Brain Drain from the developing nations

With millions of people shifting from developing to developed nations in the past few decades in search of better opportunities, “Brain Drain” has become a serious issue. It is also known as “Human Capital Flight”. It is defined as a phenomenon when highly qualified and skilled individuals move to other countries for better jobs or educational opportunities.

As a result of this migration of the people, the developed countries gain human capital known as “Brain Gain”. Human capital plays a crucial role in the economic development of any country. This benefits the already developed nations while the developing nations end up losing their skilled workforce.

A huge number of Indians migrate to other nations every year. Research by the World Bank shows that more than 3% people worldwide reside in different countries rather than in the country of their birth.

Students especially from the field of science, technology and research move to countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia etc. Between 2003 and 2013, the US saw a drastic rise in the number of immigrant scientists and engineers from 21.6 million to 29 million according to the National Centre for Science and Engineering Statistics. (NCSES)

Causes of Brain Drain

Brain drain is caused due to a combination of the “pull factors” and the “push factors”. Developed nations have more pull factors and the developing nations having more push factors leads to brain drain.

Push factors are the reason why people move out of their country. It includes underemployment or under-paid jobs. People move to other countries when they don’t get paid enough for their skillset. Another major factor is standard of living. People prefer to move out from countries which lack basic facilities like proper education, healthcare and pleasant working conditions.

Lack of research opportunities in the developing nations are another reason that makes people move to another country for higher studies. Disaster prone areas and lack of safety can also be a push factor to move to another country. The push factors not only cause brain drain but also indicate the inadequacy of proper facilities in the native country.

Pull factors are the factors that attract an immigrant to the destination. These are the exact opposites to the push factors. This includes better employment or educational opportunities, political rights, pleasant working conditions etc. These factors make the immigrants stay back and they often turn into permanent residents of the country.

It is extremely important to ensure properly funded research laboratories for higher studies, better salary for skilled occupations and a good working environment.

The solution to brain drain is to develop the overall standard of living in order to utilise the human capital of the country efficiently.

Domestic violence

(Photo: Bar and Bench)

Domestic violence (also named domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. Domestic violence may be used as a synonym for intimate partner violence, which is committed by a spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner, and can take place in heterosexual or same sex relationships, or between former spouses or partners. In the broadest sense, domestic violence can also involve violence against children, parents, or the elderly. It takes a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, reproductive and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse such as choking, beating, female genital mutilation, and acid throwing that results in disfigurement or death. Domestic murders include stoning, bride burning, honor killing and dowry death(which sometimes involve non-cohabitating family members).

FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Physical abuse is that involving contact intended to cause fear, pain, injury, other physical suffering or bodily harm. In the context of coercive control, physical abuse is to control the victim. Physical violence can be the culmination of other abusive behavior, such as threats, intimidation, and restriction of victim self-determination through isolation, manipulation and other limitations of personal freedom. Denying medical care, sleep deprivation, and forced drug or alcohol use, are also forms of physical abuse.

Sexual abuse, is defined by World Health Organization as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion. Aside from initiation of the sexual act through physical force, sexual abuse occurs if a person is verbally pressured into consenting, unable to understand the nature or condition of the act, unable to decline participation, or unable to communicate unwillingness to engage in the sexual act. This could be because of underage immaturity, illness, disability, or the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or due to intimidation or pressure.

Emotional abuse includes minimizing threats, isolation, public humiliation, unrelenting criticism. Stalking is a common form of psychological intimidation. Victims tend to feel their partner has nearly total control over them, greatly affecting the power dynamic in a relationship, empowering the perpetrator, and disempowering the victim. Victims often suffer from depression, putting them at increased risk of eating disorders, suicide, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Economic abuse (or financial abuse) is a form of abuse when one intimate partner has control over the other partner’s access to economic resources. Marital assets are used as a means of control. Economic abuse diminishes the victim’s capacity to support themselves, increasing dependence on the perpetrator, including reduced access to education, employment, career advancement, and assets acquirement. Forcing or pressuring a family member to sign documents, to sell things, or to change a will are forms of economic abuse.

