Celebrating World Sparrow Day

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March 22, 2019

March 20 is celebrated as the World Sparrow Day to emphasise the need to protect these little birds, as well as their habitats. A sparrow is to the city what a tiger is to the forest. Sparrow populations in many countries around the world are declining. The shocking and the inconvenienced truth is that the population of sparrows is declining at the fastest pace. Sparrow is a very important member of various urban and natural food chains and food webs. Sparrows are the sweetest birds that live around us and as a child, every one of us should have enjoyed their sightings all around us. The house sparrow is one of the best friends of human. The association between humans and the house sparrow dates back to several centuries and no other bird has been associated with humans on a daily basis like the house sparrow. Sparrows are amongst the bird species that we have been seeing since childhood. However, recent surveys have shown that their numbers are declining.

The friendly chirp on the window sill will soon be a sight for sore eyes as the innocuous sparrow is being wiped out from the urban jungle. The spike in the falling of trees in Mumbai is a major reason why sparrows and other birds are facing a loss of habitat. The omnipresent glass buildings of Mumbai — the corporate dens — have replaced many older structures that were built with a façade that had nooks and crannies, even bricked roofs, which allow sparrows to nest. Heavy use of chemical fertilisers leads to agricultural produce being placed by them, hence ruining the food of sparrows. The effects range from damage to the immune and nervous system of sparrows to interference with their navigating sensors.

Changing lifestyles have robbed sparrows of their nesting grounds. The fast-paced lifestyles of urban and semi-urban areas have also reflected in people’s attitude towards birds and biodiversity. Sparrows are resilient, they migrate to safer zones, feed at public granaries, market places, ports and railway stations, nest at nearby sites and adapt to stabilize their population, but gradually, all such places are becoming unsuitable for the sparrows. Its slow but noticeable disappearance has been labeled as one of the biggest mysteries of recent times.

Future generations might get to see them only in pictures. House Sparrow was quite popular and common among the past and present generations who got to see them all around their house and fields. Listing the number of reasons for the decline in the population, survival of any species was ultimately linked to factors such as food, nesting and breeding opportunities and escaping from the predators. Lack of these led to a decline in Sparrow population. The increasing number of cell phone towers in urban ambiance and the radiation from these towers are also leading to a high mortality rate of sparrows.

The decline of sparrows includes a shortage of nesting sites, food, effects of pesticides and microwave pollution caused by mobile towers. These sparrows being one of the bio-indicators are a grim reminder of the polluted environment in which not only the house sparrows but also the other common birds get depleted. We have to remember that this little magical bird that is gradually disappearing from our skies and neighbourhoods needs immediate help to survive.

Sparrow huts became a common add-on at handicraft exhibitions for environmentally friendly people. By bringing it back, we are safeguarding our children’s future for a green and healthy environment. t is the time to take fruitful efforts to conserve the tiny social, human-associated bird. It is our responsibility to save this small, lovable, beautiful and harmless bird for the environment and for ourselves.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Holi For Harmony

By

Afternoon Voice

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March 22, 2019

Every year, the streets of India turn into colours and frivolity as people across the nation celebrate Holi, a significant festival of Hindu religion that dates back to centuries, however, it’s been adopted by the countries across the globe as a fun festival that brings happiness, love, peace, togetherness, unity, harmony, and humanity. In spite of being such a celebrated festival, there are various aspects of Holi which makes it so significant, popular and fascinating in our lives. Even though they might not be so apparent but a closer look and little observation reveals its significance in more ways than the eyes can see. Ranging from socio-cultural to religious and biological reasons we must embrace and enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its celebration as it makes us ‘we’. Moreover, since it’s Holi, don’t hold yourself back and enjoy the one of the biggest festival of the nation to the hilt by participating with full enthusiasm in every small tradition that comes under this grand event that is made of all colours. Holi helps in bringing the society together and strengthening the secular fabric of our country as the whole nation celebrate this joyous festival. The tradition of Holi has always helped in turning enemies into friends and forgetting the feeling of hardship. The festival distorts the line between poor and rich, cast and religion and establishes brotherhood.

