The International Day for Eradication of Poverty

                  Every day a huge number of people suffer from hunger, oppression and death because of the problem of Poverty that still has not been solved until now since when the first International Day for Eradication of Poverty was observed in 1995 by United Nations. The incessant agony of poverty can be witnessed among almost all countries in the world, where rich becomes richer while the poor becomes poorer. Only few amass excessive prosperity whilst innumerable individuals cannot even manage to pay for their essential necessities. TP talks to people about their opinions.

                       The International Day for Eradication of Poverty falls on October 17 and focuses on the theme of the year as “Building a sustainable future: coming together to end poverty and discrimination”. Poverty is considered as the mother of all the social evils in a society. It is terrifying continuously greater due to lack of education, overpopulation and prevailing corruption in practice. To end the poverty in all its forms has become a great challenge before us. Some people might say that the poor are suffering from this condition because they are lazy; they are reluctant to work even if they have the capacity to do so. Though, not every one of them is lethargic. In fact, there are many poor who are willing to do any job, no matter how difficult it is just to meet their both ends. Even their hard work may not assist them to come out of destitution. Even though they might possess jobs, the wages they get from them are not even enough to uplift their miserable condition. Getting a high paying work is difficult for the poor people because they do not have the desired skills and educational background.

                     Abhiraj Sharma, Student of postgraduate says, “Children who do not get a chance to attend the school are not able to assist in the alleviation of poverty and the discrimination caused so.  Had those street children been given the chance to study, they could have gone to colleges, gotten a paying job and earned money for their families. Since they lack education; all they are left with meagre receivables. Poverty pulls many children into the labour market.” In our country almost more than 75 percent of child labour is found in agriculture and allied industries where they often work in hazardous conditions full of risk to their lives. It harms them physically and mentally. It has terrifying consequences that includes child slavery and servitude also. Children from low income people are at great risk of being food insecure and malnourished.  

                     Extreme and moderate poverty remains with majority of rural poor who are small holder farmers in India. Helping them to improve farm productivity through better access to resources, technologies, markets etc will be critical for both poverty eradication and food security. Better social protection can help the poor better manage risks, improve their livelihoods and enhance the health and education to their children. The appropriate action plan will not only accelerate the elimination of destitute and hunger, but also reduce disparities in society.  Now a days, India has called upon globally to become digital India; we are constantly testing ways to alleviate poverty by using innovation and technology.   

               Raj Kumar Kakar, trading in food grains, says, “A country wide debate is needed to take place on the issue of poverty line in India. As per an expert panel headed by former governor of RBI, those spending over Rs 32 a day in rural areas and Rs. 47 in towns, should not be considered poor. But at this level of expenditure, getting two meals is very difficult.” Poverty can be defined in many ways. As it is a condition marked with severe deprivation of basic human needs including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education etc . When young ones and youths are not able to afford food, take admission go to schools, or have any approach to health care, then they should  be considered  as living with poverty , regardless of their income.

              After we got independence, our governments have launched various poverty alleviation programmes which includes as elimination of bonded labourers, small farmers Development Programme (SFDP), Drought Area Development Programme(DADP), Twenty point Programme, Food for Work Programme, Minimum needs Programme (MNP), Integrated Rural Development Programme(IRDP) National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), Rural Labour Employment Guarantee Programme(RLEGP), TRYSEM Scheme, Jawahar Rojgar Yojna (JRY), Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojna, Nehru Rozgar Yojna(NRY), Prime Minister’s integrated Urban Poverty Eradication Programme etc.  In spite of all above, we are legging behind in eradication of poverty from our society. Much more is needed to do in this direction for better future.

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Swarn Lata Sharma 

STRESSED BEHAVIOUR OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS DURING EXAMINATION

                   In India the students are not alone who share the stress and anxiety of the examination. The parents share this agony and anxiety more than their children. The stressed behaviour of both parents and students at the time of examination is definitely a cause of concern. Psychiatrists reveal that the stress of the examination causes severe anxiety, depression and aggressive behaviour among students. The increase in pressure levels is always on the rise. The students face pressure from their teachers, peers and parents. This leads to disastrous results. Sleeplessness, eating disorders and irritability are common symptoms caused by this unbearable pressure. Counsellors have noticed that in one out of 5 cases, a parent, usually the mother, needs medication and counselling. Unable to cope with the stress of the examination, some students start taking caffeinated drinks, smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol and even drugs. Others take large doses of memory enhancing drugs. Therefore, counselling is needed not only for students but for their parents as well.

