THE OTHER SIDE: Article

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Different for Differently-Abled

It is not less than a miracle that we score gold, silver,bronze or even gets participation in international events in sports other than cricket in spite no funds and respect for these sports. How pathetic life these sportsmen lives is shame for us and now think of those who are differently-abled or the paralympic athletes. When officials and sports administrators couldn't cater the needs and requirements of normal athletes how could they give better treatment to those who requires special facilities and care.

It's a shocking tale of apathy, neglect and mistreatment of differently-abled athletes, and a national shame. At the 15th National Para-Athletic Championships, being held in Ghaziabad near Delhi, there are no ramps, no special toilets, in fact filthy toilets, very dirty rooms and grossly sub-standard facilities for the paralympic athletes. The story reveals the very sorry state of affairs in our sports administration and the mindset of the officials who treat the differently abled so shabbily. Even the accommodation that these para athletes have been provided is an unfurnished building in Ghaziabad.

More shocking is the fact that officials are defending themselves by saying that they have world class facilities when athletes are ridiculing them. It is not a new thing we have previously heard such incidents of mistreatment with sportsperson in various other events and the fact that they don't bother us is because these sportsmen are not cricketers about whom we are crazy and who earns crores due to our madness towards them while sportsmen from other sports don't even get timely salaries from their federations.

It is not that sports ministry don't have budgets for these sports but they are not very much and whatever little that they receive was easily digested or wasted by board heads and members who are politicians with hardly any knowledge of sport they are heading. It is better that we search websites like collegedunia.com for B.com colleges in India or the Best Arts colleges in India which at least guarantee some respect after graduation unlike taking these sports which don't guarantee even that.

It is time to change the way we see other sports and more funds should be given to them for their betterment. Athletes of these sports are doing well without much government support think how well would they perform with a backing by government and their federations.

Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle !

Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle but the farmers responsible for this feat is unable to buy sona (gold) for himself due to their poor condition. Some are so helpless to get even food for their family. How ironical that one who fed crores himself sleep hungry. Indian economy is mostly dependent on its agricultural yield although there are the numerous effort to increase agricultural production since independence by introducing high yielding seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides, etc but no efforts work done for the betterment of farmers and they were only used as vote bank.

Farmers don't get reasonable prices for their product, there are no storage facilities for keeping crops after cutting, irrigation facilities are not proper and most of the farmers depend on rain for that purpose, though there are provisions of compensation for crop damage due to untimely rain,drought or other such factors, the amount given to them was based on the directions laid down in 1967. The grants made through this formula is mere a formality for crop damage. It don't even give them their investment. The recent rains in northern India have compelled some debt ridden farmers to commit suicide.

The land acquisition bill made by Britishers in 1886 was making farmers landless for years until it was changed in 2013 by UPA government. This law allows governments to acquire any property with prior notice and the compensation issues was never settled amicably. Farmers saw some hope after changes came in 2013 but the new Modi government have made amendments in it making it easier for government and private stake holders to grab farmers land without giving them their proper due.

There are no social media campaigns for such issues perhaps because we care more for what we are eating than for thinking whose efforts are helping us to eat this. Why building new roads, industries, etc labelled as development and not easing life of farmers by giving them more facilities and a good life. It is no matter how develop we become we would anyhow require food to eat. So we must raise farmers issues so that they can live a happy and prosperous life. Lal Bahadur Shastri the second prime minister of India rightly coined the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan as these two are backbone for a country to prosperous but today there is no heed to their need a problem which should be our priority.

Here is the video of this song Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle from the movie Upkar (1967) to remind you of some happy farmers, hope to see some Acche Din for them also :

Manipur's Mardaani

A 70 year old man calls for a hunger strike till death gathers thousands of supporters in Delhi and a nation wide protest follows resulted in change of government as this caused backed by political forces for political gains. On the other hand a 28 year old lady started a hunger strike for injustices was arrested on charges of committing suicide and force fed through tubes. She is fighting for others through indefinite strike for 14 years now. She is Irom Chanu Sharmila regarded as 'Iron lady of Manipur' or Maingoubi ( "the fair one").

On 2nd November 2000, she began a hunger strike which is still ongoing. Her primary demand to the Indian government is the complete repeal of the AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers ) Act 1958) which has been blamed for violence in Manipur and other parts of northeast India. This act is criticized for the inhumanity and dictatorship attached to it. Armed forces in order to control situation many times target innocent civilians. On pretext of this act soldiers rape women, hold mass massacre, allegedly detain civilians and so on. The people of Kashmir valley have similar demands for this act which also got unheard.