There are many stories and legends behind celebrating Holi. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the celebration of Holi started centuries ago when Holika was burnt in fire while trying to burn her nephew Prahlad. There was a demon king named Hiranyakashyap, father of Prahlad who tried to burn his son Prahlad when he denied worshipping him as Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. When Hiranyakashyap failed many times in trying to kill Prahlad, then he ordered his sister, Holika to sit in the fire by taking Prahlad in her lap as she was booned for never getting harm by fire. However, Hiranyakashyap also failed in this case too as Prahlad was saved by his God whereas Holika burnt to ashes and from that day Hindus started celebrating Holi. The day before Holi, people make a heap of woods on ground and burn it which symbolises Holika and celebrate the ‘Holika Dahan’ ceremony. People also take many rounds of the burning Holika and worship it to get blessed with good health and prosperity by burning all the diseases in the fire. There is also a custom in North India where people massage the body with mustard paste and then burn in Holika believing that they will get rid of all the diseases and evils from the body.

According to another Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva nearly destroyed the world when he got to know that Goddess Sati has immolated herself. After controlling his anger, he renounced all worldly duties and went into deep meditation. The world soon crumbled in his absence and Sati reborn as Goddess Parvati and to win the heart of Lord Shiva. She tried to awake him from his mediation and failed, and then she requested Kamadev, the god of love to help her. However, disturbed by Kamadev’s love arrow, Lord Shiva opened his third eye that turned Kamadev into ashes. Moreover, it is said that it was the day of Holi when Kamadev sacrificed himself for the good. Later, when Lord Shiva came to know the reality, he granted immortality to Kamadev in an invisible form. This legend also gave birth to the custom of offering sandalwood paste to Kamadev on this prosperous occasion to assuage the stinging burns.

Lord Krishna was extremely envious of Radha’s complexion as Radha was very fair and Krishna was dark. So one day he complained to his mother Yashoda that the nature is very unjust as it had made him dark and Radha fair. However, to pacify her son, Yashoda told Krishna to go and colour Radha’s face with whatever colour he wants to. So, Lord Krishna followed the advice and applied colours on the face of Radha making her look like him. Holi is also a celebration of love between Radha and Krishna, that’s why people also play with colours especially with their loved ones as an expression of their love and affection towards them. The legend of Radha and Krishna is enacted every year on the occasion of Holi in places associated with Lord Krishna such Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana where devotees take out processions to honour the immortal love of Radha and Krishan.

The custom to meet friends and relatives and exchange gifts, sweets and greetings helps in revitalising the relationships and strengthening emotional bonds between people. It is a major ritual during the days of Holi which continues for weeks even after the Holi celebration is done.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Let’s not lose faith in Democracy and its pillars

By

Vaidehi Taman

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March 22, 2019

Amongst the recent outcry of “democracy at risk”, various accusations are made on EVM tampering, mostly by the trailing parties. There was a press conference by an Indian hacker on foreign land to prove his point but he missed the point to enlighten you regarding the various safeguards taken by the Election Commission of India to ensure that they can’t be tampered with. The protection measures taken by the EC can be broadly categorised into various processes. There are three levels of checks and three mock polls prior to moving the machines to the polling stations. Meanwhile, the machine is always under a camera lens. Last minute polling with 100 votes before the actual polls is conducted and the defected machines are immediately replaced. The political party representatives are always there to witness or certify the whole process. Even after the Polls, a strong guarding of the machines during storing of the machines in the warehouses after elections is done with 24/7 CCTV facilities. Sealed EVMs are taken under heavy armed escorts under the vigilance of camera lenses. The CCTV surveillance supplements the three-tier armed securities. No single technical decision is taken without their consent, scrutiny, and approval. They follow a rigorous scrutiny process and are free to do a check of the EVMs at any time of the day. In India, the EVM machines are protected with high hand so the tampering is rare.

