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Teachings from the Life of Guru Teg Bahadur

Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th guru or apostle of the Sikh religion, is renowned for the extreme valor with which he advocated for the masses’ right to profess their religion of choice. Even in the face of the enemy’s prowess, he staunchly refused to be coerced into conversion ultimately leading to his own execution. He pioneered community wells and langars which provided food to people of all stations. It served to demolish in one simple act of dining together the oppressive caste system prevalent in India. His hymns were appended in the Guru Granth Sahib and provide humbling insight into human life. 

 
 Being a man of faith, one recurring theme in his teachings is devotion to God. The transient nature of oneself in contrast to the Almighty is especially highlighted. A human existence ends in the blink of an eye; snuffed out of the spring of life. The one true reality is God who persists even when all else has been destroyed. According to Guru, this revelation is an indispensable one to have. The feeling and eventual understanding of God’s eternal omnipresence in the bones will surely lead to liberation from the cycle of life and attainment of salvation. 

 Humans spend the entirety of their lifetimes in the pursuit of happiness. Whilst some search for the elusive serotonin in wealth and fame, others immerse themselves amongst people. This frantic hunt for external contentment, nevertheless, results in dead ends all too often. Guru Teg Bahadur claimed that this dissatisfaction is caused due to unbridled attachment to material possessions. Impartiality to adulation as well as critiques is of immense importance for the stability of the mind. Blessed is the one who can adopt true fearlessness stemming from non-attachment. The conquest of fear allows for people to live true to their principles in dire situations. 

 Apropos of the way of living, he left us a cornucopia of adages to be the voice of reason for when a dilemma presents itself. People tend to dismiss humility with the steady accretion of socio-economic status. It is then that these aphorisms serve as a reminder to rid ourselves of arrogance and the never-ending lust for more. He stated that indulging in ostentatious acts of fidelity to God amount to nothing. Construction of resplendent shrines or ceremonial baths equates to naught in the long run. A religion is redundant if the mind of the devotee is given free reigns to languish as it pleases. 

 Throughout the course of his life, Guru Teg Bahadur spread the message of Sikhism with the common denominator being leading an austere and chaste life devoted to God. He considered spirituality as a path of freedom from the physical shackles of the human body and eventual salvation. Assuming the role of a mentor, he aided in guiding aimless vagrants to self-actualization and transcendence. Special emphasis was put on a life free from malice, apathy, rancor and focused on self-reflection. Most importantly, Guru Teg Bahadur told us to look into ourselves for God rather than some long-forgotten woods.  

 

Palestine and Israel – World’s most Intractable conflict

 

Israel, officially known as the state of Israel is a country located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It shares its border with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian territories of the west bank and the Gaza Strip to the east and west. The country with its capital Jerusalem also known as ‘Holy Land’ is the birthplace of two major religions namely Judaism and Christianity.

 

Israel has been a commonplace of savage and brutal violence due to disagreement between the two religious communities. The world’s ‘most Intractable conflict’ has created a situation of havoc and distress amid coronavirus pandemic. Recently, previous year Israeli court legislated that Palestinian families living in East Jerusalem neighbourhood – Sheikh Jarrah were to be evicted by May 2021 with their land ownership being transferred to Jewish Families. These families filed an appeal in court and elicited protests demanding an end to forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem. In April 2021 Palestinians started street protests, Israeli police deployed forces against demonstrators after the court ruled in favor of evictors. On 7 May, there was a violent upsurge at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem by Israel police, which left hundreds of Palestinians wounded. The reason cited for this violence was extreme emotional reaction against the rumor of an Al-Aqsa siege. Attack by police forces on Mosque created a situation of panic in east Jerusalem. Gaza’s militant group Hamas and other Palestinian militants counterattacked Israel by launching numerous rockets into its territory. It fired more than 3000 rockets towards Israeli cities and towns killing at least 12 people. The Israel in return fired Gaza strip and destroyed at most 132 buildings, killed several citizens and has stated that it will continue to do so till it destroys Hamas’s ability to make missiles and underground tunnels.

