Tag: hope

HOPE

Every time we look in the mirror we hope to find the person we have always wanted to become and not our actual self. But the fun about this whole hoping and wishing is that we never accept and move on, we continue to hope. People say hoping is what makes our life beautiful and worth living but in reality it is the fact that we try and work hard towards getting what we hope for, that makes our life adventurous and value hyping.  Hope isn’t something that lead us dream unattainable but rather it is something that compel us to work hard enough to attain the unattainable. We decide to put our best foot forward in the battle field, we aim on reaching the top end of the ladder, we become courageous enough to climb that mountain peak and all that because of one not so little thing- HOPE. How amazingly pure this emotion of hope is that we surrender ourselves with all our might to it regardless of the moment, time, person or our own actions. Hope takes us to another beautiful emotion called- FAITH. Faith isn’t something that will take us places but it is definitely something that describes the world in much more innocent sense and leads us to the path of prospect. Hope is something that can make us optimistic about future, something that can make us fight the toughest battles of our life and eventually win them with zero loss. Hope brings out the best in life it describes each of our act with certainty of killing it and accomplishing the unimaginable.

Hope knock together the possibility of a future so different from present and yet so close to our past. Hope turns us into the being so true to our own selves that we dream big and pull of something even bigger. Hope sticks us to the ground reality but at the same time motivates us to alter that reality into our biggest ambition. Our fantasies start growing into reality and making more sense to us as we hope of realizing it. With each step closer to the goal, we take a jump upwards the clouds of hope. As soon as we start accepting the fact that with each of our day of hoping more we accomplish more we begin to hope more and in the constant act of hoping and genuinely conquering we end up hoping what we did not even suppose of wishing of and ultimately getting it. Hope regenerates the self- confidence which life’s unpredictability robbed us off. Hope gives rise to general feeling of completeness even when events around us seem a little unfair. Hope does not cause us doubt our self worth instead it furthers our treasure of self believing powers. We gain and loose in life simultaneously but hope ameliorate the realization of loosing and celebrate the actions of gaining. Hope optimizes everything around us, it looks straight into the black sky and wonder in the stars assisting us to trust the process and pray to hope forever.

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

The Origin of Buddhism .

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

Lord Buddha

Introduction.

He was a spiritual personality . An ancient teacher and enlightened many . A founder of world religion Buddhism . He was popularly known as Gautama Buddha (also known as Siddhattha Gotama or Siddhārtha Gautama or Buddha Shakyamuni ) .

The Enlightened One who rediscovered an ancient path to release clinging and craving and escape the cycle of birth and rebirth. He taught for around 45 years and built a large following, both monastic and lay. His teaching is based on his insight into the arising of duḥkha (the unsatisfactoriness of clinging to impermanent states and things) and the ending of duhkha—the state called Nibbāna or Nirvana (extinguishing of the three fires).

Buddhism

Buddhism, one of the major religions and philosophical systems of southern and eastern Asia and of the world. Buddha is one of the many epithets of a teacher who lived in northern India sometime between the 6th and the 4th century before the Common Era.

The title buddha was used by a number of religious groups in ancient India and had a range of meanings, but it came to be associated most strongly with the tradition of Buddhism and to mean an enlightened being, one who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and achieved freedom from suffering.

According to the various traditions of Buddhism, there have been buddhas in the past and there will be buddhas in the future. Some forms of Buddhism hold that there is only one buddha for each historical age; others hold that all beings will eventually become buddhas because they possess the buddha nature (tathagatagarbha).

According to Buddhist doctrine, the universe is the product of karma, the law of the cause and effect of actions, according to which virtuous actions create pleasure in the future and nonvirtuous actions create pain.

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.

Lord Buddha

History

Gautama Buddha ( born c. 6th–4th century BCE, Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, Shakya republic, Kosala kingdom [now in Nepal]—died, Kusinara, Malla republic, Magadha kingdom [now Kasia, India]).

Buddha is one of the many epithets of a teacher who lived in northern India sometime between the 6th and the 4th century before the Common Era.

Learnings from Gautama Buddha.

1. “Three things cannot be hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.”

2. “You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.”

