ALL ABOUT ‘p’

                            Pi Day is celebrated on March 14^th (3/14 in the month/day format) around the world. Moreover 3, 1 and 4 comprises the three significant digits in constant value of pi (p = 3.141592653....). On this occasion we talked to the lovers of mathematics   such as students, teachers, professors, manufacturer exporters and artisans who shared their opinions about Pi.

                         Most of the people who have a general mathematical knowledge know more or less about ‘pi’.  It represents the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle. And calculation of this ratio has been one of the most enduring challenges for mathematicians since the time immemorial. From ancient to the middle ages and to present day, they have been striving to calculate the mysterious number as they have been exploring an exact numerical values for the fraction and formula of Pi. Arvind Johri , a senior teacher of mathematics says, “ pi is represented by Greek letter ‘p’ which is an irrational number and it cannot be expressed exactly as a common fraction; however fractions such as 22/7 including  other rational numbers are usually  used to draw approximate value of ‘p’. Hence its decimal form never ends up and seldom settles into a lasting repeating pattern.”  He further adds, “The digits (p = 3.141592653....) seem to be distributed randomly even if no proof of this has yet been found.”

                       The historical application of  pi ‘p’ in calculation  have been marked for almost 4000 years back in works of the Babylonians,  Archimedes of Syracuse, Egyptians including Asian mathematicians like Liu Hiu, Arya Bhatta,  Tsu Chung Chih etc. Even since then, people would still be approximating its actual value.  It is said that after a wheel was invented, the circumference was probably measured for the sake of comparison.  Perhaps in the early days, it was important to measure how far a wheel would travel in one revolution. To measure this distance, it was convenient to measure it by placing the wheel on the distance being measured showing that its length is slightly more than three times the diameter. This concluded that the value of p is slightly more than 3.  Hukum Singh, retired professor of Mathematics opines that perhaps no other symbol in maths has evoked as much human interest and mystery of the fact as the number pi. For thousands of years scholars have tried to extend their understanding of Pi. Sometimes they have computed its value to a high degree of accuracy.  It is in fact a transcendental number - a number which is not the root of any non-zero polynomial having rational coefficients.  

                     Divyanshi Awasthi, student of high school explains that pi is an irrational number. Hence its value cannot be expressed exactly as a fraction m/n, where m and n are integers. As a result its decimal representation has no ends and keeps on repeating. It bears the transcendental feature which means that no finite sequence of algebraic operations on integers (like powers, sums, roots etc) can be equal to its value. 

                    The pi is the 16^th letter of Greek alphabets. In the old Greek texts, Pi   was used to represent the number 80. Later on, the letter Pi was chosen by mathematicians to signify a very essential constant value related to a circle. Particularly, Pi is the symbol which stands for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and it comes to approximate numerical value. The value of Pi can be calculated over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point by virtue of being it an irrational number.  According to a Mathematician Prof. Ram Avtar from Candausi , “while only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorise, and to computationally calculate more and more digits. “

              Moradabad is a popular centre for artisans who are engaged in developing different items of various geometrical shapes. Shivlesh Restogi , a manufacture of steel pots says, “ I make a large number of items of handicrafts from sheet of metals which is cut circular in shapes and measuring in cubits from rim to rim initially. My works include mathematical information such as depth, volume, wall thickness, surface areas and other geometrical inferences. The formula and fraction of pi(p) is very useful in decision making about the size and shape of pots. When I cut the sheet of iron with an idea of making a hexagonal shape inside of a circle, the radius of the circle is one and area is p. In all the circular items around us, pi is inherently applicable. ”   

                              Dr. G. Ravindra who is retired as director from NCERT tells that he has imbibed so passionately with mystery of this historical symbol that he suggested to nominate his granddaughter as Pi at home. 

              Besides mathematics many formulae from science and engineering involve pi. Its application has extended to many occupational fields like agriculture, manufacturing, designing, fashion technology etc. Which makes it one of the most important mathematical constants. Sometimes it is felt that pi has come through the inspiration of Nature itself. The shape of sun, full moon, eyes is such examples for it.

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Swarn Lata Sharma

                 Zero Discrimination Day

                          Since the time memorial, the discrimination has been a major issue globally. People have been exploited on the basis of their caste and creed, age and gender, race and nationality etc. On the occasion of Zero Discrimination Day we share the opinions of local residents highlighting the negative impacts of discrimination and promoting tolerance, compassion and peace.