 

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.sFja5ZVM_vvLZrWmCtJZWwHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&w=295&h=167  

Historical Background-   Abraham is considered as the father of Judaism and Christianity both. He is spiritual progenitor of all believers Jewish or Gentile (Non- Jewish). Around 2000 B.C.E – 1700 B.C.E Abraham settled in Canaan. The region of Canaan covered parts of Israel, the Gaza strip and the west bank majorly. In 6th century Greeks named this region Palestine which became home to many sites considered sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Jerusalem has places of religious importance for all the three communities. ‘Dome of the rock’ and ‘AL-Aqsa Mosque’ considered sacred for Arab Palestinians and the remaining wall of the Jewish temple considered vital to Jews. Christians consider Jerusalem as the place where Christ was crucified. Jews who considered Israel as their holy land were victims of oppression in  due course of history. Over the time period they were evicted out of their lands. In early 19th century they started ‘The Zionist Movement’ and started returning back to their homeland in Palestine which was ruled by Ottoman empire at that time. In 1897 this movement turned into political insurgence aiming at establishing a nation state for Jews where they would have their rights of self-determination. The world Zionist organization and the Jewish National Fund encouraged immigration of Jews and funded their purchase of land. This led to increase in Jewish population to 75000 Jews. After the Great Britain took control of Palestine Jewish settlement continued to grow but this time by non- lethal means that is by replacing Arab Palestinians. Arabs opposed this immigration when Jews refused to lease or sell their land to them or hire them for work. In 1920, the grand Mufti of Jerusalem Mohammed Amin al-Husayni accused Jewish community of modifying and rebuilding the Dome of the rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the religiously important places of Muslims. This led to the beginning of riots between the two communities. The 1921 Jaffa riots and 1929 Palestine riots escalated the already grieved relations between these communities over land. Supreme Muslim council leader Amin al-Husayni instigated revolt which lasted till 1939. 

 

One State Solution-

In its policy paper released in May 1939 British Government established restrictions on entry of Jewish Immigrants and their right to buy land in Palestine. In 1939, 6 million Jews were murdered in , but when they tried to escape from Europe to Palestine illegally it aggravated the situation even more. In 1947 after its independence from Britain, Arab militants attacked British Palestine states which led to civil war. On 29 November 1947 they adopted United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine which planned to divide Palestine into an Arab state, a Jewish state and the Special International Regime of Jerusalem. In 1956 following the nationalization of Suez Canal, Israel attacked Egypt on Britain and French order and occupied territories of Gaza strip and east Peninsula. In 1967 Arab and Israeli forces clashed for the third time which was termed as the followed by Yom Kippur war in 1973. Last two recent conflict between them were Lebanon wars of 1982 and 2006. 

 Major concerns-

  • Gaza which is ruled by Palestinian militant group Hamas has fought Israel many times, due to which Israel has imposed restrictions to protect itself from Gaza.
  • The Palestinian families of East Jerusalem are been threatened of eviction.
  • Disagreements between these two groups over Jewish settlement in West Bank, creation of Palestine state and sharing of Jerusalem continue to dominate this crisis and ongoing conflict.

For more than 25 years there have been several attempts for peace but nothing has sorted out so far.  

 

India badly failed to defeat Covid-19

    

              Reasons India failed to defeat Covid

We all are aware of how covid-19 started and have now taken more than a year with just one change that is the more drastic cases in the number of active cases in the regions.

Delhi, the capital of India is in an extreme shortage of hospital bed and oxygen supply. Where govt. where government head and other officers said that the supply in hospital is continuously happening and on the other hand Chief minister Arwind Kejriwal tweets on 24th April 2021pleading health minister to look after the shortage of the oxygen supply in hospitals. Multiple death rate in India is due to shortage of breath among the patients of corona which can be only filled by the good supply of oxygen. In many cities shortage of drugs to treat people is also unavailable and people are dying badly before reaching the hospital and without getting a better checkup done.

The other and the most eye-catching case in India is the happening of the elections which include public Rallies by political leaders moving in several cities just to get their votes count and collecting crowds at many places. Did you remember about the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar gathering is a festival in which many Hindu devotees make a huge group and visit the Kumbh Mela and take bath in the river Ganga altogether. Isn’t it shameful calling religion above than life of several people and accusing the only answer left is the belief in God. In no way a person is allowed to break rules which may just not only affect them but also the whole country in the crisis.