3. “You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

4. “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

5. “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

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EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

“With the dawning of a new age, after pandemics have done their work, we may find ourselves at the watershed of singular considerations about how to handle the changes that revolutionize our lives, and trace the silver lining in a new reality. (What do they think behind their dirty aprons?)”
― Erik Pevernagie

TASTE THE POWER OF THE ‘PROVERB’

Clouds are the symbol of grave period of life and the silver lining as mentioned refers to the bright, contented, or enjoyable times. It is very obvious that the entire proverb is about optimism. If an individual is positive even in the murkiest of periods, then indeed things will ultimately be in his/her favour. However, if the individual has a pessimistic approach towards life, then no opportunity in his/her life can ever make him/her gratified and he/she will end up in difficulties. Ups and Downs are part and parcel of life. In fact, if these did not exist, life would have been boring and meaningless. All these understandings enhance us in some way or the other and help us to become strongminded individuals. In fact, all the hardships and difficulties we face in life have the effect of making us richer in experience and educate us to embark upon adverse situations. Therefore, it can be appropriately said that ‘Every Cloud has a Silver Lining’.

HOW DARKNESS PENETRATES OUR LIVES

To elucidate the above, let us analyse the problems of a person called Kamal. He was an average person, coming from a middle-class family. His parents, who were well-educated themselves, wanted him to have the best education and so he was admitted to the best school in the city. As a student, he outshined neither in academics nor in sports and was always placed in the middle of his class in both. Even in extra co-curricular activities Kamal did not leave behind any distinctive mark. Being an obedient child, he was always guided by parental advice, which prevented the development of his personality and as a result, he lacked self-confidence.

AN IRON DETERMINATION PAVES THE WAY

However, Kamal’s life went disordered with the sudden demise of his father in an accident. The family was staring at imminent poverty because his father was the sole bread-winner and the pension that they were to get was not enough to fund the education of both Kamal and his younger sister. All of a sudden, the entire burden of the family descended on Kamal’s young shoulders, but that was a blessing in disguise because the misfortune made him resolute. He developed into a very strong-willed individual who was ready to take on the world legitimately. Kamal took stock of the situation and started providing private tuitions to supplement the family income. In doing so, he realized that his actual calling in life was to be an academician. Gradually, he cleared all the examinations with flying colours and at a very young age joined an elite institution as a there has been no looking back since then. Had the disaster never occurred, Kamal might have followed and done what his parents believed fit for him instead of realizing his own potential and aptitude in life and society would have been left without a very good teacher.

SO…BE OPTIMISTIC

Like Kamal, there are millions of such individuals who suffer major hindrances in their lives but still manage to pull through. So, one should never feel hopeless because of problems, as no individual in this world leads an uncomplicated existence. Whenever clouds of worries appear, they always carry an indication of something better that might happen.So, we must be inspired from such events and should always move frontward in life even if it is hard for us to do so. Strong willpower and undying hope pave the way for success to be achieved. Every single problem in life is like a riddle which hides some solution and a mindful search for that solution open many closed doors of achievements.

Agriculture

When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.”

— Daniel Webster

Introduction

It all started thousand of years ago , when the human civilization came into existence . Agriculture was a key to survival . People were farming for there domestic purpose , not for the others .

As the civilization started to grow accustomed of agriculture , they grew food in surplus that enabled people to live in cities. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

The development of agriculture enabled the human population to grow many times larger than could be sustained by hunting and gathering.

It was the beginning of different civilization in different parts of the World. From those civilizations , one of them was our’s The Indus Valley Civilization . Vedic literature provides some of the earliest written record of agriculture in India. Rigveda hymns , describes plowing, fallowing, irrigation, fruit and vegetable cultivation.

Some of the ancient and historical evidence suggests rice and cotton were cultivated in the Indus Valley.

Agriculture : In India and World today .

India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. As per 2018, agriculture employed Indian work force and contributed 17–18% to country’s GDP.

In 2016, agriculture and allied sectors like animal husbandry, forestry and fisheries accounted for 15.4% of the GDP (gross domestic product) with about 41.49% of the workforce in 2020.India ranks first in the world with highest net cropped area followed by US and China.The total agriculture commodities export was US $ 3.50 billion in March – June 2020.

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58% of India’s population. Share of agriculture and allied sectors in gross value added (GVA) of India at current prices stood at 17.8 % in FY20.

During 2019-20 crop year, food grain production reached a record of 296.65 million tonnes. In 2020-21, Government of India is targeting food grain production of 298 million tonnes.