However, technically speaking, it is possible to ‘hack’ the current EVMs which were used in the recent elections. In order to hack it, we have to adopt some realities. To hack an EVM, one needs to have physical access to the Ballot Unit for enough time. If you have physical access and time is not an issue, then you can remove the original chip, put your own chip which fulfils your needs and Voila! You have hacked it. If you do not have physical access to it, you can at least manipulate it by wireless communication. Bluetooth and Internet can easily do it. Again, you can hack it physically if you have access to the programming ports of the Ballot Machine. You can just plug a wire in the programming port of the EVM connected to your computer and burn new code with it.

The Big Question is that can all of the above thing really happen?

The answer is NO.

Because, the hackers will never have that much time at hand even if they get their own circuit ready. It will take more than 90 seconds to open, remove, and replace the ‘motherboard’ of the EVM. You will need to carry necessary tools to the Polling Booth which is highly impossible given the security checks. A tamper proof feature has also been added in the EVMs which mean that if there is an attempt to physically open it, the machine will be useless and can’t be used further. Both the Ballot Unit and Control Unit are stand-alone devices. It means that they are not connected with any form of communication. A Ballot Unit will be able to communicate with the Control Unit only when they are connected to each other while counting of votes. There is no provision or scope of connecting it to Internet or Bluetooth. The main microcontroller comes with a pre-burned program which cannot be replaced as it can be programmed only once. Also, to write alternate program, hackers need to have a meticulous study of the circuit of the EVM so that we know which port of EVM is connected to what.

The Ballot Machine is essentially a counter which just counts how many times a particular button is pressed. When the button is pressed once in real time, the programmer has to make sure that it is read only once. So, to register one vote only, the Ballot machines freeze for some fixed time of few seconds. In those few seconds, if you press any button for any numbers of times, nothing will be registered.

When I say hacking is not possible, you may recollect the Dummy EVM which was ‘demonstrated’ in the Delhi Assembly by the AAP leaders. It was a homemade EVM whose code was written to cater specific needs. It was essentially a mini-project of engineering college level. There were no security provisions attached to it for obvious reasons as he programmed it just to show how vulnerable the EVM is. The real EVMs come with a lot of security features. Some political parties even alleged that the machines are made abroad and the countries which manufacture them do not use it themselves as they can be tampered. This is also an ERRONEOUS interpretation. These are manufactured by Indian PSUs and we are in fact exporting it to various African and Asian countries. One should not undermine the Indian techies. Moreover, the Election Commission of India is a highly credible institution and it is respected on Global Level as well. It is shameful that a few people are trying to malign its image on trivial grounds. We are assuming all officials, manufacturing companies, government officials are innocent and EVMs’ tampering opportunity exists only outside this ambit. The company that builds these machines is highly skilled and it is their expertise domain where they might have kept ‘n’ number of secret doors which only they know.

We, the people of India, need to be more mature and should not get carried away with such rumour mongering and displayed ticks without having full-proof knowledge. Politics is always at its best in demeaning each other; we as voters should not lose faith in the democracy and its pillars.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Rs 2000 notes Missing ahead of polls

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Afternoon Voice

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March 22, 2019

From the last some months, the shortage of Rs 2,000 notes has stumped the bankers and ATM operators in many parts of the country and the reason behind this is suspected as the heavy usage of money in election campaigning. The Bankers and service providers confirmed that there has been a sharp drop in the numbers of Rs 2000 in circulation. It is also believed that the supply of notes from the central bank has plummeted in the recent month leading to the speculation that it could be a deliberate strategy to restrict the flow of high-value notes in the economy. You may not get Rs 2,000 notes from the bank ATMs in the next few months. However, a report on the present cash crush also claimed that people are able to get Rs 2,000 notes only at ATMs run by banks. It too quoted officials as saying that politicians have started hoarding Rs 2,000 notes ahead of the general elections.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data says the circulation of Rs 2,000 notes has seen a sharp fall in the past year. It is believed that the central bank is squeezing the supply of Rs 2,000 notes to prevent black money hoarding high denomination. However, people believe that the currency notes of higher value are easier to hoard, and can also be used to proliferate black money. Moreover, the experts said that having a large number of Rs 2,000 notes in circulation would have defeated the purpose of demonetisation, which was to stop the circulation of black money.