                 Parents can play a key role in helping their children to cope with the stress of examination. They should not put unnecessary stress on their children to gain unexpected high grades. They should encourage children to have regular breaks between the long study hours. They should make sure that their children  get enough sleep at night. They must help them in keeping their energy level. They must be supportive parents. They must alleviate the fears and worries that trouble their children. The parents must remember that it is not ‘they’ but it is their children who are appearing in the examination. Fortunately, some states have started toll-free help-lines for students. Social workers, counsellors and psychiatrists can help in enhancing healthy and meaningful parent-ward rapport. They can help in making the atmosphere relaxed and encouraging during the examinations.

                                                        OVERBURDEND CHILDREN!

God came down to Earth one day

He thought children  be happy n gay

A lovely earth with blue waters and

Trees that sway

They surely must be happy shouldn’t they?

He walked the streets for miles and miles

But not a child did he find!

For buried in piles of books they sat

Learning lessons of every kind!

He said dear children come out and play

It is a beautiful, beautiful day

But tense and unsmiling came the reply

Oh God !there’s no time in our hectic day

It’s ten years since we lost our joys

And ten years hence we know not our plight!

In the hands of fate, we are but toys

To win in the future we have to fight.

Paradox of our Time

The paradox of our time is

That we have taller buildings,

But shorter tempers;

Wider freeways,

But narrower viewpoints;

We spend more,

But have less;

We buy more,

But enjoy less;

We have multiplied possessions,

But reduced our values;

We talk too much,

Love seldom

And hate too often.

We’ve learnt how to make a living,

But not a life;

We have added years to life,

But not life to years.

We’ve cleaned up the air,

But polluted the soul;

We’ve split the atom,

But not our prejudice,

We’ve higher incomes,

But lower morals,

We’ve become long on quantity,

But short in quality.

We live in deep paradoxes indeed!

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                                                                                                                         SWARN LATA SHARMA

                                                                                                                         EDUCATIONIST,

                                                                                                                         PRESIDENT AWARDEE

                  OMNIPOTENT AND OMNIPRESENT ALMIGHTY

                                                                 SWARN LATA SHARMA

                                                                                             PRESIDENT AWARDEE

Only the omnipresent Almighty,

Has the supreme authority

To govern and rule his creation.

To achieve personal gain,

Inflicting, stigma, denigration,

Indulging in character assassination,

And inculcating in abomination,

In order to reign over others,

In this worldly  affair.

Is a routine game,

Played by all the fame,

In the rat race,

Devoid of morality and  grace.

The powerful acts with mightiness,

Without ethics and principles,

The Almighty acts with grace.

Power makes human being envious,

The Almighty emboldens the inherent spirits.

Power Corrupts,

Absolute Power corrupts absolutely.

The Almighty showers blessings

Upon the followers  incessantly.

Power give birth to narrow feelings,

 Kindness of the Almighty

Vanquishes the sufferings,

Enkindles the subdued senses

And enlivens the life,

Making  it more precious.

Take care and be aware

Before misusing the power

Endowed to human beings

By the Lord supreme.

Before it becomes boomerang,

With all its mightiness,

Horror,tragedies and captivities.

Reconcile and ensure justice,

To yourself

And the fellowmen.

Apply power with prudence,

Untiringly for good governance,

On the best creation

Of  the Lord Supreme.

The days are not far,

Things will recur

In its manifold form;

Will take vengeance

On its own,

As it is ensured

By the gracious Lord:

“ Vengeance is Mine,

Not Thine.”

Be not swayed away

With the transitory power

It is fragile in nature,

And does not exist forever.

Dare not to ignore.

The dictum of the Lord,

And none else than the Almighty

Has the Supreme Authority.

                                          GEARING UP FOR RAMADAN

              The holy month of spiritual enlightenment has just begun for all the Muslims brethren. This month is known to one and all as Ramadan which is observed throughout the world in the 9^th month of Islamic Calendar . People of Moradabad and nearby areas are filled with the sombre mood on the arrival of this sacred month.

            “Ramadan is a great opportunity that comes once a year to renew one’s relationship and commitment  to Allah”. Says Afsha Nasir, a house wife.  Ramadan is considered as the most sacred muslim occasion . This holy event is most pious to Muslims from the time when Islam came into existence. It seems the sacred knowledge was revealed to Prophet Mohammad during the month of Ramadan.  During this period a definite code of conduct is followed by the devotees like fasting, practicing, self-restraint, praying, performing charitable activities etc.