CAUSES

A partner’s domination may take the form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Studies suggest that violent behavior often is caused by an interaction of situational and individual factors. That means that abusers learn violent behavior from their family, people in their community and other cultural influences as they grow up. They may have seen violence often or they may have been victims themselves. Some abusers acknowledge growing up having been abused as a child.

Children who witness or are the victims of violence may learn to believe that violence is a reasonable way to resolve conflict between people. Boys who learn that women are not to be valued or respected and who see violence directed against women are more likely to abuse women when they grow up. Girls who witness domestic violence in their families of origin are more likely to be victimized by their own husbands. Although women are most often the victim of domestic violence, the gender roles can and are reversed sometimes.

Alcohol and drugs may contribute to violent behavior. A drunk or high person will be less likely to control his or her violent impulses toward their partner, so keeping such drinking or drug use episodes to a minimum may be valuable for a person living in a domestic violence situation.

No cause of domestic violence, however, justifies the actions of the abuser, nor should it be used as a rationale for their behavior. These possible causes are only to better understand why an abuser believes it is acceptable to abuse their partner physically, sexually, psychologically or emotionally. Ultimately an abuser needs to get help for their unhealthy and destructive behavior, or find themselves living a solitary and lonely life.

STATISTICS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (CDC, 2017)

• 1 in 10 women in the United States will be raped by an intimate partner in her lifetime. (CDC, 2010)

• Approximately 16.9% of women and 8.0% of men will experience sexual violence other than rape by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. (CDC, 2010)

• Data on sexual violence against men may be underreported.

• An estimated 9.7% of women and 2.3% of men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime. (CDC, 2017)

• Nearly half of all women and men in the United States will experience psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (CDC, 2017)

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES TO CURB DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, meant for uplifting women in the sphere of women’s education
Sukanya Samriddhi Account, meant to help families’ save for their daughters
One Stop Center scheme meant to offer easy access for women suffering from domestic abuse or violence, and needing support
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana meant to offer free LPG connections to women living below poverty line
Mahila Haat meant to support women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups
Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme for Children of Working Mothers meant to provide affordable daycare services to working women
Maternity Benefit Scheme meant for pregnant women and lactating mothers
Women’s Helpline 1091 meant to provide emergency assistance to women in trouble, especially those facing violence of any kind

WHAT CAN WE DO?

• Calling the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.

• Speak out publicly against domestic violence.

• Consider reaching out to your neighbor, friends, family.

• Educating others on domestic violence.

• Organize campaigns special in rural areas.

Donating to domestic violence counselling programs

Importance and benefits of reading books!

Growing up we all have learned basic skills and out of all the skills, our ability to read is the most significant. Whatever you read, it ends up enlightening you. And when it comes to books, each book that you read is an opportunity to learn something new. By reading you can broaden your vocabulary, improve your writing skills, train your mind, enhance your wellness, lower stress, and most important thing you can discover something new about yourself.

Why is reading important?

It has been said that a person who can read can educate themselves in any field of life they’d like to. In this modern era, everything is flooding with fresh information. And reading is the best way to clarify and relate to further information.

Although you can find it easier to watch a Youtube video or listen to a podcast, reading still tastes the cake when it comes to comprehension and enhancing your education.

What are the benefits of reading books?

If you are a bookworm, you already know many of the benefits of reading books. And if you are not then you are reading the right article. Mentioned below are some of the benefits of reading books:-

I) Improves Concentration

Reading requires concentration, time, and patience. In simple words, reading forces you to use your brain. According to One World Literacy Foundation, “when you read, you need to reason things out that are unfamiliar to you.”

II) Broaden Vocabulary

If you read, you uncover new words, that allow understanding on a greater level. If you read an hour per day, you’ll end up exposing yourself to approx 4 million words in a year. Isn’t it amazing?