In its annual report released in August 2018, the RBI said that the proportion of Rs 2,000 notes has fallen to 37 per cent in the circulation of the total currency from 50 per cent in 2017. The indent for the Rs 2,000 notes also fell from 350.4 crore pieces in 2016 to 15.1 crore in 2017-2018. It was reported to be an acute shortage of cash in April 2018 and the government suspected that the cash may have been hoarded ahead of the state elections and in the aftermath of Nirav Modi scam. During the same period, the income tax department seized massive amounts of Rs 2,000 notes.

Senior Congress leader Manikrao Thakre expressed, “Since BJP introduced Rs 2,000 denominations post the demonetisation, the Rs 2,000 notes has been diminishing from the market over the time gradually, and now, as the Lok Sabha election is approaching, it seems to be totally out of the market. I think that the leaders and the business friend of PM Modi have hoarded the high “denomination notes.”

He further added, “Shiv Sena and BJP are hoarding the high currency notes to buy votes in both the Lok Sabha and state elections. The democracy of the country is in danger under the PM Modi-Shah leadership and we must fight against it.”

The government had introduced Rs 2,000 along with new Rs 500 notes in November 2016 to replace the demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. After the demonetisation, the government collected 85 per cent of the old currency notes from the economy. However, the circulation of Rs 500 note increased to 43 per cent from 23 per cent a year before. In value term, the currency increased to 15.1 per cent from 5.9 per cent a year before. 2016-17 was an exceptional year on account of demonetisation and the after effects continued in 2017-18 as well, said the RBI report, adding that the overall indent for 2017-18 was higher by 9.1 per cent as compared to last year. The value of total banknotes increased by 37.7 per cent in circulation over the year to Rs 18 lakh crore by March 2018, however, the volume of banknotes increased by 2.1 per cent.

According to the RBI, its currency management infrastructure consists of a network of 19 issues offices, 4034 currency chests and 3707 small coin depots of, cooperative, commercial, and regional rural banks spread across the country. It follows the hub and spoke model for the distribution of bank notes. Under this arrangement, fresh note remittances are sent to larger currency chests to meet the currency needs of a designated area like district. Now, the distribution model is in place, the distribution centre is in place and a scientific estimation method of future needs is also in place. So what is the reason for the present crisis?

The shortage of Rs 2,000 notes in the ATMs is not only confined to a particular region. It is widespread fairly. As reports suggest, the shortage of notes are reported from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. According to the Finance Ministry officials, in recent months, the unusual demand for cash has given a push to the crisis of high denomination in the market. However, the unusual demand has not been clarified.

Maharashtra Minister of Finance and Forest Sudhir Mungantiwar said, “Circulation of Rs 2,000 notes in the market are continuous. The Opposition leaders are making an issue out of this so that they can get the attention of the voters. May be it is Congress that is hoarding all the money and targeting the BJP leaders. Congress is an expert in hoarding black money. I, as the Finance Minister of the State, can affirm that high-currency notes are not missing from either the market or the ATMs.”

While announcing the demonetisation in 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his decision will curb black money; however, people questioned his decision pointing out that even the launch of new Rs 2,000 notes doesn’t make any sense. Citizens argued if the government was convinced that a high denomination currency note of Rs 1,000 helped the hoarders of black money then how would it be tough for them to hoard Rs 2,000 notes? However, the government did not answer the question.

NCP MLA Shashikant Shinde said, “During the 2014 elections, promises were made through social media and people expected that some change will occur. However, the scenario is different when it comes to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The government has failed to meet the expectations of the people; unemployment is rising and agricultural sector is in distress. The government had made several announcements and metro projects were launched in big cities. It is unfortunate that democracy is under threat. The missing of Rs 2,000 notes suggests that the currency is being used for election. Demonetisation decision was taken ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. The government machinery is being used to win election.”