She maintained that she was protesting against a draconian law and her hunger strike would continue till its annulment. She advocated this cause also during her detention in hospital. She was released by the trial court on Wednesday ( 20th August 2014 ) after a trial judge found no evidence to support charges filed in 2000 by prosecutors in Manipur that she was trying to commit suicide by refusing food. If this is happening in independent India then how it is different from British rule where similar things happened with those on Satyagraha or hunger strikes for protests.

So many questions came in my mind when I think about this situation in northeastern India and Kashmir that why a law which is against democracy is enforced for so long ? Why the situation is still out of control? Is the power abuse by military in those areas creating more tension among the masses ? Why government changed but this law not repealed ? We may not find answer to these questions as our politics is excellent in hiding and manipulating the truth.

I salute this lady to stand and fight for the rights of others. My support is with her. I hope a day will come soon when she swallows down something from her throat. I also appeal both state and center government to look in to the matter with utter importance and find some solution to this as we are a democratic country and not a country ruled by military. We also have responsibility to spread awareness about her cause and not to neglect issues of northeast. Since PM Narender Modi showed her concern towards northeastern states during his election rallies I hope he would show some seriousness now also when he is in power and in the position to change.

Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai?

Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai? ( Part 2 of India Series)

Part 1 : India In Danger?

Independence Day, one of the few days when we remember greatness of India. Feels proud of being Indian, sing patriotic songs,watch patriotic movies and enjoy this whole day being a holiday. But forget these things after that. Are we Indians only for day or two? Do we really feel proud of India and Indianness? Sadly answer to this questions comes out in negative. One bad habit of Indians which I would like to change for our India is not thinking India as their Identity.

We can find a Hindu, a Muslim, a Sikh, a Christian, an upper caste, a lower caste, majority, minority, a Bengali, a Marathi, etc,etc. but not Indians. This species is either extinct or is critically endangered species. We have forgot our roots, our composite cultures, our blended traditions, our common problems, our similar motives and are projecting ourselves different from one another just to ruin at the hands of few politicians who bake their bread on fire of such issues. We are divided in regions,religions and color.

After Independence the new government took the steps to unite India into one nation under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's monitoring who took this daunting task in his hand and created The Union of India. It was possible because we have combined histories, the problems we faced under Britishers were not different from each other, they exploited us and our nation in the same way. It was only amalgamation of our strong intentions against them and for our country which gave us independence.This independence appears in danger when we fight with each other on bases of our differences. We all are one even if we are separated in our cultures,traditions,geographical regions,religions,cast and creed, that's what makes us Indian and we should proud of our Indianness.

Moreover constitution of India grants us similar rights which we should respect equally for others as we deserve for us. This bad habit of not considering India as our first identity is the root cause of many other problems prevailing in the country and only leads to violence and hatred for each other. India is build on value of love so we should concentrate to spread only love. Next time when someone ask you who you are? Tell him/her that you are Indian from India. Here is the song Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara ( India is dear to us more than our lives) composed by A.R.Rehman and sung by Hariharan which we should remember in such difficult and dividing time :

This post is part of Indispire Edition 34 by Indiblogger

India In Danger?

India In Danger? ( Part 1 Of India Series )

If you are thinking I am joking or spreading some rumor then you are wrong. India is in real danger not from any neighboring country,not from any terrorist,not from any nuclear or biological attack but from hatred forces residing within the country. Before I explain it further I would like to ask what India is? How it is unique and different from other countries in the world?

The answer is simple India is a country where all religions, cultures and traditions lives in harmony which is its uniqueness. No other country can vow for such diversity of language,culture,religion,etc as India can. What makes us different from other countries of the world is that in spite of so much diversity we live as one and with unity but now I feel this is in danger because of some people of this country. Unity makes India and if this is in danger India is in danger.

Many recent incidents and statements of politicians appears to be against the minorities of the country like a Goa minister's statement that stage is set to make India a Hindu-rashtra ( Hindu Nation ), targeting Sania Mirza by Telangana BJP MLA for being brand ambassador of the state, force feeding a fasting Muslim by Shivsena MP's , series of riots in UP from Muzaffarnagar to Muradabad to Saharanpur to Rampur as if part of a planned move by some anti-national forces, needlessly highlighting Article 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir, promoting baseless and fact less ideology of Dina Nath Batra among school children etc. All such activities have increased since the new government came into power and our PM who have plans for every petty issue have nothing to say on this important topic.

My main concern lies not with those politicians whose interest lies in gaining vote bank by spreading such hatred but I fear for the fact that masses have developed hatred for each other evident from social media comments and shares by them. The influence of corporate houses has also increased in TV media, since their motive is minting money they can run any damn news for the sake of money. If you observe certain news anchors and news channels you will find them airing only one side of the story hiding or suppressing the other side further increasing hatred in country.

