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MG Singh created new article My Thoughts on the Rajputs and their Women and Battles with Moslem Warriors.
Some time back I had attended a seminar on medieval warfare, with special reference to the Rajputs. One of the speakers extolled the valor and fighting abilities of the Rajputs. He further commented that Rajputs never compromised their dignity and that was the reason the Rajput women committed 'Jauhar' ritual death by burning. In this way the 'honor' of the Rajput women was saved. At the end there was a question answer session and I asked the speaker as to what was the reason that the Rajputs gave their daughters in marriages to Muslim nawabs and shenshah's ( emperors), thus condemning these poor girls to a life of endless drudgery in a harem. Obviously it was an uncomfortable question and the man fumbled for an answer. He trotted out a lame answer and stated that probably Rajput princesses themselves were happy with this arrangement. This is an absolute lie as in 100% cases these Rajput girls had no say and were coerced to marry Muslim kings and emperors and were thus condemned to pleasure the Muslim ruler and die in the harem.
I have been looking at this aspect of Rajput character and have wondered how a race so brave and forthright could have succumbed to the level of giving their daughters into harems of Muslim emperors. One must remember that warriors who win battles always covet women. She is a booty for the victor and there is nothing voluntary about it. This was also in the Middle ages in Europe as well. I remember watching a movie with Micheal Caine, the top English star where he played a warrior in the Middle ages. After he wins a battle the first thing the warrior claims as his prize is the wife of the vanquished. Thus a vanquished man parts with his women as a gift for the victor. One can recollect the sack of Delhi by Timur Lang in 1398. After the sack Timur captured more than 2000 ( this figure may vary) Hindu women of great beauty for his harem and his noblemen. It was the spoils of war.
Field Marshal Viscount Barnard Montgomery of El Alamein in his "History of Warfare" has an entire chapter devoted to warfare of the Hindus. It is a chapter that is worth reading and he has some excellent observations. Montgomery is well known as the British Commander who hit Rommel and his Afrika Corps out of North Africa with a six and stopped him at the battle of Al Alamein, about 60 miles of Alexandria in Egypt. He is a veteran soldier and his observation carry merit. Monty as he is popularly called extols the bravery of the Rajputs. What is bravery? It is courage in battle and a fatalistic contempt of death. The Rajputs had this in ample measure, but they lacked strategic sense and study of the finer points of the art of war. This resulted in defeats and more defeat while facing the Turko- Muslim invaders.
An example is the battles of Tarain fought by the last Hindu king of North India , Prithviraj Chauhan against that ferocious fighter Mohammed of Ghor. In the first battle in 1192, Ghor who faced a combined charge of the Rajput army was found wanting and was defeated. The logical course for the Rajputs was to pursue Mohammed of Ghor and capture him. However misplaced notions of tolerance and lack of strategic concept allowed Ghor to escape. He returned the next year, chastened and wiser and once again met the Rajputs in the second Battle of Tarain. Incidentally Tarain is close to modern Panipat. He came with a proper plan, while the Rajputs relied on their old tactic of a massed charge. This failed as Ghor was ready. Prithviraj was captured, blinded and killed. So much for tolerance. In addition one other factor was the lack of unity among the Rajputs, thus negating a principle of war namely unity of command. One of the Rajput kings named Jaichand sided with Ghor. This was like the straw that broke the camels back and after this battle the Rajputs were decisively defeated in every battle with the Muslim invaders.
The crown at Delhi passed into the hands of the Turks, who were late displaced by the descendents of the Mongols, led by Babur, who founded the Mughal dynasty. Babur came to India in the 16th century and won his first battle at Panipat against Ibrahim Lodhi who had a Turkish origin in 1526. Till the arrival of Babur, the Rajputs fought bravely against the various dynasties who ruled Delhi like the Slave dynasty and the Khilji dynasty. Sadly in all these battles the Rajputs failed or were defeated. This was the period when the Rajput morale was at a low ebb.At that time some advisors and weaker Rajput princes hit on the idea of placating the Muslim rulers at Delhi with Rajput girls for their harems. This is the stark reality and yet most Indians still talk of chivalry of the Rajputs. Giving your daughters and princesses to be part of Muslim harems cannot in any case be cited as an example of chivalry. Yet this is a fact of history.
There were some isolated examples of some Rajput women committing Jauhar, ritual death by burning when their husbands were defeated in battle. But it was a negative concept and not to be eulogised as I wonder why could not these women take up the sword and die fighting like Joan of Arc and Bibi Harshimran Kaur, then jumping into a pyre and burning themselves to death. Muslims coveted Rajput and Hindu princesses and many went out of their way to have a bevy of Rajput girls in their harems. Some like Akbar were tolerant and allowed the Hindu princesses to continue with their Hindu rituals, but the stark fact is that a Rajput princess when she entered a Muslim kings harem only left it when she died.
The Rajputs (though many will deny it) thus made a compromise. To use modern parlance they used women and sex to achieve what they could not achieve in battle. Perhaps their repeated defeats including those of their stalwarts like Ran Sangha and Rana Pratap unnerved them. Many Rajputs also accepted the fait accompli and took service under the Muslim rulers, who one can say were generally fair in their dealings with them. Some famous generals of the Mughal army were Rajputs. But the bottom line was the gifting of Rajput princesses into the harems of the Muslim rulers. The Rajputs thus made their peace and were rewarded by being allowed to be local rulers under the imperial durbar at Delhi. To my mind it looks like crumbs thrown to hungry people.
The Rajputs were very brave, there is no doubt about it. The British acknowledged this and classified the Rajputs as a martial race and incorporated them in their Rajput regiments in the British Indian army. Yet this gifting of Rajput girls for Muslim harems is a fact that is difficult to explain. In particular there was no reverse traffic of Muslim princesses marrying Rajput kings. This dichotomy needs to be examined and studied. There seems no rationale explanation as to why the Rajputs were coerced into this arrangement and why they accepted it for nearly 400 years. It only died down after the death of Aurangzeb and the rise of Maratha power. Later the capture of India by the East India Company put a full stop to this practice.
The life of Rajput princesses in Muslim harems has not been commented upon much by Indian writers. Only a few western writers/ historians have written about it. Life was generally not bad, but living the life of a concubine can never be the same as living as a free Hindu princess. Most harems were well stocked and had a world of their own. It is a peculiar Muslim concept, but later many Hindu kings like Maharajah Ranjit Singh also adopted this concept of the harem and the reverse traffic also started, like Hindu kings marrying Muslim girls.
Coming to the point of the Rajput psyche, it needs further study. One must find a rationale explanation that a race classified as martial ended up by giving their women to the very people who vanquished them. Maybe the explanation is simple and its a matter of victory and defeat and using women and girls as spoils of war
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Reservations on Caste Basis: Out of Tune with Reality.
The Caste system has been the bedrock of Hindu society for over 5000 years. We read about the caste system right from the time of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The caste system is supposed to have been ordained by the Rishi Manu, whose Manusmriti is the Bible of the Caste system. Unfortunately not much is known about Manu and he remains a shadowy figure. Some writers have opined that Manu was in reality Moses the law giver of the Jews. Whatever it may be, the fact is that the laws of Manu and the caste system became the pivot of Hindu society. This continued for thousands of years and even so called thinkers like Gandhi, Vivekananda and the Shankaracharyas' all in various ways defended the caste system.
The caste system in an earlier age probably served a purpose. It was there in other societies as well and thus we have names like Smith, Turner, Carpenter etc in the Western world. These names denoted the hereditary professions. Here in lies the difference. While the western world evolved and did away with this division of society, in India it got accentuated and the divisions became sharper. A new class of "untouchables" was created, who were treated akin to lepers. Thus in India instead of the class and caste system going away a deeper division appeared and society particularly the Hindu society was divided. This had its repercussions and the lower castes and untouchables converted en masse to Islam. Even Dr Ambedkar and thousands of his followers converted to Buddhism, as they felt that the caste based Hindu society had no place for them.
There is also no doubt that the lower castes from lowest scale of life are steeped in poverty. Obviously it is the duty of the state to help alleviate poverty as that is the job of the government. On this point there can be no debate. The debate arises when the government to build vote banks expands the definition of caste to also include affluent castes like the Yadavs who are land owners. Thus the government has lost sight of the primary role of alleviation of poverty.
We are all aware that poverty stalks India and as per the government figures almost 50% of the population live in poverty. There is not enough food to eat and this lot of poverty stricken population is spread all over the land and covers all castes. There are many high caste also who live in poverty. Once a man in India is born into poverty he dies in poverty as well, as he has no avenues to further improve himself. There may be an odd case or two of a man or woman rising up from the poverty stricken world and become an officer and thus rise up in the social ladder. But it is generally seen that those born in poverty die the same way and nothing much happens to them.
One of the primary policies and aims of a government is to remove poverty. How does one go about it? There is no doubt that the backward castes and untouchables need upliftment as that is the job of the government. But there is no case for well of persons even from this strata as well as the expanded definition of Other Backward Caste ( OBC) being included in government policy to remove poverty. In other words the benefit of reservation should not be availed by anyone from any caste in case he is not mired in poverty. Unfortunately the way the reservation policy is framed, the benefits of reservation continue to accrue to people who have made it good with the reservation extended to them as well as people who are land owners and relatively well off, just because they are included in the OBC quota.
This policy is fraught with danger as the aim of most communities is to be included in the OBC category. This was the genesis of the massive agitation launched by Hardik Patel in Gujarat. Hardik Patel mobilized lakhs of Patels in a massive agitation that shook the roots of the Gujarat government. The very fact that a community quite well off economically was goaded to launch such an agitation is cause for worry. What will happen if other higher castes also launch agitations and demand reservation for jobs ? There is also no doubt that many from the so called higher castes also live in poverty, but all avenues are closed to them. They watch aghast as relatively well off men and women from the OBC and backward castes continue to be pampered with reservation of jobs and benefits.
India is a poor nation and despite all talk of a Mars mission and other paraphernalia, the fact as brought out by the Government and the UNO is that 50% of the Indians live below the poverty line. It is the job of the government to see that those people are helped. Reservation on the basis of caste will not help, but there is a need for reservation based on economic index. In that case all people below the poverty line should be extended reservation. This reservation needs to be purely on economic matters and not on caste.
There is also a need to restore meritocracy in governance and public life. Presently almost 52.5% of all jobs in the government and public sector are reserved on the basis of caste. This has been adversely commented upon by many people and in fact stalls progress and development. There is a strong case to reduce this reservation figure to not more than 20%. I wonder in case the Supreme court so vocal on other matters can give such a decision. It will not go against the principle of Natural Justice , enshrined in Indian jurisprudence. The Supreme Court of India will be shrugging its responsibility in case it is not seized of this matter.