III) Reduces Stress

According to a study by Sussex University, reading can reduce stress by 68%. When you read you involve your mind in reading, which takes away your focus from all the worries.

David Lewis (a cognitive neuropsychologist) said, “It doesn’t matter what book you read. By losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination.”

IV) Makes You A Better Communicator

When you learn new vocabulary, you become a far better communicator. With all the new vocabulary, you’ll know which word is right for which context. For example, when you feel bad, it can be anything like you are feeling hungry, you have a fever, you have a headache, etc. But if you say that I am feeling bad then you are not specifying the feelings, which results in another person not understanding what are you going through. In that case, your vocabulary can help, that you learn by reading.

V) It Helps Your Writing

With all the creativity, vocabulary, and communication skills gained from reading, imagine what you can do with your writing skills. By reading other’s work you can experience their way of explaining a feeling or certain situation. Hence, you learn how to use other writers’ experiences to improve yours.

VI) Reading Improves Empathy

Empathy is being able to put yourself in someone’s else shoes. Reading fiction or non-fiction can bring you as close as you’ll ever be in someone”s shoes. Studies have shown that readers have a better sense of empathy.

There is a saying, “Books are man’s best friend.” I believe every one of us should follow this and start reading.

The "Dead Bird" Story

Smeared blood, shredded feathers. Clearly, the bird was dead. But wait the slight fluctuation of its chest, the slow blinking of its shiny black eyes. No, it was alive. I had been typing an English essay when I heard my dog’s loud barks and the flutter of wings. I had turned slightly at the noise and had found the barely breathing bird in front of me.

The shock came first. Mind racing, heart beating faster, blood draining from my face. I instinctively reached out my hand to hold it, like a long-lost keepsake from my youth. But then I remembered that birds had life, flesh, blood.

Death. Dare I say it out loud? Here, in my own home?

Within seconds, my reflexes kicked in. Get over the shock. Gloves, napkins, towels. Band-aid? How does one heal a bird? I rummaged through the house, keeping a wary eye on my dog. Donning yellow rubber gloves, I tentatively picked up the bird. Never mind the dog’s barks and protesting scratches, you need to save the bird. You need to ease its pain. But my mind was blank. I stroked the bird with a paper towel to clear away the blood, see the wound. The wings were crumpled, the feet mangled. A large gash extended close to its jugular rendering its breathing shallow, unsteady. The rising and falling of its small breast slowed. Was the bird dying? No, please, not yet.

Why was this feeling so familiar, so tangible?

Oh. Yes. The long drive, the green hills, the white church, the funeral. The Indo-Christian mass, the resounding amens, the flower arrangements. Me, crying silently, huddled in the corner. The Massey family huddled around the casket. Apologies. So many apologies. Finally, the body lowered to rest. The body. Sahil Elson Massey. Still familiar, still tangible.

Hugging Sahil, I was a ghost, a statue. My brain and my body competed. Emotion wrestled with fact. Sahil Elson Massey, aged 18, my friend of four years, had died in a car crash on Sep. 12, 2020. Sahil was dead, I thought. Dead.

But I could still save the bird. My frantic actions heightened my senses, mobilized my spirit. Cupping the bird, I ran outside, hoping the cool air outdoors would suture every wound, cause the bird to miraculously fly away. Yet there lay the bird in my hands, still gasping, still dying. Bird, human, human, bird. What was the difference? Both were the same. Mortal.

But couldn’t I do something? Hold the bird longer, de-claw the dog? I wanted to go to my bedroom, confine myself to tears, replay my memories, never come out. The bird’s warmth faded away. Its heartbeat slowed along with its breath. For a long time, I stared thoughtlessly at it, so still in my hands.

Slowly, I dug a small hole in the black earth. As it disappeared under handfuls of dirt, my own heart grew stronger, my own breath more steady. The wind, the sky, the dampness of the soil on my hands whispered to me, “The bird is dead. Sahil has passed. But you are alive.” My breath, my heartbeat, my sweat sighed back, “I am alive. I am alive. I am alive.”