                          Though human beings are born free, however they are in chains of discrimination and disparity more or less everywhere. United Nations General Assembly took a serious view of the facts and called upon all the nations to end the discrimination. Like that of past years, the Zero Discrimination Day was observed on March 1, 2016 with the theme for this year as “open up, reach out” with a transformative symbol ‘Butterfly’ to promote diversity.

                             A common way to explain discrimination is like giving a prejudicial treatment or consideration. When a person is treated differently than others for the reasons based upon race, age, gender, nationality, profession, religion and colour, it becomes never ending social issue all around.  And despite the long time efforts of making related laws to prevent discrimination, it still persists on very much in our society. Moreover, the modern day society is quite unconscious to the seriousness of this matter. Payal Kakar, a home maker says, “Discrimination in a society can cause emotional, mental, physical and social ill health effects. It can do other damages also such as loss of employment or promotional opportunities and harm to reputation. I think people who discriminate, choose weak persons to take out their frustration and aggression. It involves such acts where a person is treated unfairly or abused. ” The middle class people face challenges in coping up with the higher classes in order to prevent themselves from being discriminated by the rich people ,opines Payal.                      

                               Discrimination can be witnessed in various forms such as racial, gender as well as sexual orientation discrimination. Racial discrimination is a widely pervasive in western countries where it yields the form of societal movements. Racist people believe that there are various races of persons who reflect common physical features like skin colour, hair type, facial features, character and skills. They are labelled as having similar potential or inferiority. Dr. Vishesh Gupta, Professor of sociology says, “The origin of racial discrimination is rooted in our minds. Even an educated person, who often claims himself free from the biasness, may commit racial discrimination in practice. Because a human being’s attitudes and opinions are formed during his childhood. If anybody is taught to be racist in his schooling days, his attitude is likely to stick with him throughout his life and he will never be able to answer why he hates persons of a particular skin colour or culture etc.”  Thus role of our educational institutions is very crucial in the formation of new society. Moreover, as discrimination is a violation of human rights it must not go unchallenged, he further adds.

                                  From the very beginning, women are discriminated against and viewed as the weaker gender. They are often taken as mothers and homemakers. Millions of women and girls experience violence and abuse. They are not able to apply their rights and gain entrée to health-care services, education or employment. Even the job market in India is male dominated.  Women are paid lesser for doing the same work that of men.  They are easily prone to the victimisation of harassment at their work places. In Moradabad, a large number of women work at export factories, particularly in packaging departments. The condition of their working lives is tough and tiresome for them. Gender discrimination can be viewed all the way through their wage gap and restricted career opportunity.

                                 Mamta Garg, former president of Inner Wheel Club tells, “People who bear in minds the discrimination against women in the field of sports, feel like women are not capable of delivering performance on the same level as men can do. Some people prefer her role in the society as more traditional one. They take it that women in sports are wasting money. Whereas the time has changed. The need of the hour is to practice gender equity in our society.” Young generation believe that women can attribute and develop one sport or entrepreneurship as much as men do at national and international level.    

                                  Dr. Archna Tandon ,a medical practitioner  and also an active social worker in the field of women empowerment says, “ours is a male dominant society where in gender discrimination is very much customised  quite often. From womb to tomb women are facing lots of discrimination against them. Female foeticide and female infanticide have become social evils. In rural areas girls are treated inferior to boys. They are not given enough and nutritious food too. They are not preferred to going to schools or for higher education. People think that education of girls brings no returns to parents. Their future role is mainly reproductive one and requires no formal education. The main causes of gender discrimination are illiteracy, social customs and beliefs which are prevailing in our society.  Dowry system adds fuel to the fire of gender discrimination” .

                  When the slow learners in the class are questioned, they feel humiliated as the teacher discriminates them from bright students publicly in a classroom.  Pawan Chand  Joshi  a student of class IX feels that teachers should take care while scolding the weak students openly in front of the whole class. The teenagers very often feel embarrassed and awkward on being given such treatment. Instead of improving the late bloomers start hating the teacher as well as the particular subject. This is fetching no good returns. On the other hand, if the teacher calls such students individually to discuss their weaknesses and give proper suggestions the child understands the concern of the teacher for him/her and develops respect for the teacher. It is also observed that in giving such care the students get motivated and start studying slowly.

