Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed as a Prophylactic Measure?

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As a dentist, I have come across several patients who have voiced doubts about removing their wisdom teeth surgically or routinely. “Do I really need the surgery?” is often the query that needs to be answered in a convincing manner. Why do dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth, and should they be removed simply as a prophylactic measure even when they are not really causing any trouble? This topic is being debated heatedly among the dental fraternity today, giving reasons for and against that have confused many.

Before we get into the technicalities of the debate, let me explain more about wisdom teeth. The “third molars” or the last molars are commonly referred to as the “Wisdom Teeth” because they erupt in the oral cavity anytime between the ages of 17-25 or older that marks the age of maturity. Most adults will have all four wisdom teeth in their oral cavity, while there may be an absence of one or more of them in others. At times, it is found that all four wisdom teeth are absent (I am a perfect example of this case). Most commonly it is seen that the wisdom teeth affect other teeth as they are erupting into the oral cavity – becoming impacted.

The definition of an impacted tooth according to Archer - “A tooth which is completely or partially un-erupted and is positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue, so that its further eruption is unlikely, described according to its anatomic position."

Why do impactions occur? Well, there are numerous theories that try to explain why such impactions occur. According to the Orthodontic Theory by Durbeck - “Jaws develop in a downward and forward direction. Growth of the jaw and movement of teeth occurs in forward direction, anything that interferes with such movement will cause an impaction (small jaw -- decreased space)."

Other reasons attributed are local infections, inflammations, malocclusion, trauma and early loss of teeth Other theories attribute it to use-disuse, heredity, nutritional habits and/or endocrinal secretions.

Many a times, the third molars (wisdom teeth) erupt into their proper position and may not cause any trouble during the entire lifetime of the person. In such a case, they are treated much like any other teeth that may be present in the oral cavity. However, if these teeth decay, cause repeated periodontal problems, occlusal problems or pain in the temperomandibular joint, then the dentist generally advocates removing them.

Maintaining dental hygiene by brushing and flossing, in the case of third molars (fully erupted or partially erupted), can be a little difficult due to the normal anatomical space behind the tooth where food particles get lodged and cannot be easily removed. This becomes a potential source of infection, which can turn into acute cellulites and become life threatening if not treated in time with appropriate antibiotics.

At times, the third molars do not erupt completely into their correct position due to any number of reasons, like, for example, lack of space. They may also be positioned either horizontally, vertically, away or toward the neighboring tooth (Distal or Mesial). Such teeth are said to be impacted and may cause damage to the neighboring teeth or become a potential source of infection due to the creation of “periodontal pockets." They may also put pressure on the roots of the adjacent teeth, thereby causing the roots to resorb or push the adjacent teeth from its position to cause malocclusion or misalignment. Such patients turn up with pain and other discomforts associated with the third molars, and are advised to remove their third molars surgically, after taking appropriate X-rays and investigating the case thoroughly.

Generally, fully erupted third molars that are properly aligned can be extracted easily like any other teeth, provided there are no other pathological factors, and this can easily be ruled out by taking an X-ray before the extraction. However, partially erupted, or impacted, teeth need to be removed surgically, as stated above.

Treatment Controversy:

It is a common practice, in developed countries, to remove the third molars as a preventive or prophylactic treatment despite sufficient scientific data to support it. There have been numerous studies and research conducted to evaluate the effect of preventive removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth. However, the research showed no evidence to either support or to refute this practice. (Refer: The Cochrane Collaboration Interventions for treating asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adolescents and adults.)

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, in UK, the authority that appraises the cost-effectiveness of treatments for the National Health Service, “recommends that impacted wisdom teeth that are free from disease should not be operated on.” 

However, there is also a strong opposition to the prophylactic removal of third molars, one of them being the American Public Health Association that “recommends against prophylactic removal of asymptomatic, non-pathological wisdom teeth, including wisdom teeth that are un-erupted or impacted.”

“Q: Should molars be routinely removed? A: American dentists have come to call wisdom teeth 'teeth of misfortune'. This is because the cure is often worse than the 'disease.'”

Other arguments are that the third molars or wisdom teeth are vestigial molars that used to help our ancestors in grinding down plant tissue. Our ancestors had larger jaws with more teeth, but as the human diets changed, smaller jaws evolved. Other findings suggest that the changing diet has played a more significant role, than genetics, in the development of the jaw size in human beings.