Mayawati mocks BJP’s ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign

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Web Team

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March 22, 2019

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Friday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders over ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign. She accused the centre of hiding unemployment and poverty data prior to election.

Speaking to agencies she said, “The Prime Minister is okay if the file on Rafale deal is lost, he is okay if actual figures of unemployment, poverty, conditions of Dalits come out in public domain. Does the nation want this kind of chowkidar (watchman). PM Narendra Modi added chowkidar in front of his name after which number of other BJP leaders followed the suit.”

Nirav Modi’s arrest is an event: Sam Pitroda

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Web Team

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March 22, 2019

Sam Pitroda a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and Indian Overseas Congress chief has termed the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi as an event and said that court will decide such cases. When asked about BJP allegation that most of the economic offenders received easy loans due to political pressure imposed by erstwhile UPA government and the incumbent BJP led dispensation had tightened laws Pitroda replied, “Look I don’t buy this crap. All I say that event based politics doesn’t make sense. This is an event. Nirav Modi is an event.”

He replied on questions on economic offenders and said, “Let the court decide. The court will decide. What is the issue?”

I don’t sleep with men: Karnataka speaker

By

Web Team

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March 22, 2019

Karnataka Assembly speaker K R Ramesh Kumar stated that he “doesn’t sleep with men” and has a legal wife. Kumar issued these statements after Congress leader KH Muniyappa last month mentioned that his relationship with Kumar was similar to husband and wife.

“I don’t sleep with men. I have a legal wife. So he (KH Muniyappa) may be interested but I am not” Kumar said.

On February 15, KH Muniyappa had said, “Ramesh Kumar and I are like husband and wife and we don’t have any issue (over) and quarreling is common to us.”

NDRF team made Kumbh Mela memorable

By

Web Team

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March 22, 2019

We can never forget the stampede in the Kumbh Mela in 1954, which was organised in Allahabad. More than 800 people were killed and over 100 people were seriously injured in that event. It was not the last accident. Even after that, there were many accidents occurred in which millions of people were killed. By seeing these frequent accidents, long discussions were held national and international level on disaster management in the nineties and in the following decade and stressed on implementing concrete measures to prevent such accidents. In this perspective, the Disaster Management Act was implemented on December 26, 2005, as well as established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to create policies, schemes and guidelines for disaster management. In the Disaster Management Act, statutory provisions have been made to provide special help in the case of natural and man-made disasters.

Accordingly, in 2006, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was formed with eight battalions. Currently, NDRF has 12 battalions. There are 1,149 soldiers in each battalion. Initially, NDRF soldiers were deployed to manage law and order problems, but as per the directions of the Prime Minister which was made on October 25, 2007, NDRF itself dedicated to do natural or man-made disaster management on February 14, 2008. Along with this, NDRF detailed notification of rules was issued for its smooth functioning. However, during this period, natural calamities like Orissa Super Cyclone (1999), Gujarat earthquake (2001) and Indian Ocean tsunami (2004) occurred in which thousand and thousand people killed.

Since its establishment, NDRF has continued to win the hearts of the countrymen by demonstrating their expertise while dealing with disaster situations. In January 2010, a six-storey building collapsed in Bellary, Karnataka, but the NDRF team rescued 20 stranded victims during the seven-day operation and removed 29 bodies from debris. After the fall of a multi-storey building in Jalandhar, Punjab in April 2012, NDRF successfully rescued 12 survivors stranded in the rubble and recovered 19 bodies. During earthquake in Nepal or floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, NDRF team has always protected people who were in risk. In addition to hurricanes, floods, etc. NDRF has gained expertise in saving people in the event of chemical, biological and radiological attacks. During April and May 2010, the Cobalt-60 radiological material in Mayapuri, Delhi was made ineffective by NDRF team with great intelligence. Within a decade, NDRF has saved lives of 1.15 lakh people. Apart from this, 5.8 lakh stranded people have also been taken to safer places.

