup district, said.

Initially, he started to learn medicine by attending to patients at his independent chamber at his village Sualkuchi which helped him do self-study. “The independent practice gave me enough time to study and further develop on my ideas on researching against cancer,” he added.

Das, who vowed to continue his work on stem cell and altruism, advocated a corruption-free society for further development and growth medical education system. “We have smart doctors and educators. Once the society decides to live a corruption-free healthy life, doctors will do much better job, because it is easier to grow and develop a medical education system in a corruption free society,” he said.

He also has a piece of advice for the youths. “I just followed my own heart. Let’s do whatever you like to do, but ready to face the consequences and do not complain too much,” he said. (Seven Sisters Post)

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New record in six-string salute to Bhupenda

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Wishes poured in heavier than rains as 5,406 fans of Bhupen Hazarika strapped with guitars stormed into the Limca Book of Records at the Sarusajai Stadium here on Sunday. Strumming along in unison to the tunes of Bistirno Parore, they managed to obliterate Shillong’s feat in the Limca Book of Records for the ‘Largest Guitar Ensemble’.

The gathering. Pic by: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee

“It’s a lifetime achievement. It’s not just about making a record, but such a huge gathering and that too to pay musical tribute to the bard is simply awesome. I will cherish this moment forever,” said Prasanta Bora, a grey haired guitarist who teaches yoga and meditation at Maharshi Vidya Mandir School.

Even though the weather threatened to play a spoilsport to the much-hyped event as the sky started pouring heavily since morning, the organisers expressed a sigh of relief after the event went off smoothly. Even as dark clouds hovered in the sky, sharp at 4.45 in the evening, the army of 5,406 participants took their positions and made sure they don’t fail to disappoint the enthusiastic crowd which had gathered to cheer them up. In the process, they surpassed the previous national record that was created in Shillong in 2007, when 1, 730 guitarists played Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.

After the event, Limca Book of Records’ representative Smita Thomas handed over a ‘provisional’ certificate to the organisers for scripting a new national record. “We are extremely happy that we made it to the Limca Book of Records. Now, we will aim for a Guinness World Record,” said Ankur Dutta, chief advisor of the megaevent who is also the secretary of Assam Football Association (AFA).

The Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Guitar Ensemble’ in the world is currently held by Poland with 6,346 guitar players, who assembled together at the historic city of Wroclaw on May 1, 2009. Besides NE states, guitarists from several other parts of the country also came all the way to take part in the event.

“We had several participants from New Delhi and other parts of the country. This itself indicates the popularity of Bhupen Hazarika among people,” Dutta added.

Renowned artistes, including JP Das, Nanda Banerjee, Bhupen Uzir, members of Northeast Breeze and others, were seen on stage as they led the event to a success. Seven Sisters Post was the print media partner of this event. (Seven Sisters Post)

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IRDIS signs MoU with US varsity

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed recently between the Institute of Research and Documentation of Indigenous Studies (IRDIS), Assam and Stanford University, USA at the office premises of IRDIS in a bid to widen its field of study. IRDIS is a centre of multi and interdisciplinary research and documentation on the diverse ethnic communities of Assam in relevant fields.

The efforts taken up by the centre is also collaborative and comparative in nature since indigenous studies are multidisciplinary. The Centre for Comparative Studies on Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE), Native American Studies (NAS), and the Woods Institute for the Environment (WIE) at Stanford University, USA are the signatories to this MoU with IRDIS. Based on this MoU, collaborative and comparative initiatives devoted to interdisciplinary studies of issues directly impacting ethnic people in places across the world and Assam in particular, would be taken up.

Deepa Dutt, executive director of the institute stated that such endeavours would greatly benefit ethnic people by empowering the communities with knowledge and help a deeper understanding of the shared interests and the common challenges confronting ethnic people around the world.

“We are looking ahead. It’s a globalization of the ethnic or the first nation people through research. Their people will come over here to research on the ethnic communities and the vice versa. It will definitely work for betterment for the people involved,” Dutt told Seven Sisters Post.

She further said that research and documentation initiatives on a wide range of areas such as indigenous culture, socio-economic studies, health, education, indigenous and traditional knowledge, and population numbers would be taken up through this collaboration.