The path ahead is rocky and the road which is being followed can only lead to a vivisection of India. The Supreme Court and the government have to act. One agrees that poverty must be removed, but the basis of any reservation can only be the poverty index and not caste. In addition merit must come into play and one must remember that a society that does not follow meritocracy is doomed. Will India find the man at this critical hour. Will India have a Kemel Mustapha? One must remember that the Ataturk brought about all these changes in a Muslim society steeped in obscurantism. He succeeded and there is no reason to feel that it cannot succeed in India.Modi is certainly not that man, as India awaits the messiah who will lead us forward.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article An Enchanting Place in Dubai: Worlds First Garden of Lights.
Dubai is known as the El Dorado of the East, the proverbial city of gold from mythology. A visit to the city as a tourist can be a rewarding experience as the city has myriad place of interest and recreation. In many ways Dubai, which is the principle city of the United Arab Emirates is an enchanting city. The authorities come up with new avenues for delighting the visitor, again and again.
The latest addition to Dubai are two unique parks. The first is the Butterfly park and the second is the Garden of lights. the Garden of Lights in particular is something unique and I am not aware of a similar garden anywhere else in the world. The Garden of Lights has opened just a few weeks back and when I read about it, I decided to take my girl who was visiting me from America for a spin to the place. I stay in Abu Dhabi and that is about 180 km from Dubai. Frankly, I have never checked the exact distance as in the UAE , you measure distance just by the time taken. In my Ford Mustang, the drive takes just over an hour with a stop at one of the eateries on the way for a burger and a cup of coffee.
The Garden of Lights opens at 4 pm and remains open till 11 pm. One can drive to the Garden and park the car at the parking lot. A visitor can take a taxi or travel by the local public transport( which is extremely comfortable, unlike the BEST transport in Mumbai). The entrance ticket price to the park is a bit steep and will set you back by AED 60. This corresponds to Rs 1200 approximately at the prevalent rate of exchange. however after you have bought the entrance ticket and finished visiting the park , the realization dawns that it was a stupendous experience. The price then does not appear steep.
The park is the latest addition to the entertainment avenues of Dubai city and I was told this is the first such park in the world. Nowhere is there a similar park. This is a feather in the cap of Dubai, where the authorities are always looking ahead. A notice at the entrance of the park states that Dubai took 40 years to come to this stage and people can imagine where the city will reach in the next 40 years. I was told the park cost 12 million dollars and is in many ways a unique park. My American friend had never seen such a park even in the USA and it enthralled her. She summed up the park in one sentence by stating " it creates a magical fairy tale atmosphere".
I personally relate the park to an extension of the famous tales from the Middle East contained in the " Thousand and One Nights". The park uses imaginative lights to create a fairy tale atmosphere. One will need at least a couple of hours to walk though the park and imbibe the fairy tale atmosphere.
The park creates a magical sultans palace and fort. The park also creates an agriculture field . A highlight is a set of lights that bring out the world of Ants. There is also a prehistoric section replete with Dinosaurs and other animals. They are extremely animated and life like and the best part is that they are created with electric lights.
One can start from one end of the park which houses the animal world. There are huge creations of lions and tigers at a water hole drinking water. There are elephants and birds and all of them have a realistic look. The agricultural field showing crops sown are an absolute delight. The Sultans palace and castle with turrets is simply breathtaking. There is also a stage there and a small man made lake. This is the place where entertainment shows are held ever hour. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and attracts a massive crowd.
The entertainment consists of ballet dances by men and women. No sign of prudery here as the girls cavort in shorts and add to the surrealist atmosphere. One can almost feel that one has entered the world of the Arabian Nights. The show is held in the background of the Sultans palace and definitely worth a watch.
The park is a spread out one and along with the animal world there are children's favorite characters like ducks and dog pets. In such a place one will need to eat. There are excellent eating joints, meticulously clean and tidy. They serve excellent beef, Chicken and meat servings with burgers and hot dogs. One can also take meat Biryani and an assorted complement of ice creams, sodas and cold drinks. However by and large Indian food like Dal and vegetable is not available, but Indians visiting the park and there are hundreds of them are happy to feast on beef and Chicken and cheese. I have no inhibitions on beef and me and my girl had a snack of beef burgers and coffee. A good thing is that no alcohol is served.
We left the park close to closing time and drove to the Mercure resort at Jebel Hafeet. More on that later. I can say that a visit to the park is one very enjoyable moment and one feels life is really worth living. How nice it would be that India also similarly progresses. Dubai is the city of gold and all credit to the Sheikh Maktoum, the Emir who is the ruler of Dubai. We need half a dozen men like him in India, not the Lalu's who are dividing the nation on caste lines.
Incidentally I took more than 2 dozen photos of the park and also of me and my American girl. I have reproduced two of them here for benefit of readers, to give an idea of the park
10 years ago
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS created new article Behind David Bowie.
The news of David Bowie's death was somewhat baffling to me. I only realized it wasn't a hoax, some weeks after the actual event. And I missed the tv and newspaper reports. The funny thing is that I had located his new album, Lazarus, and there was a reference to his death. But when I was through trawling through the pages and photo gallery, I came to the conclusion that it was a marketing trick.
I mean, it was odd that. Lazarus in The Bible, is the guy whom Jesus supposedly brought bqck to life when he was thought to be dead as a dresser's dummy. So the juxtaposition confused me, until I came upon another tribute, days later. And I went huh? Huuuuh?No waaay!
But he was. Lazarus wasn't coming back this time.
Hence this obiit.
I'm not a huge Bowie fan, but I'm drawn to the offbeat. And he definitely was offbeat. Androgynous, chameleonlike, colourful.
Always a bit of a mystery. Which is the ideal thing for someone with a public persona.
It keeps the curiosity alive.
You couldn't quite pin him down.
He morphed between many different avatars during his lifetime. Imagine Clark Kent disappearing into the phone booth, every few seconds, and emerging in a new Superman costume, asking Lois Lane, "how about this one?"
I got vaguely interested in Bowie, when he was singing with Mick Jagger, whom I was lucky to have a personal encounter with a few years ago. The pair of them were singing ''Dancing in the Street' for charity.
I thought it was a particularly messy, distorted song, but lots of fun.I'd heard some of his other material before like Let's Dance and of course, the eerie Ground Control to Major Tom. I think they used that on the soundtrack of The Martian. So its kind of weird again. Bowie gets resurrected in the movie, then he makes an album called Lazarus. And he dies. All within a short span of time.
I didm't know at one point that the astophysical of Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust, was actually Bowie himself.
And that this working class kid named David Robert Jones, with his hungry, vampire look, had emerged from a blue collared background to become a stage Titan. A really classy act.
The evolution of Bowie is a separate book by itself, as he experimented with a variety of musical styles and enlarged his repertoire.
The times they were always a-changing, and Bowie adapted very well.
The music he produced has always been eclectic and there was a period in his life when he was in Germany doing late night dives, and the sounds that came out deeply influenced his middle albums.
I've also watched him in movies like The Last Temptation of Christ and Absolute Beginners where he was tight and strange and dry and grim.
I always thought he was grim and even macabre, until I saw him in an episode of Extras with Ricky Gervais, banging away at the piano.
Anyone who has seen the scene will recall how Gervais' self deprecating character tries to chum up to Bowie,who gives him an odd compliment by sitting down at the black and whites and dedicating a song to him that he makes up at the spur of the moment.
Or so it seemed like. It must have been in the script Gervais co-wrote.
The song goes, 'The Little Fat Man Who Sold His Soul', and is targetted at chubby Gervais, who looks on not knowing whether to be honoured or embarassed.
And what compounds his humiliation, is that the entire room joins in the song, with the glee of a group of kids singing ring-a-ring a roses to taunt one of their peers.
Gervais looks perturbed, respectful and embarassed, all at the same time. There's a clip of this on YouTube, unfortunately its only got sound, no visuals. But it can be located at: David Bowie and Rick Gervais-"Chubby Little Loser" from Extras (AUDIO EDIT ONLY).
Bowie was being playful and silly which is the kind of thing that great performers do. Even the ones you mistook for being grim.
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10 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Lowest cost smartphone at just Rs. 251..
The whole episode looks there is something fishy in there. Let's wait and see, for the time being the site is not opening but a message display says- they will come back today. Their server is down due to heavy traffic.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Salt Water Crocodile and World War II.
I visited the Al Ain zoo about 150 km from Abu Dhabi. This article is not about the zoo, but about a particular species of crocodile called the saltwater crocodile( Crocodylus porosus). This is a saltwater species, something of which I was not aware. This species of reptile is native to the East Indies and the area of Central America. In India , the reptile is the alligator and it infests the fresh water rivers and lakes from the Ganga to the Cauvery. However there is a sprinkling of saltwater crocodiles along the east coast of India. The Al Ain zoo has a saltwater reptile and he looks a ferocious beast. Just looking at him sends shivers down the spine. One can imagine that an encounter with a human being can only have a one sided result.
The saltwater crocodile is the most ferocious of the reptiles and also grows to gigantic size. It is also a meat eater and one particular episode during World War II, brings out the ferociousness of the beast. The saltwater crocodile has its habitat in swamps and mangroves close to the sea in the entire East Indies, Burma and the Philippines. There is one tale of an encounter with the Imperial army on the island of Ramree, which is hair raising and incredible.
The saltwater crocodile as I have already mentioned is a voracious meat eater. In addition it is very strong and big and it is not uncommon to have a reptile growing to a size of 15-30 feet and weigh over 2000 lbs. It is the largest reptilian predator in the world. The books on natural history tell us that the saltwater crocodile infested in greatest numbers on the island of Ramree. For readers who may not be aware, the island is close to the coast of Burma close to Akyab on the Bay of Bengal. In 1942 the Imperial army struck and not only captured the islands of the Andamans, but also the island of Ramree. The battles in Burma are well documented and the British Indian army went into retreat as the Imperial army struck all across Burma. Thousands of soldiers of the 8th army were captured. There was not much resistence on the island of Ramree, but its strategic importance was great, as it overlooked the Bay of Bengal.
The island of Ramree was occupied by the Japanese who set up a garrison there. The island remained under Japanese occupation for 3 years. By December 1944, the British Indian army had broken the siege of Kohima and Imphal and moved into Burma. The advance into Burma was spearheaded by the26th Indian infantry division, consisting of mostly Sikhs and jats. The general staff led by the Cin C Field Marshal William Slim was keen that the island of Ramree be captured and an airfield be built there for supply lines to the troops operating in Burma.