Therefore, one can say that not all the third molars need to be removed surgically. Each case needs to be studied independently, and the pros and cons weighed carefully before making the decision to remove it or not. If a tooth is not troublesome, then it can be left alone, till such time that it does cause any symptoms of discomfort or pain. It is also best to remove third molars surgically, if need be, during the younger ages to middle age as the healing capacity of the tissues is much better then, than in an older person.

First Aid in Dental Emergencies and Injuries

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Dental emergencies and injuries can occur at any time due to accidents or as complications to a prior treatment procedure. These dental emergencies or injuries may require first aid treatment to be administered before taking the person affected to the dentist. Remember, accidents do happen and knowing what to do under the circumstances in any given situation can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

However, dental injuries can be avoided and prevented by taking certain precautions like wearing a mouth guard during any sports and ecreational activities that may cause injury to the teeth and gums and also not biting on hard foodstuffs that may crack the tooth.

Given below are a few common dental emergencies and injuries along with First Aid tips for each.

1. Toothaches : - First you need to thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm saline water and floss your teeth to remove any food particles that may be stuck in between them. In case of a swelling, apply cold compress outside the affected area. Never put any medicine like, aspirin or clove directly against the gums as they may cause tissue burns. Take a painkiller, if you have any, and visit the dentist as soon as possible.

2. Chipped or broken teeth : - Teeth can get chipped or broken due to accidents or trauma and is a very common occurrence, specially among kids. If this happens, save any pieces that you can find. Rinse the mouth with warm saline water and also rinse the broken pieces. In case there is any bleeding, place a wet gauze on the area and bite on it hard for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. You can also apply cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken or chipped tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain. Visit the dentist as soon as possible.

3. Knocked Out Tooth :- Teeth can get knocked out of their sockets in case of a trauma and immediate action in this case can save the tooth and increase the chances of “replantation” of the tooth back into its socket. First you need to retrieve the tooth and rinse it with water gently without scraping its root surface. Also take care to hold the tooth with its crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth) and NOT the root, as you may end up damaging the periodontal fibers that help in attaching the tooth to the bone. Rinse the mouth also with warm saline water and remove any debris that may be present. Try to insert the tooth back into the socket, if it is clearly visible and there are no other broken fragments near or in the socket. Do not force the tooth into the socket and make sure that it is facing the right way. However, if that is not possible, then the other best alternative is to place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. The tooth should not be allowed to dry out. The third alternative is placing the tooth in milk or saline water in a container and take it to the dentist as soon as possible along with the patient. The best and the highest chances of saving a knocked out tooth are when it is seen by the dentist and returned to its socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

4. Extruded Teeth (teeth pushed out of position) : - In case of an extruded tooth, you can try to push the tooth back gently by applying finger pressure on the tooth or by biting on it. But take care not to force the tooth. You may experience pain and so may not be able to touch the tooth, in that case just rush to the dentist as soon as you can. You can apply a cold compress to the area to relieve pain. You can also take a painkiller in the meantime.

5. Objects Caught Between Teeth :- Usually a toothpick or a floss can dislodge any objects or food particles that get caught between teeth. But, if you are not able to do so then visit the dentist as soon as possible and do not use any sharp instruments like pins as they may injure your gums or soft tissues.

6. Lost Fillings:- A sugarless gum can be stuck into the cavity as a temporary measure before you visit the dentist, which should be as soon as possible. Leaving the cavity open for long can cause sensitivity.

7. Lost Crown :- If your crown (artificial cap that is put on teeth in some cases) has come off, then keep the crown safe and rush to your dentist immediately. But, if for some reason you are unable to get an appointment soon and the tooth causes pain, then apply a little clove oil with the help of a cotton swab on the sensitive area of the tooth, taking care not to touch the soft tissues. If possible try to slip the crown back on to the tooth by coating the inner surface with denture adhesive or even toothpaste to help to hold the crown in place. Well, needless to say, it would not be a very good idea to use super glue!

8. Broken Braces Wires : - If you are wearing braces for orthodontic treatment, then there are chances of the wires breaking and sticking out of the band or brackets causing trauma to the cheek, lips, gums or tongue. In this case, try to reposition the wire with the help of the eraser end of a pencil, or cover the end with a gauze, cotton ball or wax, or even chewing gum will do. Then rush to the dentist to get the wires cut and replaced or repositioned. Never try to cut the wire on your own as you may cause damage to other tissues or end up swallowing or inhaling the cut piece of wire or it may also get lodged in your throat.