            It is interesting to note the religion belief behind observing fasts throughout this month. According to Hakeem Syed Masoom Ali Azad, Imam-e-Shahar “ observing fast is considered as a mark of respect to Allah and it shows gratitude to him for the trace knowledge that he gifted to his children.”Ramadan is the month of getting as much rewards as possible in lieu of kind, humble and charitable deeds. People involve in holy and religious activities throughout the whole day and try to gain as much rewards(sawab) as they can in this spiritual month, and also give charity (zakat) to the needy and helpless.

          During this month, muslims do not indulge in any form of recreation and entertainment. Thus it is the holy month and Laylat-ul-Qadar a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy knowledge was showed upon(gifted) to Prophet Mohammad and consequently to mankind. It is also the month of the Quran (the month in which Quran was revealed).There is a religious belief that on the authority of Ibn Abbas, Angel Gabriel used to meet the Prophet every night in Ramadan and study Quran with him.Some believe that it is also a month of seclusion and generosity.

        “ When Ramadan comes, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained” says doctor Samra Ali.Further she added that, in a narration from Nasa’i, the following words are expressed : ‘ and a caller calls out every night: ‘ oh seeker of Good, draw near! Oh seeker of evil, desist!’According to Parvez Alam, an exporter, “ Ramadan commemorates that part of the Islamic year when ‘ the Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people’ and also for the judgement between right and wrong”. The holy month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening following the new moon and lasts for 29-30days  depending on lunar cycle.

            Sana Parveen, a housewife, says “ Generally all Muslims gather on their terrace to witness the new moon with the naked eyes and it is believed that if anyone prays or wishes for something immediately after seeing the new moon almighty Allah grants their wishes for sure”.The tradition followed in seeing the moon is that witnesses should testify to this before a quazi(judge), who if convinced communicates the news to the mufti( the Muslim law interpreter) who declares the beginning of the fast.

             Mohd. Suhail, an exporter opines, “ By fasting, Muslims believe they can learn the discipline and self-restraint that Prophet Mohammed preached”.

             From dawn to dusk Muslims refrain from food, drink etc; but two meals are taken each day during Ramadan. The ‘Sehri’ begins each day before dawn and the ‘iftaar’ opens the fast after Sunset. At dusk each day the fast is broken with dates and water. After breaking the fast, they perform prayer and later they listen to the recitation of Quran in the mosque, the process is called “ Taravih”. The Sawab(rewards) of fasting during this month are believed during this month are believed to be multiplied by 70 times.Fasting for muslims during this month includes the increased offering of salat prayers and recitation of Quran.   

            To sum up, Ramadan is a sacred month which is the way to spiritual enlightenment. It is compulsory(mandatory) for every muslim to observe the fasts, else they may not be forgiven by the God. Ramadan teaches Muslims how to practice self-discipline for those who are less fortunate and thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity before indulging in festive celebrations.

SWARN LATA SHARMA

MORADABAD

9412322038

                  GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY

                    A day to forgive and be forgiven is tomorrow i.e. on 7^th July. Forgiveness day is a chance to set things right. It helps us to put aside old differences, more beyond grievances and hurts and start afresh. National forgiveness day has been renamed as Global forgiveness day in order to better reflect our desire to see the message spread beyond national borders.

                     May be you hurt someone, may be you lied or cheated. May be you stole something or did something you feel is unforgivable. Guilt can do more than simply putrefy your insides; it can cause minor or major health issues, restructure your life or cause someone-else immense pain. Even though we forgive ourselves, guilt still resides somewhere in us because we never confess our sin to the person we hurt. If we confess our sin to others we may be healed. But sometimes when we confess things don’t go perfectly. In the long run we have to come to the realization that being honest is better than hiding. Don’t let guilt wreak havoc on your body, mind and soul .Confess to one another TO BE HEALED. Omnipotent can provide that complete healing. you don’t have to live with the guilt, no matter how long it has been or how deeply you’ve sinned.

                   According to Professor, Yash Gupta “ Forgiveness extends the possibility of two types of peace:  peace of mind which relates to the prospective healing of old emotional wounds and peace with other- the possibility of new, more pleasing relationships in the future”. Renu Sharma, a school teacher opines, “we usually notice around us that some angry thoughts turn into angry words and then result into angry actions”. She further feels that “we need to look closer at the situations where misunderstood words and actions lead to wastage of time, energy and resources on needless conflicts”. Forgiving allows us to deal with the present and then look past all the hurt and consequences of the offense.

