Queer Representation in 21st Century Hindi Cinema

Cinema is not only a means of entertainment, but it is a form of art, like any other. Cinema has the ability to showcase the experience of witnessing human emotions on the screen, contrary to reading a book. It provides a better mode of expression as it is an amalgamation of sound, images, dialogues, music, people and their emotions.

The world of cinema has always been an important medium of communication among the masses. It is also a means of expressing new ideas and thoughts in an impactful manner. Cinema helps the makers and the viewers to express agreement, dissent and concern regarding social issues and norms. And one such topic of discussion can be the representation of queers in the realm of Indian cinema, mainly Hindi cinema.

Queer Stereotyping

Needless to say there has always been stereotyping of homosexual characters in Hindi movies, at least in the early 2000s. The representation of homosexuals has only been in a very light matter, usually in the form of mockery. A gay man would be typically casted as the comical sidekick who would not really have much to offer to the movie’s plot.

The misguided portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community was also limited to casting only gay characters. Hindi movies such as Dostana (2008), Straight (2008), Mastizaade (2016) deals with queer representation, mainly gay portrayal as comic prop to generate laughter among the masses, at the stake of jeopardising queer identities.

Sincere Queer representation

With the passage of time and the growing awareness among the masses it can be noticed that there has been few attempts at a non-comical queer presentation in Hindi cinema. Before mainstream commercial cinema began their queer representation journey, Hindi art cinema portrayed queer characters with much conviction and depth.

Movies like My brother…Nikhil (2005), Margarita with a Straw (2015),  Aligarh (2016) and a few more, have dealt with queer representation with utmost sincerity and sensitivity. And not just limiting their portrayal of queer characters to gay men only.

It can also be noticed that there has been a shift in queer representation from art to commercial cinema as well. With the growing awareness on LGBTQ+, commercial movies began highlighting queer representation as central characters. Such portrayal further helped in queer sensitization and acceptance by the mass public.

Movies such as, Ek Ladki toh Dekha toh Aisa Laga (2019), Subh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), Chandigarh kare Aashiqi (2021), Badhaai Do (2022) to name a few, has helped the masses through infotainment to understand the daily struggles a queer person has to endure.

OTT and Queer representation

The OTT platform has further broadened the reach to the audience on a day to day basis. Especially in the times of a pandemic when multiplexes were shut, OTT bridged the gap and filled the void. Over the few years the OTT platform has grow immense in term of providing quality content with reference to true representation of the community.

Web projects such as Made in Heaven, (2019), Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2019), Bombay Begums (2021), Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), explored the queer aspect with utmost maturity and sincerity.

                      The decriminalisation of Section 377 of the IPC in 2018 has further lead  to the opening up of new scope and liberty in displaying queer characters. This really widened the space for new convincing projects to establish and delivery themselves with the truest essence of realism. Hopefully in the coming times Hindi cinema portraits queers stories at a much more sensitive and engaging way.

Urban MGNREGA Propgramme to provide employment

 The data on employment/ unemployment is collected through Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. As per the latest PLFS report of 2019-20, the unemployment rate for persons of 15 years and above on usual status basis in urban areas was 6.9% which was 7.6% in 2018-19 and 7.7% in 2017-18.

Government has launched All-India Quarterly Establishment Based Employment Survey (AQEES) in April, 2021. As per the result of the second round of Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) for the period July to September 2021, employment increased to 3.10 crore in the nine selected sectors of the economy which was 3.08 crore during the first round of QES (April-June, 2021) against a total of 2.37 crores in these sectors taken collectively, as reported in the sixth Economic Census (2013-14). Of the total employment estimated in the selected nine sectors, Manufacturing accounted for nearly 39%, followed by Education with 22% and Health as well as IT/BPOs sectors both around 10%. Trade and Transport sectors engaged 5.3% and 4.6% of the total estimated workers respectively.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower: The Book Review

Cover of Perks of Being A Wallflower (1999)

Introduction

The Perks of Being A Wallflower(1999), is a modern age novel written by Stephen Chbosky. The novel is about the dilemma of passivity vs passion that marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction. Stephen Chbosky has created this deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that would spirit the readers back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up. The novel is later adapted to a movie under the same title in 2012.