Teen Depression and Mental Health

We have heard a lot of cases of teen depression and suicides due to the same, it’s a common problem of the modern and developing world. But have you ever been able to share something that’s bothering you frankly with your family? Or were you forced to keep that feeling inside you and decided to move on with it?

MYTH VERSUS FACTS

Growing up in an Indian family, most of us must have undergone the pressure of having strict parents who always behaved like the devil with two horns on its head. With that, we were well aware to not talk about our mental being with them because usually, the topic was avoided or changed by the intervention of your marks or the progress in the subject you were failing.

If ever kids try to explain how they feel, they are often shut or are scolded for the reason of their messed up schedule. The adults who are literate and know about mental well-being, ignore this aspect thinking that it’s taboo and shouldn’t be considered for discussion.

The pressure of acting neutral before parents and gulping their actual feelings make new teens undergo phases that are not only depressive but disturbing, which leads to self-harm and suicide.

Depression isn’t a disease but a mental state, and people should understand that it cannot be cured by fixing the monotonous schedule or by waking up earlier than the individual normally does.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Mental health refers to psychological, emotional, and social well-being, and should be considered as an important factor at all stages of life.

Excessive stress about work, studies, and peer pressure of doing what one is forced to leads to depression. If a child spends most of the time alone, instead of indulging with kids of their own age results in loneliness in the long term, which is often harmful to their mental development.

The constant nagging from parents and people around about any activity that the teen performs, might lead to long term trauma and fear of coming out to people, which will force them to stay hidden from society because of the fear of being judged will let them down and they’ll probably start liking being alone for a time period until it becomes addictive and courses way to depression and mental instability.

Depression isn’t supposed to look like, a person who is always sitting in the dark and does nothing, it has nothing to do with one’s psychical appearances because that can be faked way too easily; it’s about their mental state which might not be stable even when they’re sitting with you, laughing and having a good time of their lives. We should never judge a person by how they look or what they do because we’re absolutely unaware of what they’re going through.

EARLY SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Experiencing any such following thing might be seen as an indicating warning sign of depression:

eating too much not eating at all
having low or no energy
pulling away from people and usual activities
feeling numb or useless
yelling or fighting, friends, and family
sleeping too much or not at all
having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
thinking of harming yourself or others
feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
experiencing severe mood swings
hearing voices or believing things that are not true

CONCLUSION

Depression should be normalized and talked freely, teens should be educated over this topic and should be provided an environment where they feel safe about sharing their feelings and mental state. The unnecessary pressure must be avoided from the side of parents and mentors, letting them have the space to think correctly and not by force.

Stock Market

Money plays a crucial role in our lives. Every person has a desire to be rich for which people search different paths. One such path is the stock market.

A stock market is a place where buying and selling of ownership of a company take place. These units of ownership are termed shares, which collectively are known as stocks.

Many regard it as a Gamble & state it’s an easy fortune for some, for others, it is a road to doom.

There is some element of risk in this investment but majorly success depends on the person and their analysis of the stocks.

Some key things to consider while buying a share:-

• Face value(FV) of the share– Dividend is paid on the face value of the share.

For example, if a share is traded for Rs 1000 with a face value of Rs 2. 100% dividend it would mean a sum of Rs 20 is paid.

•Past performance of the company- A company with a good performance record. Have a growth potential and the chances of price rise are more.

• Any major Change in government policy -Change may have an impact on the business environment. For instance, a policy that bars or regulates new competitors from entry will be a good indicator for the existing players.

• ROI– ROI or Return on Investment tries to measure the amount of return a particular investment, relative to the investment’s costs.

assam and mizoram dispute

ASSAM AND MIZORAM DISPUTE

BY : NEHA SHAHAB

Fresh violence broke out at the disputed Assam-Mizoram border today — two days after Union home minister Amit shah Chief Ministers of the northeast at Shillong. There were reports of firing from the border area – which lies over Assam’s Cachar district and Mizoram’s Colasib district and attacks on government vehicles.

