Arun Bongirwar Sir and Public Service Excellence Award, ABPSEA......
It was saturday and I was relaxing at home without the rush of leaving for office. It was also the first day of Navratri. We had done the ghatastapana and kept Navratri Golu at our home. Golu is the festive display of idols of God and Godesses, dolls and artifacts in Tamilian homes during Navaratri. This festival is special to me for more reasons than one because it gives us an opportunity to invite friends and family to our homes and celebrate together. Of course things would be low key this year due to Covid 19. Though invitations for virtual Darshan and celebrations had started coming my heart did feel a tug. I was brooding over how due to corona things are beyond are control when I received a call from my friend congratulating me for being selected for the prestigious Arun Bongirwar Public Service Excellence Awards. Soon thereafter I started receiving cuttings of news in the newspaper and congratulatory messages on my Whatsapp.
Even as I started poring over the mesaage I saw Bongirwar Sir's sprightly face in it. My thoughts went back to 1996 when I was posted as Tahsildar Karjat as a part of my probationary training as Deputy Collector. That was the first time I met him. Mr. Rameshchandra Kanade was our Divisional Cimmissioner then and we had a meeting on eco-tourism in Matheran. Kanade Sir was an extremely studious and softspoken person who minded his 'p's and 'q's. He was extremely meticulous with calligraphic handwriting. A stickler for perfection we used be a bit wary of him.
Bongirwar Sir was ,'boss ka boss ' so I was double wary and on tenterhooks to ensure everything was perfect at the meeting and thereafter. But to my utter suprise both of them to took upon themselves to make me feel comfortable. The kind of lessons I learnt from their experience is unforgettable. Later, I came to know that his sister, Mamata, was married to Kanade Sir, our Divisional Commissioner.
I had heard tales of Bongirwar Sir's multi-tasking skills. I was fortunate to witness them and was truly fascinated. He could talk on the phone, take notes, sign files and do many other things at the same time. Having thorough knowledge of the subject and deep knowledge of administration enabled him to take quick decisions. No wonder he held many important positions and even worked as the Secretary to two Chief Ministers. He was a visionary and therefore contributed to many reforms in revenue administration and other departments. He was friendly and easy to talk to and therefore approachable. However what has remained in my mind as his most endearing quality is his bonding with the family. His respect and love for his mother and his affection for his children, nephews and neices showed how warm-hearted he was. The Ganapati celebrations at his home are legendary and I had the opportunity to visit his home on a couple of occasions.
To me Bongirwar Sir was an epitome of a human being. I am going to get an award associated with his name. Awards validate our work or acknowledge our efforts. Also the award is for bringing about a change in the livelihoods and nutrition of rural women, a cause which was extremely close to Bongirwar Sir's heart. In fact the last time I was lucky to have got an opportunity to meet him at Mantralay was after I was posted as Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission and had come for a meeting to Mantralay. He was very happy to hear about my posting and urged me to do my best. Receiving an award associated with Bongirwar Sir's name for that very cause makes it all the more special for me. I looked at his picture, bowed my head in reverance and felt engulfed in his blessings.....
Sunday, 18 October 2020
Thursday, 15 October 2020
From illness to wellness with mental health...
From illness to wellness with mental health....
It's almost a week since we 'celebrated ' International Mental Health Day on the 10th October. Health is defined as state of physical, mental and social well-being in which disease and infirmity are absent. So verily mental health is a part of our physical health.
We all are very matter of fact when it comes to taking care of our physical health. However we grossly neglect our mental health. In fact most of us carry a couldn't care attitude.
The mental state of almost ten percent of Indians is affected today and almost one crore would be mentally ill yet we shy talking about it. Strangely there is a stigma associated with being mentally ill. We wear our heart diseases or diabetes on our sleeves and hardly hesitate to talk about them. In contrast, our culture has created such an environment that depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental disorders are linked to shame. One can imagine the kind of disgrace attached to the illness and it's patients as psychotherapists or psychologists are referred to as shrinks.
Those who are mentally ill are often scorned as attention seekers or misfits. They are mocked as individuals who are incapable or ungrateful. On the other hand those who is mentally ill or affected stuggle with low self-esteem and feel lonely and lost. They often feel misunderstood and suicidal. Such individuals also have a tendency to succumb to substance abuse including alcohol and drugs not realizing that it causes them more harm.
Of course the government has been making a lot of efforts to support mental health by making it more and more accessible. Many celebrities are acknowledging their depressions and mental state openly. Despite that for normal individuals like us it is still very difficult to express and manage mental illness. Also there is no single way of knowing whether a person is mentally ill.