About The Author

Stephen Chbosky is an American screenwriter, film producer, film director, novelist, television writer, and television producer. He is best-known for writing the bestseller The Perks of Being A Wallflower(1999), as well as for writing and directing the 2012 film adaptation of the book. Most recently, he directed the 2017 drama Wonder and the 2021 film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen. His first psychological horror novel, Imaginary Friend, was published in October 2019.

Stephen Chbosky

Storyline of The Novel

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is narrated by fifteen-years-old Charlie, the titular ‘wallflower’, in a series of letters that he writes to a stranger, beginning the night before he starts his freshman year of high school in 1991. These letters catalogue Charlie’s attempts to “participate”, as he wanders wide eyed through a series of house parties and Rocky Horror Picture Show productions with his new, older friends. Along the way, Chbosky intelligently explores stock Young Adult themes such as mental health, substance abuse and sexuality, whilst simultaneously reminding the reader about how exciting it is to be young and idealistic.

Logan Lerman as Charlie in Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012) movie

           Though shy and sensitive in nature, Charlie is an intelligent boy with unconventional thinking capabilities. His first letters starts with Charlie mentioning about suicide of his Middle School’s friend and death of his favourite aunt Helen and how these tragic incidents have took toll in his life. Charlie befriends two seniors Patrick and Sam and ends up indulging in alcohol and other drugs with Sam. In the meantime, Charlie also learns about his sister having relationship with an abusive guy and eventually getting pregnant. The flashback of his aunt dying in car crash stops haunting Charlie, as he starts enjoying company of his friends and Sam. While playing Truth and Dare, he is asked to kiss the prettiest girl in the room; he kisses Sam for which he faces neglect from the group. Overall this is a story filled with drama and lots of emotions, including, friendship, first love and teenage sexuality.

Logan Lerman as Charlie, Emma Watson as Sam and Ezra Miller as Patrick in Perks of Being A Wallflower movie

Analysis of The Storyline

Throughout the book, through the characters, the author seems to be attempting to answer some of the questions we all face at some time in our life. The author seems to be trying to find the reason why some good people chose bad people to love. This question is raised by Charlie to Mr. Bill and the answer he gives seems to be the central theme of the book “We accept the love we think we deserve”. This can be seen in various characters. Sam is in a relationship with a guy, who seems to consider that everything that is good about her, is good because of him. She seems to have gone through some tough times in her life, and the fact that she didn’t consider herself worthy, seems to have played a role in this.

Scene from Perks of Being A Wallflower movie

The whole book seems to be asking the reader to love themselves. The author, by writing the story as a series of letters, seems to be trying to speak to the readers, as if speaking to a friend, a friend he sees in high regard, no matter how they see themselves.

Iconic scene of Emma Watson in Perks of Being A Wallflower movie

Criticism of The Storyline

Charlie, the protagonist of the novel suffers extreme teenage crisis that sometimes breaks the readers’ hearts that all he had to handle alone inside his head. The book shows all the sides of being a teenager and isn’t afraid to cover mature themes. The book uses its more mature situations in order to relate to teenagers. Many teenagers have experienced these hardships either first hand or by hearing about them. The characters partake in activities that some may see as unwise. These are in the book however to add realism not to encourage or promote these acts. This book will most likely only be fully appreciated by older teenagers due to its unflinching depiction of teenage life. Before reading this book readers should know there are themes of sexual abuse and those that are sensitive to that topic should be cautious about reading this book. 

Logan Lerman and Emma Watson in Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012)

Conclusion

The book has received love all over from many of its readers for its very realistic portrayal of teenage life, complex characters, and thought-provoking commentary from Charlie. This book displays a wide range of emotions. Its relatable and complex characters allow the readers to feel the same emotions the characters are feeling. The book’s use of journal entries to tell its story helps the reader connect to Charlie and it adds to the realism, which makes this book an absolute winner.

Promoting Agroforestry and Horticulture

 Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (HarMedh Par Ped) Scheme was launched in 2016-17 to encourage tree plantation on farm land along with crops/ cropping system to help the farmers get additional income and make their farming systems more climate resilient and adaptive. Presently, the scheme is being implemented in 23 States/UTs including Maharashtra. Under the scheme, assistance to farmers is given through State Govt. for nursery development, boundary plantation and block plantation of prominent tree species to promote, inter-alia, fruit bearing trees, tree borne oilseeds, medicinal & aromatic plants, silk & lac rearing host plants in addition to timber species, so that farmers get early returns.