The next reason for a sudden increase in the covid cases in India is the lack of awareness within people. After being informed by prime minister Narendra Modi, there were and are still many people roaming without masks, people continued partying and gathering which eventually turned to give triple the amount of patient than 2020.

In 2020 the cases in India started to arrive in all regions and meanwhile how can we forget the first 21-day lockdown addressed by PM Narendra Modi where police and govt. heads got strict with the lockdown. This lockdown successfully happened but later on after 21 days gradually people started gathering, attending weddings, moving to different cities,  neglecting the adverse effects for the future, and drastically the number of corona patients got increased. In the same way, this happened in 2021 and now we have a huge amount of active cases in India having around

26,263,164 coronavirus cases 295,047 deaths and Recovered 23,022,025

During this interval, we all keep checking newspapers and television news which is in itself proof of how other countries fought with this pandemic, which we have to learn. Other countries which really came out of this pandemic made several strategies to control by allotting the government employees and dividing them into teams to reach out people to in their homes and check patient’s health. Reaching almost every home generally resulted in a gradual decrease in covid-19 patients. In the same way, if strategies were made in India, the country won’t reach this worst.

Covid-19 in India is going bad to worse, which not just need police or government to be strict but also awareness within all of us cooperating rules and lockdown staying at home and avoiding unnecessary gatherings and meet-ups. Citizens should follow government rules and regulations to control the corona is the only way to treat this pandemic maintaining distance and accept the condition of working from home or finding other better ways to adjust in the scenario.

 

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.

                                                                                                       ~helen killer

 

 

 

What is UX designing

UX also called user experience design, which is similar to product designing. But Rather in a neat and clear way UX is launching or making a product that is user-friendly, easy to use, and highly accessible. In no way UX need to be confused with the visual appearance of the product but rather UX focus to provide comfort and ease in the usage of the product in day to day necessity of life.

 UX is not a new career option but has been around since the nineties coined by Donald Norman. UX designer focuses on the interaction between users with the product. An example may include making a website, an app for designing a Juicer, or a coffee machine.

How UI and UX are different:

UI and UX are confused with many people. UI and UX are completely 2 different terms and 2 different careers. UI is user interaction whereas UX is user experience.

UI is the features involved with the product may be a phone with multiple options which are arranged in a manner to bring easy accessibility to the user, this is user interaction whereas UX is getting to know the experience of the user with the products, which can be known talking to people about the product, ask them about feedback. Surely, the user expectation depends from customer to customer and the company needs to launch one product that fulfills all these demands like the applications required by a teenage girl/boy will be gaming-friendly, pro camera, high battery life, multiple applications, and good RAM but if we talk about an old age person the need is different which may include good speaker, easy accessibility, good battery, maybe a radio.

Now we can easily figure out that the need of the product expectation varies from age group, profession, etc and all these are included in user experience (UI)

What does a UX Designer do:

UX designer’s purpose is to create easy, accessible, and efficient products. The main task of a UX designer to focus on the user and improve the quality of the experience.

UX designer is not just about visuals but also focuses on overall activities to provide the best.

What skills required to become a UX designer:

  1. Knowledge about software (may include web and app development)
  2. Problem-solving
  3. Communication
  4. Coding

 

Other requirements to become a successful UX designer

  • A bachelors degree in tech fields
  • A lot of experience with some prior internships in the same field.

 

More understanding on UX designer

UX designing is definitely a good career to opt for

According to a compensation data company, Payscale.com, the average salary of a UX designer in India is 6,95,863.

UX designer keeps track of all your feelings and emotions at every level from buying, using and leaving, or changing the product. It keeps a record of what the user likes in the product and what the user does not like about the product. It keeps a record of all the age groups and then comes up with solutions.

Mental Health: Best ways to take care of it

Mental Health problems have persisted for a long time. However, in the context of India, mental health problems were only being highlighted, and precautions to take care of them were only started to be given in the contemporary context.

Mental health is defined as the well-being of the state of mind of a person. The sanity of a person is measured in terms of mental health. The more sane and cheerful the person is, the better their mental health is doing. If the person is depressed and has feelings of sorrow, fear, or so on in the presence or absence of such emotion-causing factors, the person is said to be having mental issues.