The Chief Ministers of both states clashed on Twitter, and tagged Union Home Minister Amit Shah in their posts.

Tweeting a video of the violence where people armed with sticks can be seen, Chief Minster Zoramthanga sought Mr Shah’s intervention, saying it “needs to be stopped right now.

All senior officers are now camping along the border. The situation has now been brought under control. However, due to the presence of Mizoram police on their side, some people have fled their homes along the inter-state border in fear. But no one forced them to leave the area,” said Cachar district SP Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant.

Panchayat system in India

The Panchayat system is an integral part of India’s democratic structure. A local government is closest to the common citizens and promotes participatory democracy. Mahatma Gandhi believed that India lives in its villages. He cherished the idea of self-sustained villages with effective decentralization of economic and political power through village Panchayats.

Panchayat means an assembly of five people chosen and accepted by the local people. Traditionally, it was used to settle disputes in the village. The roots of the Panchayat system in India are extremely old. Even during the colonial times, many developments in the direction of local governments can be traced. In 1882, Lord Rippon had established local self-government in India.

Article 40 of our constitution states that “The state shall take steps to organize village Panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.”

Several committees were set-up by the Government of India to study the implementation of self-government in rural areas; Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), Ashok Mehta Committee (1977), GVK Rao Committee (1985), LM Singhvi Committee(1986).

73rd Amendment

After the recommendations by a number of committees, the 73rd amendment was passed in 1992. It constitutionally strengthened the power and responsibility of the Panchayat system. It established a three-tier system popularly known as Panchayati Raj. First was the Gram Panchayat at the village level, followed by the Block Panchayat at the intermediate level, and the district level body known as Zilla Parishad.

The amendment provided the Panchayat with the responsibility to develop plans for economic development and social justice. The 29 functional responsibilities in the 11th schedule were transferred to the local bodies which includes; rural electrification, poverty alleviation programme, education, agriculture, social welfare, drinking water, women and child development etc. Each state can decide how many of these twenty-nine subjects would be transferred to the local government.

Members of these bodies are elected directly by the people for a tenure of five years.The State Election Commission has the responsibility for conducting the Pachayat elections. Along with reservation for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, one-third of the Panchayat positions were reserved for women.

The Gram Panchayat is headed by the Sarpanch. Other than Gram Panchayat, a Gram Sabha was also established. It was an assembly which consisted of all the voters of the village.

The 74th amendment focussed on urban local government while the 73rd was for the rural local government. Both the amendments promoted democratic decentralization of power.

The main objective of the Panchayat system is to strengthen the base of democracy at grass-root level. It gives an opportunity to the citizens to participate in the implementation of rural development policies.

Yoga And Some Science-supported Benefits.

We all are familiar with Yoga and many of us even practice it on a day-to-day basis. But, do we know what does the word “Yoga” means? And what benefits of Yoga are supported by science? Well, some of us may know and some of us don’t. So, let’s dive into the questions mentioned above, and let’s learn.

The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” which means ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke or ‘to unite’. It assimilates mediation and poses composed to stimulate relaxation and reduce stress. In simple words, Yoga is an ancient practice that brings our body and mind together.

Practicing Yoga can provide a lot of benefits for both our mental and physical health. Although not all the benefits are supported by science. Mentioned below are some of the many benefits of Yoga that are supported by science:-

I) Improves Flexibility and Balance

In several studies, it has been found that practicing yoga can improve flexibility and balance.

According to a study in 2017, a group of 26 male athletes who undertook Yoga for 10 weeks, had shown greater improvement in their flexibility levels compared to the control group.

II) Could Promote Sleep Quality

Poor sleep quality can cause a lot of trouble for a person. Although it has been found in studies that yoga could improve sleep quality.

In a study, in 2005, 69 old patients were assigned to either practice Yoga, herbal preparation, or be a part of a control group. It has been found that the Yoga group fell asleep faster, slept longer, and felt more rested than the other groups.