In early January 1945, the Indian 26th division under Major General HM Chambers captured the city of Akyab. Many of the Imperial army retreated to the island of Ramree and thought it a fit place for defence. They holed up inside caves on the island, which overlooked the landing beaches. A decision was taken for a frontal attack and landing with a gun barrage from ships of the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy drafted the Battleship Queen Elizabeth and many other warships for an incessant bombardment of the island and the caves, where the Imperial army soldiers were holed up.
On 14 January the plan was put into operation and the the Royal Navy began a heavy bombardment of known Japanese positions. Under cover of this heavy barrage the 71st Indian Infantry brigade of Sikhs under command of Brigadier RC Cotterell assaulted the island. It was a victory for Indian arms as the Japanese gave up the beach defences and retreated inwards. The Japanese however put up a determined defence and retreated towards the swamps. Perhaps they thought they would be safe from the advancing Sikh troops of the British Indian army.
A history of the battle reveals that the naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright was along with the Indian army and made meticulous notes. He records that the night of 19th January was particularly harrowing as the Japanese troops retreated towards the swamps. This was a terrible disaster for the Imperial army as the swamps were infested with the salt water crocodiles. Students of natural history tell us that the biggest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world is in the swamps and mangroves of Ramree.
The Retreating Japanese, to escape the incessant attacks of the British Indian regiment entered the swamps. It was a terrible time. The notes of that period reveal that there was intermittent firing all night long with cries of Japanese soldiers as they were attacked and eaten by the crocodiles. No exact figures are available, but the Guinness book records it as the single biggest crocodile attack on humans. It is estimated that anything from 500-1000 Imperial army soldiers were eaten up by the crocodiles. Bruce Stanley Wright has recorded that only about 20 Japanese army soldiers survived and were rescued and as per him upward of 1000 Japanese soldiers were attacked and eaten by the crocodiles.
Many historians debunk the tale of the massacre, but some facts do point to some veracity of the incident. However the only authentic source of this information of an crocodile attack are the notes of Wright. Most soldiers who took part in the assault were illiterate and have died long back. All the same this tale makes interesting reading. I do feel that there is some truth in this incident and though the figure of one thousand soldiers being eaten, may be an exaggeration, perhaps the figure could be close to 80-100.
The crocodile certainly inspires awe and I for one can visualize the plight of the Japanese soldiers who were literally between the devil and the deep sea as they faced the Indian troops and naval bombardment on one side and the crocodiles on the other side. This is what makes war history so interesting
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Epic Siege of Leningrad : World War II.
Background.
One has to search the map of modern Russia for Leningrad, but it does not exist on Russian contemporary maps. During the days of communist rule the city of St. Petersburg had been renamed as Leningrad, in honor of the Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin who had led the Russian revolution in October 1917. After the collapse of communism, the Russian government renamed the city with its original name Petersburg. Never the less I shall use the name Leningrad for the purpose of this article.
In 1938 Hitler signed the non-aggression pact with Russia and the Russian foreign minister Molotov was in Berlin to sign the accord. This was a master stroke by Hitler as in one swift act he had secured his Eastern front and thus could concentrate on defeating France.The peace between Russia and germany was however not destined to be eternal as Hitler had made up his mind of waging war against the Soviet Union. The leader of Russia at that time was Josef Stalin, but he grievously underestimated the German threat. This is difficult to understand now as even a cursory reading of Hitler's " Mien Kampf" would have shown him that Hitler always looked for lands in the East to settle Germans and also for raw materials.
The ice was broken on 22nd June 1941, when 3 German Army groups were ordered to move deep into the Soviet Union. More than 2.5 million men along with guns, tanks and aircraft mounted the greatest invasion in world history, dwarfing even the invasions of Genghis Khan. The Russians under Stalin were caught with their pants down and suffered massive defeats.
The invasion of Russia was also inevitable as both Stalin and Hitler looked to dominate the world and as one knows only one sword fits a scabbard. Stalin represented a warped form of the communist theory of Karl Marx. In classical Marxism, the communist guru had envisaged a " Dictatorship of the Proletariat". Unfortunately Stalin headed a government that in effect was a " Dictatorship of the Communist party". Hitler on the other hand subscribed to a theory of National Socialism, which in effect was a race theory that propagated the superiority of the German people.
Never the less teh seeds of conflict were sown long back. The German armies made swift progress and by end 1941 were deep in Russia and were within hand shaking distance of Moscow. They had also converged on Leningrad and Hitler expected its imminent fall and Capture. Hitler was initially keen for the capture of Leningrad, as the city had a fond association with the Russian revolution.
The Siege
The commander of the German Army group tasked with the capture of Leningrad was Field Marshal Wilhelm von Leeb. He was part of Army Group North. He made swift initial progress and by 9th August was just 75 miles from Leningrad as he crossed the Luga river. From the north the German allies the Finns also moved in and to Hitler it appeared a matter of time before Leningrad was captured.
The commander of the German force was Field Marshal Von Leeb. He surrounded the city and yet the German assault did not take place. The reason was the changed priority of the Fuhrer, who withdrew large numbers of Panzers from Von Leeb's force to attack in the south and capture the Caucasus oil fields. The Russian commander General Gregory Zhukov also visited Leningrad and beefed up the defences. The Russians prepared for a long siege.
In march 1942, an exasperated Hitler removed Von Leeb. he was replaced by Field Marshal von Kuchler. In the meantime severe fighting continued in the suburbs of Leningrad. Kuchler advocated a tactical withdrawal an counterattack. Hitler i not like the idea and replaced Kuchler with Field Marshal Von Manstein. Yet the Germans could not make headway against stiffened resistance under command of general Meretskov. Areas frequently changed hands, but the Germans were unable to break into Leningrad.
As the Russian and German armies fought on the periphery of the city a harrowing tale of hunger and famine swept the city. It is now estimated that over 1 million russians died of hunger out of a city population of 2.6 million. Yet, the Russians were not ready to throw in the towel.
The only supply line was across the Ladoga river, which was frequently bombed by the German air force. At this time Stalin showed his leadership qualities by holding and taking the salute at a military parade, with the german army at the gates of Moscow. This was a tremendous morale booster and the Russian resistence stiffened.
In september 1942, Meretskov launched an offensive, but Manstein stopped it. Hand to hand fighting continued in the suburbs, but by January 1943, the situation turned better for the Russians. Four Russian armies under Marshal Leonid Govorov mounted an assault and pushed the germans back. The supply position improved and oil and fuel for the city population was transported to Leningrad. The Russians also made the train line operational and despite attacks by the Germans the situation improved radically.
The defeat at Stalingrad had an effect and the Rusians mounted an offensive and broke the German siege. On 27th January 1944 the rail line from Moscow to Leningrad was recaptured by the Russians and the siege was officially declared over. It ha been a tremendous battle of wills and the Russians were the winners
Last Word
The siege of leningrad lasted 907 days and is a tribute to human endurance. It ranks on a par with the long march of Mao tse Tung covering 6000 km when retreating from the Nationalists. The Leningrad siege is an example of the human body can achieve. It brings out the spirit of the Russian people and the ingrained hardy character. It's not something one can associate with Indians who allowed them to be ruled for 900 years by a small coterie of Muslims and Turks. Only if the Hindus had shown similar reliance and courage, they would never have been slaves in their own land.
The siege was also a battle between two formidable dictators Hitler and Stalin and it is recorded that Stalin won. This man is now a much respected figure in Russia as the people yearn for the days when Russia was a great power under Stalin.
10 years ago
Dr. Simran Kaur created new article 5 Vital Health Steps that can Keep you Free from Diseases.
No doubt, there are lot of medicines available, these days in market to heal your body of diseases; but that does not mean, stop maintaining your health with proper health care. Yes, easy availability of medicines at every corner, nook or corner of most of cities and easy availability of health facilities, with increase of number of hospitals in most of cities; have made people, house of laziness. They know that ready made health solution of, a health problem is now easily available; then why to take effort of doing self health care, to prevent disease from developing in your body.
But, they are not aware of fact that if they implement these vital health steps, in their daily life; then it will hinder diseases, from developing inside your body and ultimately, will save lot of your expenses that you have to spent; to curb, already developed disease in body. So, as a Doctor, my best advice to you is that nothing is better than preventing the disease development, inside your body; by taking 5 vital health steps, at right time. And, what are those 5 vital health steps and how many, they are in total?
Well, they are total 5 and they are-
1) Give right fuel (food) to your body to run it- Yes, as we say, to have best output from machine, give it right fuel; similarly, to have best output from your human body, give it right food. Giving your body wrong food and expecting best output, can only thought of in dreams; but not possible in reality.
2) Give right food at right time- Yes, giving food at right time, is that much necessary; to have best output from body, as much is important to give right food. The reason behind is that it will not get properly digested and essential nutrients would not get absorbed, in as efficiently; as they are, when right food is eaten at right time.
3) Give proper rest (3rd step); as well as do proper exercise (4th step)- Yes, both steps are very much essential because lack of any of them, cause lifestyle disease in body. Lack of rest will develop fatigue, mal-absorption and premature aging.
4) Sufficient sleep (5th step)- Yes, sufficient sleep is as much necessary, for body to heal it; as much above steps are because during sleep, body repairs itself of daily wear and tear and lack of sleep, will not let this vital healing task happen.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Back to UAE: Another Desert Safari and Belly Dancing Girls.
The United Arab Emirates is a swell place, that is both enchanting and magical. In fact it reminds me of the Tales in the Thousand and One nights. The UAE as is well known consists of 9 states that have joined together in a political union. The capital is Abu Dhabi and the biggest commercial and entertainment centre is Dubai, often referred to as the El Dorado of the East.
My longtime friend from America was coming to join me. She had worked under me, when I was the Project Director of the United Nations community health project for Tribal people at Palghar. I planned to take her for a desert safari as well as a stay in the desert at Ras al Khaimah. This is a camp close to Sharjah, about 200 km from Abu Dhabi, where I reside.
The road to Ras al Khaimah is simply breathtaking. One can cruise at over 200 km an hour and at places the lower speed limit is 140 km an hour. Should you go below that limit, the recordings are made by video camera installed all along the road. One will only come to know about this infringement when the money is deducted by a fine direct from your bank account. All bank accounts are linked to the traffic police and action is swift and fast. It's not something one can understand in India.