The prevalent notion is that mental issues lead to insanity. However, this is not always the case. The word “mental” has been vilified by society. Its original meaning was lost and was replaced with the meaning of “insanity.” This notion is being slowly changed by society by the rising number of counselors and therapists.

How does one take care of their mental health?

Mental health is just as important as a person’s physical health. It is directly connected with physical health as well. Any imbalance with one will affect the other. Keeping one’s physical and mental health is the key to a good lifestyle. Here are a few points on how to take care of your mental health.

  • Know what stresses you out: Knowing what stresses you out is winning half the battle. It may be exams, confrontation, or anything. Knowing what stresses you out will help you recognize those fears or anxiety and handle them better. For example, if you have a fear of examination, the best way to overcome it is to continuously take a lot of mock tests to familiarise yourself with the examination conditions. Similarly, know that each problem has a solution. If you are stressing out, figure out what is causing your stress and strike the problem at its root.
  • Talk to your friends or family: The best way to overcome and keep your mental health in top condition is to socialize. This may include talking to friends, hanging out with them, or talking to your family members. You can only indulge your secrets to those who are close to you. Hence, talk to your friends if you are facing any mental health issues. If you have depression or anxiety, tell your friends, they will be able to help you out and cheer you up. Know that there will be people out there to help you overcome the challenges.
  • Exercise: Exercising will release endorphins which make your body feel ecstatic and happy. This not only keeps your physical health in the top condition but will also keep your mental health good as well. It has been found out that exercising has helped a lot of people suffering from depression. People who worry about their physical appearance are more likely to fall into depression. Hence, it is advisable to hit the gym and lift weights to keep both your physical and mental health good.
  • Seek out things that you like: If you are a person who loves to dive into the fantasy worlds of books, please do so. It will help you out a lot. It will give your mind a much-needed break from reality, and you will feel more refreshed once you are done. You could also watch your favorite movie or TV series, whichever you like more. Doing things that make you happy will increase your mental health. It will be much better if you can seek out things that make you excited and happy. In most of our lives, we seek out things that never make sense in the end. That is why it is important to learn new things that you like and do things you love.
  • Meet a therapist: If things are really bad and you feel like you are in a constant pit of despair every single moment of your life. It would be best to approach a therapist, who will then guide you and help you out tremendously. Do not fear that you had to resort to this. This is the only best solution to taking care of your mental health.

Mental problems plague most of us. The only thing that defines a person is how they can overcome those problems effectively and bring out a better person from within themselves.

Moving to chennai

Coming to chennai would be difficult I guessed
Being a city so advanced and progressed
But my heart has readdressed
Thanks to the amazing memories I share
Now every morning I breathe a new fresh air
But I am blessed tho
To have lived in a cute city of west
Where festivities and people were full of zest


Chennai has a whole different vibe a different amazing smell of medu vadaa and idlis all over the street in the morning . the smell of the concoction of filter coffee in the morning adds a whole new spark to the day.


Coming to new places can be very difficult especially with a whole shift in zone.
The weather conditions and people are different everywhere cultures are different language is definately quite different but all that is common throughout india.and something present in all the cities is the spirit of brotherhood and unity.that just made things a lot easier for me .

Procrastination -A failure

Procrastination can stop your growth
Procrastinate now and panic later

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Saturday evening and you are working furiously on a task which you have to complete before seven (deadline )and started cursing yourself for not starting it sooner.

Does it sound familiar? So ,why did this happened?

May be you wasted your time in the tea break watching TV and other stuff delayed your tasks and postpone it for later.

You are not alone many people are facing this problem nowdays. We give time to another things instead of doing the things which is important and avoid it and postponed it for later and at last we are not able to succeed in the task which was given to us.
Do you know, why this happened? Is it only a coincidence? No you procrastinate from the task which you had given and ignore it.
Being procrastinate is also a failure it usually happens because of lack of motivation and fear of failure .
Procrastination makes us lazy and we never achieve our goal .We get afraid before trying anything and ended up with no results. It is a wastage of time and time is the most important in a person life like how effectively they utilize the time they have .