 In case of promotion of horticulture, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
(MIDH), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth  of  the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. All States and UTs are covered under MIDH.

Preservation of Quality of Native Indian Seeds

 There is well established system available for analysis of seed quality of native Indian crop and trees in the Country. 161 State Seed Testing Laboratories and six Central Seed Testing Laboratories are functioning in the Country. These laboratories are analyzing seeds of native Indian crop and trees for various quality parameters.

As per the information there was a call for greater biodiversity in agriculture sector during COP 26, however, no consensus on the proposal of biodiversity in agriculture among the participating Countries and no final decision was taken. Hence, India has not committed anything on the biodiversity during the COP 26. However, the Government has a policy to encourage conservation of the seeds of native Indian varieties of various crops and trees. The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has conserved 94,609 native Indian varieties of different crops and trees in Gene Banks located in different States.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) has also registered 1896 native Indian varieties of different crops enabling the farmer to commercialize these varieties. PPV & FRA encourages the community and individuals engaged in conservation, improvement and preservation of plant genetic resources of economic plants and their wild relatives particularly in the areas identified as agro-biodiversity hotspots by awarding the community and individuals who have played stellar roles in such activities. 

In order to ensure availability of native seeds and improve their usage by farmers., Indian Council of Agricultural Research is developing high yielding and multi stress tolerant varieties of different crop including cereals, millet, pulses, oilseeds and fruits suited to different agro-climatic condition. In the last seven years, 1956 improved varieties have been developed out of which 924 of cereals, 291 of oilseeds, 304 of pulses, 239 of fiber crops, 118 of forage crops, 64 of sugarcane and 16 of under-utilized crops. In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have been developed.

In order to enhance indigenous species of trees, this Department is implementing Scheme called Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry since 2016-17 to encourage and expand tree plantation. Prominent tree species including indigenous tree species like Indian rosewood, Teak, Eucalyptus, Malabar Neem, ailanthus, Poplar, etc. are promoted for plantation on farm land along with other species. Details of State wise and year wise financial assistance provided under Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry Scheme is at Annexure-I.

In addition, this Department is providing assistance for seed production and distribution under various existing Schemes viz. National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Edible oil-oil palm, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana,  Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture and Sub- Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials.

ANNEXURE-I

Details of the financial assistance provided to State Governments/UTs for the promotion of agro-forestry under Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry Scheme since inception.

(Amount Rs in Crore)

S.No.

Name of State

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

1

Meghalaya

0.00

1.00

0.00

0.00

0.26

2

Mizoram

0.00

0.50

1.50

1.75

1.00

3

Nagaland

0.00

0.91

1.50

0.73

1.10

4

Andhra Pradesh

3.15

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

5

Bihar

0.00

3.00

0.00

1.00

0.20

6

Chhatishgarh

0.00

2.50

1.50

2.00

1.00

7

Gujarat

4.50

2.70

4.00

4.00

4.00

8

Haryana

1.75

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

9

Himachal Pradesh

1.15

0.487

1.00

0.83

0.75

10

Jharkhand

0.00

4.00

1.00

2.00

0.00

11

Jammu & Kashmir

0.00

0.61

3.00

0.00

0.75

12

Karnataka

3.25

4.50

5.56

7.00

5.36

13

Kerala

0.00

2.06

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

Madhya Pradesh

4.20

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

Maharashtra

0.00

4.00

2.00

0.75

1.60

16

Odisha

0.00

4.00

2.00

0.75

1.50

17

Punjab

2.00

0.00

4.48

2.50

1.38

18

Rajasthan

0.00

6.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

19

Tamil Nadu

2.50

0.00

0.00

2.31

3.34

20

Telangana

0.00

0.00

0.80

0.00

0.00

21

Uttar Pradesh

0.00

6.00

0.00

2.00

4.00

22

UT of Ladakh

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.50

Total

22.50

42.27

28.35

27.62

26.73

Converting Rural Haats into Mini Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMCs)

 Physical infrastructure/ facilities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have been developed in 1351 village haats and is under development in 1632 number of village haats.

As on 31.03.2020, there are 6845 numbers of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets in the country. In order to provide better farmer – market linkages and fair prices to farmers, in addition to regulated markets, there are other markets also like non-regulated wholesale markets, farmer – consumer markets, purchase centers and private wholesale markets. In addition, Government is promoting to declare warehouses and cold storages as deemed market yards to improve the farmer – market linkages.

