Heart and World Heart Day....
Till science spoiled my muse, to me the heart was an inflated heart shaped balloon mushy and full of love. Blame it on my parents, siblings, friends, bollywood or Mills & Boon heart was not a mechanical part in my body with four chambers connected with arteries, veins. It was a dream world full of fantasies.
Imagine my sudden shock when in some science class of the primary or secondary school we were taught that the heart is a muscular organ in all animals. My child like mind was suddenly burdened to know that the heart was not some fable from fantasy but a real part of our body which pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. In fact our life depended on it for it was the sole means of carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body. Additionally it also pushed carbon dioxide to the lungs. I still remember our science teacher Ms.Maria showing us her closed fist and proclaiming that the human heart looked like that. Within seconds I could feel my make-belief heart blown into smithereens.
Subsequently I learnt of peope suffering from heart diseases. I realised that being love -lorn was different. The sudden rush of adrenaline one felt when one was emotional was different from the functional pumping of the four chambers of the heart.
I also learnt that it was important to maintain the system and keep it healthy to avoid stroke and any diseases. The contraction and relaxation cycle determined how healthy was the heart. The valves enabled the smooth flow and a disruption in the valves could hamper smooth flow of blood and cause problems for the heart.
Soon I also learnt that cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death and account for nearly 30% of deaths and all of it was connected with the heart. I also learnt that indiscriminate eating, being overweight, leading a sedentary life, doing less exercise, smoking led to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and poorly controlled diabetes. Protecting and taking care of one's physical body was therefore relevant to the physical heart. The "heart" which "felt" was different, rather abstract and strangely had to be controlled by the mind.
Cardiovascular diseases may cause chest pain or shortness of breath but may also be hidden and can be detected suddenly at times.
World leaders therefore decided to celebrate 29th September as World Heart Day to
to educate people the people about cardiovascular diseases and also making them aware that by controlling risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use at least 80% of the people could avoid heart diseases or death due to it.
The World Heart Day is a global campaign when individuals, families, medical fraternity, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of the health of their hearts. This campaign makes people aware of the issues related to heart diseases and unites people in the fight against the cardiovascular diseases.
This day brings to light the need to maintain a physically active life to avoid the risk of getting heart attacks or suffer from stroke. It encourages healthy living. But of course good health is not limited to physical well-being but includes mental health. However a healthy mind holds the key to a healthy body which ultimately takes me back to my childhood stage of utopia with heart shaped frills and balloons. So don't fume with anger or tremble with fear, don't choke up with sadness or wallow in pain, don't drown in self-pity or suffer in hate , just fill your heart with love and simple joys, just breathe in and breathe out, admire the beauty of nature and life , be calm and relaxed and say, I am healthy, happy and positive....
Tuesday 29 September 2020
Sunday 27 September 2020
Daughter's Day.....
Daughter's Day.....
If not for the Whatsapp messages received on my phone since morning today I wouldn't have known today is Daughter's Day. Yet once I knew it , I was happy for I could smile and fondly remember so many beautiful things in my life.
As a child being the youngest I definitely was my father's pet or that is what I was made to believe. Probably the fact that I used to get away with most things, get extra clothes and was also allowed to buy bubblegum reflected my special status. Or maybe the fact that I was the only one who got pocket money. It may also have been due to the fact that there used to be and there still is a special twinkle in my father's eyes when he speaks to me or about me. I don't know whether my siblings noticed it but I for sure could always see that and perhaps that gave me a great deal of confidence. No wonder I grew up feeling shielded and protected always.
My mother was no-nonsensical and different yet we developed a special bond as I grew older. Our bond became stronger when I became a mother myself for only then I realised some of the fetishes she had. Together our parents gave us a simple and secure life. There were days when we didn't have much materially yet they never let that fear of being insufficient financially creep into us. We were given equal opportunities in education and also in routine creature comforts. Most importantly they gave us a vision to dream and make a future for ourselves. So while my brother went to IIT and became a technocrat, my sister became a banker, my second brother, a scientist and me a bureaucrat. As siblings each of us had our distinct personalities but as daughters we were as equal as sons.
I am fortunate to be part of a family which believed in each child as an individual.
Yet the fact is that even today gender bias exists in society and the birth of a girl child continues to raise veiled eyebrows.
