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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Little progress on govt push for integrated MBBS-Ayurveda degree
Representative image (AI) A dual degree of MBBS and BAMS (bachelor of ayurvedic medicine and surgery) through an integrated course at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research ( JIPMER ) was announced with much fanfare, but information obtained through Right to Information shows that it is far from becoming a reality. While the health ministry has been pushing the issue, statutory bodies regulating the different systems of medicines, which were supposed to meet regularly to design modules to 'promote medical pluralism', have met just two times. JIPMER had not responded to the health ministry's reminders on the issue till July 10. In response to RTI queries, the NMC in its response on June 25 stated: 'The third joint meeting of NMC, NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine) and NCH (National Commission for Homeopathy) was earlier proposed to be held on September 23, 2024. However, due to non-availability communicated by NCISM the same could not be held and the matter regarding convening the meeting in 2025 has not yet been decided. ' The union government had announced in May that the new integrated course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS would be started in JIPMER. File notings on the 'proposal regarding setting up of an institution for providing Integral Medical Education leading to dual degrees MBBS and BAMS' shows that the proposal came from the Auroville Foundation in January last year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo Gujarat cadre IAS officer Jayanti S Ravi, who was serving as principal secretary in Gujarat's Health and Family and Welfare Department was appointed as Secretary, Auroville Foundation in Tamil Nadu, on deputation in June 2021. In January 2024, she wrote to the union health ministry that the Foundation, which comes under the HRD ministry, 'had undertaken an effort to integrate both the systems of medicine (Ayurveda and Modern) to have a holistic approach to health care'. It was further stated that in collaboration with ayurvedic universities and JIPMER 'a draft curricula was prepared for the proposed integral medical education to grant dual degree of MBBS and BAMS' and that the curricula was 'being fine-tuned for detailed integrating methodology of the two streams of science'. However, in response to RTI queries on the issue, JIPMER stated that the requested information of records or communications were not available and hence could not be provided. File notings provided by the health ministry showed that despite reminders from the ministry on February 13, 2024, December 31, 2024 and May 10, 2025, till July 11, there was no response from JIPMER on the issue. Separate laws for setting up the three commissions to regulate modern medicine, ayurveda and homeopathy have one clause in common, which states that there will be joint sittings of the three commissions at least once a year 'to enhance the interface between homoeopathy, Indian system of medicine and modern system of medicine'. It further states: 'The joint sitting may, by an affirmative vote of all members present and voting, decide on approving specific educational and medical modules or programmes that could be introduced in the undergraduate and postgraduate courses across medical systems, and promote medical pluralism. ' 'Integration and joint curricula cannot be dictated by the government or pushed by any foundation. There are statutory bodies regulating the three systems of medicines. It is for the commissions to design curricula and approve an integrated course, if at all,' pointed out Dr KV Babu, an ophthalmologist and RTI activist who has been tracking the integration issue over the years.


India Today
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Who is San Rechal, former Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu who died by suicide at 26?
San Rechal Gandhi, former Miss Puducherry and an outspoken advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry, died on Saturday at the age of 26. The model, social media influencer, and founder of a grooming agency passed away at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) days after a reported suicide attempt on July also known by her birth name Shankarapriya, rose to prominence not just for her accolades on the runway but for what she represented: A powerful voice against colourism in beauty and entertainment QUEEN 'MISS RECHAL'Crowned 'Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu' in 2019 and later 'Miss Puducherry' in 2021, San Rechal was vocal about discriminatory beauty standards in the industry. "My vision is to create an environment free of unrealistic beauty standards," she told 'Etimes' in an earlier interview. "I want to inspire a generation that believes they can achieve their dreams, no matter their colour, size, or shape." San Rechal was crowned 'Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu' in 2019 and 'Miss Puducherry' in 2021. (Instagram/@san_rechal_official) Born and raised in Puducherry, Rechal lost her mother at a young age and was brought up by her father, Gandhi, who stood by her ambitions to become a model. Her journey to self-acceptance began in school, where she faced bullying and discrimination for her darker skin tone. Instead of retreating, she chose to confront these biases head-on-using the very industry that once rejected her as a platform for change."The key is to focus on yourself, irrespective of what society says," she once said. "I want to bring that kind of change."RISING STARRechal's modelling career was defined by courage and conviction. Despite being turned away from several pageants in her early days due to her complexion, she broke through to win four major beauty titles and walk international ramps in London, Germany, and France. In 2023, she represented India at the 'Miss Africa Golden' pageant. San Rechal won four major beauty titles. She co-founded 'Rose Noire Fashion & Grooming Ltd', a modelling agency, and ran 'RADO's Gift', a non-profit that cared for stray and indigenous puppies - a cause close to her heart. On social media, where she had a following of over 180,000 on Instagram, Rechal often shared her thoughts on self-worth, beauty bias, and animal welfare. San Rechal ran a non-profit that cared for stray and indigenous puppies. She was also an active member of the "Pondicherry Queens" community on Coto, a platform aimed at empowering WAS BATTLING DEPRESSIONAccording to police, Rechal had been battling depression and severe financial stress in the months leading up to her death. After reportedly consuming an overdose of sleeping pills at her father's home on July 5, she was first taken to the Puducherry Government Hospital and later transferred to JIPMER, where she succumbed to said she had sold jewellery recently to fund her career and had sought financial help from her father, who was unable to assist due to obligations toward her younger brother. According to reports, a note recovered by the police stated that no one was responsible for her death, but officials are also looking into possible marital issues as a contributing factor. She had married recently, though little is publicly known about her husband or the nature of the relationship.- Ends


Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
India: Former Miss Puducherry San Rechal Gandhi dies by suicide at 26
San Rechal Gandhi, former Miss Puducherry and an advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry, died on Saturday at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), days after an alleged suicide attempt. The 26-year-old model and social activist had reportedly consumed an overdose of sleeping pills on July 5. According to news outlets in India, she was initially taken to the Puducherry Government Hospital by her father and later shifted to a private hospital before being admitted to JIPMER, where she succumbed. Rechal rose to prominence for challenging colourism and promoting diversity in fashion. She was crowned Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu in 2019 and later won the Miss Puducherry title in 2021. She also represented India in international modelling events held in London, Germany, and France. According to police sources in reports by Indian outlets, Rechal had recently married and was reportedly battling depression at the time of her death. The Urulaiyanpettai Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Raised by her father after losing her mother at a young age, Rechal was known for her work on women's safety and for breaking conventional beauty norms in the modelling industry.


Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Popular model San Rechal, who fought colourism, dies by suicide at 26
San Rechal, a 26‑year‑old model and social media influencer from Puducherry, died by suicide on Sunday after allegedly consuming a large number of tablets, reports NDTV citing Puducherry police. San Rechal, 26, had recently married.(Instagram/@San_Rechal_Official) Rechal had recently married and also earned acclaim for her bold advocacy against colourism in the fashion and film industries. She was first rushed to a government hospital from her father's residence. She was subsequently moved to a private facility and ultimately transferred to JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research), where she was declared dead. Authorities told NDTV that mounting personal and financial pressures may have driven her to take such a drastic step. Investigators discovered that she had recently pledged or sold jewelry to fund her professional pursuits. Reports in local media indicate she had anticipated financial assistance from her father, who also has a son, but was turned down. A suicide note recovered at the scene reportedly absolved everyone of blame, although a Tahsildar‑level probe has been initiated to explore whether unresolved issues within her recent marriage may have contributed to her deteriorating mental state San Rechal rose to prominence after winning the Miss Puducherry crown in 2022 and went on to represent India at the Miss Africa Golden pageant in 2023. She had earned acclaim for her courageous stand against the pervasive stigma surrounding darker skin tones, a subject she championed through her social media platforms. Her death has sparked renewed online conversations around mental health, financial strain faced by entertainers, and the persistent battle against colourism. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290
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First Post
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Who is San Rechal Gandhi, the model who spoke about colourism and has now died by suicide?
She was not just a model or Miss Pondicherry but also raised her voice for self-inclusivity and against colourism. Rechal also spoke about body positivity. read more San Rechal Gandhi was a model and former Miss Pondicherry 2022 who has died by suicide. She passed away on July 13 after she consumed a high dose of sleeping tablets and breathed her last at passed away at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Her body has now been sent to the Puducherry Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing. Who was San Rechal Gandhi? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She was not just a model or Miss Pondicherry but also raised her voice for self-inclusivity and against colourism. Rechal also spoke about body positivity. More facts about the late model She was crowned Miss Best Attitude 2019, Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu 2019, and Queen of Madras 2022, among others. In 2023, she got the opportunity to represent India at the Miss Africa Golden pageant in South Africa. On this year's Women's Day, the pageant queen was honoured with the RUNWAY MASTERY award from IRAIVI AWARDS by VASCO.