Since NDRF has taken the responsibility of managing the Kumbh Mela, the occurrence of a stampede or accident has almost stopped. Around 24 crore pilgrims took deep into the holy river Ganga during the In Kumbh, 2019. Nevertheless, due to efforts of the NDRF team, not any kind of untoward situation occurred, whereas terrorist organizations such as ISIS threatened to carry out chemical attack during the Kumbh Mela by issuing audio tapes, but any kind of attack, could not make in view of the attentive approach of NDRF team. In 2019 Kumbh, two people were saved by NDRF team on January 17, 2019, while on 9th February, 9 people were drowning in the river, owing to turning of the boat near the conglomeration of three rivers i.e. Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati, however, NDRF team managed to save them.

NDRF team saved the lives of 26 people in the Kumbh Mela, while arranged treatment of 30 critically injured. A total of 15,282 people have also been provided medical assistance by the NDRF team.To make Kumbh Mela successful, 11 temporary hospitals, 80 ambulances, 22 pontoon bridges, more than 25,000 security personnel, 40 temporary police stations and 62 police outposts, 45 fire stations, 15 fire outposts, construction of 1,22,500 temporary toilets, to stop the untoward situation, installation of 1,000 CCTV cameras, 90 parking lots, in which 5 lakh vehicles could have been parked etc. were arranged by NDRF.The NDRF team succeeded in making the Kumbh Mela management, which was looking impossible, and all this led by Kaushlesh Rai, Commandant, NDRF. NDRF also undertook to educate the masses to save people in the event of disaster. The number of such trained men was 150. 570 trained sailors were deployed to prevent any kind of accident in the holy River Ganga.

In order to protect the lives and property of the people led by NDRF, 1,650 police were also deputed there, who were working 24 hours continuously in the shift. About 250 doctors were dedicated to keeping the people healthy. NDRF also did mock drills to protect against chemical, biological and radiological attacks, so that the victims can be saved in the time of danger. NDRF had deployed 12 teams to prevent such hazards.

To save people from drowning, 70 boats and 45 divers were stationed in Kumbh. Water ambulances named “Khumbh Ke Devdoot” were continuously patrolling the Ganges River. Today, occurrence of a stampede is common even in small events. In such a scenario the existence of NDRF has become necessary to keep our existence intact. It cannot be imagined to hold any big event without it at the present time.

Nonetheless, NDRF can only succeed in arrangement of Kumbh 2019, the central and state government had complete faith, in which soldiers of NDRF became completely successful. Due to the NDRF efforts, the name of the country was discussed in international level. The USA based renowned newspaper “New York Times” also praised the efficient management of Khumbh 2019. Hence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly gave the citation to the Commandant of NDRF for efficient management of Kumbh 2019.

By-Satish Singh

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Make children more active

By

Jayanthy Subramaniam

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March 22, 2019

In a creative world, the children are the future of this country and that was fully revealed when 25 children turned curators and proved that the Museum belongs to them totally. In this competitive world, students will work hard to get on in their career at the best by facing tough competition. Awareness to the students has to come from parents as well as teachers who need to make them aware of historical facts of the country, current issues, social issues, international issues, development in science and technology. This makes the students to go through the general knowledge books, magazines, news papers with keen interest to know what it is then and what happens next.

Knowledge is power and by inculcating knowledge, the future of children will be at the top of the world. Mall culture has come to stay in India in general and Mumbai in particular. It is high time to have a regular drawing and painting sessions during weekends. Kiosk can be made available for children to play intelligent games. More on physical activity a cricket ball can be hanged in the indoor net arrangement for knocking for five minutes for a price of Rs 15. With summer vacation on it is the right time to have more expansive treasure hunt for children. The talent in children will come out in the best way possible with variety of activities.