        Coming to the discrimination among the siblings in a family, usually it is noticed that the youngest kid enjoys the lion’s share of love from parents. The eldest one often shoulders maximum responsibilities and is pacified by saying you are more mature and is not expected to misbehave. So, let us pledge to say no to discrimination in society as many challenging issues can be solved simply by eliminating stigma and discrimination.

SWARN  LATA SHARMA

Main Theme: Mathematics Cognition

Sub- theme:   Math anxiety, affective aspects and identity in maths learning.

                                OVERCOMING MATHS PHOBIA

Importance: A phobia has been creating in the minds of the children that Mathematics is tough to learn and boring subject. Most of the students neglect the subject and it has become one of the main causes of student’s failure in Mathematics. Despite the importance of Mathematics and its applications in everyday life, it is often considered as a difficult subject by the students. Research has proved that students have low scores in Mathematics as it may be due to the fact that they have learning difficulties in mathematics. One of the reasons for this poor performance may be the phobia and anxiety that students have towards mathematics. Mathematics phobia is an important factor that affects student’s attitude towards mathematics and students achievement in mathematics in an unfavourable way. Achievement in mathematics is also influenced by student’s attitude towards mathematics. Attitude towards mathematics may be expressed as the degree of emotional disposition towards mathematics. If students have favourable attitude towards mathematics then their achievement is high and vice versa. To a great extent, student’s attitude towards mathematics and their phobia for the subject is due to the teachers to teach mathematics because it is the teacher who creates the interest of student in the subject. In this context the present study is an attempt to investigate students’ performance in Mathematics in relation to their mathematics phobia and attitude towards the subject. 

 The objective of the research: - 1) to study the relationship between achievement in mathematics and mathematics phobia and

2) To study the relationship between performance in mathematics and attitude towards mathematics.

The sample for the study consisted of 120 students studying in class 10^th at Kendriya Vidyalaya Moradabad. Marks obtained by the students in the formative assessments and summative assessments served as an index of mathematics achievement.

Methodology: 1. Activity Based Method- learning by doing.

                         2. Question Answer Method.            3. Problem solving method

Findings: The results revealed negative relationship between performance of mathematics and mathematics phobia; there exists positive relationship between performance in mathematics and attitude towards mathematics.

        It is a general tendency to form phobia for the subject. Math-phobia is formed due to various reasons like ignorance for the subject, discontinuity in the concept learning, avoiding to participate while teaching-learning process, lack of practice, open insult by teacher, parent or peer group, lack of concentration, low scores in the subject, casual approach for the subject.

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Conclusion:  Thus, on the basis of the findings of the study it can be implied that efforts need to be made to develop favourable attitude towards mathematics among students and their mathematical phobia needs to be removed. In order to improve the achievement of students in mathematics teachers can adopt collaborative approach to promote positive attitude amongst students towards mathematics. Teachers may reduce students mathematics phobia by being friendly, by developing self confidence in them for the subject, provide support and encouragement, by aiming at students- centred learning, accommodate  students to adopt activity based learning and learning by doing.  The students need to be motivated to learn the subject by simplifying the concepts, by maths lab activities, mathematical games, hand outs, work sheet, mathematical quiz, counselling, setting of goal, co-operating and co-ordinating etc.

SWARN LATA SHARMA

M.Sc.Ed. (MATHS}   

Swarn63@rediffmail.com

Mob. 09412322038

              FOR THE CHIRPY SPARROWS

                It was just a decade ago that these birds were a common sight in our surroundings. The nests of house sparrows were found in almost every house hold as well as in public places such as markets, bus stops and railway stations where they dwelled in colonies and survived on food grains, seeds, insects and worms. It was a time when people woke up to find the sparrows chirping in their backyards. One could see hordes of birds fluttering around here and there bathing in water pools and having mud baths.

             But now we notice there is a sudden decline in the number of sparrows owing to the reasons like change in the building architectures, changing attitudes of people and their life styles, radiations from mobile towers and cell phones ; as the signals from the mobile phones disturbs the sparrows and drive them away. The electromagnetic pollution caused due to the mobile phone towers are responsible for harming its reproductive cycles. March 20, is a day designated to raise awareness about the house sparrows and other common birds of urban environments and of threats to their population and is marked as World Sparrow Day. This day is important because creating awareness about these birds seems to be the key to their survival.