Small conversations could go a long way in offering support, it is therefore important to keep communicating. One must also not hesitate to express one's thoughts and emotions. At the same time one must develop a positive attitude to bounce back successfully from challenges. Life cannot be full of happiness and we have to learn to be resilient in difficulties. The sun shines like a fierce red ball when it rises or sets. Similarly, we also need to maintain an equilibrium so that facing prosperity or adversity becomes easy .
Anxiety, stress and trauma are a part of everyone's life. Wasn't Arjun devastated on seeing his familiy, cousins and his guru as opponents in the Mahabharat war? He experienced the same weakness in his limbs and his mind was confused with negative thoughts. A sense of guilt prevailed in his mind even as he started toying with the idea of death instead of going to war.
It was then that Lord Krishna explained the life and birth cycle to him along with the concept of the soul-atma which lives forever and body which keeps changing like our clothes. Performing our duty with commitment is the path to salvation along with trust and belief in God and the self. One may not be religious but that must not prevent him from having faith and belief in himself because that would give him the strength to manage his mental health.
The mind like a child is attracted to many things but it has to be controlled and chanellised with constant practice. It can become our enemy if we do not learn to control it.
Mental Health is therefore a state of mind which can be managed by ourselves.
Modern day therapy talks of seeking help, doing physical exercises like walking dancing or yoga, listening to music, gardening etc. In short doing something which diverts our mind. Support from colleagues, friends, family is suggested as also seeking professional help wherever required.
Our family is the best support system as it offers unconditional love apart from taking care of our physical, emotional and financial needs. The family bonding and communication can be our best anchor. Often there is disconnect between individuals and family due to miscommunication or no communication. Sometimes issues come up when responsibilities are not shared. It is important that each member of the family contributes to the household tasks . Children specially need to be organized in studying, submitting assignments and supporting household activities voluntarily.
At best one can avoid hurting anyone intentionally or speaking in a manner to make others quarrel, stop finding faults with others, stop desiring for anything that belongs to others, be polite, wish others well. Media and television highligjt crime, violence and negative acts including those of sex perversion. It is important to channelise the minds to the positive aspects in society and influence people to see and do good. One has to consciously keep away from actions which degrade you.
Life can become more meaningful when we find our source of joy not only in ourselves but also in others. Being sensitive to the sufferings of other makes us human. Therefore let us share each others grief and sorrow. Let us be a bit more sensitive to those who are struggling to cope with the difficulties in life. Let us be less judgemental and more receptive. Let us value our blessings and let us be steadfast on our goals and never give up. For it is only when the 'I' becomes 'We' , then ' illness' becomes 'wellness'.
.
It's almost a week since we 'celebrated ' International Mental Health Day on the 10th October. Health is defined as state of physical, mental and social well-being in which disease and infirmity are absent. So verily mental health is a part of our physical health.
We all are very matter of fact when it comes to taking care of our physical health. However we grossly neglect our mental health. In fact most of us carry a couldn't care attitude.
The mental state of almost ten percent of Indians is affected today and almost one crore would be mentally ill yet we shy talking about it. Strangely there is a stigma associated with being mentally ill. We wear our heart diseases or diabetes on our sleeves and hardly hesitate to talk about them. In contrast, our culture has created such an environment that depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental disorders are linked to shame. One can imagine the kind of disgrace attached to the illness and it's patients as psychotherapists or psychologists are referred to as shrinks.
Those who are mentally ill are often scorned as attention seekers or misfits. They are mocked as individuals who are incapable or ungrateful. On the other hand those who is mentally ill or affected stuggle with low self-esteem and feel lonely and lost. They often feel misunderstood and suicidal. Such individuals also have a tendency to succumb to substance abuse including alcohol and drugs not realizing that it causes them more harm.
Of course the government has been making a lot of efforts to support mental health by making it more and more accessible. Many celebrities are acknowledging their depressions and mental state openly. Despite that for normal individuals like us it is still very difficult to express and manage mental illness. Also there is no single way of knowing whether a person is mentally ill.
Small conversations could go a long way in offering support, it is therefore important to keep communicating. One must also not hesitate to express one's thoughts and emotions. At the same time one must develop a positive attitude to bounce back successfully from challenges. Life cannot be full of happiness and we have to learn to be resilient in difficulties. The sun shines like a fierce red ball when it rises or sets. Similarly, we also need to maintain an equilibrium so that facing prosperity or adversity becomes easy .