9. Loose Brackets and Bands :- Loose brackets can be reattached with the help of orthodontic wax or place the wax over the bracket to cushion it. If the problem is a loose band then save it and rush to your orthodontist as soon as possible. The orthodontist will re-cement or replace any loose brackets or bands for you.

10. Tooth Abscess :- An abscess is an infection that occurs in relation to a tooth and can be seen as a small pimple or swelling in the gums next to the offending tooth, or it may also appear as a general swelling extra orally opposite the affected tooth. In a chronic infection, pus discharge from the area can be seen. This infection can turn fatal if not treated and handled appropriately as soon as possible before it spreads to other areas through the blood stream. You should visit the dentist as soon as possible, if you detect an abscess. In the meantime rinse your mouth with warm saline water to help drain the abscess intra orally. Never apply heat to the area from the outside. The dentist will prescribe suitable medication and drain the abscess and treat the offending tooth or extract it as the case may be.

11. Soft Tissue Injuries(Bitten Lip or Tongue) :- Any injury to the soft tissues like the lips, tongue, cheek or gums can result in bleeding. To control bleeding first rinse mouth with mild salt-water solution then use a moistened piece of gauze and hold it over the area by applying pressure for 10-15 minutes. You can also use cold compress on the outside for a few minutes to help stop the bleeding. If the bleeding still doesn’t stop, then rush to the dentist immediately. The dentist will control the bleeding and evaluate the need for any stitches to be given.

It is always best to be prepared for any kind of emergencies and you can prepare yourself for any dental emergencies by packing a Dental First Aid Kit. The dental first aid kit should contain the phone number of your dentist (both home and office), saline solution, clean handkerchief, some gauze and or cotton balls (preferably sterile), a small clean container with a lid, Ibuprofen tablets (not Aspirin as it is an anticoagulant and it may cause excessive bleeding in case of a dental emergency).

Explore The World And Get Paid For It - Could There Be A Better Dream Job?

Hmm......this Xomba "Dream Job Contest" got me really thinking about what I have always loved doing, but haven't done so far...traveling the world. I have always imagined myself to be in a sort of job that would enable me to travel the world so I could visit all the countries and continents and really get to explore the full glory of nature all around, meet people from all walks of life, different cultures and also get to see how they live under different conditions. Imagine, if I could do all this AND get PAID for doing it, woudn't that be just awesome? What better dream job than this?

What sort of a job would enable me to fulfil this dream, you ask? Well, there are several travel related channels on TV that focus on the various travel and tourism destinations all around the world. The travel reporter goes to all those exotic destinations and shows you what all you would get to see and do in any specific place. Check out all the hotels, restaurants and shopping places for you to indulge yourself in while you are there. Doesn't that sound like fun? What's more, I will be paid by the company to do all this for them!

I could travel by air, boat, ship, train..you name it and I am game. I really never mind the mode of transport. Once I reach a place I could even rent a car for the nearby places...maybe I would have to cover all those details, like how to travel, what to see, where to eat and where to shop etc..I could do themes on travel, like maybe honeymoon destinations, or beach vacations, or even heritage sites. The possibilities are mind boggling and the travel is endless, or maybe only till I do a good JOB of it...hehehehe.

There are, of course, many other travel related jobs like journalism, news reporter, travel writer, travel reporter for TV channels and there is also the airline industry to think of or I could also become a travel guide. There are many possibilities. Check out all the jobs listed at a travel related job site and also how much they get paid...awesome!

So here I am, dreaming away, of sunbathing on the exotic beaches of Hawaii, going on a Carribbean Cruise, or maybe exploring the Tombs in Egypt and seeing the Pyramids there, or I could be on a Gondola in Venice listening to lilting music. Enchante.......No harm in dreaming, is there? Enjoy this beautiful song sung in the romantic settings of Venice......




So, what have I done towards the realisation of my dreams? Ahhh...friends, let me tell you that I have already taken the first step forward in that area.....getting myself a Passport. Now to work towards the next step.....

Become a Travel Journalist.. Go On Catch the Travel Bug.

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The Swine Flu Hoax and Conspiracy Theories – Will Vaccination Really Help Prevent This Disease?

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Recently, the outbreak of swine flu in different countries has raised an alarm and panic among people as it has been reported to be a highly contagious viral flu that could cause death and a pandemic in an area that is infected with this virus. The governments of all the countries affected so far are taking different measures to curb the infection which includes opening specialized testing centers for the H1N1 virus, distributing antiviral drugs like Tamiflu to a wide population to treat the mild cases and now the latest is the vaccination drive supported by WHO. The US government has also set up a National Pandemic Flu Centre for this very purpose where there is a help line available for people to call in and get the antiviral drugs, get tested for the virus and or get the vaccination. A similar National Pandemic Flu Center has also been set up by the UK government.