India is among the 15 leading exporters of agricultural products in the world. Agricultural export from India reached US$ 38.54 billion in FY19 and US$ 35.09 billion in FY20.

Agriculture is an important industry in the United States. The agriculture industry, which includes both crops and livestock, is responsible for producing most of the world’s foods and fabrics. Agriculture impacts so many things that it’s hard to imagine a world without this important industry.

Schemes and Initiatives

Due to the high requirement of agriculture . It is important for the government to take initiatives and provide better infrastructure to the farmers. However , the required level of investment for the development of marketing, storage and cold storage infrastructure is estimated to be huge.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established in 1905, was responsible for the search leading to the “Indian Green Revolution” of the 1970s. The Union Minister of Agriculture is the president of the ICAR. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for the design of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, and specialises in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.

Schemes by government for Indian agriculture :

  • Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.
  • Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP)
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
  • National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan yojana.
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
  • Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
  • Pashu Kisan Credit Card Scheme.
  • PM-Kisan Scheme.

Conclusion

Agriculture sector is one of the prominent sector in India as well as all over the world . India is becoming self – sufficient in pulses and other crops .

Gone are the days , when India was unable to provide sufficient amount of food to the citizens . Gone are the days , when people used to think agriculture was not as important as other sectors . Gone are the days , when people used to think less of farmers . And gone are the days , when people were less educated about agriculture.

Farming is a profession of hope.

— Brett Brian

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Peace is everybody’s desire, But violence never disappeared-Why?

Before getting into the topic, let us learn what is violence. Violence, as described by the WHO is the ” intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation”. I believe simplifying this definition will make us loose out on something important. Developing such a strong definition for an act shows how it is affecting the humanity without any doubt.

WRVH DIVIDES VIOLENCE INTO THREE TYPES:

SELF DIRECTED VIOLENCE: The violence which is directed to harm one`s self. These include the forms of self harm such as suicide attempts, either successful or not, or even thinking about it. Attempts to injure or destruct body parts without conscious intention of suicide also included in this.

INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE: Violence that occurs between family members or partners or individuals who may not know each other is included in this category. For example abuse of elders or children.

COLLECTIVE VIOLENCE: This is mainly what we see in public, I mean violence by group of people who identify themselves under a group against another group. This includes genocides, abuses of human rights etc.

Regardless of what type of violence is happening, its impact is always negative. Even witnessing a act of violence leaves a mark. Many people suffer from psychological disorders as the result of violence. Children who are victims of violence may develop insecurities, anxiety, antisocial behavior, anger issues etc.

Having witnessed or experienced violence, people always talk about having peace. There are so many measures explained over internet. But we don’t see any hope of getting rid of it any soon. Why is it so?

  • Preaching is easier than practicing: It`s easy to talk about anything and everything until you have to practice it. Asking for peace is not wrong, its the best thing to do. But only asking to have peace will not be sufficient. One should practice act of peace before preaching.
  • Peace is defined differently according to different perceptions people have: Peace is just the absence of war for somebody and for somebody its peace of mind. Some people think peace is present in what they believe according to their religion or some may describe it as absence of difference.
  • Increase in stress and pressure by various things: It is like a loop. Violence increases stress which may again result in violence. Its like a mother abusing children because of the harassment she faces in the family. Or stress can be induced by other things also which may result in violence. Like a person who is so stressed out in work may abuse family members as a way to vent out his/her frustration.
  • Sometimes, nobody cares: People don’t take violent behaviors seriously until someone they love or themselves face it. Thinking about violence as some other persons problem until it knocks your door is slowing down peace in the race.
  • Increasing materialism: We may not see the direct impact of materialism on violence. But greed of power, money, supremacy and many more other things blurs out peace from the frame.

Then what is the thing that brings peace in a real sense and brings it effectively? nobody knows. That doesn’t mean you should not hope for it. But one thing is sure that it should start from the individual level but definition should be universal. Whatever may be our beliefs, peace should be the ultimate goal.

Humans made the conditions for the pupfish’s extinction- now humans keep it alive.

The pupfish, also known as the rarest fish in the world, are a group of killifish with striking coloration. They are mostly found in the extreme and isolated environment. These rare species of fish lives in a single pool in the Mojave Desert. They went almost extinct with their only canyon pool being pumped.