India does not belong to any religion,party,region,community and cast but to each individual living in India. We respect each others cultures and traditions that's why enjoy each others festivals, rumor mongers and some political parties finds no gain in togetherness they wants us to divide. The formula of divide and rule is still prevalent and we all are becoming its victim. If those who believe in love,togetherness,peace and harmony would not stand up for the country then that day is not very far when we see neighbors killing neighbors and country again divided into small blocks. Today Yash Chopra's Dhool Ka Phool's song " Tu Hindu banega na musalman banega insaan ki aulaad hai insaan banega"( You will not become a Hindu or a Muslim but a human being child of a human.) is resonating in my mind. We try to make our children a good Hindu or a Muslim but never a good human being and a good Indian. I am leaving you with this song :

Terror Versus Terrorism

Is terrorism is the answer to the terrorism? We all know how big the problem of terrorism is to the world. Thousands of people get killed by terrorists without any fault of them, they don't deserve to live but more innocent people were killed on pretext of killing the terrorists. Some among those who were tortured and exploited in the name of curbing terrorism becomes rebellious and then mislead by terrorists. Thus it has became a vicious circle. The western world in order to occupy the oil minerals of the Arab world are controlling them by setting up there military bases in those regions in order to solve conflicts which are created by them. Osama Bin Laden was supported by US against Russia who later became threat to them.

Their military occupations are killing thousands of innocent children,men, women and animals in these areas. We witnessed how Afghanistan was destroyed by US forces in their futile search of Osama Bin Laden who was killed later in Pakistan when already towns and cities were deserted in Afghanistan. We are still to see weapons of mass destruction in Iraq for which the whole of Iraq was demolished. There army created so much unrest there that people retort to violence by standing against their own army. The same is the case with Syria and now Gaza was attacked daily by Israel with the support of European Union and United States killing civilians unaware of any Hamas activities ( which Israel labelled as terrorist group has actually elected ruling party of Gaza but not their sycophant). Israel and Egypt wants to get hold of Gaza and Palestine and for that they are killing them.

From childhood we were told that there is always a solution to the problem then why there are no efforts for any solution when these problems are running for years. What is the role of United Nation in the world scenario when it failed in maintaining world peace and act only as a puppet in the hands of powerful nations to put sanctions on small countries which don't follow American foreign policy. Why they still think it to be a white man's job to maintain world order? Why world is silence when Israel is attacking Gaza without any solid reason? Why not mainstream media is covering this news? Where are those humanitarians who raised hue and cry for just a slap on the face?

The answer to these questions is hard to come as there are hardly any benefit of the world from this place. The Britishers sowed the seed of hatred and conflict at each place they left like Palestine issue between Israel and Palestine, Kashmir between India and Pakistan, divided North and South Korea , etc. These conflicts keep alive there weapon businesses and thousands of innocent civilians die daily with these weapons. Why not ban weapons which are built to kill only? I hope world will be a better place for generations to come. Pray for peace in the world. Pray for some strength for the people of Gaza facing such hardships in holy month of Ramadan. May Allah bring harmony in the world. Ameen!

Change The Game

Cricket's position in today's India is beyond any challenge by any other game,thus cricketers also enjoyed the godly status whereas other games are neglected, forget about the international presence we don't have national presence and interest in these games. The players of other sports than cricket are not known faces of the country. Their earnings are almost negligible as compare to earnings of cricketers. They lived harsh life without any facilities by government. The dream of a sportsperson to be cheered by the crowd of their country also remained unfulfilled. The condition of women in such sports is more frightening.

Women players in addition face social obligations. Even their families don't support them as girls are supposed to cover their body,they can't play in front of so many men,they are not allowed to go far away from the house alone and so on. The same is the case with Bhabani Munda and her Dooars XI of West Bengal. It's a women football team from Dooars in West Bengal. In spite of winning various medals and trophies they don't have proper sports shoes,jerseys and football. They support their dream and passion by selling rotis and tea. Half Stories - Do Right by Tata Capital initiative has highlighted this issue and helping them to buy those sports essential things.

In my opinion if we want to promote other sports we should take help of two other big things in the country Cricket and Cinema. Chak de starring Shah Rukh Khan helped a lot in promoting the cause of Indian Women's Hockey while endorsement of Men's Hockey by cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Verender Sehwag brought spectators during Indian Hockey League. Initially we can complete this half story by giving donations to Dooars XI through Do right to buy shoes and other accessories but the long term solution requires complete planning.

Organizing football matches along with cricket matches during IPL (Indian Premier League) as experimental basis would indulge the audience with football. We Indians are big fans of international footballers,arranging friendly matches with European teams is also a good idea. This is election time so ask your candidates,your favorite parties ,your leaders about their policies regarding promotion of sports other than cricket. What are their plans of sports development in rural areas from where we get most of our finest sports talent. So lets pledge to Change The Game by changing our attitude towards other sports.