No wonder , the government had ro come up with strict laws against female foeticide and schemes like , Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
The sex ratio in our country remains at 926 females per 1000 males and in states like Haryana it is still at 879 females per 1000 males. Examples of Gargi and Maitreyi, the ancient Indian Philosophers are far and few. Examples of women leaders who have broken the glass ceiling are only due to their individual social staus and are therefore limited. Reservation in positions of power and local government bodies may have paved the way for equal representation yet the rural and urban India can see " Sarpanchpatis" or "Nagaradhyakshapatis" ruling the roost. Often women are still deprived of important positions in employment.
Individually we may acknowledge that daughters as adorable. Their intelligence and skills may astonish us. Their warm and loving nature may make them special. Many may treat them like God's greatest blessing yet we cannot deny that their survival is still a miracle in certain quarters even today. So let this day not be just a celebration of having little angels in our life . Let it be a day to remember the existing gap between genders. Let it be a day to raise awareness that daughters are equal to sons in every way. They not only need equal opportunities but also encouragement and freedom to grow as empowered individuals.
Their life would become meaningful only when we start looking at them like equals and transmit values of tolerance and equality between sons and daughters.
Yes to a privileged daughter like me and all those like myself , Happy Daughter's Day along with a big thank you to our loving parents and to the rest of the world , hope daughter's day becomes truly happy....
Thursday 24 September 2020
Peace , Citizenship and International Peace Day....
Peace , Citizenship and International Peace Day....
Every year 21st September is celebrated as International Peace Day, a concept put forth by the UN General Assembly which declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
The word 'Peace' exudes serenity, tranquility and stability. It makes us feel calm, pacified and in harmony with ourselves and nature. In contrast, war an antonym of peace creates conflict, unrest, turmoil, battles and combat physically or in our mind. Wars have always led to anguish, anxiety, hostility, hatred and estrangement.
Centuries ago philosophers like Aristotle and Plato had come forth with the theory of nation-state and citizenship. They fostered the idea of an organised society. The Romans expanded this to creation of empires and territory. If Greek citizenship was an "emancipation from the world of things", the Roman theory increasingly reflected the fact that citizens could act upon material things as well as other citizens, in the sense of buying or selling of property, possessions, titles, goods. It led to creation of a material world. From times galore India too had kings with kingdoms, territory and spheres of influence.
Talking about this materialism, Rabindranath Tagore has said that war is the outcome of overgrown materialism based on self-interest in contrast to harmony. In fact Tagore has more than 27 poems to his credit on the theme of peace and war.
A look at our history will reveal that in the last 3500 years more than 15 crore population has been affected by wars including several dead and injured. Amongst these many were wounded, disabled, lost their mind or speech. Even the mythological Mahabharata is the greatest example of pyrrhic victory when the cost of victory was far from worthwhile for the victor.
I had the opportunity of seeing the monument to the Battle of Nations built to commemorate the loss of Napolean at Leipzig in Germany. The fall of an emperor in 1800s and the subsequent rise and fall of Hitler as a dictator in Germany in 1900s and many other leaders only proves that war can only lead to war and never to peace. Many kings realised the futility of war. Wasn't King Ashoka also full of remorse after the famous battle of Kalinga so much so that he denounced war and became a Buddhist.
The concept of I, me, myself and we us , ourselves is an inseparable part of modern nationalism. Surprisingly when the world has become physically accesible the true global spirit of oneness to a large extent is dwindling.
In modern times too nations love their own countries and national love has only given rise to heated suspicion of one another.
Invisible walls separate us from each other leading to feelings of hatred and anguish.
In this background the UN General Assembly dedicated 21st September to peace by celebrating it as International Peace Day.
A Peace Bell cast from coins donated by children from all continents except Africa was gifted by Japan as a reminder of human cost of war . The words, "Long live absolute world peace" is insccribed on it.
This year Covid 19 made it clear that the corona virus is a greater enemy and a bigger threat to our lives and security. It made us realize that material things in our lives are meaningless.
The UN Secretary-General had called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and instead focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic which is the worst public health crisis of our time. The year 2020 has been declared as the year of listening and learning.
As we struggle against COVID-19, it is more important than ever to listen to each other peacefully and learn from each others ideas to fight against the pandemic and heal our planet.
This year's theme of “Shaping Peace Together" is therefore very relevant. The UN's call to communities to be compassionate and kind in the face of the pandemic is very important.
Three years ago at the Wagah Attari Border Ceremony amisdt all the frenzy and celebration of our own natiinalism I saw birds flying across, winds blowing freely and sun spreading it's shine even as it was setting. None other than nature can be our best teacher of peace.
According to Tagore there are three stages towards true freedom, santham meaning peace which can only be attained by subduing the self leading to Shivam which is goodness, the art of the soul which in turn would leadi to to advaitam, love and oneness with God.