In such circumstances, it is my personal opinion that all the people should become aware of what is going on and educate themselves with adequate knowledge about the disease in all aspects so as to avoid getting fooled by the politicians, health care workers, government schemes and larger political conspiracies that could be involved in anything that makes a huge profit for the government and certain big pharmaceutical companies. 

There are some very pertinent and disturbing questions that come to mind and for which we should be seeking express answers so as to understand what is going on and whether this is just a part of some bigger conspiracy.

1. What exactly is Swine flu, what is it’s origin, and the what is the difference between swine flu and the common flu?
2. What are the treatment modalities and mortality rates of this disease?
3. Why are the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, the only medications that are being used for the treatment of flu? 
4. Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccination really required? Do you know the history behind this vaccine and if it is really safe to take a shot?
5. Which are the big pharmaceutical companies behind these drugs and vaccines and their political connections with the government.
6. Is this pandemic a small part of a bigger conspiracy? The politics behind the swine flu pandemic and who does it benefit?

Are you aware that there are numerous reports all over the internet about a bigger conspiracy behind the swine flu outbreak? It is similar to the other such outbreaks like the SARS, Bird Flu etc. which also created similar panic like situations in many countries. But, I am going out of line here. Let us first try to answer each question that have been raised above so as to understand what all the fears and speculations are all about.

What exactly is Swine flu, what is it’s origin, and the what is the difference between swine flu and flu?

 

Image: CDC developed PCR diagnostic test to detect novel H1N1 virus.
Photo by Greg Sykes, ATCC

One can easily get a thorough description of the signs and symptoms and origins of the swine flu from various health sources on the internet and so I will not repeat them here. There are however, a few points, that I would like to bring to your attention regarding the transmission of this virus from this article in the Wikipedia that does raise doubts about the hype created by the media and the various government agencies regarding the seriousness of this disease.

The above article clearly mentions that the swine flu virus transmission from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza. It is the people who are in regular touch with pigs who are at the greatest risk and only 50 such transmissions have been confirmed since the mid 20th century, when the identification of influenza subtypes became possible. It is also mentioned that the strains of swine flu rarely pass from humans to humans and the symptoms are similar to that of influenza like illness. There is also a general consensus that most of the cases are generally mild and can be cured easily like any other viral flu.(Reasonable doubt?)

What are the treatment modalities and mortality rates of this disease?

The treatment of a case of swine flu is like any other viral illness or flu, namely taking adequate rest, plenty of liquids, antiviral drugs and avoiding contact with other people till the symptoms subside.

H1N1 Swine Flu Hoax/Fraud Conspiracy Theories

“When the avian flu scare arrived, no one questioned it. This time, things are different. Those with some brains, a memory and internet ingenuity are on the case. Let’s hope this message gets out.”

The above article raises enough doubts about the mortality rates and whether it really qualifies for being called a “pandemic” or not. (Reasonable doubt?)

Why are the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, the only medications that are being used for the treatment of flu? Which are the big pharmaceutical companies behind these drugs and vaccines and their political connections with the government.

The antiviral drug that is being used for the treatment of the swine flu is the Tamiflu, and or Relenza in case the other drug is ineffective for some reason. Tamiflu is being manufactured by the Roche Pharmaceutical company and Relenza by the Glaxosmithkline company. The vaccine for the swine flu is being manufactured and tested by the Baxter pharmaceutical company and Novartis. It becomes glaringly obvious that all these big pharmaceutical companies have a big stake in this whole swine flu pandemic scenario.

Given below are some excerpts from articles picked up from the internet that bring out various aspects behind the swine flu pandemic that raises reasonable doubts and fears in our minds.

“Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza. It will be the prime medication sold to protect citizens from swine flu as it was for avian flu. All healthcare workers, military and essential service workers will need a dose available and it will be bought with your tax dollars. Tamiflu is made and patented by Gilead Sciences and Donald Rumsfeld was the chairman of this company before he joined the Bush administration. When the Avian Flu scare flashed across the television sets of Americans, Gilead Sciences stock went through the roof.” Source: www.nowpublic.com

Swine Flu Video Doctor admits – made in the labaratory

“The Swine Flu is an orchestrated attempt to spread fear and chaos into the population and to try to get people vaccinated, which everyone should know contains mercury that damages your nervous system. This doctor fully admits that it was ‘cultured in a laboratory’ and most people will not even realize that he stated this in the news because they are so ignorant and do not pay attention to actual facts when they are presented to them and only look to what the media is spinning the news to be for the benefit of the government. The media is owned by the global elite and you only hear what they want you to hear. This is a rare glimpse into an official who actually admits that it was manufactured in a lab. Wake up humans!!!!” Read the full report…

Jim Rogers on Bloomberg: There will be civil unrest in the U.S. and other countries (03/17/09)

“The USA Government expects political unrest this summer resulting from the poor economy and corruption related to the bank bailouts, AIG and the 2 Trillion dollar stimulus bill. In the USA, the political unrest has gelled into the Tea Party Movement. Perhaps the alleged H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic is being formed to create the opportunity to declare martial law and prevent public gatherings like the upcoming Tea Party events. Or other political unrest gatherings. Just a thought.”

Who Owns the Rights on Tamiflu: Rumsfeld To Profit From Bird Flu Hoax

“Finally, the pieces of the puzzle start to add up. Not long ago, President Bush sought to instill panic in this country by telling us a minimum of 200,000 people will die from the avian flu pandemic, but it could be as bad as 2 million deaths in this country alone.”
This hoax is then used to justify the immediate purchase of 80 million doses of Tamiflu, a worthless drug that in no way shape or form treats the avian flu, but only decreases the amount of days one is sick and can actually contribute to the virus having more lethal mutations.” Read the full report…

Medicine and Politics

CNN tells us that, "The U.S. government has started stockpiling Tamiflu and other medicines that scientists believe might be effective against a pandemic virus."

Real experts tell us that viral mutation will render this medication worthless against this type of influenza." (Reasonable doubt?)

Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccination really required? Do you know the history behind this vaccine and if it is really safe to take a shot?

Recently, various media agencies including the common people have begun to raise doubts regarding the necessity and safety of the swine flu vaccination drive being undertaken by the government. If you read these various articles about the swine flu vaccine, you will agree that there certainly is enough room for doubts.

Swine Flu Vaccine: Just Say No
The Swine Flu Vaccine’s Dirty Little Secret Exposed: Squalene

“A novel feature of the two H1N1 vaccines being developed by companies Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline is the addition of squalene-containing adjuvant to boost immunogenicity and dramatically reduce the amount of viral antigen needed. This translates to much faster production of desired vaccine quantities.”

“When a virus is injected into your body in a vaccine, and especially when combined with an immune adjuvant like squalene, your IgA immune system is bypassed and your body’s immune system kicks into high gear in response to the vaccination.

Injecting organisms into your body to provoke immunity is contrary to nature, and vaccination carries enormous potential to do serious damage to your health.” 

The whole ramifications of the swine flu pandemic and the involvement of different government agencies and big pharmaceutical companies and political parties gives one the shudders and reminds you of the extent of your vulnerability and helplessness. Who do you believe and whom should you listen to and where can you get the truth?

“So before you run out to get that flu vaccination, hold on and ask yourself if it might be necessary at this stage.”

Eating Disorders – Bulimia Nervosa Vs Anorexia Nervosa

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Eating disorders are those disorders where a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, usually in extremes. The person may either eat large amounts of food or go into a fasting mode to starve. These people are overly distressed or concerned about their body weight or shape. Eating disorders are very complex due to their psychological nature and need to be taken seriously.

The two main types of eating disorder are bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. There is also a third category called the "eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)," which includes other variations of eating disorders like “binge–eating” disorder.

Drunkorexia, Manorexia, Diabulimia are new terms (not official or standard medical terms) that have emerged recently and simply refer to subcategories of the well-known eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Drunkorexia is a term used to describe the condition of binge drinking combined with the typical self-imposed starvation seen with anorexia nervosa. The person affected with this disorder is typically a college-aged woman who starves herself whole day so that she can get drunk at night.

Manorexia, as the name suggests refers to a man suffering from Anorexia Nervosa.

Diabulimia is also a type of eating disorder that affects people who take insulin to treat their diabetes. These people try to minimize their insulin dosages in type 1 diabetes in an attempt to control their body weight. Most commonly seen in young girls and women suffering from type 1 diabetes.