This post is written for Half Stories by Do Right at Indiblogger.in

Taking Part in A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Today's alphabet is C and its UBC Day 3.

Light A House - The Hope Project

When I read about the Milaap initiative on indiblogger ,I thought it to be a charity programme to help few people by giving them money but after visiting their site I came to know that they are doing exactly what their name suggests i.e amalgamation. They are uniting women who were exploited by Devdasi practice in various Indian villages to the rest of the world and helping them to raise funds so that they can live a respectful life by providing them opportunities to earn their livelihood. In doing so they are also empowering India by making an oppressed section of our society self sustainable.

The most important thing which I like about this whole process is that the money which one gives is not a charity but a loan which is refundable. This makes borrower responsible for money and their ground partners ensures that borrower use money effectively and for the purpose for which a lender is helping. The money lender is not doing any kind of favor to borrower instead he/she is helping someone to complete their projects without hurting their self-respect. Moreover I don't believe in giving money to make anyone dependent on you and remain hopeful for more money in future but here the money is used to make people independent and self sustainable,they are not begging but asking to support them with money which they will return in stipulated time.

I chose to promote the cause of Kumari Tarasia and Group of Odisha. It is a group of five people Kumari Tarasia,Lakshmi,Sumitra,Rina and Subasini. They work in variety of jobs like agriculture and grocery stores. They required a loan amount of Rs 13,320 to buy solar lamps as kerosene lamps which they use in their houses required constant refilling of kerosene. Kerosene produces poisonous fumes which causes many respiratory infections,lung and throat cancers,serious eye infections,cataracts as well as low birth weights.Apart from its health hazards it act as a barrier in the way of education. Children if study under kerosene lamps finds it difficult to read owing to its low light which in turn discourage children from studying as a result of which most students quit schools. There is also a danger of fire with these kerosene lamps. In India alone 2.5 million people ( 3,50,000 of them children) suffers severe burns each year primarily due to overturned kerosene lamps.

A study produced by Evan Mills in 2002 founds that one kerosene lamp consumes 0.04 to 0.06 litres of kerosene per hour and the daily usage is approximately two to three hours. Thus 1 lite of kerosene per week multiply by $1USD is equal to $52USD per year. Some houses uses more than one lamp hence their hard earned money is wasted in kerosene lamps only which decrease their budget for other essential commodities and things like food,cloths,health and education. Use of solar lamps will burden their budget less and they will able to think of better quality of life.

Solar lamps runs with solar energy which is free of cost,they are not dangerous to environment because they don't emit green house gases as produced by kerosene lamps. For the same reason they are not harmful to health also. I also believe that after a day of hard work these women requires rest in the evening which is not possible with kerosene lamps which they buy daily and than refill these lamps this quality time can be used with their children and for themselves. We city people rarely think of villages with no electricity but being an energy deficient nation most villages are still deprived of electricity.If we are getting 24 hour electricity it is because many people sleep and awake in darkness in a way we are enjoying light a share of which belongs to such villages and to people like Kumari Tarasia and group.Lets be part of this big change with your small contributions. This will not only help in spreading hope but also awareness to the practice of Devdasi.

You can help many other groups to buy solar lamps by visiting below link or chose any other cause running on http://milaap.org/campaigns/hope

www.milaap.org/fund?&referrer_id=9061

Participating in 'The Hope Project' by Milaap.org and Indiblogger.in

No To Racism In India

India is known for its quality of amalgamation for years and centuries. Different people came here to make it their permanent home and their cultures and traditions have mixed with values of India so much that with time they have become indigenous part of our country. Another specialty of India is its varied geographical and climatic differences which make its people look different at different places unlike other places in the world where whole country experience almost similar environmental conditions as a result India in itself holds people having similarities with Chinese or African people. But does that change their identity as Indians?

A recent incident in the capital indicates to this black spot on our society. On 2014 January 30 Nido Taniam, an 18 year old Student from Arunanchal Pradesh died after being beaten up mercilessly by locals at a marketplace in the Lajpat Nagar area of Delhi. Nido Taniam was the son of Arunachal Pradesh Congress legislator Nido Pavitra. He was studying in Lovely Professional University, Jalandher. Before that incident another incident also happened in Delhi's Khirki Extension where Nigerian women were treated badly by group of people headed by Law Minister of Delhi Somnath Bharti. Recently a minister in Goa Dayanand Mandrekar was also involved in racist comments for Nigerian communities. Last year north eastern people were threatened in Karnataka by some groups. Such incidents bring us to the same league as those western countries where they differentiate people on the basis of their skin color and many times Indians residing in those countries also falls prey to such racists.

Such incidents in India are really very shameful. Above mention incident have media attention due to the involvement of ministers in it but what about those incidents which went unnoticed. North East Indians in different parts of the country face alienation due to their looks. Majority of people make fun of them, the reason behind it is again politics. Many local parties centralised their politics on local issues and in doing so they sow seed of hatred among masses for people of other part of the country, many such hate speeches for north Indians are on record by local leaders of Maharashra's local parties.