An hour of physical activity per day is recommended for all children above the age of five, but is commonly lacking in girls aged nine-18. It helps against the early onset of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, PCOS and menstrual irregularities for girls. Sitting in itself slows down metabolism. When we sit, the large skeletal muscles in the legs and back practically go into hibernation. They do not utilise glucose, as they require very little energy to be still. That is why fidgety children do not gain weight.

Sitting at home and studying all day induces cabin fever which reduces productivity, believes Mind. After a long day of sitting, poses such as the ardha matsyendrasana release compression in the spine. Surya namaskars are also easy to learn and fun to do. These help expend the excess energy in the body, and reduce distractions. Most kids enjoy doing inversions like sirsasana, as it calms them down by reducing the tempo of your breathing, and sends blood to the shoulders, neck and brain, areas that you should be relaxing. This should be done with support, with a parent, against the wall. Simple rhythmic breathing helps increase focus and memory power, and reduces anxiety. One deep breath followed by one short breath.

Running, cycling, swimming, walking, dancing and playing sports such as cricket, badminton, football, or basketball, all pump up cardiovascular activities, even if children have just 40 minutes for it. On days that they don’t have a lot of time, help them find at least 15 minutes for light exercise, whatever they enjoy doing. Stretching at least once every hour is important.

The mere act of moving about, doing whatever eases the mind, whether it’s playing games or walking and gossiping with friends, or riding a cycle alone, counts as free play. There is absolute need for children to relax during their study time. Playing few games of chess or playing carom board for half an hour will provide the children the much needed relaxation. It is time to practice good habits during the summer vacation so that the children can maintain in the same vein when their regular school commences in a couple of months. Mind game for children is the most effective tool to be inculcated by children on regular basis.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: March 22, 2019

By

Web Team

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March 22, 2019

Necessary Electoral Reforms

Many political parties have announced their probable list of candidates and the first list as announced no doubt includes the incumbents and trump cards assuring of the respective parties of a sure win.

Of late, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is striving to bring out effective and necessary Electoral Reforms. The ECI since ages is accepting only physical submission of nomination papers and withdrawals by the candidates in the probable election fray. As technology now has outpaced the need for many paper-based formalities, it is ironical that the ECI still adopts archaic paper-trail based system to accept nomination papers for the Lok Sabha/Assembly election candidates.

Hence, the process of submitting nomination papers i.e. Form 2A to the Returning Officer under his physical presence can now be replaced by a simple online submission and due verification of forms. The online submission process can be effective to streamline applications and reduce the burden on the ECI for physical verification. The move further helps to avoid the needless pomp and splendour of a candidate’s charisma displayed prior to filing a nomination and much before the polls itself. The voters, on the other hand, will be relieved of the unnecessary hassles one has to face owing to such a grandeur including frustrating traffic chaos in many cities.

As a nodal agency for Elections in the largest Democracy of the world, the ECI should now quickly focus to lessen its dependency on paper-based formalities in any elections to reduce the carbon footprint. It should further quickly transition to online nomination process by duly replacing all the paper trail based formalities- duly applicable to both voters and candidates.

Varun SD

Appropriate word is ‘Hutatma’ and not ‘Shahid’!

It is said that India was a very prosperous country earlier. Its proofs are found in the history of ancient India. Later, Muslim invaders attacked and stayed here, establishing a one-man rule. They not only attacked our wealth but also our Indian culture. Afterward, even the British followed them. All these invasions have affected our language and living style. There are several spoken languages in many parts of this country which have a lot of influence of Urdu and English. Soldiers and police, who lay down their lives while protecting this country and her people, are referred to as ‘Shahid’ which is the effect of such influence. ‘Shahid’ is an Urdu word and Muslims use this word for persons dying in religious wars, by calling them as ‘Fedayeen’ or ‘Shahid’. In a secular country like India, however, serving the nation doesn’t mean serving any particular Sect; therefore, by referring to soldiers laying their lives for the country, as ‘Shahid’, is an insult of the bravery shown by them. A person, who offers life for the protection of the nation, is called sacrifice and that person as ‘Balidaani’. In ‘Sanskrit’ it is called as a great soul (Mahan Aatmaa) sacrificing life for the country i.e. ‘Hutatma’ which is an appropriate word. On March 23, the British Government hanged great revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru and this day is celebrated as ‘Shahid Divas’ to commemorate their sacrifice. This day should be celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Hutatma Divas’ by understanding the real meaning of the word ‘Shahid’.