Anorexia Nervosa Vs Bulimia:

Anorexia and bulimia are both serious psychological eating disorders characterized by an abnormal obsession of the person affected towards their body weight and shape. Both of these disorders begin typically after a period of dieting and the fear of gaining weight thereafter. These people are typically driven to look thin, are preoccupied with their weight, food, and appearance. They all struggle with feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, and the need to look perfect. These people may start an excessive use of diet pills or other such drugs to control their weight and or bowel movements. Both the disorders are characterized with a disturbed attitude towards eating.

Both the eating disorders also differ form each other in many ways. The main difference between the two being that the people suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to “fast” and starve themselves to look skinny. They tend to be underweight and malnourished. And in spite of their skinny look they still seem to think that they are overweight. They use extreme methods like, excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating to lose weight.

Whereas, the people who suffer from bulimia nervosa, tend to eat food or binge in large amounts followed by purging or vomiting. They generally look normal with normal body weight or at times even slightly overweight and are very secretive about their purging habits. They too use extreme measures like vomiting, diet pills or intake of laxatives to lose weight. It has been observed that the people who suffer from bulimia are more concerned about pleasing others, being attractive to others and even having intimate relationships They are generally less obsessive than the people who suffer from anorexia, but can easily become bored, frustrated, suffer mood swings and have trouble in controlling their impulses. Bulimics (about one third of them) display characteristics of a personality disorder.

Another difference between the two eating disorders is in the nature of medical complications that are associated with them. It has been observed that only half of the women who suffer from bulimia experience amenorrhea or very irregular menstrual periods as compared to almost all women who suffer from anorexia. The people who suffer from bulimia will experience serious dental problems like breaking down of enamel and loss of teeth due to their habit of repeated vomiting. On the other hand, it has been found that the frequent vomiting or chronic diarrhea, due to the use of laxatives, can cause fatal potassium deficiencies, which may lead to weakness, intestinal disorders, kidney disease, or heart damage.

Mahindra ENVIRON - MENTAL Drive

On World Environement day, Mahindra did their bit by asking the Mahindra vehicle owners to drive into their service stations and get a free PUC check for the vehicles. Did I say Mahindra, I should have said someone in Mahindra Company.

As a proud owner of a Mahindra Logan I drove into the Mahindra Global Gallery service station at Kolshet Road Thane.There was a big poster announcing the eco-friendly drive. I was still at the gate wondering which side to take my vehicle to when the security guard asked me to move to a particular spot since there was anither vehicle behind me. I complied and then got down to ask the security how to go about claiming my free PUC check. He confidently told me to take a token from the reception inside.

I went inside and asked the reception. The girl was pretty lost and intimated that there was no such drive going on. I told her about the poster outside and she replied non-chalantly to go in ask someone else. I went in and there was another girl who stopped me in my tracks by asking me what I wanted. I told her and got the same blank stare as the girl outside. But this one was made of tougher material and told me to wait while she confirmed it. After four or five calls to God only knows who, she told me, as it was a revealation, that I was right and there indeed was a drive like that going on. On asked about how to go about it, she tells me, "Take a token from the Security outside and they will get it done". She had no answer to the query as to why the Security sent me in, in the first place.

Anyway I went outside and asked the security for the token. The man looks at me and asks for the key. I asked him, "What Key?" The vehicle key of course he replies, "How can I give a token without the key?" I was losing my mind and told him that I had come for a PUC check which is a two minute job and not for servicing, that he should take my key. The guy smiled and said, "Okay If you want it that way I will give you the token, but you will have to wait." I could see the PUC van parked there with a Scorpio blocking it out completely and guessed it, 'They never intended to use it.' I decided it was not worth it and got in my car to leave. 

Then comes the bummer. As we came to the gate, the security guy who, just minutes before, had asked me to take the car inside and who was watching me move up and down throughout suddenly walks up and asks me for the Gate Pass. I told him I don't have one since I never checked in my vehicle. Our man says you should have and asks me to step out so he could check the vehicle properly. That was it. I lost it and started giving it to him verbally. If it had continued I would have probably taken the law into my own hands, but thanks to my driver, who must also have realised it, and drove the car away without paying any heed to the whistles.

A stupid PUC check costs Rs 80/- only and my purpose of going to the service station was not to save the Rs 80/- but to encourage and take part in the drive initiated by someone sensible. But Alas, only if the employees of the visionaries also see things the same way. Unless of course the employees were directed by the powers that be, to behave in such a manner and discourage any free PUC checks. My vehicle is Pollution free thanks to Mahindra, but it is also certified pollution free and for this no thanks to Mahindra.