Even if that is a tall order let us just love every other person in the world because like each one of us he has the same dreams, hopes, fears and aspirations. Surely then peace will be ours....
Every year 21st September is celebrated as International Peace Day, a concept put forth by the UN General Assembly which declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
The word 'Peace' exudes serenity, tranquility and stability. It makes us feel calm, pacified and in harmony with ourselves and nature. In contrast, war an antonym of peace creates conflict, unrest, turmoil, battles and combat physically or in our mind. Wars have always led to anguish, anxiety, hostility, hatred and estrangement.
Centuries ago philosophers like Aristotle and Plato had come forth with the theory of nation-state and citizenship. They fostered the idea of an organised society. The Romans expanded this to creation of empires and territory. If Greek citizenship was an "emancipation from the world of things", the Roman theory increasingly reflected the fact that citizens could act upon material things as well as other citizens, in the sense of buying or selling of property, possessions, titles, goods. It led to creation of a material world. From times galore India too had kings with kingdoms, territory and spheres of influence.
Talking about this materialism, Rabindranath Tagore has said that war is the outcome of overgrown materialism based on self-interest in contrast to harmony. In fact Tagore has more than 27 poems to his credit on the theme of peace and war.
A look at our history will reveal that in the last 3500 years more than 15 crore population has been affected by wars including several dead and injured. Amongst these many were wounded, disabled, lost their mind or speech. Even the mythological Mahabharata is the greatest example of pyrrhic victory when the cost of victory was far from worthwhile for the victor.
I had the opportunity of seeing the monument to the Battle of Nations built to commemorate the loss of Napolean at Leipzig in Germany. The fall of an emperor in 1800s and the subsequent rise and fall of Hitler as a dictator in Germany in 1900s and many other leaders only proves that war can only lead to war and never to peace. Many kings realised the futility of war. Wasn't King Ashoka also full of remorse after the famous battle of Kalinga so much so that he denounced war and became a Buddhist.
The concept of I, me, myself and we us , ourselves is an inseparable part of modern nationalism. Surprisingly when the world has become physically accesible the true global spirit of oneness to a large extent is dwindling.
In modern times too nations love their own countries and national love has only given rise to heated suspicion of one another.
Invisible walls separate us from each other leading to feelings of hatred and anguish.
In this background the UN General Assembly dedicated 21st September to peace by celebrating it as International Peace Day.
A Peace Bell cast from coins donated by children from all continents except Africa was gifted by Japan as a reminder of human cost of war . The words, "Long live absolute world peace" is insccribed on it.
This year Covid 19 made it clear that the corona virus is a greater enemy and a bigger threat to our lives and security. It made us realize that material things in our lives are meaningless.
The UN Secretary-General had called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and instead focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic which is the worst public health crisis of our time. The year 2020 has been declared as the year of listening and learning.
As we struggle against COVID-19, it is more important than ever to listen to each other peacefully and learn from each others ideas to fight against the pandemic and heal our planet.
This year's theme of “Shaping Peace Together" is therefore very relevant. The UN's call to communities to be compassionate and kind in the face of the pandemic is very important.
Three years ago at the Wagah Attari Border Ceremony amisdt all the frenzy and celebration of our own natiinalism I saw birds flying across, winds blowing freely and sun spreading it's shine even as it was setting. None other than nature can be our best teacher of peace.
According to Tagore there are three stages towards true freedom, santham meaning peace which can only be attained by subduing the self leading to Shivam which is goodness, the art of the soul which in turn would leadi to to advaitam, love and oneness with God.
Even if that is a tall order let us just love every other person in the world because like each one of us he has the same dreams, hopes, fears and aspirations. Surely then peace will be ours....
Saturday 19 September 2020
यादों के झरोखों से....
यादों के झरोखों से....