If we keep procrastinating so we will never achieve our goal ‘it has nothing to do with time management’, without even a start we give up .Procrastination is self defeating behavior we avoid the tasks and put them off we do not believe and enjoy them and avoid to make ourself unhappy and have a fear of failure but doing this will never help us in self development if we keep delaying or postponing our tasks at last we only received disappointments by ourself. Only avoiding things will never help us out so just starts enjoy your work from now on things take time if we get afraid without trying so it will never help us out and we  can’t run from that  just let go of our fear .So,  just start from now either its’ Now or never ‘don’t procrastinate and run from the things which is important to you. Psychology  says to overcome from procrastination is

▶get rid of catastrophizing

▶focus on your ”why”.

▶self believe

▶dont make excuses

 

Try to start the task as soon as possible for better results.
Start believing in yourself and make to overcome from procrastination successfully, you need to figure out why you procrastinate & how your procrastination is preventing from achieving your goal ,so you can formulate a concrete plan of action and execute it better to check out that you are following your plan time to time, and keep focused for what you are doing now never forward your work for later in unnecessary situation.
#doitnowornever

Don't give up without trying it
Never give up without trying

Black Fungus Disease

What is mucormycosis or “black fungus” in Covid-19 patients?

Mucormycosis (previously zygomycosis), a rare but serious fungal infection, is affecting some COVID-19 patients. The disease manifests in the skin, affects lungs and brain, and can lead to loss of the upper jaw or eye. if’s been declared a notified disease in Haryana, the national COVID-19 task force has issued an advisory, and the Union health ministry has asked states/UT s to declare Black Fungus as an epidemic

who is at risk?

Infection is caused by mucormycetes, a group of molds/fungus abundant in environment. It mainly affects sinuses/lungs of people with health problems or on medicines which lower body’s ability to fight germs/sickness, including those with diabetes, cancer, organ transplant, hospitalised or recovering CoVID-19 patients (treated with steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs)

Sympyoms

Pain, redness around eyes and/or nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status. Warning signs: toothache, loosening of teeth, blurred or double vision with pain, sinusitis (nasal blockade or blackish/bloody discharge), cheekbone or one-sided facial pain or swelling, blackish discoloration of nose bridge/palate, thrombosis, skin lesion, chest pain

Prevention

Use masks if you are visiting dusty construction sites. Wear shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and gloves while gardening. Maintain personal hygiene (scrub bath). Control diabetes, monitor blood glucose level after COVID-19 treatment discharge, reduce steroid use, discontinue immunomodulating drugs, hydrate adequately

Treatment

Some cases require surgery. For others, respiratory-tract-fluid samples may be tested, tissue biopsy or CT scan (lungs/sinuses) may be conducted. Normal saline (IV) infusion is given before 4-6 weeks of antifungal Amphotericin B dose (3-4 mg per kg of body weight per day), which is out of stock or in short supply with pharmacies/distributors

#stay home stay safe

 

 

Countrywide Ayush COVID-19 counselling helpline on toll-free number 14443 operationalised

Countrywide Ayush COVID-19 counselling helpline has been operationalised. The toll-free number is 14443.

The helpline is operational pan-India from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight-all seven days of a week.

Through the helpline 14443, experts from different streams of Ayush, namely Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani and Siddha would be available to address queries of the general masses.

These experts would not only be providing counselling and feasible remedies to the patients but would also guide them about the availability of nearby Ayush facilities.

The experts would also be suggesting Post-COVID-19 rehabilitation and management approaches to the patients.

The helpline is IVR (Interactive Voice Response) equipped and currently available in Hindi and English languages.

The helpline will initially take 100 calls simultaneously and the capacity would be increased in future, as per requirements.

Through the helpline, the Ministry of Ayush aims to contribute to the community-wide effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The effort is supported by the NGO Project StepOne.

Centre issues advisory to States, UTs to protect vulnerable sections of society affected by pandemic

The Centre has issued an advisory to States and Union Territories to take immediate steps for the protection of vulnerable sections of society including women, senior citizens and children who have been orphaned due to COVID-19 pandemic.

In its advisory, Home Ministry said, several States and UTs have initiated action and strengthened their machineries to support the vulnerable groups and various success stories and best practices are now available where emergency services have been provided to the vulnerable groups impacted by COVID-19.

However, in order to meet the new challenges arising out of the recent wave of COVID-19, the Ministry has urged to undertake an immediate review of the existing facilities for vulnerable groups especially for children who have been orphaned, senior citizens who may require timely assistance and members of SC and ST communities who may need guidance to access Government support facilities.