We have emerged into a free nation after facing so much discrimination, so such incidents not only break our unity but also weakens foundation of our country. 'We the people of India are one whatever our caste,color,region or religion.' These words should be part of our thoughts otherwise politicians take advantage of these weaknesses to gain votes for or against a particular issue. Just remember we all are some and enjoys similar rights and opportunities instead of fighting with each other we should fight to get those opportunities which are deprived to us. INDIA IS ONE FROM KASHMIR TO INDIRA POINT( A & N ISLANDS) AND FROM ARUNANCHAL TO GUJARAT.

Gifts For Life

HDFC Life's initiative to collect 1001 gift ideas for children give me a chance to think about this topic. Since I am not married and I don't have children I may think differently on this topic but on the other hand children of my brother and sisters who are fond of me may make me think like a parent itself.

A child's requirement changes with age and at each period of his/her age there are few things which parents wants to be constant. It is not an easy task and one has to plan these things early. Things will be very different after 10 to 15 years from now,that's why gift for futures which you are planning should also be different and unique. Below I am mentioning five gifts which I think I should give a child or a child should have to have a secure future:

1. An education policy which would be helpful in the future when education will be costlier from now and that investment for future should not burden your present budget. That means a policy with low premium and high returns like those offered by HDFC SL youngstar plans.

2. Environment to grow to one's total capability. An environment in home where there is no quarrel between parents which has very adverse effect on a child's growth. Positive environment in society specially for a girl child where girl should not considered as a burden but equal to a boy. An environment where safety is ensured for both girls and boys. This would be the best gift for today's child.

3.Opportunities for all. This is the gift which each generation demands after attaining their youth. Quality higher studies became useless when one doesn't get a job of his/her choice not because they are not capable but because there are no opportunities to show their capability. An assure opportunity regardless to cast,region,religion and gender will surely be a wonderful gift.

4.Independent you. This means that one should be self sustainable at an older age or on that stage when a child starts earning so that he/she may not feel burden to take care of your financial requirements during his's/her's struggling days in their respective career. Children have to take care of their parents but they should not burdened at onset of their earning life. Your happiness is also a gift for your child.

5.Healthy youth. Healthy youth starts from a healthy childhood. Eating habits developed earlier in life follows you throughout in your life. It's parents duty to give healthy and nutritious food to their children. No gift is better than a healthy body and as you prepare for every future requirements of your child right from its birth similarly for good health you have to start early. Investment in health will return you with health.

Above all a child needs lots of love at every stage,give them so much of your love so that they think every day of their life a beautiful gift from god instead of cursing themselves and their destiny for not having a desired life.

This post is a part of the 1001 Gifts Activity by HDFC Life in association with BlogAdda.

Assembly Elections Analysis

Assembly polls going on in 5 Indian states concluded with end of polling in Delhi on 4th December 2013. These assembly elections hold it's significance in the fact that they arrive before Lok Sabha elections thus projected in the media as semifinals also there is a direct fight in four of these five states between two leading political parties(Congress and BJP) in India. These states are Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. Media coverage of these elections make the scenario more interesting with daily debates and analysis of the ground situation. These debates and analysis actually are confusing for the issues raised in them some of which are useless in state politics.

This years hot election issues remain corruption,scams,Narender Modi's projection as BJP's PM candidate, development issues, Rahul Gandhi's ineffectiveness, etc. In Delhi presence of Aam Aadmi Party also made the fight more interesting.

My motive of writing this article is not to analyse the situations and then predicting the probable outcome of these elections ,it is better be done by News channels with opinion and exit polls( which usually go wrong but helps in maintaining the heat till the result day), neither I am trying to look at the impact of Arvind Kejrival, Narender Modi and Rahul Gandhi on these polls it will become clear on 8th December the result day. I am here to boost the other side of these elections a better side for our democratic setup that is the increase in voting percentage.

The voting percentage in all these five states have increased from previous polls to the extent that it has created records in those states. Delhi gave it's best with 67% voting,Rajasthan with 74.38%,Madhya Pradesh with 70%,Chattisgarh with 71% and Mizoram with 82%. Increase in percentage shows that more people are now taking part in the political system. These trends also shows that a big change will happen as more voting percentage implies clean sweeps as observed in previous state assembly polls. It also showcase the efforts of Election Commission ,it is because of their awareness campaign that people came out in big numbers,increase number of polling stations along with mobile polling booths encouraged more people in remote areas of Rajasthan and Chattisgarh to vote. Provision of NOTA( None Of The Above) button in EVM's (Electronic Voting Machines) helps in bringing those voters to vote who don't like their candidates.