                   Forgiving pardons the wrongdoer and the offense. It is the ability to excuse or to pardon. Ruchi verma, a house wife says “it is important to recognise that the ability to forgive does not make us better than the offender, rather it demonstrates the understanding of the forgiver in dealing with the problem”. To forgive is to put forward opportunity for a new beginning to the offender and provide a process of healing for the sufferer.  Forgiveness day is dedicated to sincerely forgiving someone. Arjun Khanna, a social worker feels forgiveness is the process ceasing to feel dislike, annoyance or anger against another person for a apparent offense, difference or mistake, ceasing to demand punishment or compensation.

              Dr. Ankur Goel says that the research studies show that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who have resentments. He is of the opinion that forgiveness creates better health, abundance an ease, more joy, greater optimism and hope lessens depression, stress, illness and disease. Forgiveness also opens one to more lasting, happy, compassionate relationships.          

                    INCULCATING SCIENTIFIC TEMPERAMENT

                              National Science Day is being observed today all over India with great enthusiasm in order to commemorate the invention of the Raman Effect by the Indian Physicist Sir Chandrashekhar Venkata Raman on the same day in the year 1928. For his great success in the field of science he was honoured with the Noble Prize in the year 1930.TP talks to the professors, students and teachers of science to explore the declining interest for science subjects among the youth.

                             National Science Day is celebrated annually by scientists, teachers, students and researchers in all the schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions of India. The theme of the year 2016 is to aim at raising public appreciation on scientific issues for the development of the nation. It is a matter of great concern that there is a fast decline in the interest of young people in pursuing scientific careers. As a result, in spite of many noteworthy achievements so far certain sections of Indian society are still guided by blind faith and beliefs which is reflected in the quality of decision makings and developing human resources in these institutions.   

                    Science has attributed a great deal for human welfare. It has facilitated man to attain rational and intellectual superiority through the gospel of reason and investigational observations. Dr .Til Prasad Sharma,a professor  says, “For the overall development of our country and society, it is necessary to inculcate scientific temper among all the people irrespective of their age, caste, creed , religion etc.” Hence it is a golden opportunity to widely spread the message about the utility of scientific applications in the daily life of the people. In our populous country, health and hygiene issues are always the key concerns for the common persons. The application of science in daily life such as in the use of clean drinking water, awareness to eradicate contagious diseases, the expertise of various agricultural practices to increase crop production, the usefulness of biodiversity conservation etc. need to be circulated to the coming generation. On the contrary, we can find students swinging away from science. Their attitude towards science may be due to the anxiety towards the subject, lack of motivation in the class rooms and laboratories, interest of peer groups and parents or fear of failure in science.

                    Worried by the attitude of students towards science, Gargi Garg, a science teacher opines that National Curriculum Framework is not the only document that has given direction for developing scientific temperament among the students but several commissions and committees on education have recommended for developing the spirit of inquiry and focussing on learning by doing through activity based science teaching in school curriculum which can play major role in developing the scientific temperament. She further adds that though a number of efforts are being made for developing scientific temper through school education system, but there are several problems and challenges in achieving the objective of providing minimum science for all.  

                              Megh Bhatnagar , a scientist from town feels that the traditional chalk and talk method of teaching science hardly creates any interest among the students towards science. Hardly any special effort is made by teachers in general to raise the curiosity of the students. Even if any student dares to ask questions beyond the scope of class, he or she is not encouraged. Usually the teacher is so busy in delivering the content and carrying out the fixed procedures of experimentation that the aim of fostering the spirit of discovery remains unfulfilled.  Besides, the students are so obsessed with right answers that even in practical classes; students are preoccupied with the task of getting the expected reading or result instead of observing changes with open minds. I personally feel that the teachers should think ‘Are they fostering scientific outlook or inquisitiveness while teaching science in the class rooms?’

           Shashi Sharma , principal of a school, when asked what do the Vidyalaya management look for while interviewing or recruiting a science faculty ?  The teachers’ ability to transform scientific contents or to inculcate scientific temperament among students while teaching.  She replied that we lack trained science teachers and science communicators in the society. Normally the science teachers aim at completing the syllabus instead of developing the basic scientific skills including the scientific attitude among the students.  She further added that our examination system also does not allow students to think out of the box, which is the basic requirement of developing scientific temper. In fact, students are taught to answer the questions rather than questioning the answers. Unless we develop an ability to raise questions, it may not be possible to achieve the objective of developing scientific attitude among the students.

                    To develop scientific temperament is one of the fundamental duties of the Indian citizens, according to the constitution of India. Moreover, inquisitiveness is a fundamental trait of human beings. Scientific temperament describes an attitude which involves the application of logic. Discussion, argument and analysis are the vital parts of scientific temper. Acquisition of scientific temper is a must for any society to progress and those who failed to acquire lagged behind in time and space. The hallmark of scientific temperament includes tolerance of uncertainty, curiosity, objectivity, Openness of mind, willingness to change opinion, intellectual honesty, humility, and respect for evidence.