Further, Government of India had launched reform linked National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) scheme, a virtual platform integrating physical wholesale mandis/ markets of different States/ Union Territories (UTs) to facilitate online trading of agriculture and horticulture commodities to enable farmers to realize better remunerative prices for their produce. All these contribute towards better marketing efficiency and also better prices to farmers.  

So far, based on earlier targets and as per the proposals received from States/ Union Territories (UTs), 1000 mandis of 18 States and 3 UTs have been integrated with e-NAM platform. As on 9th February, 2022, more than 1.72 crore farmers & 2.16 lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM platform. Further agricultural produce trade with a value of Rs. 1.74 lakh crore have so far been recorded on e-NAM platform.

Use of Electronic Media for Educating Farmers

 The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is educating farmers through use of following electronic media to upgrade their knowledge on modern agriculture technologies:

  1. The scheme ‘Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension of ‘Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension’ is under implementation to create awareness among the farming community and educate the farmers on improved agriculture technologies. The programmes are telecast through DD Kisan, DD Regional Kendras (18) and broadcast through 96 FM Stations of All India Radio. The ‘Focused Publicity & Awareness Campaign’ is also being undertaken through electronic and print media for creating awareness among the farmers and other stakeholders on technological aspects of agriculture.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are being used to educate farmers.
  3. The ICAR institutes and KVKs have developed 283 mobile apps on different agriculture commodities for providing advisory to the farmers. ICAR has also created an electronic platform ‘Kisan Sarathi’ for supporting agriculture at local niche with national perspective to provide a seamless, multimedia, multi-ways connectivity to the farmers with the latest agricultural technologies, knowledge base and the pool of large number of Subject Matter Specialists.

The Government is implementing following schemes and activities to impart training and educate the farmers to adopt modern agriculture techniques:

  1. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme on ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ popularly known as ‘Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)‘ is under implementation in 691 districts of 28 States & 5 UTs of the country. The extension activities under ATMA, inter-alia, include Farmers’ Training to upgrade their knowledge and technical skills on modern and innovative agricultural technologies.
  2. The ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)’, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is under implementation in all States/UTs for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
  3. The ‘National Food Security Mission (NFSM)’ is under implementation in identified districts of 28 States and 2 UTs viz. Ladakh and J&K of the country to increase the production and productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and nutri- cereals (millets) through area expansion and productivity enhancement.
  4. Under ‘Sub-Mission on Plan Protection & Plant Quarantine’ the ‘Farmer Field Schools (FFSs)’ are conducted to educate farmers on various aspects of Integrated Pest Management.
  5. Four Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) located at Budni (Madhya Pradesh), Hisar (Haryana), Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) and Biswanath Chariali (Assam) are engaged in imparting training to various categories of trainees including farmers, in the field of Farm Mechanization in agriculture sector.
  6. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 729 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country mandated with Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. KVKs organize demonstrations, training programms and skill development programs for the benefit of farmers and farm women, rural youth and in-service extension personnel.

Spreading Awareness on Organic Food

 Organic foods are safe, healthy and free from chemical and pesticides. There has been shift in demand for organic products, especially fruit and vegetables in the cities due to increased awareness about organic food in consumers including younger generation.

Government of India (GOI) has been promoting Organic farming in the country through through dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER) since 2015.  Farmers are provided financial assistance (RS 31000/ ha / 3 years in PKVY and 32500/ ha/ 3years under MOVCDNER) for organic inputs such as seeds, bio/organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides, botanical extracts etc.  Support is also provided for capacity building i.e training of farmers, certification, value addition and marketing of their organic produce. In addition, Organic cultivation on either side of River Ganga, large area certification and support for individual farmers have also been introduced under PKVY. Government have also launched a dedicated web portal- www.Jaivikkheti.in/. online marketing platform for direct sale of organic products to the consumers across the country.

In addition organic farming is also supported under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), Network Project on Organic Farming under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

60th Convocation of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

 Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar today handed over awards and degrees to the 284 students, which includes 8 foreign students, of the Post Graduate School of ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi. On the occasion, Shri Tomar also dedicated 6 varieties of fruits and vegetables to the nation viz., two varieties of mango Pusa Lalima, Pusa Shresth, brinjal variety Pusa Vaibhav, palak variety PusaVilayati palak, cucumber variety Pusa Gynoecious Cucumber Hybrid-18 and Pusa Alpana variety of rose. The bio-fertilizer ‘PUSA Sampoorn’ developed by the division of Microbiology was also released.