III) Can Decrease Stress

As mentioned in the above line Yoga is known for stimulating relaxation and stress.

Many studies have also shown that it decreases the secretion of the primary stress hormone (cortisol).

In an observation, 24 women labeled themselves emotionally distress, when completed a three-month yoga program, showed significantly lower levels of cortisol. They also had a lower level of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

IV) Could Improve Heart Health

The health of your heart is a very essential component of your overall health. And studies have shown that yoga may help in improving heart health and in reducing factors leading to heart disease.

A study has found that participants over 40 years of age who practiced yoga for five years had lower blood pressure and pulse rate than those who didn’t.

V) Improves Life Quality

For many individuals, Yoga has now become an accompaniment to improve the quality of life.

In a study, 135 elders were assigned to either practice Yoga for 6 months, walking, or join a control group. The Yoga group showed improved quality of life as well as mood, and fatigue, compared to other groups.

Though these were only a few benefits of Yoga that are supported by science, you can always go and google more. Science has also accepted the beneficiary of practicing Yoga, then you should too. Just by giving 1hr from your day to Yoga, you can improve both mentally and physically. In the end, it always depends on you.

CHUNA : A Magical Medicine

Chuna is a very familiar name also known as lime or calcium hydroxide.It is used for various purposes.But most importantly it is used to cure many health related issues.

Chuna that is used for eating is called edible chuna because it is the pure form of it. In ancient times people used to eat chuna by applying it on the beetle leaves because it has many benefits.

Benefits of Chuna

1.It is a good source of calcium

Calcium is very important for our body because it helps to strengthen our weak bones.Intake of calcium is necessary for each age group. But women above the age of 30 and old age group need more calcium for their body. So they have to take calcium supplements.Intake of chuna as calcium supplement can help to restore calcium in their body.

2.Helps to make teeth stronger

As chuna is a good source of calcium it helps to make our teeth stronger and prevents from early falling of teeth.

3. Increases height

One of the main problems of children is related with their height. Everyone want a good height.So if you want to increase your height take chuna regularly.

4. Periods

Women’s who do not have their periods regular or have very bad cramps during periods should take chuna regularly. Chuna helps to ease their problems.

5. Helps to boost memory

People who have problem in memorizing and tends to forget things easily,should intake chuna. It is also very helpful for people suffering with Alzheimer disease.

6. Helps to cure jaundice

If you are suffering from jaundice you should intake chuna by mixing it in water. It helps to cure jaundice.

7. Digestion

Intake of chuna increases the level of gastric juices which helps in proper digestion. Those who have the problem of constipation should intake chuna.

8. Eyesight

Regular intake of chuna mixed with water helps to improve eyesight. Those who wear spectacles should intake chuna.

9. Pregnancy

During pregnancy women body requires an lot of calcium to strengthen her and fetus bones.So intake of chuna helps to provide calcium during this period. Regular intake of chuna helps to reduce labor pain. Take grain size amount of chuna, mix it in the pomegranate juice and drink it daily. From this pregnant women gets both calcium and iron. It also helps to prevent miscarriage.

10. Inflammation of Joints

People have problem of inflammation of joints due to the deficiency of calcium and vitamin D. Inclusion of chuna in the diet helps to prevent such diseases due to regular supply of calcium.

11. Anemia

Anemia is a condition under which hemoglobin is less than the normal. Intake of chuna helps to increase hemoglobin.

12. Knee pain

Those who have the problem of knee pain should regular intake chuna to get relief from such pain.

13. Menopause

Women suffers with many problem when menopause starts. To have relief from such problem take chuna regularly.

Directions for use

Take grain size amount of chuna, mix it in the water and drink it daily. Do not take a large amount of chuna as it may result in bloating and gas.Those who have problem of kidney stones should not take chuna.

Availability of chuna

Edible chuna can be easily available at panwari shops and online stores.It has so many benefits but still its price is very low and anyone can afford it .