We drove to a point designated as the pick up point on the highway. We were met by a man in a Land Cruiser. He instructed us to follow him. We moved from the highway to a small road that moved along the desert and soon we reached the gates of the camp and a Bedouin village. Around the village were tents and our guide directed us to our tent. It was Spartan accommodation, but having the basic luxuries.
The village was surrounded by sand dunes that towered over the tents and a cool wind blew. There were a pair of camels and a couple of sand scooters for those who wanted to go into the desert. Me and my friend opted to ride the camel. One thing I observed was that the Arabian camel is smaller than the Indian camel, found in Rajasthan and I am told is also unable to carry great loads. However we mounted the camel and moved into the desert. I understand similar rides are organized at Jaishelmer in Rajasthan for the foreign tourists. One of the local Arabs held the camel by a leash and walked along. It was an exhilarating experience and after about half an hour we returned back to camp.
We proceeded to our tent and took a bit of rest. Now the evening had set in and we could witness the glorious sunset of the desert. It's a sight to see and savor as the yellow rays of the sun, lit up the sand. Our guide now informed us to come to the center of the Bedouin village. A make shift stage had been erected in the center with cushions for the guests to sit around. By now all the guests, most of who were from America and Europe had come and all were moving around.
The sun had now set and the generator began to run and lit up the area. The function began with a local Arab doing the Arabian dance. This is peculiar to the Arabs and is done by men who whirl around. This lasts for about 15 minutes and then the barbeque dinner was announced. It was a sumptuous spread with beef, chicken and lamb meat. There was some Indian spread of dal and vegetables also, but most concentrated on the meats. Kebabs and roasted meats were an absolute delight. The surprise was a alcohol bar counter, that served the choicest scotch whiskey and other drinks. I and my friend did douse ourselves with large pegs of Chivas Regal.
After the meal the signature item; the belly dance began. it lasted for about half an hour and the girl a Lebanese, gyrated to the soft Arabian melodies. It was a mood dance and a special attraction for the assembled tourists. Many of the American women also got up and danced along with the dancer. The belly dance is an experience and though I have seen it many times, yet it doesn't stop to thrill me every time i watch it. After the dance me and my girl smoked the hookah, another Arabian delight and then retired to our tent for the night.
Next day we had booked the desert safari and we were ready by 8 am. The vehicle used is a Toyota Land cruiser with a 4 wheel drive. We set course in the desert and the vehicle negeoitiated the sand dunes with ease. I came to know that to drive these vehicles in the sand, a special license is issued by the UAE police. On the way we stopped at a Camel farm. I could see many small baby camels and was reminded of the camel farm run in India at Bikaner by the BSF, who rear camels for their camel corps.
The drive took about an hour and we were then back in the camp. It was a great experience. I inquired whether the Indian vehicles like the Tata Safari or Mahendra XUV 500 are used here. I was told, the vehicles had come for test rides but failed to negotiate the sand dunes and were rejected.
It was now time to call it a day and set course back home. It was a great experience and my American friend of yore loved it. We left after giving a hefty tip to the staff, who were incidentally all Indians from Rajasthan. India is truly a global nation. For general information a days stay and the belly dance at the camp can cost about AED 600-800. One can also take a day trip and that will be AED 200 per head. This desert safari and belly dance is a signature item for tourists who visit the UAE and one can say hats off to the UAE government for a splendid organization and entertainment for the visitors. It's also a place to rekindle an old love.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article India as a World power? Don't Count Chickens Before They are Hatched.
India and China both became "free" from Western influence in the middle of the last century. To be exact the British left India in 1947 after a orderly exit spearheaded by the Indian Independence act, passed by the British House of Commons and ratified by the House of Lords. On the other hand China had a massive civil war between the American backed Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek and the communist party of China led by Mao Tse Tung. The communists won and Chiang fled to Formosa, where he died years later. In 1949, when Mao seized power in China, not even a bicycle was manufactured in China. In contrast India had a thriving industrial base with a steel plant as well.
India inherited the British Indian army, which was rechristened as the Indian army. All the laws, acts and weaponry as well as the doctrines of the British army were given a lease of life in India with minor modifications. The articles of War 1892 were changed to the Indian Army Act 1950. Similarly the Air force Act 1950 and the Naval act 1950 were also passed by parliament. The weaponry remained exclusively British and the army handled the 0303 rifle of World War I vintage for the infantry. Old Sherman and AMX tanks were retained by the army and only British aircraft formed part of the IAF. Among the aircraft were the Hawker Hunter, Canberra MK 111, Folland Gnat and DC-3 as part of the IAF fleet. The navy had some ageing warships with two cruisers, which were also of First World War vintage. The two cruisers were rechristened as the INS Delhi and Mysore respectively. At the same time an old British aircraft carrier was renamed as the Vikrant and made part of the naval fleet.
Unfortunately the Indians think tank, despite setting up Hindustan Aeronautics , an aircraft manufacturing hub never gave it the funds and impetus to set up manufacture of any worthwhile front line aircraft. One famous German designer Dr Kurt Tank of Germany( of Focke Wulf Fame) came to India and was made part of the design team at HAL, but lack of funds and misplaced priorities resulted in practically zero development of any plane at HAL.
This was the time when the Congress leadership headed by Nehru was averse to militarization of India and neglected all matters connected with defence. One can recollect that the then president Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1955 grandly also recommended that the Indian army be disbanded and the border be manned by the police.
The 1965 war brought some home truths to the Indian leadership. The war with Pakistan exhausted India and request for ammunition and weaponry were studiously ignored by the USA and the UK. In fact when India asked for bombs for the Hunter, it was told that the items would be supplied after 3 months. The war only lasted 3 weeks and a war weary India agreed for a cease fire. In contrast Pakistan had the latest weaponry gifted by the USA including the fabled Patton Tanks with IR vision devices. The fact that the 1965 war ended in a draw, was entirely due to the dare devil spirit of Indian soldiers who fought with obsolete weapons.
One must sadly conclude that the lessons of the 1962 war were not learnt and the poor performance of the Indian army was glossed over. The political leadership had shown that it lacked vision and no attempt was made to set up indigenous aircraft design and manufacturing facilities. There was also no research to manufacture tanks or radar guided field guns and after 1965, the government had no choice but to import these items at a exorbitant cost.
While all this was going on in India, China had forged ahead. Chinese engineers did 'reverse engineering' and duplicated Russian fighters which had been given to China. They also reverse engineered American captured field guns during the Korean war and started their own manufacturing facilities. The Chinese had a one track mind to make China a world power, a dream that was lacking in the Indian leadership.
After the rebuff from the UK and USA, India turned to the Soviet Union for defence equipment. The Russians eager to displace the West readily consented and also transferred some limited technology to India to manufacture the MIG-21 Supersonic interceptor. A fact not known to 99% of the Indians was, that though technology was transferred, some vital parts of the aircraft technology which was just 5% of the aircraft by volume were NEVER told to Indian engineers. In fact in case that 5% parts were not given the MIG could not fly. These were critical parts for flight. The same thing was done by the French when they allowed HAL to assemble the Mirage and the Jaguar. Vital components essential for operation were never told to Indian engineers. Thus in case required the countries, be it Russia or France could get the Indian fleet grounded at any time.
The story was the same in the army and the much vaunted T55 tanks were in any case not allowed to be made in India by the Russians. The Indian did make an attempt and produced the Vijayanta, but in test trials it was found wanting. India is also far away from manufacturing submarines and the entire submarine fleet is imported. The Russians have leased a nuclear power submarine , but it has come with severe restrictions. In any case India is years away from manufacturing a nuclear submarine. China in contrast is building at least half a dozen of them.
The point that must be appreciated that to be a world power, a nation must be able to stand on its own feet. It should have the capability of manufacturing weapons and aircraft on its own like China, USA and Russia, not forgetting France and England. India is nowhere near that stage and its so sad that people who talk of India being a great power are unaware of the reality. The blame for this lies on the political leadership, which has led India to becoming a third rate power, unable to even sort out Pakistan which is 1/5th the size of India. All nationalists will be perturbed, but this is the reality.
10 years ago
Jincy Aby created new article How to keep your bedroom romantic.
Bedroom is one of the most important places in our home. This is the place that we always like most to be get relaxed. We always like to keep our bedroom attractive. We will be in tension, if we see our bedroom in disorder. Sometimes, it will lead to lose our mood and energy also. So it is very essential to keep our bedroom an attractive place.
Here are some steps that of course will help you to keep our bedroom more beautiful and attractive.
1.The colour of the bedroom is very important. Light colours are always suitable for bedrooms. If you give light colour to your bedroom, it will look like a big room. You can choose a colour according to your interest. Select a colour that you and your partner like very much. To get more attraction, try to use pillows, curtains and bed sheet in same colour. If you want you can decorate your room with wall papers also.
2. Keep a bad-lamp inside your bedroom to get dim-light throughout night. Bed-lamps are available in beautiful designs. Designed lamps increase the beauty of the bed room.
3. Bed linen in satin or silk gives rich look to the bed room. Keep so many pillows with different sizes and shapes on the bed. Pillows in contrast colours are very beautiful for your bedroom. Always keep your bed sheet and bed linen clean and tidy. Do not use bed and bedroom as a place for eating food.
4. Do not keep television and computer inside your bedroom. Bedroom is not the place for enjoyment. Use bedroom for resting and sleeping.
5. Inside the bedroom, facility to hear music is mandatory. Music is the best medicine to avoid stresses and tensions. It can lead us to sound sleep. The collection of your favorite songs should be reachable to your hands.
6. Always arrange your bedroom. Keep things in the correct place. Do not keep old magazines, news-papers, unnecessary bills and dirty clothes in any place of your bedroom. Storage facility is needed to keep all these things. If there is an open shelf in your bedroom, put a curtain in front of it. Do not exhibit so many photos and trophies for public view.
7. Do not use bed as the only sitting place inside the bedroom. Make a sitting area in one corner of the bedroom to read books, drinking coffee and telling jokes.
8. Decorated candles can give good look to your bedroom. Candles are available in cheap rate. Use fragrant candles to get good smell inside the bedroom.
9. You can decorate your bedroom with wall hangings. Natural as well as artificial plants are available in the market for home decoration. Use such plants to increase the beauty of your bedroom.
10. Always keep your bedroom attached wash room neat and clean. Ventilation is very necessary for your bedroom to breath fresh air.
People always like neat and beautiful places to spend their time. They usually refuse those places that are untidy. If we give little care, we can make each part of our home an attractive place.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article hobby - an inside talent .