 

Addressing the gathering, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to all agriculture institutes to focus on producing good farmers. He said Institutes are producing very talented teachers and scientists which is commendable. Because of this knowledge and technology remain limited to the institutes only. If institutes produce farmers then they can bring this knowledge to the grassroots level. He also exhorted the students for entrepreneurship development and appealed for taking up farming as a profession.

 

Highlighting the government priorities in the field of agricultural research, Shri Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is placed among the top 10 Agri products exporting countries. “We aim to put India among the top 5 countries and I am sure that with the efforts and research of our agriculture institutes, India will achieve it very soon”, the Minister added.

Speaking on implementing the use of drone technology for the benefit of farmers and employment generation for various stakeholders, the Agriculture Minister said that the government is giving 100% as a grant for the purchase of drones to agriculture institutes so that the technology can be taught in the institutes. He also said that Agriculture graduates are also eligible to receive grant support for drone purchases.  The Minister advised the new graduates to see this as a huge opportunity in the field of drone technology.

The Agriculture Minister appreciated the significant contributions made by the institute for ensuring food and nutritional security through the development of superior varieties and technologies in the field of Agriculture. Shri Tomar congratulated all the awardees and appealed to them to contribute to the growth story of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by making Atmanirbhar Krishi. 

Earlier, the Director of the institute, Dr A.K. Singh presented the significant achievements of the institute and informed that wheat varieties developed by this institute contribute nearly 60 million tons of wheat to the nation’s granary worth Rs. 80,000 crores annually. Similarly, the Basmati varieties developed by the institute predominate basmati cultivation in India accounting for 90% of the total foreign exchange (Rs. 29524 crores) earned through the export of Basmati rice amounting to Rs. 32,804 crores. About 48% of the mustard grown area in the country is cultivated with IARI varieties. The total economic surplus generated from Pusa Mustard 25 is estimated at Rs 14323 crores (at 2018 prices) during the last 9 years.

 

 

On this occasion, NABARD-Professor VL Chopra Gold Medal & Best Student of the Year award for MSc and PhD were presented to Ms Debarati Mondal and Dr Siddharood Maragal, respectively. Prof. R.B.Singh; Former Director, IARI, New Delhi was conferred upon D.Sc honoris causa. VIth Dr A.B. Joshi Memorial award was presented to Dr D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, New Delhi. The 2nd Best Agricultural Extension Scientist Award was presented to Dr R.N. Padaria, Head & Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, IARI, New Delhi. XXII Shri Hari Krishna Shastri Memorial Award was given to Dr A.D. Munshi, Principal Scientist, Division of Vegetable Science, IARI, New Delhi. XXII Sukumar Basu Memorial Award was presented to Dr Rajan Sharma, Principal Scientist, Dairy Chemistry Division, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal and IARI Best Teacher award was given to Dr C.M.Parihar, Division of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi.

 

Sh. Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was the guest of Honour during the event. Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR and Dr Rashmi Aggarwal, Dean and Joint Director (Education) also graced the occasion.

The event was also attended by the other dignitaries including Deputy Director Generals and Additional Director Generals of the Council, former Directors and Deans of the Institute, Project Director (WTC), Head of Divisions and Professors. A large number of Faculty members, Students and staff of the Institute watched the event through virtual mode.

*****

Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya across the country

 Union Minister for Education and Chairman, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually interacted with the students of KendriyaVidyalayas across the Country. The Minister attended the programme from KV Andrewsganj, New Delhi and answered the queries of the students.

During the interaction program, the students asked questions related to various fields and subjects. Replying to the query by a student of KV Gurugram, Shri Pokhriyal informed that as the curriculum was cut by 30 percent this year due to Covid-19, therefore in the upcoming competitive examinations like JEE and NEET this year the candidates will have more options to answer the questions.

In response to another query asked by a student from Varanasi, Shri Pokhriyal said that the facilities of online education will continue even after the school reopens. For some time, a mixed format of online and offline will be available for the students.