Anxiety, stress and trauma are a part of everyone's life. Wasn't Arjun devastated on seeing his familiy, cousins and his guru as opponents in the Mahabharat war? He experienced the same weakness in his limbs and his mind was confused with negative thoughts. A sense of guilt prevailed in his mind even as he started toying with the idea of death instead of going to war.
It was then that Lord Krishna explained the life and birth cycle to him along with the concept of the soul-atma which lives forever and body which keeps changing like our clothes. Performing our duty with commitment is the path to salvation along with trust and belief in God and the self. One may not be religious but that must not prevent him from having faith and belief in himself because that would give him the strength to manage his mental health.
The mind like a child is attracted to many things but it has to be controlled and chanellised with constant practice. It can become our enemy if we do not learn to control it.
Mental Health is therefore a state of mind which can be managed by ourselves.
Modern day therapy talks of seeking help, doing physical exercises like walking dancing or yoga, listening to music, gardening etc. In short doing something which diverts our mind. Support from colleagues, friends, family is suggested as also seeking professional help wherever required.
Our family is the best support system as it offers unconditional love apart from taking care of our physical, emotional and financial needs. The family bonding and communication can be our best anchor. Often there is disconnect between individuals and family due to miscommunication or no communication. Sometimes issues come up when responsibilities are not shared. It is important that each member of the family contributes to the household tasks . Children specially need to be organized in studying, submitting assignments and supporting household activities voluntarily.
At best one can avoid hurting anyone intentionally or speaking in a manner to make others quarrel, stop finding faults with others, stop desiring for anything that belongs to others, be polite, wish others well. Media and television highligjt crime, violence and negative acts including those of sex perversion. It is important to channelise the minds to the positive aspects in society and influence people to see and do good. One has to consciously keep away from actions which degrade you.
Life can become more meaningful when we find our source of joy not only in ourselves but also in others. Being sensitive to the sufferings of other makes us human. Therefore let us share each others grief and sorrow. Let us be a bit more sensitive to those who are struggling to cope with the difficulties in life. Let us be less judgemental and more receptive. Let us value our blessings and let us be steadfast on our goals and never give up. For it is only when the 'I' becomes 'We' , then ' illness' becomes 'wellness'.
.
Wednesday, 7 October 2020
NABARD, Jalshakti, Sanitation and water.....
NABARD, Jalshakti, Sanitation and water.....
Some things in life go together and that is just so true for sanitation and water. Truly, we cannot think of one without the other.
2nd October is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Both the leaders stood for a cause. While the Mahatma preached and practiced non-violence, love for humanity he also gave the maxim of cleanliness is next to godliness.
Lal Bahadur Shastri on the other hand stood for increasing productivity whether of milk or foodgrains. He was known for the call of " Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" ("Hail to the soldier; Hail to the farmer").2nd October is therefore very special always. Very aptly, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) chose to launch, a nationwide ‘Sanitation Literacy Campaign’ on this day.
We all are familiar with NABARD's role in
promoting sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development. In fact NABARD spearheaded the women self-help groups movement by launching it's bank linkage programme way back in 1990s. This has led to a major transformation and directed a path to an all inclusive programme of community institutions under NRLM National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Extending it by opening an additional credit line for sanitation is another great step.
While one cannot deny the fact that due to ambitious Swach Bharat Abhiyan launched by the Honble Prime Minister of India, Mr.Narendra Modi in 2014, India is open defecation free. Now, there is a need to repair old toilets retrofit them and convert them from.one pit to two-pit or make a bathroom. We also a need to consider the requirements of the differently abled and also provide water connection to toilets.
More than all the above aspects, the possibility of slip back due to non-functional or dysfunctional toilets is high. It is therefore essential to provide momentum to behavioural change.
Good hygeine and sanitation are taken for granted in most developed countries. However the cleanliness and usefulness of toilets, specially public toilets is still a matter of concern in many developing countries.
Under Swach Bharat 2, there is an emphasis to ensure that those who are not in the baseline or are lefr behind are included in making toilets. There is also an emphasis on community toilets, solid and liquid waste management and plastic waste management. All these aspects could be tackled during the campaign undertaken by NABARD till 26th January 2021.
Till date NABARD has disbursed loans of Rs 12,298 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), resulting in the construction of 3.29 crore household toilets.
Launching the programme in Pune Region, Mr.L.L.Raval, stated that almost Rs.800 crores has been allocated for the campaign in Maharashtra. It was important that bankers facilitated loans for sanitation.