            “I developed love and passion for the birds and beautiful Nature since my childhood when I was the member of the Nature Club at my school,” says a bird enthusiast Sanjay Kumar, District Magistrate at Moradabad.  He further says, “Chirping sounds of Sparrows are pleasing to the heart and soul.”The amend in the building constructions provides a lot of nesting sites to the larger birds such as pigeons in the form of ducts where as the smaller birds such as sparrows have a mere chance of nesting in these tall multistoried buildings. In olden days the houses had tiled roofs but now we have the apartment culture which leaves no scope for the Sparrows to build in their nests.  Presently there are very few green areas in the cities and towns. The lawns and gardens are full of exotic species of plants which have meagre role to play in the local ecology and are of very little use to native birds and insects. Moreover there is a lack of trees of local breeds like Peepal, Gular, Mahua and Popular that provide food and shelter to the common birds. The exotic plants often consume a larger quantity of chemical fertilizers and pesticides which scare pests away, thereby robbing the sparrows on their food stock. Thus an urgent need is felt to create awareness among people to replace these exotic plant species with the native species of trees which not only ensure ecological balance in nature but also facilitate us with enough amount of oxygen to breath for good health. The hedges and the thorny bushes are comfortable sites for the bird sparrows to build up their nests and get worms and insects in plenty. 

            The fast changing attitude and life styles of city –dwellers have also reflected in people’s attitude towards birds and biodiversity.  The open grain markets and sorting grains at home have been replaced by neatly packaged and recleaned products available at the super markets. People today are extremely busy in their every day activities and urban entertainment options and have little time to spare, sensitivity and fondness to think about birds.

                    On the occasion of World Sparrow Day March 20, the bird lovers in the city of Moradabad urged people to contribute their bit in saving the little birds from becoming extinct. Under the valuable guidance of District Magistrate at Moradabad a programme was organised at the Deer Park in which various activities and competitions like painting, declamation, exhibition, etc were conducted. The nest boxes were also distributed in large numbers to the people to encourage them to attract the tiny birds – House Sparrows.  People were suggested that they can contribute their bit in saving this tiny, beautiful creature so that its chirp voice could be heard in the Verandas and at perches. They were also adviced to sprinkle food grains like Bajra, in an open space of houses or on terrace to attract sparrows. Maintaining a terrace garden is another option to invite the sparrows to their houses. These small efforts can save these birds from getting extinct and thus conserving the species to maintain the food-chain in nature.  

                     Aparna Kumar, Commandant of 9^th Batallion P.A.C.at Moradabad says “If Sparrows are not saved the ecological balance would get distrubed as these birds feed on seeds and small insects and maintain the ecological balance”. She also added that the pollution caused by the release of carbonmonoxide from automobiles has also become a reason for the death of birds in large numbers and this need to be curbed to protect them. All it requires to encourage the return of Sparrows in cities is to buildup or place a topless medium size earthen pot with very small holes at the bottom or similar nesting objects atop a house where nobody can easily reach.   

                    B. C. Brahma, DFO at Moradabad says, “I am a bird and animal lover, I do not forget to keep an earthern bowl of grain and a trough of water for the birds in my lawn every day. These act like fast food centre for the birds, squirrels, crows, mynas and dogs to eat and sip.” One can not disagree with the fact that the common birds like sparrows are bio-indicators of the eco system. “If timely conservation measures are not instigated then today’s common species will become tomorrows’ threatened species like vultures “says a bird lover Yogesh Kumar Mishra , Range Officer  at  Moradabad.  He further says “We must intensify our efforts to create awareness about the sharp decline in the numbers of sparrows and other small birds.”

                    We must revive the age old practice of spreading out a handful grains in our window still or balconies, so that the birds can feast on them. The upcoming generation should be made aware of their importance in balancing the eco-system & of course of the simple pleasures like appreciating the tweets & chirps of the small birds. Its very important to spread the awareness among the children. So conducting some interesting activities & events like bird watching trips, photography competitions, exhibitions, presentations, slogan competition, etc, on these topics & practically implementing the ideas to save them infront of the school children will add a lot to it.

SWARN LATA SHARMA 

                                                                       AFFORESTATION

Earth is like our mother

We would serve it together

Taking care of her should be our pleasure

And we should save her as our treasure.

                        If we cut trees

                        We shall cause World war three

                         But if we stop felling trees

                         Mother nature will be free.

Every drop of water counts

Felling trees would give us empty mounts

Mouthing slogans is of no use

When war monster is let loose

                         Let us all join hands in unison

                         To achieve this miracle of afforestation

                         And stop the slaughter of tree

                         To make mother nature happy and free.