उठा कंप्यूटर का पर्दा
यादों के झरोखे खुले आज
सदियों बाद सहेलियां मिली
चेहरे खिल उठे आज
उत्साह था मन मेँ
खनक भरी आवाज़
बोलने को आतुर
दोहराने को अलफ़ाज़
कोई टीचर थी कोई हेयरड्रेसर
कोई डॉक्टर कोई बँकर
कोई सुशील गृहणी कोई अफसर
जोड़ा था उन्हें जिसने आज
वो थी एक सिस्टर
ज़ूम ने किया कमाल
चार समयसीमा जुड़े आज
होने लगी बातें
मिश्री से खुले साज़
बचपन की वो यादें
मस्ती भरी बातें
क्लासरुम की सीटें
बस का मार्ग
अध्यापकों के नाम
उनके विषय के नाज़
कक्षा की पढ़ाई
मैदान के बाज़
गीतों के सिलसिले
किसी की मधुर आवाज़
हर एक का जीवन अलग
पर जुड़ गए थे आज
छोटी छोटी बातों पर
उठ रहें थे नाज़
उम्र की उस देहलीज़ पर
नये मक़ाम के मोड़ पर
थामने फिर जैसे
एक दुसरे का हाथ
आँखों में वही चमक
मन में वही निर्धार
क्योंकि आज भी तो थे वो
अपने दिलों के सरताज....
मन विमल
उठा कंप्यूटर का पर्दा
यादों के झरोखे खुले आज
सदियों बाद सहेलियां मिली
चेहरे खिल उठे आज
उत्साह था मन मेँ
खनक भरी आवाज़
बोलने को आतुर
दोहराने को अलफ़ाज़
कोई टीचर थी कोई हेयरड्रेसर
कोई डॉक्टर कोई बँकर
कोई सुशील गृहणी कोई अफसर
जोड़ा था उन्हें जिसने आज
वो थी एक सिस्टर
ज़ूम ने किया कमाल
चार समयसीमा जुड़े आज
होने लगी बातें
मिश्री से खुले साज़
बचपन की वो यादें
मस्ती भरी बातें
क्लासरुम की सीटें
बस का मार्ग
अध्यापकों के नाम
उनके विषय के नाज़
कक्षा की पढ़ाई
मैदान के बाज़
गीतों के सिलसिले
किसी की मधुर आवाज़
हर एक का जीवन अलग
पर जुड़ गए थे आज
छोटी छोटी बातों पर
उठ रहें थे नाज़
उम्र की उस देहलीज़ पर
नये मक़ाम के मोड़ पर
थामने फिर जैसे
एक दुसरे का हाथ
आँखों में वही चमक
मन में वही निर्धार
क्योंकि आज भी तो थे वो
अपने दिलों के सरताज....
मन विमल
Wednesday 16 September 2020
A tribute to Bharat Ratna Shri. M. Vishveshvaraya and A salute to our Engineers....
A tribute to Bharat Ratna Shri. M. Vishveshvaraya and A salute to our Engineers....
Yesterday was Engineers Day, dedicated to engineers and celebrated in memory of M. VIshveshvaraya , an Engineer and the Dewan of the then Mysore kingdom.
As humans we take many things for granted, the electricity in our homes the water in our taps and of course our smart phones and the wi-fi connections. Each one these was an invention by an engineer.
Engineering pervades every sphere of our life, beginning with our homes , leading to our vehicles, the roads on which we travel, the tracks on which our trains runs, the bridges over rivers, creeks, in the sea and the ships that sail on waters.
Yesterday was Engineers Day, dedicated to engineers and celebrated in memory of M. VIshveshvaraya , an Engineer and the Dewan of the then Mysore kingdom.
As humans we take many things for granted, the electricity in our homes the water in our taps and of course our smart phones and the wi-fi connections. Each one these was an invention by an engineer.
Engineering pervades every sphere of our life, beginning with our homes , leading to our vehicles, the roads on which we travel, the tracks on which our trains runs, the bridges over rivers, creeks, in the sea and the ships that sail on waters.
Yet how many if us know about Bharta Ratna, VIshveshvaraya who was a civil engineer with the acumen of detecting a defect in the track with just the sounds of the rails in a moving train. Probably a few may have seen the video of this incident on WhatsApp yesterday. However most engineers are unsung heroes and very few would acknowledge the efforts made by them in making our lives so comfortable.
My father was an electrical engineer and our family has been blessed with five engineers who studied at prestigious institutions including IITs. One look at their books would make my heart somersault. I have also never been able to fathom how a bridge stands safe in the seas. I always marvel at such engineering feats yet one can rarely remember the names of the engineers in chief of such structures. The names of film stars will be on the tip of our tongues yet the existence of engineers may reflect occasionally in the roles played by film stars in movies like Swades. However beyond that engineers and their role fade into oblivion.
It is therefore heartening that a day is dedicated to the Engineers of our society in recognition of the service they render. The roots of engineering can be traced to the first tools sharpened by our ancestors as hunters. The first trap they laid , the fire they kindled by rubbing stones, the discovery of agriculture. Each innovation was a step in the direction of technology which evolved. The theory of the survival of the fittest is endorsed by our inventions which have led us to to our growth and survival. They have helped us to overcome our physical limitations as animals by making us the most advanced among living creatures.