Hobby plays an important role in our life. It even makes one a complete man. But most people do not know how to utilize their leisure period. They often spend their leisure in wondering what to do. Again the others spend smoking, eating, watching television or gossiping while there are also some people who wants to spend their free time in doing some jobs on the internet because now a day the internet has become so popular in almost every country, so there are also some people who passes their free time in chatting with others on the internet.
But life does not mean to idle away time. It becomes a habit of our life that we want to do nothing when we find some leisure time after hard working. This is not right to spend the time in this way. We often see that there are some young girls who spend their leisure time in make-up or dressing up well while some housewives spend in embroidery, tailoring or trying out new recipes.
But it is one of the interesting pursuits one can have in their everyday life. There are a number of hobbies in our present society. A hobby affords us a useful change from the dull routine of life. It refreshes and regenerates our minds. It saves us from evil company and gives us pleasure and amusement.
Hobbies are of different kinds such as photography, swimming, singing, gardening, and painting; stamp collecting, writing, reading story books, hunting, fishing, and nature-study and so on. There are many hobbies beyond these, now a day people are having different kinds of hobby such as shopping, chatting on net etc.
Well above these my favourite hobby is gardening. I have made a garden in front of our house. It has different types of Indian and foreign flowers. I go to my garden everyday and care it with full mind. I also get enough of pleasure in turn. How nice it looks when all the trees are in bloom.
Some of my friends visit our house very often. They feel very joy when they go to my garden. They also praise me for my carefulness for it. There are also some friends of mine who are jealous with me because I have a beautiful garden and also because my best and close friends who likes the garden praises me for the beautiful garden and a good look after of them.
Thus I think everybody should have some hobby of his own instead of wasting their time in leisure period. It is really a kind of achievement in life. Besides it is also a source of recreation in which one can apply his own knowledge and wisdom. And one more thing if you are good, I mean if you are very good in your hobby, whatever your hobby is, it may be able to pay you also a good amount from which you can become rich also. So have a good hobby, a useful hobby which will be good for everyone and if not then do whatever you like to do but use your leisure period in doing some useful things.
10 years ago
Dr. Simran Kaur created new article 7 Main Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease that will make you, easily Identify, whether you are its Victim or not?.
Parkinson's disease is, a disease of human body; but do you know, of which type? Well, it comes under category of neuro-degenrative type disease, in list of various human diseases. You may ask that I already told you that it is of which kind; but, how to identify its victim? Or because of what reason, it is classified under such kind? Well, it is classified under such kind because of kind of aliments, happening in its sufferer's human body.
But, what are those aliments or in other words, what is symptomatology of Parkinson's Disease; with which, you can easily identify, whether you are its victim or not? Well that symptomatology, is given below, one by one-
1) Trembling of hands- It is very marked feature of Parkinson's disease. And this is, such a symptom that you can notice, even at rest. Yes, try to keep your hands still for 1 minute; if they remain still, its good sign. But, if they show sign of trembling, in this 1 minute; continuously and no stillness, noticed just for a second; then I am sorry to say, you are victim of Parkinson's disease.
2) Trembling of head- Yes, if your head keep on shaking, without reason even at rest; then, this sign is called trembling of head. I am sorry to say, if you have this sign; then you are suffering, from Parkinson's sign.
3) Stooped body posture- If you have habit of bending your head or upper body and that in such way that it make 90 degree angle with body trunk; then, you are under list of patients, of Parkinson's disease.
4) Small steps- One more sign with which, you can identify a Parkinson's patient and that is, habit of taking very small steps, while walking. So, if you this habit; then you are its victim, but, if you do not have such habit; then there is nothing to worry.
5) 5th sign and that is, very marked feature of Parkinson's disease and that is, patient is slow. What does mean by, patient is slow? It means, patient is known for doing, his or her every work very slowly; whether it is walking, eating, doing any task; his or her speed is markedly slow, performance wise. Reaction to every stimulation, comes markedly very late. If you are such a slow person, known for such slowness; then I am sorry to say that you are its victim
6) Yes, it is often noticed, among Parkinson's disease victim that they mostly have, complaint of drooling of saliva, while sleeping and some have difficulty in falling sleep, too and mostly visit OPD, for treatment of their insomnia.
7) Nervousness, stage fear is also noticed, among its Victim; and if you are victim of Parkinson's disease; then you will have trembling of hands or legs, during performance of stage tasks and even noticed; when performing nothing.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Gandhi and Caste: In the end Result he had Feet of Clay.
MK Gandhi is propagated by the Congress government as the father of the independence movement. He is also eulogized as a man who fought the ills of Hinduism, especially caste divisions of society. Caste as we know has been a factor in Indian and ipso facto Hindu history from as far back as the Mahabharata, which was written between 4000-5000 BC.
India all these centuries had a string of saints, holy men and saints who wanted to reform society. Reformers like Guru Nanak, Namdev and Raja Ram Mohan Roy were thus relative failures. The result is that even in the 21st century, this division in Hindu society continues. It remains the one single divisive force in India and one wonders who can remove it. One thing is clear that a division of society sanctified by the scriptures, as well as common usage for thousands of years is not easy to obliterate.
One man, who appeared on the horizon in the 20th century, had the power to break the caste system. For all his faults, this man Gandhi had a following in all corners of India and had he decided to take the bull by the horns as far as caste system is concerned, there was a chance of this divison getting blurred. The fact is that the caste sytem has been further refined and now.The 4 main divisions of society are further accentuated by sub-castes and clans. These further sub-divide Hindu society.
What were the views of Gandhi on caste and Hindu society? To form a correct assessment of Gandhi on this matter, one must study the writings of the man. Gandhi returned to India from South Africa at the turn of the last century. He was aware that caste had bedeviled Indian society, yet he never went against the caste divisions. I will quote Gandhi from his works. He wrote in 1921 " I am a sanatani Hindu. I believe in Varnashram Dharma. I believe in protection of the cow"
This statement in one line sums up Gandhi's views on caste. Not many know that his great speeches on caste and untouchability in India were an aberration. At these meetings when he was supposed to be making his plea against untouchability and caste, there were separate enclosures for the lower caste Hindus. The lower caste Hindus were made to sit apart from the higer castes. He also said that he did not believe that equality of caste meant that a higher caste ( brahmin) will eat on the same table along with an untouchable.
Gandhi wrote extensively and most of his writings on caste and the Varna system are never publicised. The reason is not far to seek, as in case his writings are made public and read out to all, they will show that Gandhi in fact upheld the caste system and its division of Hindu society.
Gandhi also wrote that the beauty of the caste system is that it does not base itself on distinctions of wealth. He was of the view that the caste system was a harmonious human adjustment and division of Hindus. He also felt that caste serves a definite purpose in society. A man with such views cannot be expected to strike at the root of the ills that bedevil Hindu society.
It is possible that at some stage in Hindu society, caste may have been a system to keep order in society. Unfortunately these divisions got accentuated down the ages resulting in a deep shism among the followers of a common religion. Thus at many temples and shrines, many of the so called untouchables are not allowed. Thinking of marriage between the higher and lower caste can lead to great strife and bloodshed. Gandhi had a chance to try and become a messiah and reform Hindu society, but he did precious little. The reason was that he himself believed in the Varna system and considered it the bed rock of Indian society.
Gandhi's writing point to his state of mind. At one point he wrote " Caste does not connote inferiority or superiority. It simply recognizes different outlooks and corresponding modes of life". He went on to add that all castes cannot accept a common goal of life and as such a hierarchy was inevitable. These thoughts of the so called " father of the nation" show Gandhi in poor light.
Gandhi's views on caste and racial divisions had surfaced as far back as when he was in South Africa. His sojourn there show that he considered the blacks to be inferior to Indians and in one case when some Hindus were imprisoned along with blacks, he wrote a letter to General Smuts, the Governor General in South Africa, that blacks should not be kept along with Hindus. His remark to a visiting dignitary from Europe also shows the mind of Gandhi and his twisted logic. Referring to blacks he had said that" can you teach the Gospel to the cow?".
Gandhi was thus not a revolutionary and it is the bane of India that a mass leader who could have done so much, did nothing. Gandhi was also opposed to remarriage and inter-caste marriages. When one of his sons whose wife had died, wanted to marry again, Gandhi voiced his strong opposition to a second union. Thus one can infer that widow remarriage was a subject that he opposed as well. He considered marriage to be a carnal union and as he advocated celibacy, he could not accept that a remarriage was anybody's need.
Dr. Ambedkar a erudite and learned man saw through the views of Gandhi. He was of the view that Gandhi was decieving himself and all the people of India by preaching that the Varna and caste system was the bedrock of Hindu society. Dr. Ambedkar was born an untouchable and after facing severe discrimination from higher caste Hindus converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers. Gandhi tried to stop this conversion, but he failed. Dr. Ambedkar's writings on Gandhi are revealing and hardly published anywhere.
Gandhi also opposed inter-caste marriages. He was fond of quoting the Gita in this matter. The Gita at many places has verses that say that in case a higher caste Hindu marries a lower caste or untoucable than he will be debased.
The question arises as to why was Gandhi supporting the caste system. to get an answer to this question, one can again refer to the writings of Dr Ambedkar. As per him, Gandhi was a politician and reform was far from his mind. He wanted to be adulated by the masses. He further adds that Gandhi was scared of losing his leadership of the Hindus in case he went against caste as he would lose his place in politics.
I personally feel that he was in a way wary of Jinnah who had appropriated for himself the role of the sole leader of the Muslims in the sub-continent. To match him Gandhi, presented himself as a Hindu leader who respected the caste system. Otherwise he would have lost his place as a leader of India. Thus one can see that Gandhi in retrospect was a man who bowed to the wind. He was not a reformer, but a plain wily politician. it is a matter of regret that the greatest Hindu leader of the 20th century abdicated his reposnsibilty in his lust for greatness. In other word we can say he let the Hindus down.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article tree is a life.
It is truly said that a tree is a life. In fact, trees play an important part in our economic and social life. We cannot live without the direct effect of trees. They not only provide timber, fruits, seeds, nectar etc. but also produce oxygen that is essential for our existence. Besides, they prevent sol-erosion, because rainfall and control weather of a locality to some extent.
But it is very sad to speak that even though they are vital for our existence most people do not realise their importance. They cut down trees recklessly and are organised to clear of groves and bushes. In our country excessive population also gives birth to such cruel deed. For their own benefit they do not spend even a moment whether they are doing right or wrong. But such a cruel blow must stop immediately.
So if we want to avoid some harmful effects of deforestation such as absence of rain, erosion of soil, drought and ecological imbalance we should grow more trees instead of deforestation. This matter should be taken very seriously because if we take it lightly then the consequences of it will not be good for the human beings as well as for the planet earth.