 SWARN LATA SHARMA

Cat the most popular pet.

Cat is considered as the most popular pet on the planet. Owning a cat as a pet has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. TP explores more from cat lovers dwelling in town.

Cat is a small furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by human beings for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pets.Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9500 years and are currently the most popular pet in the world. Owning to their close association with humans, cats are now found almost everywhere in the world.  The world wide population of cats exceeds 500 million. They were once worshipped as Gods.

Despite being solitary hunters, cats are a special species and use a variety of vocalizations, pheromones and types of body language for communication. These include meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling and grunting.

According to Dr. Zakir Hussain , veterinary doctor “the interactions with cat may improve health and reduce physical responses to stress. For example the presence of cat may moderate increased blood pressure.” He further adds, “cat ownership may also improve psychological health by providing emotional support and dispelling feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Their ability to provide companionship and friendship are  common reasons given for owning a cat.”

               The World cat day was introduced to familiarize cat owners and interested peope with the proper knowledge about welfare and protection of a cat.  Cat owners around the world celebrate this day together with their cats.

Celebrations on this day are arranged for honouring a cat, paying special attention to a cat, finding out more about  cat species, appropriate cat ownership, loving your cat.

Ranju Tandon, a house wife says,” often cats are overlooked and underappreciated because they do not usually have jobs like dogs. But cats still lower blood pressure, offer unconditional love and companionship and alert their owner to danger. Many cats have been named heroes.

We believe that every cat should have a forever home where there is no abuse, anger, poverty, illness or divorce.  As these are many of the reasons cats are abandoned in the first place. When considering adopting a cat, ask yourself one question. “Can I really give this animal everything he needs. ?

Celebrate International Cat Day by watching hilarious cat compilations.

 They are famously low maintenance. They typically don’t require a lot of attention, and you don’t need to spend a lot of time training them or playing with them.

Cats are self-sufficient animals. They bathe and groom themselves, use a litter box and don’t bark when the phone rings or someone knocks on the door. You can leave a cat unattended in a relatively small living space, like an apartment, for the course of the workday without worrying about his needing a walk or potty break.

Dr.Kamal Singh Sagar, at Pet care clinic says,”Research studies reveal that having a pet cat can even help reduce high blood pressure, prevent cardio vascular disease and related ailments. The fact seems to be that a purring cat makes a person feel good.”

The natural predatory behaviour of cats can be advantageous as it keeps our house free of mice. Cats have several advantages over other pets, many of which are related to convenience for their owners since they do not require constant supervision.They donot require an open backyard with a fence or a roomy house to feel comfortable.

Dr. Veer Pal Singh, at a pet clinic opines,”Cats can usually be allowed to roam the house while you are at work with little risk of them making a mess .If you travel for two  to three days, you can usually leave a cat at home with an ample supply of food and water, a clean litter box and a comfortable environment. Most cats will adapt well to this situation. If you decide to bring your pet with you, cats are usually small enough to fit in a carrier beneath your seat allowing you to monitor your pet directly.”

According to Afzal Khan, vetenery doctor “Heat worm protection or flea treatment for a cat  costs less than the same treatment for a dog of the same size in most veterinary clinics.In case  your cat requires a surgical procedure, these, too tend to be less expensive for cats than for other animals of similar size.” Moreover,cats do not require visits to the groomer on a regular basis unless they have exceptionally long coats.The food for your cat will be cheaper due to the small portions cats consume.

Dr.Sugandha Agarwal, a professor says,”My cat is very playful and agile. She is quite acrobatic too- especially when we take out a toy fishing pole or a cat dance toy she leaps, runs and pounces on the toy, which is great fun to watch for all my family members especially my two year old daughter.She adds.Listening to cat purrs gives pleasure. It is one of the most delightful sounds. Children often squeal when they hear it.

Sarmishta Bannerjee, a beautician and a cat lover having two cats utters,” Cats love to be pet, held and cuddled. They are extremely loyal. We give them a bit of attention and we  get a lot of love in return. They don’t require bathing. They are meticulous about grooming themselves. My cats are litter box trained. I don’t have to walk them on cold, rainy days. They don’t require constant attention .They are happy just being near you.”She further shares that I enjoy their  loving dispositions and companionship after my hectic daily routine chores.