The description of Pupfish

Pupfish are small, colorful, knuckle-sized and ray-finned fishes. The most famous amongst them are the Devil’s Hole pupfish. The Devil’s Hole pupfish are bright blue with purple accents whereas, the white sands pupfish has yellow and orange fins. Most of the pupfish are very tiny, some even less than an inch in length.

The diet of these pupfish includes variety of things, consisting of algae, plants, aquatic invertebrates and some insects.

About the devils hole pupfish

The fascinating and playful pupfish with bright, silvery-blue and lustrous body are found in an oasis within the Death Valley called as- The Devils Hole. These mighty goldfish-like fishes survive in the 92 degrees water of the Devil’s Hole. They withstand harsh conditions that would kill most other fish.  Another fact about this fish is that it acts as an indicator of seismic activity around the globe.

Read-https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/endangered-devils-hole-pupfish-breeding-breakthrough

Hottest, Driest and the Lowest National Park

The Death Valley as the name sounds is a land of the most extreme conditions. You can expect a scorching heat of 110 F to 120 F +. Even though this land experiences droughts and record summer heat, in the winters the peaks of the mountains are snow-laden. This land welcomes rainstorms rarely. Lush oases harbor tiny fishes and refuge for wildlife and humans. The name might sound very morbid but it is home to a great diversity of life.

What threatened their existence?

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, groundwater was pumped out extensively for the agricultural purposes. This activity led to a major downfall of the water level in Devil’s Hole. These invasions were a threat to the very existence of this fascinating species.

So, a group of academics, government employees and private citizens met in 1969 to speak about the protections needed for the fauna in Devil’s Hole.

The desert pupfish has been classified as endangered by IUCN. Due to the pumping of the aquifer since 1960’s, the fish never recovered. Later, it was decided that a back-up population was needed. A replica was created where one part of the population resides in the fake canyon, and the other in the natural canyon.

How many Devils Hole pupfish are left in 2020?

The observable population of the Devil’s Hole pupfish has reached 136. In the years 2006, 2007, and 2013 their population was less than 40. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, scientists counted near about 200 Devils Hole pupfish. And in the late 1990s there was startling decline in their numbers.

“Despite these extremes, Devils Hole pupfish continue to display their resiliency that have allowed them to survive for thousands of years”, said Brandon Senger, Supervising Fisheries Biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

A society that can breach the stereotype in India .

I never feel confined by gender, by labels, by expectations, by stereotypes. I’m free to be myself.

Princess Nokia

Introduction

During the last two decades it is said that to be a women is the most precious gift a human can have . To be able to give birth to another human being that lives inside precisely 9 months at most .

But their is another dispute that a women can only be a insider . That can fulfill the needs of the dominant society.

Isn’t these two statements are contradictory. In first one a women is a precious gift and in another she can only fullfill one’s needs but only in four walls .

Aren’t they human or a thing that can only live under the roof of men for living ?

Women have always played an important role in the society . Even in the ancient times , they were considered as an equal with the men . So what change , the air , the water , the life style or the mindset . We can also say that the stereotype mindset in society .

Years and years before people grew their ego and think about their individual benefits. Women lead life with virtue , wisdom and respect .

When it start

It was all not same as it was now , their were times when women rule the nation . But due to the foreign invasion , women suffer immensely . At the mediaeval times , women came to be confined within the four walls of the house .

Mediaeval period also known as ‘DARK AGE ‘ as very few women’s were found to be a ruler at that period . It was the period when women brought to the deeds where they made to be inferior to men .

They were raped and brutally killed by the demons who think they can dominate them .

Rani Padmavati, Jodha Bai, Gulbadan Begum, Nurjahan, Jahan Ara , Mumtaj Mahal, Razia Sultan , Jija Bai are some of the women who fought for their right , safety , people , family and love also saved many .

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

– Mark Anthony

Modern era

It’s a century of love , reliability , equality and most important individuality .

Then why women are always compared to the men . Why they questioned when they are innocent . ( Well not all are innocent and victim , just for those who are ) .

I do believe that men and women are different . Their differences doesn’t make them weak . It’s just a perspective and view of people that make them vulnerable .

But do women care , it’s their own life not to say that anyone means ANYONE can come and stamp their ‘so called ’ rules on them . Not against the male gender but to those who think they can dominate and lock them in four walls .

Not to say, if women lock men in four wall room . So what will happen to them . Umm. Let’s think , they run like a horse at the time when the room unlocked .