In response to a question asked by the student of Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrewsganj about the New Education Policy- 2020, the Minister said “New Education Policy has been prepared keeping in mind the India of future. A lot of emphasis has been laid on practical knowledge rather than just bookish knowledge. Vocational training facility will be provided for students from class 6 onwards, in which internship is also associated. Artificial intelligence will also be taught from the school level itself. At the same time, Indian values ​​and culture will also be promoted. This policy is capable of realizing the dream of AatmaNirbhar Bharat”.

Minister also recited his favourite poems on a question related to his literary skills.

Earlier, Shri Pokhriyal also planted a sapling in KV Andrewsganj premises. Giving momentum to the Fit India campaign, he also inaugurated an ‘Open Gym’ in the KV. Apart from this, a Musical Garden was also inaugurated by the Minister in the school premises.

Commissioner, KVS Ms. Nidhi Pandey gave the Welcome Address, while Addl Commissioner, KVS Ms. V. Vijayalakshmi presented the vote of thanks. Senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion

******


Why Indians ignore global issues like climate change

Climate change is a change in the climate or environment of  the planet . it is not a natural process ,but an outcome of human activities and interference with nature. Climate change is not an issue of today or yesterday. It’s been started for a very long time. Transformation or variation in nature has been started in nature since the age of industrialization. climate change is the biggest threat for humanity .It is making our earth inhabitable. . Human civilization was developing at the cost of nature. And after that we all have followed their footprints for getting luxurious lifestyle, comfort, easiness .

development is required , but should not be done at the cost of nature.

Climate change is most worriment issue of today’s world. but the point is whether all countries are equally serious about it. Solemnity about this global issue varies from country to country , because economical condition of countries, lifestyle of their people, education level, women’s condition in countries are not same . That is why it is obvious to have difference in their awareness and  actions. the more people will aware the more they will take action. Awareness relies  on the economical, political and educational level of the country . climate change is such a issue that is difficult to understand .the  . having knowledge is worthless if proper actions are not being made and implemented. All the countries are accountable for this global issue ,however  their contribution is  unlike . the hazardous impact of climate change will not be as per of countries contribution . the whole planet is affected by this.

Climate change increase flood risk. The global average surface temperature has increased 2 degree since the pre – industrial era . Every upcoming year is becoming warmest year ,breaking the record of previous years.  incidents of wild fires have become more apparent of become more apparent ,extinction of wild species ,demolition of ozone layer ,shrinking glaciers , increasing sea level and intensity of tornados, avalanches , new epidemics , water ,air ,soil pollution and heat waves . it more likely to face adverse effect in forthcoming days.

India is the 4th largest emitter of greenhouse gas after china , united state  and EU . For country like india , it   is not possible to pay more attention on this global issue , when they have major issue like corruption , poverty, population, unemployment, education system, basic sanitation, healthcare system, women’s safety, infrastructure, agriculture distress etc. The germanwatch institute presented the result of the global climate risk index 2020.India is also in the top 10 countries. India’s climate risk index is 18.17 and is the major victim of extreme heat ,flood and sand storm among other divesting natural events . Global disasters are making headlines everyday .for instance California wildfire ,Uttarakhand wildfires, Australian bushfires, tycoon and floods etc. Human civilization has put itself in a great hazard by its activities.

India is a developing country and is not responsible much for it as compared to other countries. Two third of people  in india are  living in poverty,: they lack a basic need. Middle class aim to have decent well paid job, hope to own a house of their own, seek to have a secure retirement  and want to secure the  healthcare and  educational need of their family. Affluent section are  busy in their luxurious life. In India citizens are tackling with more sever issue such as food security ,shelter, employment ,lack of good education and politics is concern with other things .

 In Indian politics climate change is not a major issue. Indian politics revolves more around religion , faith, party system ,temple, cast etc. Good education makes people aware and it leads the country toward new innovations  and breakthroughs ,which will ultimately help us in fight with climate change .In agriculture  sector we need new crop seed  with climate resilient feature because our land will have to face more flood ,droughts and extreme heat. We need new innovation in renewable energy sector ,people will only switch their  energy source when they find renewable energy source as cheap as traditional one. Although many major automobile companies have launched electric vehicle ,electric cycle but they are so expensive that middle class can’t  afford to buy. Research and development in this sector will help them to reduce the price while improving its  functionality .one main thing we need to ensure  that  these electric vehicles must use renewable energy for their charging.