It has asked that the review may include steps taken for sensitization of police personnel, coordination with agencies and departments concerned as well as communities and civil society organizations.

In its advisory, the Ministry also cited over 107 crore rupees released to States and UTs for setting up and strengthening Women Help Desks in Police Stations.

The Desk envisages to have enlisted panel of experts including lawyers, psychologists and NGOs who can assist in accessing support, provide shelter and rehabilitation and help in registration and follow-up in the cases.

In order to address issues related to trafficking, 100 crore has also been released as grants to the States Union Territories to set up and strengthen Anti- Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) in every District.

These AHTUs would be integrated task forces, consisting of police and other line departments dealing with prevention and combating trafficking.

The advisory added that these units are highly relevant, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic where children may have been orphaned due to demise of their parents.

States and Union Territories have been asked to put in place suitable mechanisms for ensuring greater awareness on the anti-trafficking.

Union Health Ministry asks State Govts to emulate best practices in various districts to tackle COVID pandemic

May 21, 2021
 ,
2:05PM

Union Health Ministry asks State Govts to emulate best practices in various districts to tackle COVID pandemic

mohfw.gov.in

Union Health Ministry has asked State Governments to emulate the best practices shared by various district and field officials to effectively tackle COVID pandemic.

In a letter written by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to all the State Health Secretaries, he has suggested them to replicate the innovative practices by customizing them to the local needs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the district and field officials of nearly 20 States and Union Territories on Tuesday and Thursday and discussed in detail the innovative strategies adopted by them to effectively manage COVID related issues in their area.

He had also asked them to share the best practices to the Central Health Ministry so that these innovative ideas can be further adopted by more states and districts.

AIR correspondent takes a look at few of the novel ideas shared by the states and district officials.

Marching ahead with the vision that new challenges need new solutions, several States and District Administrations are lauded for their exemplary work in handling the COVID related situation.

Among them includes the idea of active cooperation of RWAs in establishing COVID Care Centres and Isolation Centres effectively demonstrated by Gautam Budh Nagar Administration of Uttar Pradesh.

Where on one hand, Madhya Pradesh shared their prompt isolation and containment measures, Haryana depicted their work-site and drive through Vaccination Centre model and digital solution to health emergencies.

District Administration of Varanasi shared the effective use of Kashi COVID Response Centre (KCRC) to provide one-stop solution for all COVID related queries of common citizens.

Chennai shared their effective use of Taxi Ambulances whereas Chandigarh showed utilisation of Ayush medicines and Ayush Health facilities for COVID management.

Janjgir Champa in Chhattisgarh demonstrated their push to promote Ayush Kadha and Ahmednagar in Maharashtra shared their tiffin box service at the COVID Care Centres.

Mobile OPD, Oxygen Mitra, Oxygen Nurses, Door to door RT-PCR & Rapid Antigen Testing were also among the best practices shared with the states which focus not only on effective COVID management but also on minimising wastage of essential medical necessities.

PM Modi interacts with doctors, health workers of Varanasi; Gives new Mantra of ‘ Jahan Bimar, Vahin Upchar ‘ in fight against COVID

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gave a new Mantra of ‘ Jahan Bimar, Vahin Upchar ‘ in the fight against COVID pandemic and said that we have to secure our children from the clutches of this pandemic and get ourselves prepared for this fight.

He was interacting with the doctors and para medical staff and frontline workers of his Parliamentary Constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh a short while ago.

Mr Modi said that our fight is against a regular face-changing and cunning virus and we need to prepare ourselves for this.

Emphasizing on the need for vaccination, the Prime Minister said that we must get ourselves vaccinated when the turn comes and must make vaccination a collective responsibility.

He said that the importance of yoga and AYUSH in the fight against this virus is proving now worldwide.

Praising the Varanasi Model in fight with the pandemic, the Prime Minister said that everybody in the country is talking about the way the city fought with this pandemic.

New machines for testing, facilities for oxygen supply and other health infrastructure related things have become an example for others.

He especially mentioned ‘Kashi Kavach’ and said that it is also an innovative experiment of the administration which is helping people get the facility of telemedicine, medicines and other related things necessary for fighting against this pandemic.