If OJO -MOJO can’t stay in their rooms can’t OLLE do the same . Yes she can , also kick their humpy dumpy bum.

Let’s end the topic and eat some more . It’s a 21st century donot let someone walk on you , you can stand for yourself .

“Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you.”

– Michelle Obama

This editorial is written under one’s perspective . Neither against any gender nor in favour .

STOCKDALE PARADOX- NEVER LOSING FAITH HEREAFTER ?

“You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end- which you can never afford to lose- with discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” –                                       Admiral James Stockdale

 

No one knows when the current situation will get over, but everyone needs a 360 degree approach in life now. From facing the harshness to sometimes dealing with stress and pessimism a lot has changed since the pandemic arrived at out doorstep. We have lost interest in everything we used to do, surely this pandemic has taught us to deal with our own selves, to not lose hope and be optimistic till the end. But is being optimistic good enough ? Being pessimistic without doing anything is the same as being optimistic without taking a course of action.

 

The answer surely lies in what we call Stockdale paradox.


Stockdale paradox is a concept which was used by Jim Collins in his book ‘Good to Great’. He ones met a renowned Admiral James Stockdale who was a highest ranking US military officer on Hanoi camp, Prisoner of war during Vietnam war.  He was held for 8 years in the camp from 1965 to 1973 and tortured several times. In his interview with Jim Collins he recounted his experiences of sheer brutality with which he was treated, without any rights of prisoners, with no release date and uncertainty of getting out. 

 When he was asked how he lived with the hope of not getting out, his answer was very different from the optimists who always proposed a date of their release and were very confident and positive about their freedom, but in the end died. He said he never lost faith in the end of the story. Have faith but be ready to face the brutalities that life has imposed on you. He didn’t depend on blind optimism alone but did what was required to improve his chances of survival. He raised morale of his fellow mates, helped them in every way possible and exchanged secret information with his wife through letters. 

 

The present times demand us to be positive and hopeful that everything will become normal in the coming days. But sitting at our comfort zones and just waiting for time to turn in our favor is folly. We can instead spend this time on productive activities which can help us fulfill our goals. We can take efforts to heal ourselves by finding ways to reduce mental agonies, helping and supporting others, comforting and giving hopes to those who have faced uncertainties.

How can we apply Stockdale paradox in our life –

 

  1. We all want to be successful, happy and fulfill all our wishes, but reaching this state won’t come simply by being positive. We feel good about this attitude and that’s why love the way motivational speakers influence our minds by changing our life simply by changing our mindset from negative to positive. That is well and good but that is not the only thing required. There must be a sense of self-awareness about the realities and action towards something that moves you in the first place. Confronting situation is fundamental to success along with a bit of positive attitude.
  2. Applying this paradox in business- Optimism drives innovation and can lead to growth but one needs to check whether you are playing in reality and not heading towards something that can’t happen.
  3. The Stockdale paradox can help any leader to improve leadership and plan for forthcoming challenges. It makes us resilient through idea of positivity and confrontation of unpleasant facts of the current situation. 

So, try applying this principle in your life and make things work out for yourselves. 

Signing off 

Janhavi Thakre

 

 

Covid-19: We shall overcome.

A call for unity, action: COVID-19 and principles of responsibility, hope - Opinion - Chinadaily.com.cn

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

– Michelle Obama

It’s been almost two years since this  pandemic started. In all these months there have been so many changes in around us and worldwide that we’d never imagine. All that we could find was terrifying news and negativity all over. It’s easy to run over and over the topics that are stressing us out- be that the corona virus pandemic, climate change or something else. People have lost their loved ones, people are facing mental health issue due to this and the economic condition of the country is going for a toss. Essential and health service workers are over burdened with duties yet they aren’t stopping. We need to support them, we need to stay positive and the ray of hope needs to stay.  Connect with your family members, follow the social distancing norms and make your days productive. In times like these people find meditation  and mindfulness really peaceful.Sitting ideally at home would only remind you of the terrifying situation outside, instead try being constructive- learn a new skill, exercise for some time, connect with your family and friends through social media, read books or listen to some music. Utilize your time wisely.  Don’t let negativity ruin your day.  If it’s possible from your part then please try to contribute something to the society, this isn’t the time to be selfish. Indeed it’s a really difficult time for all of us but it’s our unity that matters. We”ll get over this soon, things will get back to normal. Let’s stand together and fight this!