People’s participation is crucial in any anti climate action plan proposed by government .There is lot of examples  of individual endeavours  such as Greta Thunburg, Devaki Amma from Kerela state of India who alone grew a forest and Anupam  Mishra know for the conservation of rivers and water sources. So everyone has a place in fight with climate change .

Lack of coordination  at  both national  and international level. countries have made many agreements , protocols, pacts and organization to combat the climate issue like IPCC ,UNFCC,RIO SUMMIT ,PARIS PACT,MONTIAL PROTOCOL ,COP SUMMIT but we can clearly see the lack of seriousness in world politics. Their words are more than action. Like all developing countries, India’s concern about economic development and poverty alleviation is justified. And must be fully respected in any global climate regime, As virtually stated  explicitely in the UNFCCC  (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

At world level, the largest polluter or carbon emmitor –US walked out  of the global agreement. However , later US  rejoin the paris agreement United state has produced  6.6 billion matric tons of carbon dioxide in 2019,the second largest emitter in the world after china. india is  the third largest emitter of greenhouse  gases.   For  the first time The Paris Agreement has  brought  together entire countries with a common goal of limiting   global warming to below 2 degree Celsius .  To attain this long  term temperature goal, countries motive to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible  to achieve a climate neutral world by mid century.

Cyber Bullying in India

Cyber bullying is a state when a person is threaten, harassed and is humiliated via mobile phone or Internet by a person or else by a group of persons. Cyber bullying can be considered equally offensive and harmful as bullying in real world is. In this modern era using social media account is very common which each one of us do and these accounts helps us to post pictures, data or anything a person wish to but these are often misleading by these bullies. Cyber bullying can be in the form of targeting of social media publically or by sending hurtful and   inappropriate messages. Cyber bullying can be considered as an extremely dangerous one because it allows the bullies to embarrass and harass any person at any time via any gadget and platform. Now a days everyone is quite familiar with social media networking be it a child, an adult or a senior-citizen and thus it becomes somewhat easier to be the victim or the suspect of such prejudice. It was found in a study that “1 in 3 high school students have been subjected to some form of bullying or cyber bullying.”

In the India Penal Code and the Information Technology Act suggest cyber bullying as an extremely serious offence which results in adequate punishment. This term was introduced by Bill Belsey who was a Canadian educator. Cyber bullying is that state of position where one can use information technology or communication technology to torture or harm the other person. Cyber bullying often results in victim getting into a brutal situation or every so often in a depressed state of mind. The basic motive behind this crime is to hurt a person; it can be a known or an unknown person too. In the case of bullying the suspect could be a powerfully person whether economically or socially than the victim. As per the report of the survey it was found that 63% of the children under the age of 18 are victim of cyber bullying. These bullying are of different types which involves mistreating blogs, private pictures, abusing a person via chat section and sending junk mails. Other than this, revealing personal data, pictures, harassing someone in groups or publically or stealing passwords as well as forcing someone else to bully the victim is also a kind of bullying. Cyber bullying can either be very simple one where the suspect do so using mails, messages, etc. but other than this bullying can also be in a vigorous form as sometimes the suspect starts to gang up against the victim and threats also gives sexual comments, spreads rumors, etc.

Cyber bullying is that wound that effects the person wholly and solely for lifetime. Ignoring or overcoming such bullies is not a permanent solution for it. At Indian Penal Code of 1860 in 2013, these stalking are considered as a great criminal offense. According to section 354C of IPC if any person who is caught bullying a female or taking of her private pictures or watch her when she is at her privacy than that person shall be penalized with sentence of one to three year in prison and also have to charge some fine.

Conclusion

Cyber bullying is a great offence and is also punishable in India. We people have the tendency to avoid things which later results as a devastating one. Cyber bulling also come under such category which can take an ugly shape with the course of time. As every second child is a victim of such cyber bullying there should be more laws and measures regarding it. These laws should be made keeping in mind the psychological state of the victim too. Smalls ignorance leads to heart-rending situations and stopping such bullying is crucial at this point of time otherwise these bullies could be left open and the only suffers will be the victim.