This is a very good sign that in our country both the central and state governments have become alarmed about the depletion of forest wealth. That is why we celebrate Vana-Mohotsava every year in the rainy season. The purpose of such celebration is to grow more trees in different places.
For this purpose the people should also come forward for only programmes on the part of governments cannot help to spread forests. A man should think if he has planted a tree before he is going to cut down a grown-up tree. So we should utter the solemn vow that “save the trees and plant more”. This is not only for the people or for the human begins, these are for all the creatures that live in this world (earth). If there is a tree then our ecological balances will be ok and good and will work and run smoothly and if there is no trees or if there is shortage of trees then it will not be good for the mankind and for every creature that is living on earth.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article to face the problem - be happy .
We all know that we have to do our work at any coast then why not we do our work with joy and happiness instead of doing the work in tension and getting headache from it, which we usually get from our office work or from our house work so it is better that we do our work in that way which will complete our work and as well as make us happy. We all know that our family also comes in tension when they see us in tension or in a problem from where we are not getting out.
Today life becomes more sophisticated than earlier there are many ways to make us relief from any tension or any kind of problem which we are facing now. Now a day there is so much solution to a particular problem. If we have one problem or more than that then today we don’t have to think a lot because now a days there is way to come out from every problems which we usually faces in today’s world. So if one think that he/she cannot be happy or if he/she thinks that there is only one way left for him/her in this world, let me tell you to those who think like that, that his/her thinking is very much wrong specially a person who thinks these in today’s world because now a days there are many opportunities that are provided now a days to the people the only thing that we have to do is just grab it and pull the profit out of it.
Now a days the biggest problem of humans life is money and many tension occurs just because of this and if someone have money then the biggest problem of his/her life is a family goodwill, some way or the other people have problems and in that problems they have to go outside and earn for their family. So if we know that even we become sad it will not be helping our family or ourselves to come out from the bad situation we are facing so it is good to be happy and face the problem with an ease and happily. It is profitable to both our work and as well as our health.
Many of us are very scared of problems and the only thing which comes in our mind when we are facing big problems such as property problem, money problem and many more which is related to money or family or any kind of relationship. The only things which comes to us as a solution at that point of time is our death and we try to do suicide and which is wrong, it is not the solution to any kind of problem it is just a stupid trash thinking which usually comes at that kind of problems.
The solution to all the problems in life is happiness and bravery; if we are brave then we will not do anything which is not correct at any sense. The best way to face the problem is happiness and if we are happy then every problems will seem like a minor problem. We all don’t know whether today is our good day or bad day so then why not make it a good day by being happy. By being happy we are not making ourselves only happy indirectly we are making our family happy too. So if we want to live better tomorrow we have to be happy today.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The US Presidential Election: The Scene is Hotting up.
The US elections are followed by almost 80% of the world's population. This is because the US is the mightiest power on this globe with a reach that is worldwide. No other nation can match the USA, be it China or Russia.The earlier colonial powers France and England are riding piggy back on America, so America is presently the greatest power on this globe.Obviously the world is concerned as to who leads the USA as the US president is the one single factor that cannot be ignored by any nation.
The Americans seem to be disenchanted with the leadership of Obama, the present president. Many blame him for a dip in American prestige around the globe. One good thing about the American election is that a president can get only 2, four year terms in office and after that he goes into retirement. This amendment was brought in after the end of World War II, which saw President Roosevelt getting elected for 4 terms. One wonders why we in India cannot have a similar restriction on the office of the Indian chief executive, the prime minister.
The US election process is long and tedious and lasts almost a year.To begin with the two main contending parties the Republicans and the Democrats have to select their nominee for the post of President. This is done by a party electoral process for each state of the Union. This process of electing the candidate who will be the nominee for the post of president lasts almost 9-10 months. Elections are held in all the states and the man who wins the maximum electoral votes wins the party nomination.
The Democratic party led by President Barack Obama has been in power for 8 years and now its time to say bye to Obama. There are two main candidates in the fray namely Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Just a few weeks back Bernie was trailing Hillary by over 50 points, but there is a dramatic reversal. Bernie has bridged the gap and is now neck and neck with Hillary.
The first state to go for polls is Iowa. The results for the Democrats have been a dead heat with Hillary winning 50.3% of the vote and Bernie 49.5%.Though Hillary has claimed victory, she can't feel very comfortable. This is because Bernie has almost caught up with her and may very well go ahead of her as other states vote.
The choice in the Democratic Party is just between Hillary and Bernie Sanders, but in the Republican party there are many contenders. For the last many weeks the man leading the pack was Donald Trump. His campaign seemed to be gathering steam as he established a lead of over 25 points over his nearest rival Ted Cruze.
Trump launched a campaign that had the theme that he wished to restore American prestige, eroded during the years Obama was in office. He also launched virulent attacks on Muslims and made the outrageous suggestion that Muslims be banned from entering the USA. He also proposed to racially profile Muslims in America, as was done by Roosevelt during the war years. At that time all Japanese who were residents of the USA were arrested and interred in camps.
Donald Trump seemed to be riding high and the press and the establishment expected Donald to win the Iowa primary. The results have however come as a shock and the winner is Ted Cruze who has polled 28% of the vote to 24% for Donald Trump. This is a surprise and shows that what is apparent is not real. Probably Donald Trump miscalculated. Worse the third candidate is just a point behind Trump with 23% of the vote. This in real terms shows a fractured mandate and one wonders whether this will be the theme of the Republican Party election.
One must point out that these are early days and there are still nearly 50+ states that have to vote, with big states like Texas and California coming up later. One cannot say that the Iowa primaries are a decisive factor. Donald trump may still pull his chestnuts out of the fire and come back with all guns blazing in teh subsequent primaries in the other states. One point that has been made is that small time candidates like Jeb Bush stand nowhere and many have scratched from the race.
The battle in the Repulican party, often called the Grand old Party is really between Trump and Cruze, who is much younger than Trump. But it would be a fallacy to write off Trump, for the simple reason that he does have sizeable support. Many Americans identify with his views and one cannot say that Cruz has won. It is a long hard road ahead.
As things stand who ever gets the republican nomination will go on to win the election. This victory will be more prouncenced in case Hillary wins the Democratic nomination. To my mind Hillary represents the status quo and the American public wants change. If Bernie gets the nomination the fight would be more even, but again the Republican charge will be difficult to blunt.
As far as the Republican nomination is concerned it looks a toss-up between Trump and Cruze. All the pollsters had predicted a Trump victory, but it did not happen in Iowa. The election season in America is the toast not only of America, but the world. It is the greatest election and Indians could learn from it. Here we are dominated by caste and that makes our democracy very fragile. One hopes in the years to come we can have a similar election, where caste is not a factor at all.
As far as my gut feeling goes, there is a good chance that Trump will forge ahead, but again one can't be sure.
10 years ago
rambabu created new article A holistic Agriculture.
Traditional Farming
Traditional Farming, a farming, that involves locally available bio- degradable materials and combine scientific knowledge
Subhash Palekar, who was born in the district of Amaravati, in the village of Belora two years after independence. Right from his childhood Palekar had a liking towards lush Greenery. Owing to this reason, Palekar had done a degree in Agricultural science.
Palekar, in his early years used to go to nearby forests as he was a nature lover. The heart warming lush greenery made a feast to his eyes.He had closely observed the nature in close proximity and came to the conclusion that a forest is different from a farm. With the same thought, Palekar started farming.
The first crop
Palekar was overwhelmed seeing the bumper crop. Palekar who bought powerful pesticides was exhilarated seeing how the pesticides were killing the insects. He felt as if the cruel demons like Narak and Tarakasura were annihilated.
The next crop was also turned out be good. Palekar's joy and enthusiasm multiplied. But to his disappointment though he used chemicals, the output hasn't given the same as that of the first crop.
But, Palekar did not leave his grip. But, the yield had further gone down so much so that, the investment could not be realized.
Introspection started
Palekar felt guilty. This feeling of guilt haunted him day in and day out. He again went to the forest. Again looked at the nature and the greenery. He had to change his opinion that was formed earlier. Now, in the view of Palekar a forest is not the same as farm.
Mother Nature
During his introspection, many a thought hovered in his mind. Who will take the responsibility of watering these plants in this dense forest ?
Then the wisdom transpired in him. Mother Nature takes care of every plant and tree like mother feeds her offspring with her breast milk. Palekar thought,in nature farming, no other element should intervene between Nature and farming. Human's or Farmer should act as a coordinator only.
Chemical farming - Ill effects
As Palekar was thinking, more and more reasons for the dreaded Food crisis and the farmer suicides started surfacing up. He found that Chemical farming was the real culprit. Man out of excess greed started confronting with the nature. Palekar felt that this kind of man's nature is alarming and unwanted. It's only when Human and nature live together with harmony human survival is possible. Only Natural farming is the panacea and the only way to solve the ill effects of Chemical farming.
This change in Palekar was akin to Siddhartha's awakening after seeing the death and penury.
Vexed and disgusted Palekar
Investment which are unbearable, heavy expenditure involved in Mechanized farming, farming ways that endangered the soil and the organisms made Palekar turned his against chemical farming.
Green Revolution looked like a dangerous proposition. It took no time to Palekar that the Green Revolution is gradually and in a slow manner driving the farmer down into the abysmal depths. The illusion that created by the Green Revolution looked like a nightmare. He realized that Green Revolution is not a revolution at all, but a bane on the farmer and an enemy to the farmer.
True. Once, in farming there were only Farmer and nature. Now a third nature replete with chemical fertilizers machines etc.entered farming.
The Beginnings
During his college days, as part of his training, Palekar, spent some time among Girijans. Seeing the lush greenery in the forests, he was immersed in the thoughts. In this process, he was many questions appeared before him. Many doubts and suspicions haunted him. Palekar was perplexed by questions and doubts like, who will feed these plants with fertilizers, Who will feed them water.
As the thoughts continued, more and more new doubts and suspicions stood before him. Even after finishing his education and training these questions remained unanswered. Palekar, who faced bitter experiences, Drove him in to nostalgia.
Palekar, in order to find answers, had become a scientist. He had studied all about agricultural ways during Vedic period to the Modern age.
It was not a cakewalk
After deciding his future course, Palekar, had tough time. It became a Herculean task to convince his co farmers. Palekar had to face many hurdles, He had been subjected to ridicules oppositions and what not ? In a way he had been alienated and isolated from the society. On the other side, there were financial problems. The feeling of his inability to do do his research on agriculture made him dissatisfied day and night.