Empathy vs Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone disproportionately and unfairly. Health care workers face the harsh realities of the virus head-on. Teachers have had to adapt their years of experience gained from conventional teaching to suit online classes. Millions face the harsh reality of poverty and hunger everyday. Millions have lost their hard-earned jobs. Businesses have been forced to shut down. Hate crimes against groups of society that are baselessly and cruelly accused of spreading the virus have drastically increased. Mental health issues have risen and fueled by isolation, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. More than 150 million people have gone and continue to battle with this invincible enemy. More than 3 million people have lost their lives because of this virus. Families have lost their loved ones and the world has lost countless dreamers. This virus cossets no one.  

Early notions such as the pandemic would be ephemeral and infections were punitive for those who flouted the necessary precautions and rules have diminished during the ongoing second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. In my opinion, this is due to a rise in empathy amongst the people of India. Simply put, empathy is the ability of a living being to understand and share the feelings of another living being. Colloquially, it is referred to as “putting oneself in someone else’s shoes” 

The Government of India has had no shortage of opportunities to show empathy and alleviate the suffering of Indians. The Government has neglected its duty to serve the country and as Arundhati Roy put it, has committed a crime against humanity. The government has failed on many fronts. I would like to highlight a few that showcase an egregious lack of empathy. 

Firstly, the poorly planned nationwide lockdown, which was imposed with a mere 4 hours of notice, left thousands of migrant workers helpless, stranded, and vulnerable. With no help from the government, these migrant workers bravely decided to walk back to their villages. This lockdown was stained by police brutality and hate crimes against people that just wanted to survive. The lack of condemnation and apology by the government showcases a lack of empathy. 

Secondly, in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of Indians, the government launched the risibly named PM CARES (Citizens Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations) fund and its primary objective was “to deal with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide relief to the affected”. The fact that a government that has never shied away from repeatedly putting their plans such as “Make in India”, “Swachh Bharat”, “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, etc on the highest possible pedestal has created such an opaque and inaccessible fund shows a lack of empathy. 

Thirdly, the government’s actions before the second wave hit can be described as complacent, incompetent, and overconfident. On the 21st of February 2021, a resolution was passed in the BJP National Office Bearers meeting that “unequivocally hails its leadership for introducing India to the world as a proud and victorious nation in the fight against Covid”. Additionally, the government decided to export vaccines to other countries without ensuring adequate supply was available for Indian citizens. This not only leaves Indian citizens in danger but also betrays all the countries that depended on “the pharmacy of the world” as vaccine exports were abruptly stopped. None of this would’ve happened if the government showed empathy towards the people of India and established appropriate contingent plans.

Fourthly, while the second wave virulently spread and claimed thousands of lives, the government showed no empathy. While a strong case can be made to prohibit sitting union ministers from campaigning in elections that they are not contesting during a crisis, a complete stop to the democratic process would have been detrimental. The occurrence of huge rallies during a pandemic is untenable and all politicians are guilty of this. The myopic and unsympathetic nature of the government is accentuated by the needless comments that they have made throughout the pandemic.  

Finally, the iniquitous lack of co-operation between the centre and states to fight this pandemic showcases a pathetic lack of empathy. The failure to come up with a comprehensive and transparent plan for the distribution and supply of oxygen and vaccines has caused unimaginable suffering to the people of India. Any attempt by the government to set aside pride and partisanship, as leaders have done before when facing a crisis, and listen to good advice and imploration would be a sign of empathy. No such attempt has been made. Their lack of action and belated action have had fatal effects, but the government has not shown a sign of remorse or empathy.    

But all is not lost. There have been instances in which the government has shown empathy. Most states have decided to offer a Covid-19 vaccine for free for different age groups. The central government also has plans to allow final-year MBBS students to join Covid duty before completing the NEET exam. This will drastically reduce the strain faced by health care workers taking care of Covid patients. The government of Karnataka also announced that it would form a team of 15,000 civil defence volunteers in Bengaluru for tracking and tracing Covid-19 patients. This is a significantly more empathetic and humane approach to managing the crisis than the sadistic and vicious approach used last year that made victims of Covid-19 feel like criminals.