He said that it’s not the time for rest, instead we have to fight a long battle with COVID in the Varanasi and other rural areas of Purvanchal.

The Prime Minister said that not just the people of Varanasi but people from Purvanchal and even from Bihar come for the treatment at hospitals of the city and in the last seven years there has been tremendous work for the development of health infrastructure in the city which helps during this crisis.

Mr Modi started his interaction by paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the battle with COVID in the city and in the end.

He said that our collective efforts will definitely give results and with the blessings of Baba Vishwanath of Kashi will successfully win the fight against COVID-19.

Why Do People Go Abroad To Study?

For decades, Indian students have preferred to move abroad in search of better education, jobs, lucrative salaries and higher standards of living. Since during that time India simply didn’t have the professional prospects that other countries offer, so it was the most common motive among the professionals to study abroad. But even after nearly four decades later, the young population of India are following the same course. India has witnessed a massive expansion of its educational infrastructure and today it has one of the largest education networks, and third largest reservoir of science and technology manpower in the world still the problem of Brain Drain is deep- rooted. Well, the reasons for planning to study abroad are different for different individuals but what they all have in common is –“Better Career Prospects”

Let’s look at some of the reasons to Study Abroad

  • Enhanced chances of getting good career opportunities– Foreign universities have extremely highly regarded higher education systems, and a huge percentage of the world’s highest ranking universities are abroad. In a globalized, well-connected world, employers increasingly value graduates with international experience and education. Also, studying abroad offers students a chance to secure a relevant job in that country.
  • Flexibility in choosing courses-Foreign countries not only have accelerated courses but the options of “dual major”, “minor”, and “free electives”. That is one can even study something that is out of major.
  • The Exposure– Studying abroad helps one to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, and gain a greater understanding of the world. Also, one gets the opportunity to create a global network of contacts. Meeting students from across the globe can create opportunities to work for or with one another in the future. This experience one cannot feel in their own country until and unless they are coming abroad to study.
  • Personal development-While one is studying abroad, one has to do his own work, find a job to take care of his/her living expenses. Thus, they will quickly become more independent, learning to rely on oneself rather than family for everything. It will also develop good communication and critical thinking skills and will help in boosting one’s self confidence as one keeps overcoming new challenges of a new environment.
  • More Focus on skill building-Education system abroad is more focused on developing practical skills of a student and making him job ready, unlike India where the focus is purely on theoretical knowledge.
  • Research Opportunities– It is a well-known fact that research opportunities available in countries like USA, UK rank way ahead of the facilities and funding offered in India. This is one of the primary reasons for studying abroad.

 

Thus, as we can see there is a visible difference in the quality of education offered in India and Foreign institutions. With the various scholarship opportunities available, better jobs, better securities, more income, international connection; it is definitely a better option for Indian students to go abroad for higher studies.

Indian Colourism: Origins and its residual effects

 

While some people might not be familiar with the concept or term colourism, rest assured for everyone has indulged in it. The oxford dictionary defines colourism as “prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.” Perpetuated by both the oppressed and the oppressor alike, it is deeply entrenched in the average person’s psyche. Discussions of such topics are often littered with defensive stances and refusal to believe in one’s own fallacy. People tend to gloss over the microaggressions they partake in every day unbeknownst to themselves.

 

If we try to look at the roots of the issue and where its origins lie, if there are any, one will find being ruled by fairer-skinned Aryans, Mughals, and Europeans a recurring theme. However, was there no discrimination on the basis of skin in ancient India? The ancient texts portrayed dark-complexioned princes and princesses, gods and heroes in the same light as their fairer counterparts. They were allowed to be heroic and dark and beautiful not in spite of their skin tone but because of it. Lord Krishna’s—whose name means black itself—statues could be dark while Radha’s were made from marble. Times seem to have changed with idols carved in lighter stones selling exponentially more. India’s fanatic obsession hasn’t exempted even gods.

 

The Britishers moulded the pliable atmosphere after the end of the Mughal rule to their benefit. They were modernized and scientific here to save the uncivilized natives from our erroneous ways. They were symbols of power, class, and status. Who wouldn’t want to be like them? If dogs and Indians were not allowed inside exclusive clubs, who wouldn’t want to shed a part of them for a better life? Thus, colourism unfurled its tendrils. If you weren’t white, be the next best thing. Being white adjacent would land you better opportunities. With the English came the Eurocentric beauty standards. Other places have loosened these to let in talents from diversified backgrounds, but India is still stuck with the remnants of British rule.  

