Lifestyle

Dr. Ratnav Ratan made it possible for a girl with distal arthrogryposis to walk normally.

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2021

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], May 14: Strange are the ways of God! Children born with congenital conditions have a tough life ahead, along with their parents and family members who are their primary caregivers. Doctors can resolve these congenital complications either to some extent or entirely, depending upon varied factors with advancements in the medical world. And, for the treating doctors become their savior and next to God!

It was a sad plight for a 3-year-old Iraqi girl born with distal arthrogryposis who could not balance herself and had frequent falls. It was becoming difficult for her parents to look after her daily.

Online research on treatment available for distal arthrogryposis led them to Dr. Ratnav Ratan, an orthopedist in Gurgaon, and the founder-owner of Young Bones Clinic, with more than seven years of hands-on experience in treating children with orthopedic disorders. He agreed to treat her and make her walk her normally after studying her preliminary report and investigations.

Dr. Ratnav, an Orthopedic doctor in Gurgaon states, ‘The girl was diagnosed with Distal Arthrogryposis or Freeman Sheldon syndrome (FSS) as she had a whistling face appearance, camptodactyly, and thumb-in-palm deformity. Her feet were very stiff, and they were turned in with soles facing upwards. As she was a medical tourist, I had the challenge of treating her in a limited time frame and making her walk normally.’

He further adds that children with distal arthrogryposis are likely to have joint and spine abnormalities and are likely to fall often, unable to walk or stand independently. They could also complain of breathing, feeding, or speech-related issues which worsen with age.

Distal arthrogryposis or Freeman Sheldon syndrome occurs due to the non-movement of the fetus within the womb. At times, the baby’s central nervous system is unable to send signals to muscles for movement leading to poorly developed or underdeveloped muscles and the formation of extra tissues in the joint. The other reasons are less space in the womb for movement or leakage of amniotic fluid.

Path forward

Dr. Ratnav planned a single-stage correction of both feet deformities after conducting a clinical examination and a series of in-depth testing including CT-Scans, and x-rays. Dr. Ratnav suggested a single-stage correction procedure of both the feet deformities as they were likely to stay in India for a short duration to which her parents agreed.

Dr. Ratnav and his team performed multiple procedures in single operative sitting viz. a posteromedial release with multiple tendon tenotomies, Z lengthening of tendon Achilles, anterior calcaneal shortening in both feet.

It was a successful operation, with the plasters removed after six weeks of the surgery. The patient had recovered well. The entire family was extremely pleased with the outcome of the surgery and improvement in the mobility of their child. Indeed, it was a life-saver of sorts’ surgery for the girl and her parents.

Today, the patient is a young girl who is growing very well. She can walk, play and run as a normal child. She can walk with her entire soles and heels of the feet on the ground.

In case the girl had not received further treatment for her Distal Arthrogryposis condition, her deformity would have worsened with painful joints and the development of arthritis.

Arthrogryposis in Children and their future

As arthrogryposis is a congenital condition detected even before the child is born through an ultrasound test. The doctors can brief the parents about this condition, but eventually, early detection and treatment go a long way in recovering the child’s mobility in the best possible manner.

Each child with arthrogryposis is different. In some children, the condition is mild. It affects only a few joints, and these joints have almost as much movement as normal. In other children, the condition is more serious. It affects more joints and restricts their movement more. In extreme cases, arthrogryposis affects nearly every joint and every physical action. Otherwise, children with these conditions are quite normal with good cognitive and language skills.

As one of the leading pediatric orthopedic surgeons in Gurgoan, Dr. Ratnav Ratan, in conversation with ClinicSpots, a leading healthcare portal, states, “Early detection and treatment go a long way in children born with arthrogryposis. A comprehensive treatment approach is essential for treating such children. With the right pediatric orthopedic attention and treatment, we can resolve their deformities before they attain full growth. We, as pediatric orthopedists, focus on making them move normally and independently in the best possible manner for their well-being.”

Dr. Ratnav Ratan is available for consultation at W Pratiksha Hospital, Sec 56 – Gurgaon and patients can call on +911244131091 for appointments.

Lifestyle

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo, the 19-year-old who won Miss Universe India 2026?

Kerala’s 19-year-old law student and model Kaziah Liz Mejo has won Miss Universe India 2026. She will represent India at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 25, 2026

APNLive Desk

Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, becoming the first Keralite to win the national title. The 19-year-old law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala, won the crown at the pageant finale in Jaipur on Sunday.

With the victory, Kaziah Liz Mejo will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November. She emerged as the winner after competing against 52 other finalists.

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo is a law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala. Although her latest victory has brought her national attention, she already had experience in beauty pageants before winning the Miss Universe India 2026 crown.

She won the Miss Teen Diva 2024 title at the age of 17. In 2025, she represented India at Miss Teen International and finished as the first runner-up. Earlier in 2026, she also won the Miss Universe Kerala title and became the youngest state titleholder.

Her latest achievement has added another milestone to her pageant journey, as she is the first Keralite to win the Miss Universe India title.

Kaziah Liz Mejo grew up in Abu Dhabi

Born in 2007, Kaziah spent her childhood in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She studied at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School.

She is currently pursuing law alongside her modelling career. Her interests also extend beyond academics and pageantry.