Engineers have been an extremely important part of our growth and development. No country can develop or succeed without their support. We can see their impact on every aspect of our life.
Agriculture has a strong link with engineering. Our earliest cultivators were engineers. Today we cannot imagine this sector without engineering. The adoption of technology has led to increased yield and efficiency in production. Fertilisers are the fruits of chemical engineering and I have been lucky to follow the growth in this sector with my brother who is not only a renowned chemical engineer and has also been the Chairman and Managing director of RCF, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Water supply through dams and irrigation projects also highlight the role of engineers. Our homes, buildings, institutions where we learn , the tables and chairs on which we sit, the classrooms where we learn make engineering important. Medical science too would be incomplete without the surgical equipments nor would we get our medicines without the pharmaceutical industry. My husband's efforts as a manufacturer of pharmaceutical machinery enlightened my knowledge in this sphere The mechanics of engineering enables the smooth operations of equipments in our lives.
From automobiles to aeronautics and robotics or computers we have become more and more dependent on engineers. The contribution of engineers and their work has transformed our lives so much so that we cannot exist without them.
It is heartening to see many engineers devoting themselves to the cause of development of society specially rural India. This indeed is the need of the hour to give direction to the rural-urban connect and transform every sphere of life. Shri. Vishveshvaraya has rightly stated that, " To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money." The contribution of engineers reflects just that.
The ten commandments of Shri VIshveshvaraya which tell us to practice self help, know that knowledge is power, cultivate teamwork, practice teamwork, increase production in services, support Indian industries, restrict imports, maintain efficienct standard, think and act institutionally, think in terms of nation are also a need of the hour. Poised on our leap into Atmanirbhar Bharat let us remember this great engineer and rededicate ourselves to the growth of our country and of course let us not forget to salute our engineers who are leading our nation to glory....
My father was an electrical engineer and our family has been blessed with five engineers who studied at prestigious institutions including IITs. One look at their books would make my heart somersault. I have also never been able to fathom how a bridge stands safe in the seas. I always marvel at such engineering feats yet one can rarely remember the names of the engineers in chief of such structures. The names of film stars will be on the tip of our tongues yet the existence of engineers may reflect occasionally in the roles played by film stars in movies like Swades. However beyond that engineers and their role fade into oblivion.
It is therefore heartening that a day is dedicated to the Engineers of our society in recognition of the service they render. The roots of engineering can be traced to the first tools sharpened by our ancestors as hunters. The first trap they laid , the fire they kindled by rubbing stones, the discovery of agriculture. Each innovation was a step in the direction of technology which evolved. The theory of the survival of the fittest is endorsed by our inventions which have led us to to our growth and survival. They have helped us to overcome our physical limitations as animals by making us the most advanced among living creatures.
Engineers have been an extremely important part of our growth and development. No country can develop or succeed without their support. We can see their impact on every aspect of our life.
Agriculture has a strong link with engineering. Our earliest cultivators were engineers. Today we cannot imagine this sector without engineering. The adoption of technology has led to increased yield and efficiency in production. Fertilisers are the fruits of chemical engineering and I have been lucky to follow the growth in this sector with my brother who is not only a renowned chemical engineer and has also been the Chairman and Managing director of RCF, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Water supply through dams and irrigation projects also highlight the role of engineers. Our homes, buildings, institutions where we learn , the tables and chairs on which we sit, the classrooms where we learn make engineering important. Medical science too would be incomplete without the surgical equipments nor would we get our medicines without the pharmaceutical industry. My husband's efforts as a manufacturer of pharmaceutical machinery enlightened my knowledge in this sphere The mechanics of engineering enables the smooth operations of equipments in our lives.
From automobiles to aeronautics and robotics or computers we have become more and more dependent on engineers. The contribution of engineers and their work has transformed our lives so much so that we cannot exist without them.
It is heartening to see many engineers devoting themselves to the cause of development of society specially rural India. This indeed is the need of the hour to give direction to the rural-urban connect and transform every sphere of life. Shri. Vishveshvaraya has rightly stated that, " To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money." The contribution of engineers reflects just that.
The ten commandments of Shri VIshveshvaraya which tell us to practice self help, know that knowledge is power, cultivate teamwork, practice teamwork, increase production in services, support Indian industries, restrict imports, maintain efficienct standard, think and act institutionally, think in terms of nation are also a need of the hour. Poised on our leap into Atmanirbhar Bharat let us remember this great engineer and rededicate ourselves to the growth of our country and of course let us not forget to salute our engineers who are leading our nation to glory....