SWARN LATA SHARMA

                               FAMILY LIFE OF INDIAN NAVY EMPLOYEES

                       Hats off to Indian Navy for securing the naval borders and carrying out rescue operations for number of family members from disaster at sea. On the occasion of Navy Day, Times Plus interacts with the family members of employees serving Indian Navy to explore about the experiences and feelings they cherish.

                    Navy Day in India is observed on December 4^th every year to celebrate the grandeur, attainments and responsibility of naval force to the country. As the Indian navy is a time-honoured marine branch of the India’s armed forces under the leadership of the President of India as a Commander-in-Chief. The Maratha emperor, Chhatarpati Shivaji Bhosle of the 17^th century is considered as “Father of the Indian Navy”. However, the Navy has witnessed many ups and downs in the history of its existence. During the British Period, it was addressed as the Royal Indian Navy by the imperial forces in India. On the start of the Second World War, its dimension was increased in number of vessels and personnel. But later it suffered a lot by spark up of mutiny in the forces contributing to freedom movement.   

                         Modern Indian navy has undergone rapid renovation to get better the position in the Indian Ocean region. According to a report, the force of the Indian Navy includes  more than 58,000 employees, two aircraft carriers, an amphibious transport dock, 15 frigates, 8 guided missile destroyers, 25 corvettes, 14 powered attack submarines, 1 nuclear attack submarine, 30 patrol vessels, 7 mine countermeasure vessels, 4 fleet tankers including variety of auxiliary ships and small boats.  INS Viraat, HMS Harriers, INS Arihant have been remarkable carriers in the Navy.  

                     Navy of India plays a great role in guarding and securing the sea borders of the country. Moreover it helps upgrading the global relations of India by implementing many seaport visits, holding combined exercises, undertaking generous missions and disaster relief camps. Indian Navy often rushes help to merchant vessels which start drifting due to some faults during voyage. As they get a disaster call, their helicopter Sea King takes flight on to the destination. By virtue of guarding the oceans and the seas over the time, the Indian Navy has come into view as the seventh largest naval force in terms of size and strength at global level. They have always proved their bravery during the past wars waved against our country. There is none who do not know about the Indian Navy and is not proud of it.

                    Aditi Yadav, wife of a naval officer shares, “when my husband went to Chennai posting for more than a year, I managed both routine works at home as well as at outside. With the passage of time, I realised that to be a successful naval wife I need to know how to play a role of mother and father simultaneously to my kids, I have to maintain balance in my account for up country cheques issued, to pay the bills in time, to take care of the car insurance, to socialise with friends and be a responsible member of society.” She further adds, “Friends are definitely my supporting system. They have been there for me through thick and thin. Being in the Navy it has taught me what community living is all about. Birthdays, anniversaries and festivals can be missed out, but my friends are always there for me and the Navy is like an extended family”.

                       The life of Naval officers is quite challenging and exploring. Ankit Bhardwaj,a naval officer has always dreamed of exploring the world. He is thankful to the Indian Navy which provides a wonderful opportunity to see the world at government’s cost. He says, “With long stay at ports, one can get to see some of the most exotic places on coastal area. Along with hefty pay scale, there are other economic benefits that one can enjoy besides pure environment. When on the sail you can breathe the purest air on earth as there is no pollution at sea.” Monika his wife says, “To be a naval wife it teaches you to adopt to frequent transfers, change of schools for children and uncertainties of all kinds. You are expected to be a supportive partner to your husband and not to blame him for his job and erratic schedules”.

As Naval officers do not have much time to look after their family members at home regularly. Their position become like that of single parenting. “Single parenting is a very common for the employees of Indian Navy. A mother has to look after the kids, their schooling and all other family members. It has always been a part and parcel of her life.” says Parul Malhotra . She further says, “When people ask me if I am working or not, I say ‘yes’.  I am a naval wife, and that I think it is the most demanding job in the Navy because most of the time I am single parenting .I know how tough it is to bring up my two daughters single handily.” Thus the women of naval officers are a unique lot. They are independent, happy with sportive smile on their faces.

                If you are a woman it is great to marry a naval officer, provided you are independent individual by nature and are prepared for separation when your husband sails on ship. In case of a man who wants to marry a female naval officer even then you will enjoy a good family life too because presently women navy officers do not go to sea.