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Swarn Lata Sharma     

                 SPROUTS: POWERHOUSE OF VITALITY

         Sprouts are germinated seeds of leguimes or grains. They are considered wonder food because of their high nutritional value. Sprouts ensure blood purification and strengthen the immune system to protect against several diseases. In naturopathy, sprouts are referred to as a medicine.

         According to Dr. Rachna Pandey the seeds have the highest nutritional value when they are seedlings. The sprouts contain a greater concentration of nutrients like Vitamin E, Potassium, Iron, Phytochemicals, anti oxidants, Bio-flavonoids, chemoprotectants and protein they also contain other nutrients like folic acid, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, copper and magnesium which are very good for hair she further added.

Parul Saxena, a dietician opines that there are numerous varities of sprouts available which include seeds of alfa alfa, soya bean, gram, peas, wheat, moong and fenugreek, black beans, kidney beans, split peas, and pinto beans can also be used as sprouted seeds. According to her natural sprouts are good for a healthy body and mind development. It ensures blood purification and strengthens the immune system.

Seema Parveen a beautician tells that sprouts contain a good amount of vitamin C which is proven to promote healthy hair growth. It destroys the free radicles in the body which makes the hair weak, brittle and thin. It also prevents a variety of hair disorders .

Dr. Babita Gupta says sprouts improve blood circulation and strengthen and repairs capillaries to get strong and thick hair. It helps to generate new blood vessels and increases circulation to the scalp and follicles. A healthy blood supply is a good stimulant for hair growth.

The high amounts of Vit. A in sprouts stimulate hair follicles and encourage the scalp to produce more hair. Vit. A deficiency can lead to dry scalp, roots and strands leading to hair loss. Thus proper levels of Vit. A are essential to encourage healthy hair growth.

 Premature greying of hair is caused due to the oxidation of tissues. The potent antioxidants present in sprouts prevent thr corrosion of tissues, reducing the possibility of premature hair greying.

Sprouts contain Vitamin K, a fat soluble vitamin which builds protein in the scalp to maintain strong roots and strands.

Sprouts contain ample amounts of iron, which are required to carry oxygen to scalp, roots and tresses. Hair that is starved from proper levels of iron may weaken and fall out.

Sprouts contain Zinc, a nutrient which contributes to sebum production in the scalp. This keeps the scalp, roots and hair strands hydrated. It also promotes regeneration of the scalp cells.

Selenium in sprouts helps to kill Malassezia, a fungus which sheds dry fragments from the scalp. It wards off dandruff and removes the debris to encourage new hair growth. It also helps to alleviate itchy scalp because of its antifungal properties.

Regular consumption of sprouts adds shine, elasticity and lustre to the hair. It contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for the nourishment of hair follicles. It combats dry and brittle hair, flaky scale and reverses hair loss. Sprouts also prevents the hair from appearing dull and lifeless.

An imbalance in Hormone is one of the biggest causes of hair loss in women. Sprouts help to achieve hormonal balance and restores vitality of the hair.

Biotin deficiency can cause brittle damaged hair. So consume ample amounts of sprouts to increase the levels of biotin and add inches to your current hair length.

Some of the benefits of sprouts for the skin include: eating healthy is the best way to ensure a better looking skin. Sprouts contain nutrition which maintain the health of the skin and enhance its glow.

Free radicals are caused by the constant exposure to sunlight and environmental pollution. The anti oxidants in sprouts kill the free radicals to protect the skin from sun damage and skin cancer.

Pea sprouts are rich in Vitamin B which prevents excess sebum production and helps in healthy skin formation. Drink a glass of pea sprout juice daily to get a well- hydrated and moisturized skin. You can also apply pressed pea sprouts on the face to get a fine and smooth skin.

Include sprouts in daily diet to increase the process of healing and rejuvenation of the skin. It also helps to heal the wound at a faster pace and replace damaged tissue. It lightens skin discoloration like freckles and age spots to get a clear and flawless skin.

Vitamin C in sprouts promotes better skin through the production of collagen. It provides elasticity to give you more youthful skin. This “ protein like cement” supports and holds the body tissues and organs together. It rejuvenates the skin from the within and reduces wrinkles and other symptoms of ageing.

Sprouts contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids which decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of acne and other skin problems. It also helps to reduce skin problems like pruritus, scaling and erythema. Thus, consuming sprouts will give you a visible reduction in inflammatory conditions like acne and psoriasis.