FLAX SEEDS: Best for Health and Longevity

Flax seeds are also known as linseed. It is a flowering plant called Linum usitatissimum.It is a food and fiber crop grown in temperate region.

Flax seeds has been used for thousand of years and they also form an essential part of our diet. It is best for health and longevity of life. It contains 800 times more lignin than any other food plant. It is one of the best vegetarian source of omega-3 found in salmon. 50 gm of flax seeds is equivalent to that found in 3-ounce of salmon serving. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9. It is a rich source of iron,calcium and protein. Amino acid found in flax seed are the one’s which human body can’t generate on its own.

Uses of Flax Seeds

According to a research, intake of omega-3 provides benefit in many diseases. By consuming flax seeds, we have the following benefits:-

1.Presence of high fiber and low carbohydrates in flax seeds helps in controlling weight as it reduce our appetite.

2.Intake of flax seeds decreases the LDL cholesterol, which reduces the chance of having heart diseases.Omega-3 fats does not allow blood vessels to get blocked. Through this omega-3 cleans our blood vessels. It helps in smooth flow of the blood. Omega-3 is very useful for the blood vessels.

3.Flax seeds have different types of antiviral properties, which protects us from frequent cold and flu ailments.

4. Omega-3 present in flax seeds does not allow clotting of blood. As blood clots increases the chances of having stroke,heart attack, etc.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B that are present in flax seeds help to reduce dark marks and spots on face. It makes the skin glow and prevents pimples.

6. Flax seeds keeps are digestive system healthy. Intake of these seeds helps to cure the swelling in the stomach.Person get a better health when problems related to digestion ends.

7. Omega-3 boost the memory and concentration. It is good for the brain. Effective in Alzheimer disease.

8. Omega-3 helps to improve eyesight. Also effective in cataract and glaucoma. Use of flax seed makes the eyesight sharp.

9. Intake of 15-20 gm flax seeds with aloevera, helps to reduce constipation.

10.Flax seeds balances women hormones so that danger of early menopause can be eliminated. Intake of flax seeds in the breakfast helps to regulate periods and eases period cramps.

11.Flax seeds are effective in high blood pressure.

12.Old age problem of knee pain can be reduced by intake of flax seeds.

13.Presence of antioxidants in flax seeds helps to cure different types of cancer.

13.Omega-3 is called feel good food as it keeps our mind and soul happy.

14.Omega -3 is very beneficial for our hair and nails.

15.Flax seeds are extremely high in soluble and insoluble fibers.

16.Flax seeds detoxifies cells.

17.It is very rich in calcium and iron.

18.It helps to prevent anemia.

19.It helps to burn fats

Dosage

Roast the flax seeds before use to get a better taste.

Take 1 tablespoon of flax seeds three times a day after every meal.

India's long road: Rural development

“The village is the cell of the national body and the cell-life must be healthy and developed for the national body to be healthy and developed.” – well alluded by SRI AUROBINDO.

India as it is said is the “land of villages.” The heart of our nation resides in the rural areas. As quoted by the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, “India lives in her seven hundred thousand villages.” Although the term “Rural development” has been widely used, what constitutes it seems to have changed significantly. So, the question is what exactly is rural development. Rural development means improving the living conditions of the people living in rural areas. There are many definitions to it. The fact is that today more than half of the Indian population lives in rural areas and most of them depends upon agriculture as their primary source of income. Agriculture is an integral part of many world economies, especially the developing ones, and hence plays a significant role in the rural development. The strength and prosperity of our nation depends upon the strength and prosperity of rural areas. Therefore, it is important to free the rural India from poverty.

Our government is trying its best to bring rapid growth and development in the villages. We derive major contributions to GDP from rural workers. Upwelling schemes for rural electrification, open defecation free villages, skill development, Prime Minister rural housing mission, Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana, Sarv Siksha Abhiyan, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, National Social Assistance Programme etc., has modified the doddering face of Indian villages.