                Rahul ,a naval officer shares his happiness  and says, “I am  very fortunate to be with Indian Navy which is productive in nature as it is the only department which helps in raising revenue for India. Life at sea is full of challenges and immense satisfaction .While I an at sea, Navy looks after the welfare of my family like its own.” Akarshan Agarwal who is undergoing trainings, is very eager to work for Indian Navy as soon as he finishes his final semester. He is delighted with the theme of 2015 as ‘Indian Navy- Ensuring Secure seas for a Resurgent Nation.’ 

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SWARN LATA SHARMA

                  ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

                             The United Nations General Assembly has chosen November 25 as The International Day for the elimination of Violence against women. TP talks to the Psychologists, police officials, social workers and other females about the causes for the violence and their preventive measures.

                The act of violence against women has overwhelmed humankind since the time immemorial. Whereas generally individuals perceive that women have to regularly combat against the atrocities in society. In the developing countries like India, women are ten times more likely to be victims of violence than men. There are numerous women who have suffered abuse, torture and even death. At domestic level abuse of women is widespread. Forced marriages and child marriages are yet considered a kind of misery. They are not considered sound enough to make marital decisions for themselves. Traditionally they were given a very subordinate role and status in our society. Earlier the prevailing conditions were not favourable for the free movement of women. Though, now-a-days women are educated and equally participating in employment with men, still the social conventions and restrictions are controlling the life of women directly or indirectly. 

                 There are various kinds of violence that happen in everyday lives of women. It  includes domestic violence, gender based violence, rape etc.  Malice mainly occurs when men assault women to establish their power, control, position or authority over them. Preeti Saxena, president of Inner Wheel Club says, “I think the biggest type of violence that needs to be addressed immediately is domestic violence. Because it takes place within the home of a person. In our neighbourhood a girl married a nice guy last year but later in the relationship, the guy tried to show his dominance by using violent acts.” She further tells that prior to the Act in 1994 on Violence against Women whenever such cases were reported; police would not even try to intervene. Because they ignored by calling it a family matter. But now since the Act came into force, it describes main key points for domestically abused women such as safe streets and safe homes for women, civil rights and equal justice for women in the courts.”    

               During the last two decades gender based violence has emerged rapidly as the most threatening problem in our society. It has been recognized as a serious violence of human rights. Every day we can see through News papers and news channels offensive acts like acid throwing, bride burning, dowry death, honour killings, female genital mutilation, forced prostitution, sexual slavery etc. Sarita Lal , a social worker and member of a club says, “ In spite of our national development, women are highly susceptible to exploitations and oppressions. It begins long before they are born and continues throughout their lives. The lives of unborn girls are terminated through sex selective abortions. I think this is the most commonly seen evil in public. It needs to strengthen the individual knowledge about such type of female violence so that people will not only reduce their chances of committing these crimes, but also prevent others from doing so as well. Hence we should call upon youths of our community to create a foundation of understanding the immorality of violence in their homes”    

                     Promoting the community education can bring out desired change in our country. Dr. Meenu Mehrotra , professor in Psychology says, “Students who receive violence preventive education, shall have more compassion towards sufferers of violent behaviour than those who do not have that kind of learning. They are less likely to commit violent acts in their future lives.  The advantage of such education can be extended to those people who are in the jobs. The proposal of workplace training will definitely recuperate the attitudes of male members towards violence against women.”                   

                           Violence against women is a consequence of gender inequality and discrimination against women in law as well as in practice. Therefore crime against women has remained unabated. The statistics remain grim. Rape is the fourth largest crime in India .The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has reported that out of 3,09,546 reported cases of crime against women, 33,707 were rape cases.

                        A study by the Common wealth Human Rights Initiative found that between 2001 and 2013 , as many as 2,72,844 rape cases were registered in India, making it a daily average of 57 rapes. That is more than two rapes every hour. A number of rapes go unreported because sadly in 94.4 percent cases the offender was known to the victim like a colleague, friend, neighbour or a relative. According to NCRB report  ‘Crime in India  2013’ the offenders included parents/close family members in 539 cases , neighbours in 10,782 cases , relatives in 2,315 cases and other known persons in 18,171such reported cases.