 

 

 

  Manufacturers seized the perfect opportunity by preying on the insecurities of the general public who desperately longed for upward mobility to escape from their circumstances. In 2019, the Indian skin lightening industry was reportedly worth nearly Rs 3000 crore. Bollywood jumped on the bandwagon and ingrained in all our minds that only fair can be attributed to lovely. With whitewashing actors in commercials and casting only fair actresses as love interests, the message was clear: there is no space for dark-skinned actors to be leads in a country of dark-skinned people.

 

We have internalized the messaging and bigoted ideals. So much to find fair attached to qualities in every matrimonial. To use skin bleaching and lightening products even after knowing their harmful effects. We have attached our self-worth and ability to be seen as desirable and worthy of respect and love to the shade of our skin. We have broken the hearts of millions of innocent kids who would grow to doubt themselves because what they see in the mirror will always resemble the dirt beneath their feet more than it ever does their favourite actor. Change is long overdue.  

 

Hope – The essence of our soul

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“ Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness. It whispers, You will overcome this hardship. It reassures us, soothing our minds by reminding, life will improve.”                                                                           – Desmond Tutu

As I was reading a newspaper, a thought came to my mind that made me conscious of the fact that almost every other page in the newspaper nowadays has headline surrounded by depressing and terrifying words. Every day we come across such articles that leave us thoughtful and make our mind accustomed to these negativities that we are surrounded by in the present times. The news of rising cases, increasing death rates and lack of infrastructure facilities makes our feelings frightening and dejected. Everyday we question ourselves when will this be over and when can we get back to our normal lives.

As lord Krishna has rightly said “Change is the law of universe. What you think of as death, is indeed life. In one instance you can be a millionaire, and in the other instance you can be steeped in poverty”. Times have shown that humanity has always adapted itself to extraordinary circumstances. The present ongoing pandemic situation has proved that no matter what the situation becomes our lives will always be governed by hope and affirmation.

Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Hope is a symbol of positivity, expectations and joy. It is closely linked to our health, well-being, mental state and situations that surround us. It is like a flower blossoming with the thorns. Hope is linked to trust. When you are hopeful you are believing that something positive will happen, when you are hopeful about future you trust your own choices and decisions, when you trust someone you have a hope that they will never betray your trust. Every action of ours signifies hope, the trust that when you go to bed you will wake up with cheerful mind is itself a hope.

Hope makes us believe that things will get better, that every situation in life is temporary and every dark day is accompanied by positivity and happiness. It changes our perspective and allows for healing and wholeness for ourselves and for others.

According to Charles R Snyder, a psychologist, hope includes three elements: a goal, a path and freedom of choice. A person who is hopeful believes that he/she will succeed. The person has a specific destination and knows the route that he has to take to reach the desired outcome. Hope is a mindset, determination and will to believe that you can overcome your difficulties.

Hope acts as a remedy for all sorts of hardships and misfortunes. It enables us to cope with stressful events, like demise of our near and dear ones. It motivates us to carry on our activities with zeal and enthusiasm. It assists the sick person in getting well, encouraging them to do what it takes to recover. It makes our mind believe that everything will get better with time.

The more you look for hope the more you find it. We can find hope and joy in many things .

Mind is a powerful weapon, it is with us to control it. The type of thoughts and emotions that we want our mind to get used to requires practice. The more we look for positive things in every aspect of life the more we get our minds acquainted to it.

By recalling past instances where you have been hopeful and this hopefulness has led you to accomplish something good can rejuvenate this hope again.

Hope comes with expectations, if you expect good about something you will be hopeful. Hope comes in feeling grateful for things that you have. It comes in closely associating yourself with nature, having an emotional connect with it and feeling embraced.

We should be grateful for the life that we have, we must be happy that at least we have a roof under our heads to keep us safe in these destressing times, that we are not surrounded by miseries faced by those in the hospital yearning for an empty bed, those who don’t have a job or a shelter, or those who are still struggling for meal once a day and are living their life only because they have hope of betterment.