However, none of these actions are as consequential and empathetic as the profound empathy amongst the ordinary people of India. Early displays of empathy were seen when people started taking care of stray animals during the lockdown. Furthermore, countless rations and donations were given to the stranded migrant workers to help them cope with the dire situation they faced. From providing meals, oxygen, assistance to the elderly and handling cremations, Gurudwaras around the country have been the perfect embodiment of empathy. Conspicuously, the empathy and equanimity shown by the youth of India has truly been remarkable. With the help of social media, the relentless youth are constantly doing their part by helping those in need. 

Empathy also provides a strong basis for our everyday fight against Covid-19. Precautions like wearing a mask, staying indoors as much as possible, social distancing when outside, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible would not be flouted if people were more empathetic. For those of us who have not been directly affected by the virus yet, empathy goes a long way in helping and caring about those who have. 

Perhaps, the most optimistic and quixotic change that we can hope for during this precarious and seemingly inexorable situation is the crippling of traditional barriers that have separated us before. If we, as ordinary citizens of India, continue to disregard gender, caste, religion, wealth, age, ethnicity, language, political ideology, and other barriers when helping those affected by this pandemic, we could truly be united in this fight against the invisible enemy. Together, we shall overcome.  

What is the right time to start, to decide?

Article by – Shishir Tripathi

Intern at Hariyali Foundation
In collaboration with
Educational News

Many people at present (and in past too) have very big dreams for their life. Dream of getting their desired profession, getting their dream car, having their beloved as their life partner, following the time table they made and what not. Desires and dreams are actually endless, but the time required to fulfill those desires and acquire those goals is limited.

People know how to proceed in the process of acquiring their goals and their dreams but 7 out of 10 people are always confused thinking about, ‘When to start’? People basically assume that yes they’ve decided what they always dreamt of but they never could decide when to give it a start.

It is a general tendency that people start from tomorrow. Tomorrow, being a new fresh day looks like the perfect day to start something good. People make plans and strategies which they will be following in the process of achieving their goals and turning their dreams into reality. Whereas some people think that starting of a month, or a week or a year is the perfect time to start something special and something good.

People think that before getting indulged into the race of acquiring their goals and their desires, they must take rest. People think that they must gather strength and the power. People spend hours and days and months just gathering the so called strength and the power. They waste a lot of time thinking that they are resting.

People before taking any important decision, they think that we must give rest to their brain before deciding something. People think that they are making their mind for that particular decision. To some extent it is important that, people must ponder upon the situation and outcomes of the decision but it must not happen that people spend excess time just thinking, thinking and making their mind. Some bizarre people, with a habit of shouting out their decisions to the world waste hours telling about their decision and end up giving up the thought of making a bold move and wise decision.

It has been told since very long that one must respect and value time in order to get their goals and the desires fulfilled. Time goes on like moving water in rivers and falling sand. Each passing moment, each second becomes the part of the past. When one more moment and one more again turns into days, weeks and months, nobody could actually notice it. But it is important for each and every individual to realize the worth of the time.

As time passes by, situations and circumstances also change. It might happen that an individual is in the best state to start something new and take a decision now. Nobody has seen the future; It might happen that circumstances in future are not so good for giving something a new start or making a bold move. Obviously, nobody knows that what will be happening in future.

Therefore, an individual must realize that the present is absolutely into their control. They are the ones’ who can shape their present for a much better future. There’s not all a particular right time to start. An individual after thinking about all the aspects of his decision and the after effects in future can take the best decision. An individual can start anything at anytime, at any moment. The right time is now. Start thinking about it and get into achieving your dreams and your goals as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, one must also realize that missions started and decisions taken in hurry could result in adverse results. Hence, after all the proper planning and mind making, an individual must not waste even a single minute and get onto his work for a better future, a better life.

The Power of Believing in Yourselves

Haven’t we all came across a situation in our lives that we felt like we should just give up? On an average everybody has dealt with situations like that. We all clearly know that  we don’t live in a bed of roses, we have our ups and downs in life but something that we all should follow is the magic of believing in ourselves.

We hear stories of success all the time but have anyone of you noticed something common in all of it, it was this very small and accurate thing ever. The power of believing in yourself and never giving up. People who have never stopped believing in themselves have reached heights beyond imagination. Have you all heard the story behind the author of the Harry Potter Series. J K Rowling was rejected 12 times before her novel got published and now it has become one of the highest selling books across the world. What we must notice here is the will power of J K Rowling. Getting 12 rejections never stopped her. She mailed it to many people because she believed in herself and she knew that she could change the world with her books.