To overcome his financial problems and solve them, Palekar was forced to submit his resignation, He was working as an editor in a Magazine called , 'Baliraja'. At one particular stage, his entire family had to face starvation.
At this time, only one individual stood by Palekar. His better half,Chandrangi . though Palekar has directed all his endeavors to convince the farmers in his village, Chandrangi rested faith fully on her husband's views on natural farming.
Chandrangi has got her ornaments melted and sold them in order to facilitate her husband's cherished beliefs on Natural farming.
Fate plays a cruel Joke
Palekar, suffered a death blow, just when he was about to start his stalled efforts to do research on Natural farming. Bis better half Chandrangi died of Liver Cancer.
Though upset in the beginning at the sad demise of his wife, Palekar composed himself. He thought that there is a meaning and purpose behind every deed of the Almighty. The God who took away my wife may be having some intentions through which, he wanted to bring in a new mission. His mission may be that I should go ahead with my experiments on Natural farming and spread the truth that Natural farming is the only panacea for the good of the nation in particular and to the world in general
The campaign has become everything for Palekar.
After the sad demise of his wife, Palekar has become Committed to his cherished exploring all the way to prove Natural farming is the only panacea. Before the death of his wife, wherever Palekar went to for preaching and propagating the goodness of Natural farming, always used to remember about his wife who gave away everything to her husband in her husband's mission.
Now after the death of his wife, his movement for promoting Natural Farming has become a single point agenda, that is spreading the message, " Natural Farming " is the panacea both for the man and nature.
Now the movement has made him more strong and determined to carry on his mission further.
A New Palekar
Once Palekar used to remember, wherever he goes for propagating Natural Farming, about his better half. Now, after the demise of his wife Scientific investigation and research, has become an integral part of his life. He thinks and breathes Natural farming from dawn to dusk. By nature Palekar was a simpleton. Now he has become more simple. He eats limited food. Whatever he eats that is the food farmed by Natural farming. Drinks like coffee, tea and cool drinks completely disappeared from his life once and for all. Palekar never goes for Soaps, shampoos or Shaving creams.
He is always on the move. The best part of his daily routine is filled with holding seminars, creating awareness on natural farming and writings on Natural farming. Never he complains of fatigue or tiredness despite his hectic traveling.
Farmer's Gandhi, Palekar
If Mahatma Gandhi takes a rebirth and converts Sabarmati Ashram into a farming land, Palekar would look like Mahatma Gandhi. This is the reason why Palekar has been hailed as the Farmer's Gandhi, an apt and well deserved comparison.
Palekar, during his tours has shown a plethora of solutions, which led to crisis in the the field of Farming. Through his findings, he has shown it is the Natural farming alone that ends the crisis of food shortages and farmer suicides.
Simple devices
Palekar's farming tools are as simple as himself. There is no need for heavy investments. What all a farmer needs are a wooden plough and a pair of bulls. There is no need of heavy tractors. There is no need for expensive fertilizers bought from a Multinational fertilizer company. In Natural farming farmers can make his own fertilizers, This means, a farmer need not go for loans. Hence, the condition of farmer suicides will never arise. The farmer need not be driven to the desperate condition of dejection.
Rice, wheat, sugar cane, grapes..there is no limit for his produce. Any kind of land can breathe in to life in Natural farming.
Natural farming revolves around Cow
Palekar's Natural farming revolves around Cow. Palekar says affirmatively that with a single cow, mixed farming that involves different varieties of produce like Vegetables and fruits can be farmed.
Leech is considered as the Farmer's friend since ages. Palekar says it is absolutely necessary to provide congenial atmosphere to help for the growth of Leeches and many such simple organisms.
Palekar, has done intensive Research on Indian cow and foreign Buffalo for a prolonged period of 8 years to know how the Indian cow's dung and urine are the most effective natural fertilizers.
If one observes cow dung, one can see the small openings. in the cow dung. And through these openings leeches and other smaller organisms enter the dung. It means that these small organisms can instantly identify the smell of the cow dung.
It clearly establishes the fact that this phenomenon strengthens the soil. His investigation found that, there is no other cow that is so effective as Indian cow.
Owing to this reason, Cow has been given the highly esteemed status in mythologies and Sanatana Dharma.
Future looks gloomy
Seeing cows being sent to slaughter houses, Palekar shudders with fear. The thought that over the years, Farming without cow makes Palekar shiver with fear. It's not all. Farming requires millions of tractors. Entire farming becomes mechanized. How much of fuel is needed for running these machines. And to what extent, all these machines contribute to the atmospheric pollution.
Questions, questions.. all questions that make Palekar gloomy and sad..
Amrit surfaces up at last
Churning of the Ocean.We all know about the the story of Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod. And during this churning, of mind, Nectar or Amrit, emerged out. He found that this Nectar is going to work like Nectar to the crops.
Palekar devised several ways to that Nectar, so that Natural farming yields best of the results. In this process he designed a manure using Desi cow dung, urine of the Desi cow, and powder of various pulses. The Nectar so designed will utilize all the nutrients under the soil by the roots.
Mixed crop is Palekar's favorite
Palekar is of the firm opinion that even if the first crop goes towards the cost invested, the second crop on wards, farmer gets dividends.
Palekar's efforts Started yielding results
Palekar was delighted to see, his efforts did not go waste. Awareness towards Nature farming is growing. Approximately 40 lakhs of farmers in the country are doing Nature farming through their respective Agricultural departments. the intricacies in Nature farming. The pleased Palekar aspired that Nature farming should spread to the other parts of the country.
Age did not deter his firm determination to spread the Nature farming. Even at the age of Sixty, Palekar used to spend 25 days in a month touring the other parts of the country. It is enough to send a word. Palekar readily comes to any place and teach his findings on Natural farming. He fills the people with inspiration and visits the crops and offers valuable suggestions.
Both his two sons, resigned from their jobs and stood as a support to Palekar. Palekar's daughters- in- law to followed the suit.
There is no need for funds
Whenever Palekar is offered funds from the people during his interactions and meetings, Palekar flatly refuses to accept the funds. " What is the need of funds for Natural farming that doesn't need funds ? " asks Palekar.
Beneficiary speak
Nearly 50,000 farmers are practicing Natural farming in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Among them Software engineers and Business people are also there.The Andhra Pradesh representative of SAVE, a non profit organization known as N. Vijayaram, says that he met Palekar for the first time in a camp held at Rajahmundry He was impressed with Palekar's ways on Natural farming. Vijayaram started his first camp on Natural Farming in the year 2012. In this camp and other camps, SAVE distributed seeds enough for doing farming for one acre.
Vijayaram, further says that he is doing Natural farming in the six acres owned by him in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayaram found that his crops had yielded more than twice than before when he was doing Chemical farming.
Vijayaram and his wife were working in cognizant, Hyderabad. At that time, he was influenced by Palekar.s views on Natural farming. With this Vijayaram started farming leafy and green vegetables, fruits through Natural farming in his farm of 10 acres in Vijayawada.
Rayappa a software engineer from the district of Nalgonda, Hyderabad resorted to Natural farming, on his farm of 10 acres. Rayappa bought a tractor. But it was stuck in the mire in the farm. Immediately, Rayappa bought four bulls which were about to go to a slaughter house. Now Rayappa has 100 cows. Cultivating Using natural farming in 10 acres was unprecedented in the state at that time. Encouraged by this, Rayappa had gone further. He cropped 27 Quintals of Basmati rice. In the district of Nalgonda, it was the first time to crop Basmati rice. One cannot miss the spark in the eyes of Rayappa while narrating his experiences in Natural farming.
It's a Duck that gives golden eggs
Vedas say, land is like a Milch cow that caters to all the needs of humans. The earth is like a goose that lays golden eggs. Wisdom lies in preserving this goose. Not in killing it. Such activity is nothing short of committing a Hara-kiri. It's only then the humanity survives.
What Subhash Palekar says is the same.
Palekar's encounter with Scientists
Once Palekar took part in a National Seminar of Scientists. Nearly 150 Scientists attended the seminar. During the Seminar, Palekar's speech created waves.
All the Scientists, surrounded Palekar, showering question after question. Palekar's speech on Natural farming was termed as ' Cock and Bull stories' by the Scientists. They further asked him, how it could be possible to do Farming, to that matter any farming, especially Natural Farming without chemicals and pesticides.
Palekar's answer left the Scientists speechless. Palekar asked them to to leave their Laboratories and go once to the forests. see those trees bent by the fruits. Further Palekar questioned the Scientists, who is feeding those trees, who is giving them fertilizers and pesticides. Palekar did not stop there. He asked the Scientists, how, those trees are surviving even when we are facing famines.
There were no answers to the barrage of questions posed by Palekar.
More about Palekar's thoughts on Natural Farming
In a nutshell Palekar's thoughts are
That food which is not poisonous that air,water, environment that is not polluted, happy life to the humans are the birthright of all of us. But hazardous Green Revolution and Chemical farming are more dangerous are robbing away human rights.
The aim of Natural farming is to bring back all those human rights. We are not enemies to any. Nobody is opposing Natural farming.
Palekar further added that in the last decade, Chemical farming has gained prominence This Chemical farming damages environment in a big way. Global warming takes place. As a result soil becomes hollow. The fertilizers used in chemical farming pollute the ground, river and ocean water with high high amounts of Nitrogen and phosphorous. This further makes the stable carbon in the chemical fertilizers unstable. This entire process releases carbon dioxide,methane, Nitrous oxide and warms the environment.
In natural farming, the fertility of the soil increases every year.It means, productivity too increases. The food sans harmful chemicals has a heavy demand all over the world. The farmer will get 2to3 times more than what he has invested. Natural farming done in this way, electricity consumption reduces drastically. In totality, Natural farming has several benefits than the Chemical farming.
Agriculture has the strength to bring a mental change in the farmer. In that environment that is free from pollution, a farmer's mind will be rejuvenated and invigorated. Astonishingly, in this pure atmosphere, a farmer will never be drawn towards vices like liquor or drugs. Another heartening aspect is , the farmer will not be burdened by the heavy investments. Because, in Natural farming, there is no necessity of investment at all. The farmer will be free from stresses and strains. Because, natural farming is done with the cow, leeches and other living organisms, the farmer will develop a love towards them, which is very essential for the environment too.
Oriental Countries in the fore
It must be noted that Natural farming is widely practiced successfully in over 30 countries. Those countries which are practicing felt very strongly that, natural farming is the only way to eliminate hunger and poverty in comparatively poor countries of the world.