Empowering rural economy through digitalization schemes, regeneration of traditional industries schemes, entrepreneurship schemes, water conservation schemes, MGNREGS, has further added to the rural development and has brought direct benefit transfer. Achieving hygiene and sanitation through government initiatives like SWACHH BHARAT MISSION has further added to the list.

According to the World Bank, “Rural development as a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of a specific group of people – The rural (people) poor. It involves extending the benefits of development to the poorer among those who seek a livelihood in rural areas. The group includes small-scale farmers, tenants and the landless.” Rural development is a strategy that encompasses all the aspects and factors to achieve an overall spectrum of development and growth. This development is needed to benefit the poor and weaker sections of the society. Rural development seeks to transform all the sectors of rural economy – the primary sector, the secondary sector and the tertiary sector. It is concerned with the improvement of the standard of living of the rural people through the provision of health and medical facilities, employment opportunities including vocational training, educational facilities, etc. It brings about significant improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, the landless agricultural labourers and the marginal and small farmers.

The village land of India is adorned with lush green land, protected livestock and unexplored pool of species which needs special attention of the government. The recent extent of India from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) did mark the promise of self-sustained indigenous production of India. The decision was to safeguard the interests of industries like agriculture and dairy.

Rural development should include social, economic and overall development of a rural area. It should be an all- round project. Employment creation is the main component of rural development. Therefore, to generate employment opportunities in villages, there is a need to strengthen agriculture sector and also set up other industries. A digital platform should be built for active labourers to check the process of employment generation. Integrated and organic farming methods should be promoted. Economic models like Gig’s – economy must be brought in action to counter seasonal as well as disguised unemployment from rural economy. Better planning must be done by the government, to boost up local economy of a village. Better roads connectivity should be put in the major plan of action. Basic amenities should be made available.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, well said by Nelson Mandela. Six Indian states account for about 70per cent of all illiterates in India. India currently has the largest population of illiterate adults in the world with 287 million people, with major proportion in the rural India. While India’s literacy rate rose from 48 per cent in 1991 to 63 per cent in 2006, “population growth cancelled the gains so there was no change in the number of illiterate adults”, says the UNESCO report.

Thus, education is the most important tool which can pave the way for the development of every other factors. The government has been trying to come up with schemes to strengthen education and integrated skill development of youth of rural India. Primary education has been made free and compulsory for the rural people so that the maximum number of the villages may be literate. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, has been proved effective. Women in rural India are still devoid of their ‘fare-share’ in the field of agriculture and labour. Strengthening of service sector has emerged as a boon for women. The problem of the ownership of the land should be resolved. The cottage industries should be established to further accelerate the growth. The villages should be in sync with the urban areas.

Another matter of concern is the crime rate which has increased in rural areas and specially against the marginalized sections of society. The death rates in rural areas due to domestic violence has also not seen any change. Banning of liquor consumption in states like Bihar has provided to be an effective step. People should be made aware and educated about the rights and wrongs. Proper healthcare facilities should also be provided with adequate number of doctors and nurses. Other robust steps should be adopted towards rural development.

It is often felt that the migration of people from rural to urban, in search of employment or better lifestyle, is putting severe pressure on urban amenities. The low wage migrants are thus left with no other option than to live in unhygienic condition. There is a need to make rural economy stronger and create employment opportunities in rural India. This will help in reducing the disparity in per capita income of rural and urban which has always remained high. A significant growth is required in rural area. Non farming activities should also be encouraged.

The development of rural India is of utmost importance for the development of the country. If India needs to become the next superpower in the world, it needs to tap into the potential of rural India. Given its size and population, no business house can afford to neglect the consumer spending power of rural India. India has many heroes that rural population should look up, like M.S. Swaminathan, the father of the green revolution in India, Varghese Kurien, the father of the white revolution in India. The progress of a nation depends upon the progress of its villages. We can say that the rural areas are the backbone of a nation.

Our rural areas have undergone major changes since independence. We should try to keep in mind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while trying to achieve the rural development goal. We need to join our hands with the government in embellishing its goal of the development of rural India.