|
The
Royal Rajasthan Gala
The Maharaja Gajsingh of Jodhpur recognizes the extraordinary work of BTF in developing and implementing guidelines for treating traumatic brain injury. In appreciation of BTF's efforts on his son's behalf and to support and create awareness of the benefits of BTF's outstanding work, the Maharaja agreed to join with the Foundation in creating a major fundraising Gala. This
Gala has raised much-needed funds for BTF to further its mission
of preventing and treating head injury, and to bring programs and
expertise to the Indian Head Injury Foundation
The gala served as a unique opportunity to promote the work of BTF and raise awareness about India. Sunday
EXPRESS
The circumstances that have brought the two together is heartbreaking — Gaj Singh’s son, the stylish, polo-playing Prince of Hearts, Shivraj, suffered serious head injury on the polo grounds in Jaipur in 2005, and is still making a slow and excruciating recovery. Holkar’s companion, the celebrated filmmaker Pamela Rooks, is still not out of the terrible damage caused by a serious head injury she suffered because of a motor accident in Delhi in November 2006. Says a still disconsolate Holkar, “Pam had several hours of oxygen deprivation to the brain before she was given essential ventilatory support. We feel this lack of adequate oxygen to the brain led to a great deal of Pam’s brain trauma and her resultant sad condition today. Had emergency services been better equipped and trained, and Pam received critical support in the hours directly after her injury, her brain would have suffered less damage, and she would have had a better chance for better recovery.’’ According to Holkar, despite the best hospital, medical and nursing care, Pam has paid the price for the lack of initial critical care. “While family support is top class, there are no trained therapists to care for the care givers, nor support groups where I can share my hopes and fears, and learn and be comforted from others’ experiences,’’ says Holkar. “We urgently and desperately need improved care for people who have suffered or will suffer traumatic brain injury.’’ It is a wistful Gaj Singh who recounts, “The Brain Trauma Foundation in NY played such an important role in my son Shivraj’s recovery from the polo accident. Dr Jamshid Ghajar, neurosurgeon and president of the BTF, was immediately brought in to consult on my son’s treatment in India. Following BTF’s guidelines for treatment, Shivraj emerged from the coma and has made enormous progress in his recovery which continues at our home here in Jodhpur.’’ Not surprisingly, it is with missionary zeal Gaj Singh has vowed to bring the BTF expertise and systems to India, and the foundation will work with major Indian hospitals and medical professionals through this new trust. The gala is billed to be luxurious and grand, a fabulous beginning to NY’s social season, micromanaged to the last detail. The doors will open to society ladies and men who are ready to blow up to $50,000 for the high table, the others can be comforted at tables as low as $1000. Says Gaj Singh, “The theme of the evening is Rajasthan, with colourful cultural themes, exotic culinary delights, a dazzling fashion show and exciting entertainment.’’ Designers who have been contacted include Jodhpur’s Raghavendra Rathore, apart from the usual, Rohit Bal, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Tarun Tahiliani and others. The guest list, friends of Holkar and Gaj Singh, will send a hush down the hall, from excellencies and highnesses to the very glittering —Ron and Heidi Winston of the famed diamond house, Harry Winston, Prince Michel de Grece, Sonny and Gita Mehta, Frederic Hennessy, Suzanne van Liebig, Alexander Rooks, Mary McFadden, Sarah Giles, Jan and Nicole d’Ansembourg, Henri and Estelle SaintBris, et al. “The funds will help establish a BTF model programme in three private hospitals in Delhi: Indraprastha Apollo, Fortis and Max,’’ says a hopeful Holkar. “We have to change things around.’’ Download Prehospital Management Guideline St. John Ambulance Brigade Annual Review Parade – 2nd March 2008
St. John Ambulance No. III Maharashtra State Unit held its 104th Annual Review Parade at Azad Maidan, Bombay, on Sunday 2nd March, 2008. The Parade was inspected by His Highness Maharaja Gajsinghji of Jodhpur, Founder Trustee of the Indian Head Injury Foundation. There were over 200 volunteers on Parade of all ages and communities. After a welcome address by the Commissioner, Mr. Feroze Sethna, the activity report for 2007 was read out which included reference to over 7419 removal call outs, 5 major public duties in which more than 320 patients were transported in St. John’s Ambulances and at least 494 causalities were treated whilst performing duties. 4103 children were immunized at the Saifee Ambulance Corp Vaccine Centre – triple polio, boosters, MMR, BCG and various other vaccines were carried out during the years. The Maharaja then presented cups and awards to various prize winners. Also present was Capt. Victor Law, Knight of Justice of Order of St. John and Ceremonial Sword Bearer was also a guest at the Parade. The Maharaja then made a stirring and insightful speech & following the vote of thanks & took the final salute as the Parade marched past led by the pipe band, demonstrating a very high standard of drill. The Maharaja and Officers and guest Doctors then adjourned to the Lady Wellington Building where a discussion took place on the initiative take by IHIF to link up St. John No. III unit together with the Brain Trauma foundation in New York and International Head Injuries Foundation in order to upgrade the level of casualty evacuation available in Bombay.
|
For
twenty years, BTF has provided innovative programming and pioneered
medical guidelines that have made lifesaving contributions toward
the treatment of individuals suffering from brain injuries both
in the United States and internationally.
New
Delhi, February 24:They have a responsibility to make a difference.
And it is with brotherhood and compassion that both Gaj Singh of
Jodhpur and Richard Holkar of Maheshwar, the erstwhile Maharajas
of the former princely states, who have come together to hold a
glitzy charity ball in New York City, at the Hotel Pierre, on March
7, to raise funds for the Indian Head Injury Foundation. 