Tuesday 8 September 2020
पेंड्यूलम....
पेंड्यूलम....
धागे पर बंधा
लटकता पेंड्यूलम...
घड़ी की सुई सा
ना रुकता
ना थमता
बस चलता रेहता
इस ओर से उस ओर
इस छोर से उस छोर
बन बरखा की बूँद
कभी यहाँ कभी वहाँ
या आँसूओं का पतन
कभी इस आंख कभी उस
रुकने को आतुर
होने को स्थिर
पलकों की छाओं में
या फिर अचल
सुरक्षित बाहों में
ना तरंगती इस तरह
दर दर भटक
ना उछलती कभी
धागे पर बंधा
लटकता पेंड्यूलम...
घड़ी की सुई सा
ना रुकता
ना थमता
बस चलता रेहता
इस ओर से उस ओर
इस छोर से उस छोर
बन बरखा की बूँद
कभी यहाँ कभी वहाँ
या आँसूओं का पतन
कभी इस आंख कभी उस
रुकने को आतुर
होने को स्थिर
पलकों की छाओं में
या फिर अचल
सुरक्षित बाहों में
ना तरंगती इस तरह
दर दर भटक
ना उछलती कभी
डाल डाल पर
भावविभोर
ना चलती बिना थमे
इस डगर उस डगर
इसी आस में
की वो थामे
और मैं रुक जाऊं
सदा के लिए
उनके पास
हाँ वो रोक दे मुझे
भावविभोर
ना चलती बिना थमे
इस डगर उस डगर
इसी आस में
की वो थामे
और मैं रुक जाऊं
सदा के लिए
उनके पास
हाँ वो रोक दे मुझे
और मेरा जीवन रुपी
पेंड्यूलम...
पेंड्यूलम...
ठीक उसी वक्त
उठती है मन में
एक और आवाज़
पूछती हैँ मुझे
पुचकारती
क्यों हो जाती हो उत्तेजित
क्यों नहीं संभल पाती
क्यों नहीं समझती
तुम ही से संभलेगा
तुम्हारा जीवन रुपी पेंड्यूलम
आशा निराशा
मोह पाश
माया ममता
लोभ क्रोध
इर्षा जलन
घृणा प्रेम
असंख्य भाव
उजागर होते तुमसे
सिर्फ तुम्हारे मन से
बिखरने से रोकना हैँ
गर स्वयं को
तो पहले संभालो
अपना ह्रदय रूपी पेंड्यूलम
संभालो अपने मन को
रखो संयम
और देखो अपनेआप ही
स्थिर हो जाएगा
जीवन रुपी पेंड्यूलम....
मन विमल
Sunday 6 September 2020
FHTC....Functional House Tap Connections.....
FHTC....Functional House Tap Connections.....
For those of us who are born in metros, specially the middle class and above flowing water from taps is something we take for granted. Water gushes out of our taps as we dreamily brush away our midnight blues in the morning. Most of us would be unaware of what FHTC means.
Some would vaguely remember the announcement of Har Ghar Jal made by the Honourable Prime Minister of our country during his Independence Day speech in August 2019. It is a promise to ensure safe drinking water reaches every household in our country when he launched the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
For those of us who are born in metros, specially the middle class and above flowing water from taps is something we take for granted. Water gushes out of our taps as we dreamily brush away our midnight blues in the morning. Most of us would be unaware of what FHTC means.
Some would vaguely remember the announcement of Har Ghar Jal made by the Honourable Prime Minister of our country during his Independence Day speech in August 2019. It is a promise to ensure safe drinking water reaches every household in our country when he launched the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
FHTC is one of the most important aspects of this mission where it is targeted that all rural households should be provided with Functional Household Tap Connections by 2024.
Having been posted recently as the Mission Director of the State Water and Sanitation Mission which includes the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission I was learning my first lessons specially FHTC as it is the most important.
As an officer implementing important schemes of the government I have always believed in getting a first hand knowledge from the field. I therefore decided to visit a village for my first lessons in FHTC. In times of Covid 19 this would perhaps seem brash but not when I thought about our team members specially the engineers and the technicians who are tirelessly working not only to provide safe drinking water but also to ensure that the Honourable Prime Minister's dream of reducing drudgery of travel for women and girls to get drinking water is completely eradicated.