                         The rising incidence of crime against women has prompted the fair sex to be prepared. Pragya Mishra Deputy S P Moradabad says, “It is important for women to remain cautious and alert at all times .They should be pro-active and prepared for any untoward incidents. They should adopt a non-victim assertive body language in such a situation.” She further says, “ you should dial 100 and ask for help when you are in isolated area and being followed by suspected person; try to be aware of surrounding; avoid wearing head phones while going for a walk in park or on road side otherwise you will not be able to sense the dangers before hand.  Often there are cases of rapes under the influence of drugs. Avoid free drinks or eatable from the strangers. Even at a party, one should not leave the drinks unattended. You should wear appropriate dress while going out alone particularly in odd hours. While travelling along in a taxi you should note down taxi number and drivers details.”        

                      Various activities can be arranged around the societies to draw attention to the need for continuing action to eliminate violence against women, projects to enable women and their children to escape violence and campaigns to educate people about the consequence of violence against women.

SWARN LATA SHARMA

                                 FIGHT PNEUMONIA TO SAVE CHILDREN

                           World Pneumonia day is annually observed on November 12, every year and it helps to spread general awareness about the pneumonia and its fatal consequences if it is not treated right away. On this occasion TP talks to the doctors and other medical experts to find out the causes and preventive measures of this disease.

                             Though it is a common illness that can occurs in all age groups including elderly people as well as children under five years old. Dr. Sruti Khanna tells that Pneumonia is condition of inflammation and congestion of lungs which is caused by infectious agents like bacteria, virus, fungi or parasites. Human lungs are made of small sac like structures. When they are infected, it makes the breathing difficult and painful which causes limiting oxygen intakes.   The typical symptoms of the disease include coughing, chest pain, fever etc. The clinical and diagnostic tools such as X-ray and examination of the phlegm are used while treating the patients. The disease can be classified as Bacterial Pneumonia, Atypical pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Legionella Pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs. However the treatment depends on the cause of the disease. There are vaccines available to prevent certain types of pneumonia among children and adults” 

                     Thus the infection is caused by swelling and fluid in the lungs. Many germs of causing pneumonia are commonly found in the mouth and nose of a infected person. These germs can be spread form one person to another through air and touching surfaces of public places that have been contaminated. Those persons who are suffering from anaemia, diabetes, emphysema, asthma, heart disease etc are at a greater risk of getting pneumonia infection. In a report experts acknowledge that the disease claims more young lives than AIDS, Measles and Malaria together in our country. The preventive measures includes washing hands after blowing the nose, sneezing or going to the bathroom, before eating, covering mouth when coughing and sneezing etc.

                      Pneumonia is the largest killer of children under the age 5 worldwide. Nearly one in five global child deaths occur from this disease every year. It is so dangerous because it is hard to diagnose at its early stages. The symptoms among children are almost like that of cold as fever, sweating, shaking chills, coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, fatigue with body aches. According to a child specialist, many factors are responsible for Pneumonia and no single intervention can effectively prevent, control and treat the same. There some effective remedial interventions, if applied properly, will help reduce the global effect of pneumonia. These include such as the excessive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding supplemented by nutritious solid foods up to age two, Using safe drinking water, hand washing and proper sanitation facilities, taking timely vaccinations for measles, whooping cough(pertusis ), Haemophilus  influenza type b and pneumococcal disease and  reducing  indoor air pollution by improved cooking stoves at home.

                          Dr .Babita Gupta says,” World Pneumonia Day supports all efforts made to protect and treat people against Pneumonia, the single cause of deaths globally. The aged persons are as prone to the disease as children below five. There are people who smoke or have HIV positive, they are highly vulnerable to it. They should be vaccinated at the beginning of the season, usually winters. Children as well as aged ones who are suffering from repeated bouts of bouts of cough and yellow sputum they must visit a doctor immediately. Because the infection can be identified very easily by the breath sounds and a simple x-ray.  Children whose immunity levels are declined due to malnutrition, they need intensive and prompt care against the airborne disease. As it is often mistaken for common cold as per its similar symptoms.”

                The Indian Academy of Paediatric (IAP) always calls upon the local governing bodies to provide pneumonia vaccine free of cost similarly as being done for polio. NGOs, educational Institutions, Clubs and schools can play an exemplary role in this direction. Investing in the health sector for children from poor families will definitely narrow the child survival gap which exists between the haves and have-nots in our society. Our poverty wracked rural areas are marked with worst child mortality rate due to non access to life saving caring centres over there.  This is the very occasion to spread the relevant message through social media net works, prints, online or words of mouth to help combat against the deadly disease through partaking in educational programmes, voluntary work and contributing through notations.   

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Swarn Lata Sharma