According to information cited from the Miss Teen Diva website, Kaziah has trained in classical dance for 12 years. She also sings and plays the drums and violin. She has explored public speaking and acting as well.

Kaziah also made her acting debut with the Malayalam film Shylock.

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s pageant journey

Kaziah’s Miss Universe India 2026 victory follows several achievements in the pageant circuit. After winning Miss Teen Diva 2024, she went on to represent India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as the first runner-up.

Her 2026 journey continued with the Miss Universe Kerala title before she competed at the national pageant in Jaipur.

The finale jury included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, who led the panel. Former Miss Universe India winners Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitley were also part of the judging panel.

Who were the runners-up?

Vaishnavi Gannesh from Tamil Nadu was named the first runner-up and also won the Miss International India 2026 title, while Gujarat’s Anushri Satavlekar finished as the second runner-up.

Kaziah was crowned by last year’s Miss Universe India winner Manika Vishwakarma, who had represented India at the international pageant.

What is next for Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s next major assignment will be the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She is scheduled to travel there in November to represent India at the international competition.

Lifestyle

15 August 2026 wishes to share patriotic messages with friends and family

Looking for Independence Day wishes? Here are 10 patriotic messages to share with friends, family and loved ones on August 15.

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

APNLive Desk

15 August Independence Day patriotic wishes and messages

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15. The occasion is marked by remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

On this special day, people often exchange wishes through social media, WhatsApp and text messages. If you are looking for patriotic messages to send to friends and family, here are 10 options for Independence Day 2026.

10 patriotic Independence Day wishes for August 15

1. A patriotic message

The tricolour is our pride and India is our identity. Remembering the heroes of the nation, wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

2. Remembering the freedom fighters

A heartfelt salute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

3. Independence Day message for friends

On the festival of freedom, may the spirit of patriotism always remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces. Wishing all my friends a very happy August 15. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

4. Independence Day wish for family

Salute to our motherland, India, which fills us with pride. Wishing my entire family a very happy Independence Day.

5. A message celebrating the tricolour

The tricolour flying high in the sky represents unity, courage and honour. Let us always uphold its dignity. Happy Independence Day!

6. Message for children and youth

Freedom is not just a right but also a great responsibility. Let us contribute towards making our country better. Wishing you a very happy Independence Day.

7. A message dedicated to soldiers

A salute to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, because of whom we feel safe in our homes. Salute to all the courageous soldiers and best wishes on Independence Day.

8. A heartfelt Independence Day message

The fragrance of our soil, the pride of the tricolour and respect for our motherland are part of our identity. Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day.

9. Independence Day message for social media

Say with pride that we are Indians; the tricolour is our identity. May the spirit of patriotism always remain alive in our hearts. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

10. Wish for India’s bright future

On this Independence Day, let us pledge to always uphold the unity, integrity and honour of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy August 15.

Independence Day is also an occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the nation. The day can inspire us to learn from the struggles of the freedom fighters and contribute to the country’s progress.

Lifestyle

Happy Friendship Day 2026: Heartwarming quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on August 2. Explore its history, significance and the best Friendship Day quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

August 2, 2026

APNLive Desk

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on Sunday, August 2, across India and several other countries where the occasion falls on the first Sunday of August. The day recognises the importance of friendship and celebrates the companionship, trust and support that friends bring into people’s lives.

As people mark the occasion, many are exchanging heartfelt wishes, messages and quotes on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram to express gratitude for their closest friends.

History and significance of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day was first introduced in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. The concept was to dedicate August 2 as a day for people to appreciate their friends by sending greeting cards. Although the tradition initially became popular, its appeal later declined in the United States.

The movement gained wider recognition in 1958 when Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho proposed celebrating friendship during a gathering in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. His initiative resulted in the formation of the World Friendship Crusade, an organisation that promotes peace and friendship among people worldwide.

In 2011, the United Nations officially declared July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. However, countries such as India continue to celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.

Best Friendship Day 2026 quotes and wishes

Here are some messages and quotes that can be shared with friends on WhatsApp or posted as Instagram status updates:

“Real friendship isn’t about being inseparable, but about being separated and nothing changes. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friends are the family we choose. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Celebrating the people who make my world warmer. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who stayed. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to the laughs, the memories, and the unbreakable bond we share.”

“Wishing you a Friendship Day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.”

“Cheers to all the crazy, wonderful times we’ve shared. Happy Friendship Day!”

“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship is the greatest gift of life. Happy Friendship Day to all my dear friends!”

“To the one who has seen me at my best and stood by me at my worst—thank you for being my constant anchor. Happy Friendship Day 2026!”

“Distance might keep us apart, but real friendship doesn’t care about miles. Cheers to another year of shared memories and unconditional support. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Life is unpredictable, but having a friend like you makes every hurdle easier to cross. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Thanks for knowing all my weirdest habits and still choosing to be seen with me in public.”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other’s embarrassing secrets!”

“Grateful for the ones who make quiet moments comfortable and crazy moments unforgettable. Happy Friendship Day!”

As people celebrate Friendship Day 2026, these heartfelt wishes continue to remind everyone of the enduring value of genuine friendships and the memories shared with those who stand by us through every stage of life.