The MoU will also aim at encouraging students and researchers to obtain cross-cultural research training with a view to advancing knowledge about ethnic people all over the world and to participate in discussions and symposia on topics relevant to the indigenous communities, while also encouraging scholarly exchange programmes. The IRDIS was inaugurated by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on March 21 in the presence of Matthew Snipp of Stanford University. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Namphake Monastery a treasure trove of wisdom

Abdul Gani

Naharkatia (Dibrugarh): History has a long tale to tell and this Buddhist monastery at Namphake village near Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district has been an integral part of the proceedings over the centuries. It has been providing the muchneeded stuff for human being – wisdom and peace.

The inside view of the monastery. Pic: Abdul Gani 

The Namphake Buddhist Monastery was set up in 1850 on the bank of the beautiful Buridihing, one of the major tributaries of the might Brahmaputra, as Tai Phakes migrated to this part of the country from the Howkong valley of Myanmar in the late eighteenth century.

From the manuscripts written on gold and silver plates dating back to the 16th century to one of the oldest Budha statues of the state, it is no less a museum.

Besides, it plays a major role in the society as head monk Gyanlal Mahathera is obeyed and respected by the people of the area. That’s why the job of the police is much easier in the area.

“We don’t remember police coming in our village. The villagers are peace-loving and do not do anything which can be a threat in the path of peace,” Ngikya Weingken, a villager, told Seven Sisters Post.

There are 69 households in the Namphake village which is the largest hamlet of the Namphake community in the state.

Saru Bhante displaying his umbrella. Pic: Abdul Gani

If any conflict arises, the head monk settles the issue and the verdict is accepted by all.

Besides, several examples of the creative side of the monks can be seen as one of the senior monks displayed the craft of martial arts for self-defense with an umbrella. “It is an umbrella when it rains, otherwise it can help you in self-defense. It was made of bamboo and cloth several centuries ago,” said one of the monks, who is popularly known as Saru Bhante. Bhante means religious leader in Tai language.

The monastery is home to more than 230 statues of Budha from Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. “Initially there were two statues when the monastery was established in 1850. Later, monks from different part of the world who had visited the place placed more statues,” Bhante said.

Moreover, sitting with the monks on the floor of the monastery with breeze blowing across from the Burhidihing to know one or two things about the culture, tradition and many more may be a priceless moment.

“For me this is the best place to visit to refresh myself. The cool and calm environment is simply awesome,” said Nandan, a tourist from New Delhi said. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Soccer coach bends tradition but fails to reach goal

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: If life were a Bollywood film, Hem Das would have been a Shah Rukh Khan with the halo of a Chak De! But a grand dream of Das – the soccer version of the hit Bollywood film revolving around hockey — is dying a slow death due to paucity of funds and the government’s refusal to help.

In a mission to spread soccer skills among village youngsters, Hem Das has single-handedly trained around 40 young girls at Rani, a sleepy township about 40 kms from Guwahati.

It all started in 2010 when Das, a soccer player-turned coach, set out on a mission to fullfil one of his life-long ambitions — find uncut gems in the rural belts and polish them into sparkling soccer players.

The girls at the centre. Pic by Abdul Gani

“I always feel that in physical sports like football, the village youths are more suitable. And they have the fire in them to excel. The only thing they lack is proper training,” he told Seven Sisters Post. But to his surprise, there were hardly any boys interested in taking up soccer. Instead, he found a rag-tag bunch of girls who were not only keen to know the game, but were also very quicklearners.

Most significantly, many of these girls had never even seen a football match. Starting from scratch, the former Assam and Santosh Trophy player groomed the 40-odd girls, taking them through the paces and building a team capable of beating the best in the state.

The girls even took part in several exhibition matches in Guwahati and Barpeta. Das, who is in his late 50s, provided the girls with all the equipment, from boots to balls, all at his own expenses. “It cost me around Rs 80,000 per year to run the camp. This is just for the love of the game. And over the last two years we have developed an attachment like a family. But it has become tough for me to continue this,” a very dejected Das said.

Hem Das giving tips. Pic by Abdul Gani

All these girls who study at Rani High School come from nearby villages like Moirapur, Jayantipur, Maskuchi, Natun Rani, Rani, Natun Batabari, Koroibari, Pitbari, Bahupara, Goimari, Rangapara, and Lalmati every day to attend the camp at the playground of the school.