Today we cannot find a person or a child who don’t know the 9 ¾ platform at Kings Cross, that was the magic she penned down. Her life story give us all the true meaning of self esteem and confidence and the will to stay strong through bad times. Not everyday will be a good one and not everyone you meet will be worthy of your trust or love but what is important is mastering the art of moving on and forgiving people by your principles.

It is human nature to naturally feel low and letting negativity in each time you fall down. We always forget about our capabilities and what we can achieve. Giving ourselves the right emotional space matters the most whenever we receive a setback. If you don’t then you will break like glass each time you fail. Nobody reaches success nor win on their first times, people work hard day and night to reach their respective goals. What is important is the strong sense of self love.

In our lives we all encounter with people who will pull us down, always keep in mind that your mind is the only thing which can bring you down. Nothing else can. So let the barking dogs bark, ignore people who pull you down and never throw stones at a barking dog, because it is always a waste of our time and energy.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” Said Willie Nelson an American Singer. This is something that we all should take in deep consideration. It doesn’t really take much effort to think positively about ourselves, neither does it cost too.

Listening to our inner voice can always connect us back to reality because inside all of us is a person who wants to succeed and never give up. Always learn to forgive ourselves from mistakes we do rather than putting ourselves down. Self love is a choice. Own it.  

Fear

I have never been more frightened than when I came back home and met everywhere messed up,my eyes suddenly caught an envelope on the table beside me, I picked it up with my hands shaking and heart beating fast as if trying to escape my rip cage. My eyes almost fell out of it’s socket as saw what was written on and no time I was out running on the dark lonely road.
My phone ranged and I picked it up, a strong masculine voice came in,“don’t inform the police and hanged up the call.

My heart pounded again
The sideway of the of my mind
Darkened as I ran fast
as I could to the meeting place
And the sun had gone down

Only me running the street
With each footsteps taken
Something departs in me
New thought arrives
And new thought depart
My clouded mind with despair

What have I gotten myself into?
Should I call police on myself?
An hour had passed
Two hours speaking to
Each others on the phone

And now I stood at the meeting place,
peered at the window of my heart
find no light inside myself
Only some voices.

Went in and out of me
Only some bags of trash
So so terrifying
Each contained different body part of me
The limbs crawling
They eyes shading tears
The ear listening
The legs kicking

There is decapitated woman’s head
her eyes still open
Staring pieces me
Her mangled hair was all but gone
And lips parted
As if trying to tell me something

I couldn’t help myself
I screamed no words
I run but go nowhere
the arms took me away from my escape and hauled me a room With
A gasp I took in the gruesome and horrifying scene in front of me
Was A lifeless body, multiple wounds in her stomach and neck
Her arms and legs lay bent sideways and backwards
Blood soaked her hair and surrounded the girl’s face
It Pained me to admit
The Lifeless body is my sister
My Breath caught in my throat and couldn’t help the tears stream from my eyes.

Trust

Everyone is no one to everyone. You is both singular and plural in English grammar but it’s different in life. It’s always singular and you are only you and no one cares. Caring is done only if you pay. Money makes people and breaks people. If you have money, you can buy anything. Believe no one else you become only one.

Have faith in others but don’t trust others. Being you everytime and thinking only about you is atmost necessary in this cruel world. Have faith and beleive in yourself. No one is going to help unless you help them. Why do anyone help anyone without getting something. Giving is difficult and taking is easy. Beleive the process but not people. Trust no one and have faith in you. Life in this selfish world is so selfless. Living for others make your mates treat you as some other random guy. Never hope for something . Expecting is foolish because you are a fool to expect. Never give and never hope for the return.

Someone is something to you when he expects something to you and you become something when he gets his something. Don’t give atleast a thing and if anyone gives you something to you even before you give them believe him. Trusting blindly is so easy. Don’t give them opportunity because that makes them to have a choice between leading a luxurious life and happy life. Everyone will experience a moment in their life whether to choose a luxurious life by breaking the choice or to have a happy life by keeping the promise.

Believing your children isn’t trust worthy because there are few of them whom we can take as examples. Sometimes trusting yourself is too dangerous but there will be no choice to make because you are the choice maker. Make yourself strong because atlast you will be left alone right beside you to condolence yourself. It’s ok if you betray yourself because it’s better than getting betrayed by some others. Have a great hioe and become a master of making you. Don’t ever try to oversmart yourself because you know who you are.