Whatever be the result of this election but this trend will definitely make our elected members more responsible as people are becoming more aware of the power they possess with a vote. This will encourage better candidates more accountable to the people. I hope that increase in voting percentage in these states will also boost voters in other states to vote in big numbers.

Let's pledge to always vote,

for India not for currency note.

Ta-ta Tendulkar

Ta-Ta Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has said goodbye to all forms of cricket with the end of India's second test match with West Indies which was his 200th test match. In his 24 years of cricket his name became synonymous with the game,he broke most of the records set by earlier generations and made so many new records which might remain intact with his name always.

Sachin's cricketing carrier was like a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs in it. At the one end he was making and breaking records and on the other hand he was criticized for playing for himself. India lost most of the matches in which he has scored centuries. We have also witnessed his jinx with nervous nineties. He avoided captain-ship of the team because of the pressure involved in it and when he got captain's cap he leaved it within a year. His interest in brand endorsements was questioned when he didn't performed well.

I will not remember him for his records because someone may break them someday but I will never forget him for the man he is. He never misbehaved with any senior or junior player,encouraged younger generation,supported his captain and coach, remain spotless at a time when match fixing hold every cricketer's collar, remain a true champion of the game even off the field,his mere presence in the game was enough to generate a hope among cricket fans,never ever indulged in fights on or off the field, always spoke with the bat when criticized. There was a time when he was above the game but he never took appreciations to his head and always remained humble to everyone.Cricket will never forget its true son who is an example of how a cricketer should be.

After his retirement cricket fields will miss a small man who brings energy to the game. Some are crying ,some are shattered and some don't think he should retire now but I am satisfied that he retired when we still think that there is something left in him. He is also a parliamentarian now I hope he will set an example there also. Ta-ta Tendulkar!

Suraksha(Safety) Tips

I live in Delhi the capital of India which has also became crime capital of the country for daily hosting one or the other kind of crimes. Rape,murders,snatching,theft you name a crime and we have it but that doesn't mean one should stop living here or those who wants to come here for study,work should stop coming here. Yet there is a need to be more alert. You should be aware of your surroundings and people around you. Here I am suggesting 10 tips which in my opinion are must to apply to be more safe in Delhi:

1.First of all download Smart Suraksha App in your android smart phone. This app at the press of a single button sends your message of help to five pre-chosen contacts from your contact list along with your location even if the GPS on your cellphone is switched off. This app ensures your safety at time of danger.

2.Always note the number of auto or taxi you use for commuting and tell the same to someone you trust. This will demotivate the person from doing anything wrong because the chances of him getting caught increased.

3.There is a women help line number 1091 which assist and help you in time of distress.Complaint there if someone harasses you over phone or follows you and passes lewd comments. Ignoring such incidents result in severe consequences.

4.Minor girls should not be left in the custody of neighbors and relatives.

5.Don't believe anybody. Ascertain the identity of plumbers,electricians,domestic helps,etc., and don't talk about money or jewellery in front of them or any other stranger.

6.Check the background of landlord before taking a house for rent. Similarly house owners should verify a tenants detail with nearby police station.

7.Girls should not go to any friends' house without informing parents. Small girls should have name and address of parents on their school bag and must accompany by parents while going out.

8.Don't disclose that you are going for a holiday in front of strangers. Inform your neighbors about your vacations so that they stay alert if something happens in your house. Also tell milkman and newspaper vendor so that they not keep milk and newspaper on door which make strangers know about you being not at home.

9.Don't stop at sights of accidents,crying child,old age people,etc on desolate roads,it might be a trap to loot,call police instead and describe the incident.

10.While leaving bank or ATM with cash keep an eye if anybody is observing you and tell the security guard about the same.

Apart from these steps time to time meetings on safety in each locality will make sure that criminals are not going to escape the crime scene and the punishment easily.

I am sharing my Smart Suraksha Tips at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

UBC Day 25

Natural Growth

It's a well-known fact from ages that massage helps in growth of a child. Elderly people in homes always advice new mothers to massage their babies for speedy growth and strong bones. It is a traditional practice in many families for rearing a child. Many studies conducted on this subject suggests that massage reduce the number of illness in child,skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate brain development in babies, it induces a better sleep and most importantly it brings mother and child more closer to each other.

I have seen my sisters,my sister-in-law (brother's wife) massaging their babies and in doing so they used to interact with them which builds their connection stronger,moreover both babies and mothers feel relaxed and enjoy this personal time. I still remember that when my sister first visited our home with her newborn son,she send me to buy Dabur Lal Tail for massaging her child. When I questioned why only Dabur Lal Tail than she told me that this is the best oil in market,she had seen many others using it and her husband had thoroughly enquired this from many child specialists.