Jagan Ghanekar

Maintain sanctity of ‘Holi’!

‘Holi’ means a festival to make resolve of destroying evil attitudes and wrong thoughts; but owing to malpractices followed in celebrating this festival since last few years, the sanctity of this festival is diminishing. Under the guise of celebrating this festival, water filled balloons are thrown at people right from a week prior to this festival. The balloons are thrown from terraces of buildings, at trains, buses or plastic bags filled with water are used for this purpose, with mainly women as targets. Throwing such balloons results in mishaps like people losing eye-sight or becoming handicapped for life etc. Things are stolen from others to take revenge and burnt in ‘Holi’. On the day of ‘Dhuli-vandan’, chemical colours are used for playing with colours which lead to skin diseases in some cases. Rotten eggs are thrown at people; lewd remarks are passed at women; money is extracted from people. Police have to issue orders through government for preventing such malpractices which is quite shameful for us. Every religious festival under Hindu Dharma has noble purpose of welfare of people and bringing them together. Celebration of festivals by understanding the science, leads to happiness; but considering the hideous form in which sacred festival like ‘Holi’ is celebrated, Hindus need to realise that they are insulting their own Dharma.

Mokshada Ghanekar

Parrikar was a true politician

Goa’s CM Manohar Parrikar was a true politician in letter and spirit. As the Defence Minister, he stood with the forces and boosted the morale of Defence personnel. He was one of the great leaders in the Indian politics. May his soul rest in peace! Goa has lost a great CM.

Jubel D’Cruz

Appoint Indian Cricket Coach ASAP

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) and BCCI have recently provided partial extension to the tenure of Indian cricket team’s coach. While the other three coaches appointment have been relaxed for now until the end of the World Cup, BCCI should now waste not much of time and instate immediate head hunting process for the selection of Indian Cricket Coach. BCCI should take necessary steps to follow due process for the apportionment without affecting any cricket schedule like the upcoming World Cup. It is now understood, of late, that the selection process of a coach for the Indian cricket team is a no longer an ordinary process, considering the recent Lodha Committee recommendations bound to be followed by BCCI.

As also such a process will ensure many aspirants to prepare and take charge of the team India if selection process is completed by the end of the World Cup. The process of selection of a coach should not be completely dependent on an individual’s availability but by duly acknowledging respect the commitment towards the team. Of late, the process of selection of Indian Coach has run into troubled waters with the team and management.

BCCI, by now following due process as set by CoA for coaches selection, should now ensure that no incidents related to the selection occurs which embarrass the fans and cricket fraternity and the game itself as well. The much regarded sanctity in the selection of a coach should be set with high standards, unlike the previous occasion which witnessed major setbacks during the tenure of a working coach and resulting in most embarrassing public outcry and almost denting the image of the position of a coach.

Varun SD

Maharashtra poll race open

Maharashtra poll race is open. Both Congress and NCP joining ranks to fight against a strong BJP but the odds are even in a rat race. BJP-Sena gets a good start but NCP is a force to reckon with. Even though MNS is just a push over, other allies can pose problem. NCP has good chance in Baramati and Amaravati but the sugar belt may be the game changer. In the Mumbai city, NCP can help out the Congress cause in garnering votes. But the vote bank politics between the two parties may spoil their hopes in direct fights. In all, it is love all at this stage, but the coalition partners should not fight between themselves and handover an advantageous position on the platter to the ruling party.

Anandambal CK

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)