During my tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission banks had become sensitive to SHG Bank Linkage. It is equally important to sensitise them for sanitation loans and that was my thrust during the programme at Pune. While the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India had made sanitation a part of priority sector lending yet this was not championed by banks. The involvement of NABARD and the State Level Bankers Committee would certainly lead in that direction.
With the onset of Covid 19, it is important to ensure and maintain safe hygeine practices. This programme would certainly augment the SBM-G and WASH programmes and enable rural communities to access better sanitation facilities in the wake of the pandemic.
Under Jal Jeevan Mission the government has planned for providing drinking water to all rural households through functional tap connections in their homes. Water is precious and has to be conseerved so there is an important element of liquid waste management in the programme.
The Sanitation Literacy Campaign could add this aspect too. The loans from NABARD include water connections. Thye could also extend to water purification plants and small loans for individuals water purifiers.
Water and sanitation are two sides of a coin and one cannot think of one without the other. The government may make all efforts to provide sanitation and water but it is our foremost responsibility to conserve water and maintain cleanliness. So while leveryone's thirst be quenched with pure drinking water let us promise to remain 'swach'.....
Some things in life go together and that is just so true for sanitation and water. Truly, we cannot think of one without the other.
2nd October is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Both the leaders stood for a cause. While the Mahatma preached and practiced non-violence, love for humanity he also gave the maxim of cleanliness is next to godliness.
Lal Bahadur Shastri on the other hand stood for increasing productivity whether of milk or foodgrains. He was known for the call of " Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" ("Hail to the soldier; Hail to the farmer").2nd October is therefore very special always. Very aptly, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) chose to launch, a nationwide ‘Sanitation Literacy Campaign’ on this day.
We all are familiar with NABARD's role in
promoting sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development. In fact NABARD spearheaded the women self-help groups movement by launching it's bank linkage programme way back in 1990s. This has led to a major transformation and directed a path to an all inclusive programme of community institutions under NRLM National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Extending it by opening an additional credit line for sanitation is another great step.
While one cannot deny the fact that due to ambitious Swach Bharat Abhiyan launched by the Honble Prime Minister of India, Mr.Narendra Modi in 2014, India is open defecation free. Now, there is a need to repair old toilets retrofit them and convert them from.one pit to two-pit or make a bathroom. We also a need to consider the requirements of the differently abled and also provide water connection to toilets.
More than all the above aspects, the possibility of slip back due to non-functional or dysfunctional toilets is high. It is therefore essential to provide momentum to behavioural change.
Good hygeine and sanitation are taken for granted in most developed countries. However the cleanliness and usefulness of toilets, specially public toilets is still a matter of concern in many developing countries.
Under Swach Bharat 2, there is an emphasis to ensure that those who are not in the baseline or are lefr behind are included in making toilets. There is also an emphasis on community toilets, solid and liquid waste management and plastic waste management. All these aspects could be tackled during the campaign undertaken by NABARD till 26th January 2021.
Till date NABARD has disbursed loans of Rs 12,298 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), resulting in the construction of 3.29 crore household toilets.
Launching the programme in Pune Region, Mr.L.L.Raval, stated that almost Rs.800 crores has been allocated for the campaign in Maharashtra. It was important that bankers facilitated loans for sanitation.
During my tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission banks had become sensitive to SHG Bank Linkage. It is equally important to sensitise them for sanitation loans and that was my thrust during the programme at Pune. While the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India had made sanitation a part of priority sector lending yet this was not championed by banks. The involvement of NABARD and the State Level Bankers Committee would certainly lead in that direction.
With the onset of Covid 19, it is important to ensure and maintain safe hygeine practices. This programme would certainly augment the SBM-G and WASH programmes and enable rural communities to access better sanitation facilities in the wake of the pandemic.
Under Jal Jeevan Mission the government has planned for providing drinking water to all rural households through functional tap connections in their homes. Water is precious and has to be conseerved so there is an important element of liquid waste management in the programme.
The Sanitation Literacy Campaign could add this aspect too. The loans from NABARD include water connections. Thye could also extend to water purification plants and small loans for individuals water purifiers.
Water and sanitation are two sides of a coin and one cannot think of one without the other. The government may make all efforts to provide sanitation and water but it is our foremost responsibility to conserve water and maintain cleanliness. So while leveryone's thirst be quenched with pure drinking water let us promise to remain 'swach'.....
Tuesday, 29 September 2020
Heart and World Heart Day....
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....
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....
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
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