Later when I searched the net I found that Dabur Lal Tail contains all natural ingredients like til tail (sesame oil),ratanjyot,shanka pushpi,camphor and urad. These things help in growth,protects against skin infection,cures general weakness,improves blood circulation and nourishes muscles and bones. Efficacy and safety of Dabur Lal Tail massage is also confirmed by a study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College,Wardha ,Maharashtra.

I have also seen some mothers switching to Dabur Lal Tail from mustard oil which tans babies body and not as effective as Dabur Lal Tail after seeing its benefits. It doubles the physical growth which is now clinically proved.

This post is written for 'Traditional Knowledge,Natural Growth' by Dabur Lal Tail on Indiblogger

UBC Day 24

An Immune India

According to an analysis published in the medical journal 'Lancet,' private expenditure on health in India is close to 78% and almost 39 million people in India are pushed to poverty because of ill-health every year. It is also said that nations with less expenditure on medical facilities develop faster than those nations which spend more on medical bills.

Earlier people used to get pure fruits and vegetables,their diets were good and had a set eating pattern which helps them in developing healthy and immune body. This is completely transformed in today's competitive world where in fast paced life one thing that suffers the most is the health because nutritional demand of our body is not fulfilled as a result our immune system becomes weak and we fall sick more often.

Same is the case with children,during their growth period where they need maximum nutrition to develop a healthy immune system there eating habits don't contributes to it and hence every day or so they fall ill this is where role of Dabur Chyawanprahsh becomes important. Dabur Chyawanprash's scientifically proven formula provides three times more immunity to fight virus,flu and infections. If a child eat it daily,he/she will develop a strong immunity system which helps in fighting illness.

Its natural Ayurvedic ingredients are tried and tested for ages in providing better immunity. A strong immunity system means less illness which further means less expenditure in medical bills and reduce burden on country.'s budget. Dabur Chyawanprash's availability in mango and orange flavors has made it more popular in children which used to avoid it before for its taste. Sugar free variant is also available for health conscious people. It is used and promoted by people like Amitabh Bachchan and M.S.Dhoni and even doctors advice it to improve immune system.

This post is written for Indiblogger's An Immune India initiative by Dabur Chyawanprash.

UBC Day 23

Eid-ul-Adha

Eid ul Adha or Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated by Muslims all around the world as an act of submission to Allah. It honours the willingness of prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismail on Allah's command and his son's acceptance to being sacrificed,before Allah intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead.

It shows the Abraham's and Ismail's devotion and belief in Allah that whatever HE does is always for the good.Well to do Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal like goat,buffalo,sheep,camel,cow and chicken and distribute one third of it among neighbours and friends,giving another one third to poor and needy people This ritual is also performed during Hajj pilgrimage.

This festival signifies to sacrifice one's pride,greed,pleasure,etc and to distribute love and food among poor and needy. By sacrificing an animal and sharing its meat with others one develops the habit of sharing happiness with others,as the blood flows out from the animals body in the same way bad habits should come out of one's body. It also reminds that man is mortal and hence check his deeds to have a better fate in the world and in after life.

UBC Day 16

Truth Always Wins

Navratra marks the beginning of festive season in India. These nine days ends with Vijaydakshmi which is celebrated as Dussehra and Durga Puja in different part of India,Nepal,Bangladesh and many other countries with Hindu population.

Both these festivals i.e. Durga Puja and Dussehra epitomizes the victory of good over evil. Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana the evil king of Lanka who kidnapped his wife Sita whereas Goddess Durga's victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura is celebrated as Durga Puja. Both these stories confirms that how stronger the evil may become in the end truth will prevail.

Effigies of Ravana are burned on Dusshera day to symbolize the fate of evil. These festivals make our believe stronger that if one follows the path of truth he may face many difficulties but one's efforts don't go in vain and victory is inevitable. On this day we wish to have the courage to follow the idealistic path shown by Lord Rama which is full of difficulties and one tend to wander from it.

May God destroy all evil around us and fill our life with happiness and prosperity. Happy Dussehra and Durga Puja to all.

UBC Day 12

Name Of Helplessness Is Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi was a face synonymous with Indian Independence struggle. The direction of the independence movement was changed as soon as he entered in Indian arena from South Africa where he fought for the rights of non white people. His efforts unified whole Indian Independence Movement under single leadership of Congress party working in his guidance.

At one point during his period of emergence everyone in the country was certain for freedom but that is also the point where his helplessness first appeared. He called off non- cooperation movement after Chauri-Chaura incident where protesters retort to violence after police action. The man who send Indian soldiers to help British army in World War 1 suspended the almost successful movement on the ground of violence that too after police atrocities. Gandhi's failure to secure commutation of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev's execution also revealed his helplessness. Suspension of civil disobedience movement after Gandhi-Irwin pact,no strong action against partition,communal violence intensified and he never strongly opposed communal forces by starting a movement for it. All these incidents proved his helplessness in many occasions.