Devoid of frills and an elaborate reception which normally precedes the visit of any government official, I headed to village Kumbhivali in the Khalapur block of Raigad district to understand the functionality of a FTHC.
A small lane with taps on either sides greeted me. My child like enthusiasm took over me as I rushed to open the tap and feel the flow of water. Overcome by spontaneous impulse I could barely resist putting my mouth to my hand to savour the fresh flow of water.
The team was flabbergasted, however I was reaasured that there was very little danger of contamination as the water had been purified at the state of art water treatment plant.
Of course a visit to the plant was next on our itenarary but before that I interacted with a few ladies who expressed great satisfaction and joy on the change in their lives due to the FHTC in their village. The water was not only clean but came with great pressure. They were freed of their drudgery and anxiety of struggling for clean drinking water.
The Kumbhivali PWS Scheme is implemented by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran under Jal Swarajya II project. It is designed for 5 villages and the Patalganga river is the source of the scheme. The Executive Engineer, Mr Kulkarni explained the various components of the scheme like the in-takewell, jackwell, pumphouse, package water tmtreatment plant, zinc aluminium GSR, rising main, gravity main, and distribution system which ultimately led to the FHTCs. The beauty of this was that the Package WTP is not only very compact but being prefabricated saves time in installation. The structure had the same specifications and outcomes as a traditional water treatment plant. However the advantage of package WTP is that it requires very less time and cost compared to RCC construction. The GSR is also prefabricated with zinc alluminium material and has a life of almost sixty years which is way higher than a RCC construction. After seeing the elaborate method of cleaning and purifying water I felt reassured about the water I had spontaneously consumed a few minutes ago.
We also visited a traditional water treatment plant to understand the difference between the two.
The Honad PWS Scheme is implemented by the Zilla Parishad under the NRDWP.
This scheme is designed for three villages and two habitations. An open well is the source of this scheme. The components of this scheme are Existing Openwell, Existing Pump house, Rising main, GSR and Distribution system.
My first lessons in FHTC proved to be enriching as here too the women were joyous to have taps with free flowing water The Deputy Sarpanch was proud that there was no need for tankers.
As rightly said by the Honourable Prime Minister it is not only important to ensure safe drinking water reached every home but that we also took steps to conserve it. We also need to have toilets and maintain them. Both the villages had toilets in working condition and were using the same.
Natural resources are ramping at a pace faster than that of the population, more so water. The demand and supply of water as well as prevention of its misuse and wastage needs to be in focus. The government is poised to do so under the Ministry of Jalshakti which emphasizes on the rightful convergence of different ministries.
However the movement towards water conservation cannot be looked at as a mere government programme with a top down push. It has to be a people's movement with ownership of the community. It needs active participation of leaders in prioritising water and sanitation as a life saving mission in different forms. The Jaljeevan Mission aims to implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, including sustainable use of surface water and groundwater, recharge and reuse of the greywater, or discharged water, desilting of minor irrigation tanks, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. It also has a robust policy of including women and skilling the community and youth as important components.
In short, a 360 degree approach to something as simple as a tap connection which of course has to be functional. Whoa FHTC....We at Maharashtra are raring to go.
P.S. Thank you to field team in Khalapur- Mr. Kulkarni, Executive Engineer, MJP, Mr. Takawale Deputy Engineer, Mr. Jagtap Sectional Engineer, Mr. Lavate, Gramsevak , Mr. Ingale, Deputy Engineer, Zilla Parishad, Mr Metkari, Sectional Engineer, Ms. Ghosalkar Gramsevak and State team, Ms.Prajakta Karnale and Mr.Anuse
Having been posted recently as the Mission Director of the State Water and Sanitation Mission which includes the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission I was learning my first lessons specially FHTC as it is the most important.
As an officer implementing important schemes of the government I have always believed in getting a first hand knowledge from the field. I therefore decided to visit a village for my first lessons in FHTC. In times of Covid 19 this would perhaps seem brash but not when I thought about our team members specially the engineers and the technicians who are tirelessly working not only to provide safe drinking water but also to ensure that the Honourable Prime Minister's dream of reducing drudgery of travel for women and girls to get drinking water is completely eradicated.
Devoid of frills and an elaborate reception which normally precedes the visit of any government official, I headed to village Kumbhivali in the Khalapur block of Raigad district to understand the functionality of a FTHC.
A small lane with taps on either sides greeted me. My child like enthusiasm took over me as I rushed to open the tap and feel the flow of water. Overcome by spontaneous impulse I could barely resist putting my mouth to my hand to savour the fresh flow of water.