“Their passion and dedication towards the sport have provided me the energy to continue it. Their parents, who have to toil hard to make both ends meet, have also been extremely supportive,” the coach said.

But Das said no sports organiser or government body has shown any interest at his initiative. “The girls were almost ready to take part in the last inter-district competition, but it did not happen due to some problems. Hopefully, this year they can make it. I’m also thinking of sending them to represent other districts,” he added.

However, he is not sure if he can continue the camp any more. “I don’t know how far I can go with these girls. They have picked up the game well and showed promise. But the main obstacle I’m facing at present is funds which I need to maintain the camp,” Das said. The young football players, on the other hand, were effusive in their praise for “Das sir”, who has turned into a beacon of light in their humdrum life. “We are grateful to Das sir for his efforts to fulfil our dreams.

We could have never done it if he was not here to help us out. We are hopeful that by playing soccer, we would be able to take the name of our village to the national soccer scene. Though initially my mother refused to this, now she too have understood the importance,” said Purnima Rabha, a player of the camp who lost her father several years ago.

Young players like Purnima can now bend it like Beckham but Das is not too sure if he will achieve the goal he had set out to reach. (Seven Sisters Post)

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Politico to reveal his ‘code of secrecy’ in Bollywood

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Politician-turned-filmmaker Mohibul Hoque is all set for his Bollywood debut with 18.11, a code of secrecy which features several big names of the industry. The former Gauripur MLA who made an Assamese film titled Juman Suman in 2003, said that his film would highlight the positives of the region especially Assam at the national level.

“I always wanted to make Hindi movies and now I’m heading that way. I hope this film would open new doors for the state and the region as far as our beautiful locations are concerned. My film would highlight the scenic beauties of Assam and Meghalaya,” Hoque said during a press conference in Guwahati on Friday.

The shooting of the film in Kashmir

The first schedule of shooting for the film was completed in Kashmir on April 24. And the second schedule will start at various parts of Bangkok and at several places in Malaysia and finally wrap up in Mumbai.

The film stars several big Bollywood names including Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Prem Chopra, Mukesh Tiwari and Asrani. The lead role will be played by Assam boy Rehal Khan who was seen in Juman Suman. The leading lady of the film will be Assamese girl Suhana Irani, who will make her debut.

“I’m hopeful and proud to have all these artistes in my film. Our young actors would also get to learn a lot of things from them,” he said.

Hoque, who is also the producer and writer besides being the director, said that the film would be released in September this year. The film which costs an estimated Rs 5 crore is made under the banner of Ultimate Pictures. Several renowned singers including Sunidhi Chauhan, Udit Narayan and Kunal Ganjawala would lend their voices for the film which is a suspense thriller. (Seven Sisters Post)

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GMCH surgeon to help reduce birth rate in African countries

Abdul Gani

Guwahati: Well-known surgeon Dr Ilias Ali, who became a household name for his success in popularizing vasectomy in Assam, has been invited by a Florida-based international organisation to spread the message of population control in African countries.

Ali would be a part of No Scalpel Vasectomy International’s (NSVI) mission in African countries to check population.

“It’s an honour for me to spread the message of population control for a better world in African countries. I hope my initiative would help reduce birth rate,” Ali told Seven Sisters Post, before leaving for Nairobi via Mumbai on Tuesday.

Ali, who is a professor of surgery and head of the department of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Centre of Gauhati Medical College Hospital, has been working as a state expert and nodal officer of No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) since January 2009. Ali would participate in various programmes in Kenya and its neighbouring countries during his stay in Africa from May 9 to 17. “Being an accomplished, committed and experienced NSV surgeon in Assam, I am confident that NSVI and the people of Kenya would benefit from your participation”, Dr Ramon U Suarez, the president of NSVI stated in the invitation letter to Ali.

The Kenyan representative of NSVI, Dr Charles Ochieng, in his invitation letter, said: “NSVI has taken notice of your work in popularizing vasectomy uptake in Assam (India) and we feel we could borrow your expertise and experience.” “It’s also a responsibility for me as they have shown faith in me. I would try to motivate the people with the best of my abilities to adopt the birth control measures,” said Ali, who has so far performed NSV on around 35,000 men in the state. He was also lauded by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi a few weeks ago for his efforts in reducing birth rate. (Seven Sisters Post)

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