Indian Independence was the result of not only of Gandhian movement but it was the part of changing world scenario after world war 2 and the formation of United Nations. The decrease in power of British Empire resulted in many independent nation during that period and India was also one of them. The freedom which was our right was granted to us as an act of kindness that too at the cost of partition which sow the seed of everlasting conflict in the country. The nation formed on his ideas is thus weak and helpless. After independence we succumbed to our neighbors China and Pakistan by giving them parts of our land. People easily accepts everything as part of their destiny without raising any voice,we stop working and sat on protests on very petite issues which in turn hinders with growth of nation.

World celebrates International Day of Non-violence on his birthday i.e 2nd October and his philosophy of truth and ahimsa(non-violence) is admired throughout the world,many world leaders like Nalson Mandela,Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan,etc followed his ideals in their respective struggles. But this is also the fact that the helplessness we inherited from him is responsible for corruption,poverty and hunger.

UBC Day 2

World Day Against Child Labour

We often see special google doodles on special occasions, social media was bombarded with greetings or messages related to that occasion by governmental or non governmental organisations and even by individuals,we also see TV debates,newspaper coverage for such special events and days,but yesterday there was none.No prime time debates,no newspaper adds,no social media coverage,no active blogosphere,none.

Actually, yesterday i.e on June 12, world observed since 2002 on ILO's ( International Labor Organisation) initiative " World Day Against Child Labor". But it is said or rather shameful that many of us don't know about it. This day was launched to focus attention on the global extent of child labor and the action and effort needed to eliminate it. Even after having laws against child labor and compulsory education for all we are unable to eradicate child labor from our society. The biggest reason behind this is unawareness about the issue and lack of political will.

Children unaware of there rights works as domestic helps in home or as bonded labors in factories,they beg on roads for which they also pay commissions to beggar's mafia many of us feel top of the world giving charity to such children but in reality we are promoting child labor in this way,politicians and governments are not much concerned about the issue because these children are not there vote bank. No money was invested by Ministry of women and child welfare to create awareness about this issue.

Lakhs and crores of children do labor at the age when they need to go to school only because we employ them in our homes and factories. It's time now for us to think and act against child labor, if we are unable in providing them food and shelter than we must not encourage it by giving alms to children begging on street,to drink tea at stalls where children are employed,to dissociate from our friends and relatives who employ children in there homes,to make such children aware of there right of education.

From government side,harsher punishments should be given to those who employ children,no child work of his/her own will they are forced by parents being so poor,hence government must ensure food and work for all,more schools should open up in villages and panchayat must ensure that each child of village will attend schools,more facilities should be there in schools to minimize the percentage of school dropouts. I hope next year we all remember this day and put our efforts in eliminating this evil from our society.

The Big Fat Indian Wedding

The Big Fat Indian Wedding.

We in India are fortunate enough to have so many seasons to see due to our position in the world map. Summer,winter,monsoon,spring,etc. You name it and we have it but there is one more season of which we experience many forms and that season is wedding season.

In India wedding is like a destination for each individual to reach at a particular age,one started dreaming about his or her wedding since childhood,beautiful dresses,lavish arrangements,most suitable partner and so on. There are so much expectation in marriages that one spend huge amount of money in food,clothing and other arrangements.Due to huge differences in economic conditions we have so many type of marriage arrangements which one can afford according to budget.

Street marriages where tents were put in streets,food is limited and many times get finished before eating by everybody present there, parks or community center marriages,here marriages started getting bigger with more food items and for all ,bigger arrangements,bride and grooms costumes were better and so on,some may have music arrangements,DJ's ,orchestra according to the budget than we have farm house weddings which are based on themes having proper rehearsals for different ceremonies,dishes of different regions,designer outfits,etc. Last but not the least are palace weddings in old royal palaces which are used now as hotels and resorts where filmstars performs,food is in abundance,high profile people were invited,preparations began before months,dances choreographed,costumes precisely made,etc

Lots of money is wasted in wedding arrangements,food goes in drains in a country where so many people sleep hungry,electricity is overused,a small ceremony can also tie the threads of relation but performed otherwise,those who don't have that much money borrow from others out of social pressure,dowry is given in the name of gifts,poor people often think there daughters as burden only because of this reason.

There are so many negative expects of such Big Fat Indian Wedding but there is also an other side of it. It provide work and business to thousands and lacks of people directly or indirectly,people plan there business according to marriage season,tailors,carpenters,masons,vegetable vendors,cloth manufacturers,marriage bureaus,painters,electrician,farmers,etc all takes there share from weddings, a good wedding season is a good business season more the demand more is the supply and more will be the profit. So enjoy this season every year.