The team was flabbergasted, however I was reaasured that there was very little danger of contamination as the water had been purified at the state of art water treatment plant.
Of course a visit to the plant was next on our itenarary but before that I interacted with a few ladies who expressed great satisfaction and joy on the change in their lives due to the FHTC in their village. The water was not only clean but came with great pressure. They were freed of their drudgery and anxiety of struggling for clean drinking water.
The Kumbhivali PWS Scheme is implemented by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran under Jal Swarajya II project. It is designed for 5 villages and the Patalganga river is the source of the scheme. The Executive Engineer, Mr Kulkarni explained the various components of the scheme like the in-takewell, jackwell, pumphouse, package water tmtreatment plant, zinc aluminium GSR, rising main, gravity main, and distribution system which ultimately led to the FHTCs. The beauty of this was that the Package WTP is not only very compact but being prefabricated saves time in installation. The structure had the same specifications and outcomes as a traditional water treatment plant. However the advantage of package WTP is that it requires very less time and cost compared to RCC construction. The GSR is also prefabricated with zinc alluminium material and has a life of almost sixty years which is way higher than a RCC construction. After seeing the elaborate method of cleaning and purifying water I felt reassured about the water I had spontaneously consumed a few minutes ago.
We also visited a traditional water treatment plant to understand the difference between the two.
The Honad PWS Scheme is implemented by the Zilla Parishad under the NRDWP.
This scheme is designed for three villages and two habitations. An open well is the source of this scheme. The components of this scheme are Existing Openwell, Existing Pump house, Rising main, GSR and Distribution system.
My first lessons in FHTC proved to be enriching as here too the women were joyous to have taps with free flowing water The Deputy Sarpanch was proud that there was no need for tankers.
As rightly said by the Honourable Prime Minister it is not only important to ensure safe drinking water reached every home but that we also took steps to conserve it. We also need to have toilets and maintain them. Both the villages had toilets in working condition and were using the same.
Natural resources are ramping at a pace faster than that of the population, more so water. The demand and supply of water as well as prevention of its misuse and wastage needs to be in focus. The government is poised to do so under the Ministry of Jalshakti which emphasizes on the rightful convergence of different ministries.
However the movement towards water conservation cannot be looked at as a mere government programme with a top down push. It has to be a people's movement with ownership of the community. It needs active participation of leaders in prioritising water and sanitation as a life saving mission in different forms. The Jaljeevan Mission aims to implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, including sustainable use of surface water and groundwater, recharge and reuse of the greywater, or discharged water, desilting of minor irrigation tanks, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. It also has a robust policy of including women and skilling the community and youth as important components.
In short, a 360 degree approach to something as simple as a tap connection which of course has to be functional. Whoa FHTC....We at Maharashtra are raring to go.
P.S. Thank you to field team in Khalapur- Mr. Kulkarni, Executive Engineer, MJP, Mr. Takawale Deputy Engineer, Mr. Jagtap Sectional Engineer, Mr. Lavate, Gramsevak , Mr. Ingale, Deputy Engineer, Zilla Parishad, Mr Metkari, Sectional Engineer, Ms. Ghosalkar Gramsevak and State team, Ms.Prajakta Karnale and Mr.Anuse
Tuesday 1 September 2020
नाम....
नाम....
नाम
एक पहचान
कभी लिखित
कई बार अलिखित
जुड़ जाते हैं
व्यक्ति से
वस्तु से
नाम
एक पहचान
कभी लिखित
कई बार अलिखित
जुड़ जाते हैं
व्यक्ति से
वस्तु से
अनुभूति से
बन जाते उपनाम
दे जाते प्रतिष्ठा
या पदवी
कभी मान सम्मान
और शायद ही कभी
प्यार, बहुत सारा
जो कागज़ पर नहीं
दिलों में रेहता
नहीं मिटता
मिटाने से
ना पन्नों से,
दे जाते प्रतिष्ठा
या पदवी
कभी मान सम्मान
और शायद ही कभी
प्यार, बहुत सारा
जो कागज़ पर नहीं
दिलों में रेहता
नहीं मिटता
मिटाने से
ना पन्नों से,
न कलम से
ये जुड़ जाते
ये जुड़ जाते
दिल के तारों से
पुनीत पवित्र अलौकिक
अर्पित भावों में
व्यक्त होते हैं
पुनीत पवित्र अलौकिक
अर्पित भावों में
व्यक्त होते हैं
पारसमणि से
परखे जाने के लिए....
मन विमल
परखे जाने के लिए....
मन विमल
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