Digital India initiative

Digital India initiative is one the key initiative launched by government of India on 1st July 2015. The initiative is counted among one of the most prestigious project just like made in India, Swach Bharat Abhiyaan etc. it consist of some major objective towards the development of better services and infrastructure in terms of digital modernisation of the country.
It comes under the ministry of Electronics and information and ministry of finance, officially launched by Prime minister of India Shree Narendra Modi. it has 3 main area of focus which includes:
• The utility of Digital infrastructure for the citizens of India
Improvement of digital infrastructure so that the citizens can utilise the services of internet.
• Internet and other services requirement
There are areas where people still do not have access to basic internet services, and additionally providing all the advance services to the population of the country.
• Digital empowerment
It refers to overall empowerment that will occur when the digital structure strengthens in the country.
The initiative serves multiple purpose, starting from improving the basic facilities to introducing modern technology at various level.

Digital marketing agency to help startups for social media post.

We live in a world that is saturated with smartphones and communication technologies. A startup might find it difficult to weave through the busy internet. To make your startup for social media post reach through a group of people and make your startups grow then hiring a digital marketing agency would be a great choice. If you notice carefully Digital Marketing agency helps us to startup social media posts in a very convenient and creative way.

Digital marketing agencies create advertising campaigns and place the advertisements across digital media outlets of that particular post . Through in-house capabilities. These agencies also provide advance, creative services, account management, production of advertising material, and media planning and buying.

Startups for social media posts are being launched in the internet every next moment . These startups have to compete with long-standing high level brand or social media posts of different people or organization or we can say old-known companies or brands which must be offering services from long back.

Digital marketing agency to help startups for social media post  not just by sharing it in social media but also sharing it in a creative way. Startups often have a limited budget, hence they have to make the most of their limited finances in reaching customers and developing either profit or revenue so as I mention these companies or people  hire these digital marketing agencies to help them by making creative strategies and helping them ahead with their social media post.

So, in this way Digital marketing agency help startups for social media post to achieve their desired goal.

Be the next Tim, Martin, Febrice

As Richard Branson rightly said “A business has to be involving. It has to be fun.And it has to be exercise your creative instincts”. The 2021 Startup summit will held on 27th – 29 th August. Not all individual privilege enough to getting opportunity to learn about business, entrepreneurship, investment . Some study these in university , some from parents, some from Jobs. To democratize the whole process of learning Business Startup Summit 2021  ( http://www.startupsummit.live) gives you opportunity to take home priceless insights about strategies, funding, branding, launching and setting up your dream business. Startup Summit Live will be a gathering of over 30,000 Entrepreneurs, Investors, Corporate Representatives, Government officials and Influencers from the Indian Sub-Continent, Middle-East, American and European startup ecosystems. With over 200 Speakers in the event,you can take home priceless insights about strategies, funding, branding, launching and setting up your dream business.                The notable speaker will be Tim Draper which is an American venture capital investor, and founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson , Draper University, Draper Venture Network, Draper Associates and Draper Goren Holm. His most prominent investments include Baidu, Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, AngelList, SolarCity, Twitter, DocuSign, Coinbase, Robinhood, Ancestry.com, Twitch, Cruise Automation, and Focus Media. He helped many yound entrepreneur through funding, education, Media and government reform. Another amazing speaker will be Sir Martin Sorrell. He is Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc, which is building a purely digital advertising and marketing services business for global, multinational, regional, local clients and millennial-driven influencer brands. Martin was CEO of WPP for 33 years, building it from a £1 million “shell” company in 1985 into the world’s largest advertising and marketing services company. When Sir Martin left in April 2018, WPP had a market capitalisation of over £16 billion, revenues of over £15 billion, profits of approximately £2 billion and over 200,000 people in 113 countries. Prior to that, Sir Martin was Group Financial Director of Saatchi & Saatchi plc for 9 years and worked for James Gulliver, Mark McCormack and Glendinning Associates before that. Many more speaker will be Fabrice Grinda, Sandeep Aggarwal, Alok kejriwal etc. For only Rs 299 per person these summit will surely add value to your entrepreneurial journey. For attending 3days summit you will get a certificate for attendance which surely help the aspirant job seeker by adding weight to resume.                The main objective for this summit will be to educate yound mind to do business as well as making them sensible to understand the market beyond metro cities. Specially in 3rd world country the start up has to scale up to increase the economy. So Government also launching various scheme to help our great mind who come forward to solve problem of society or fill the void of necessary, low cost products. For more information visit http://www.startupsummit.live