Oriental countries like Japan, China and Korea have been doing natural farming since centuries.
Masanobu Fukuoka, A Japanese farmer and and philosopher is a prominent figure in the field of Natural Farming. He is a pioneer in, who firmly believes " No- tiling and no herbicides kind of farming. Fukuoka has many books to his credit.
" Shizen noho" is the word for Natural farming in Japanese language.
" Soil is a living thing", A Mantra for Japanese farmers. Sakae Suka, wife of Kazua Suka.
Now it's time for arriving at a conclusion. From the aforesaid , any one can see that, there is nothing like Natural Farming. Natural farming is the only panacea to save the environment as well as the population from many diseases.
Above all,it is less expensive.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article illiteracy making a huge problem in society .
Education is the backbone of a nation. Without education a nation can never stand. So illiteracy is a curse in the life of a nation. A nation is often called backward if it consists of most illiterate fellows.
In the Middle Ages ability to read and write was not so highly valued. But today we even do not feel the existence of democratic government without the spread of education throughout a nation. Actually the rank and standard of a fellow do not depend on his high birth. It depends on proper education of the person.
An illiterate man does not understand what is happening in a society. Besides he is not conscious about his own rights and duties as a citizen. Sometimes he appears to be in the grip of superstition evil customs and tradition which creates a huge problem for the innocent and good one. An illiterate is really a curse on the society, they just know what is bad they really enjoys badness, good things and goodness are not in their dictionary because they are not taught from their childhood about the social goodness, the illiterate person don’t know how to give respect to others, they are not taught how to eat in front of others, how to behave in front of big personality. They just know and are taught cruelty from their beginning of their life. Their bringing up are also not good as compared to the good bringing up family. The only thing is lacking is education and if they are provided education I am sure that everything about themselves will good and best for their future in regards of their past.
It is sad to think that our country has got independence even more than fifty years ago. But she does not get more than fifty percent literate fellows till today. In our country most of the people live in villages. They are absorbed in agriculture. As they are suffering from poverty they engage their sons and daughters in cultivation in earlier period of their lives. As a consequence, they do not have the scope for education.
But though very late our government has realised the importance of mass education and has taken necessary steps to obliterate totally the problem of illiteracy totally. They have succeeded in this purpose to a great extent.
To abolish the problem totally our government should be more aggressive. If possible some centres of free education for all the classes of people irrespective of race, religion and age may be established. So we may hope that one day will come when all the people of India will be literate because if that happened many problems related to ill-mannerism bad behaviour against the women will be decreased because education is the only way to understand people or to teach them what is bad and what is good. If the country wants to make their country looks good in the eyes of other country the only thing that he has to do is to make a country literate with some social activities by each and every individual of that country should be made compulsory.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article My Thoughts on the Rajputs and their Women and Battles with Moslem Warriors.
Some time back I had attended a seminar on medieval warfare, with special reference to the Rajputs. One of the speakers extolled the valor and fighting abilities of the Rajputs. He further commented that Rajputs never compromised their dignity and that was the reason the Rajput women committed 'Jauhar' ritual death by burning. In this way the 'honor' of the Rajput women was saved. At the end there was a question answer session and I asked the speaker as to what was the reason that the Rajputs gave their daughters in marriages to Muslim nawabs and shenshah's ( emperors), thus condemning these poor girls to a life of endless drudgery in a harem. Obviously it was an uncomfortable question and the man fumbled for an answer. He trotted out a lame answer and stated that probably Rajput princesses themselves were happy with this arrangement. This is an absolute lie as in 100% cases these Rajput girls had no say and were coerced to marry Muslim kings and emperors and were thus condemned to pleasure the Muslim ruler and die in the harem.
I have been looking at this aspect of Rajput character and have wondered how a race so brave and forthright could have succumbed to the level of giving their daughters into harems of Muslim emperors. One must remember that warriors who win battles always covet women. She is a booty for the victor and there is nothing voluntary about it. This was also in the Middle ages in Europe as well. I remember watching a movie with Micheal Caine, the top English star where he played a warrior in the Middle ages. After he wins a battle the first thing the warrior claims as his prize is the wife of the vanquished. Thus a vanquished man parts with his women as a gift for the victor. One can recollect the sack of Delhi by Timur Lang in 1398. After the sack Timur captured more than 2000 ( this figure may vary) Hindu women of great beauty for his harem and his noblemen. It was the spoils of war.
Field Marshal Viscount Barnard Montgomery of El Alamein in his "History of Warfare" has an entire chapter devoted to warfare of the Hindus. It is a chapter that is worth reading and he has some excellent observations. Montgomery is well known as the British Commander who hit Rommel and his Afrika Corps out of North Africa with a six and stopped him at the battle of Al Alamein, about 60 miles of Alexandria in Egypt. He is a veteran soldier and his observation carry merit. Monty as he is popularly called extols the bravery of the Rajputs. What is bravery? It is courage in battle and a fatalistic contempt of death. The Rajputs had this in ample measure, but they lacked strategic sense and study of the finer points of the art of war. This resulted in defeats and more defeat while facing the Turko- Muslim invaders.
An example is the battles of Tarain fought by the last Hindu king of North India , Prithviraj Chauhan against that ferocious fighter Mohammed of Ghor. In the first battle in 1192, Ghor who faced a combined charge of the Rajput army was found wanting and was defeated. The logical course for the Rajputs was to pursue Mohammed of Ghor and capture him. However misplaced notions of tolerance and lack of strategic concept allowed Ghor to escape. He returned the next year, chastened and wiser and once again met the Rajputs in the second Battle of Tarain. Incidentally Tarain is close to modern Panipat. He came with a proper plan, while the Rajputs relied on their old tactic of a massed charge. This failed as Ghor was ready. Prithviraj was captured, blinded and killed. So much for tolerance. In addition one other factor was the lack of unity among the Rajputs, thus negating a principle of war namely unity of command. One of the Rajput kings named Jaichand sided with Ghor. This was like the straw that broke the camels back and after this battle the Rajputs were decisively defeated in every battle with the Muslim invaders.
The crown at Delhi passed into the hands of the Turks, who were late displaced by the descendents of the Mongols, led by Babur, who founded the Mughal dynasty. Babur came to India in the 16th century and won his first battle at Panipat against Ibrahim Lodhi who had a Turkish origin in 1526. Till the arrival of Babur, the Rajputs fought bravely against the various dynasties who ruled Delhi like the Slave dynasty and the Khilji dynasty. Sadly in all these battles the Rajputs failed or were defeated. This was the period when the Rajput morale was at a low ebb.At that time some advisors and weaker Rajput princes hit on the idea of placating the Muslim rulers at Delhi with Rajput girls for their harems. This is the stark reality and yet most Indians still talk of chivalry of the Rajputs. Giving your daughters and princesses to be part of Muslim harems cannot in any case be cited as an example of chivalry. Yet this is a fact of history.
There were some isolated examples of some Rajput women committing Jauhar, ritual death by burning when their husbands were defeated in battle. But it was a negative concept and not to be eulogised as I wonder why could not these women take up the sword and die fighting like Joan of Arc and Bibi Harshimran Kaur, then jumping into a pyre and burning themselves to death. Muslims coveted Rajput and Hindu princesses and many went out of their way to have a bevy of Rajput girls in their harems. Some like Akbar were tolerant and allowed the Hindu princesses to continue with their Hindu rituals, but the stark fact is that a Rajput princess when she entered a Muslim kings harem only left it when she died.
The Rajputs (though many will deny it) thus made a compromise. To use modern parlance they used women and sex to achieve what they could not achieve in battle. Perhaps their repeated defeats including those of their stalwarts like Ran Sangha and Rana Pratap unnerved them. Many Rajputs also accepted the fait accompli and took service under the Muslim rulers, who one can say were generally fair in their dealings with them. Some famous generals of the Mughal army were Rajputs. But the bottom line was the gifting of Rajput princesses into the harems of the Muslim rulers. The Rajputs thus made their peace and were rewarded by being allowed to be local rulers under the imperial durbar at Delhi. To my mind it looks like crumbs thrown to hungry people.
The Rajputs were very brave, there is no doubt about it. The British acknowledged this and classified the Rajputs as a martial race and incorporated them in their Rajput regiments in the British Indian army. Yet this gifting of Rajput girls for Muslim harems is a fact that is difficult to explain. In particular there was no reverse traffic of Muslim princesses marrying Rajput kings. This dichotomy needs to be examined and studied. There seems no rationale explanation as to why the Rajputs were coerced into this arrangement and why they accepted it for nearly 400 years. It only died down after the death of Aurangzeb and the rise of Maratha power. Later the capture of India by the East India Company put a full stop to this practice.
The life of Rajput princesses in Muslim harems has not been commented upon much by Indian writers. Only a few western writers/ historians have written about it. Life was generally not bad, but living the life of a concubine can never be the same as living as a free Hindu princess. Most harems were well stocked and had a world of their own. It is a peculiar Muslim concept, but later many Hindu kings like Maharajah Ranjit Singh also adopted this concept of the harem and the reverse traffic also started, like Hindu kings marrying Muslim girls.
Coming to the point of the Rajput psyche, it needs further study. One must find a rationale explanation that a race classified as martial ended up by giving their women to the very people who vanquished them. Maybe the explanation is simple and its a matter of victory and defeat and using women and girls as spoils of war
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Reservations on Caste Basis: Out of Tune with Reality.
The Caste system has been the bedrock of Hindu society for over 5000 years. We read about the caste system right from the time of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The caste system is supposed to have been ordained by the Rishi Manu, whose Manusmriti is the Bible of the Caste system. Unfortunately not much is known about Manu and he remains a shadowy figure. Some writers have opined that Manu was in reality Moses the law giver of the Jews. Whatever it may be, the fact is that the laws of Manu and the caste system became the pivot of Hindu society. This continued for thousands of years and even so called thinkers like Gandhi, Vivekananda and the Shankaracharyas' all in various ways defended the caste system.
The caste system in an earlier age probably served a purpose. It was there in other societies as well and thus we have names like Smith, Turner, Carpenter etc in the Western world. These names denoted the hereditary professions. Here in lies the difference. While the western world evolved and did away with this division of society, in India it got accentuated and the divisions became sharper. A new class of "untouchables" was created, who were treated akin to lepers. Thus in India instead of the class and caste system going away a deeper division appeared and society particularly the Hindu society was divided. This had its repercussions and the lower castes and untouchables converted en masse to Islam. Even Dr Ambedkar and thousands of his followers converted to Buddhism, as they felt that the caste based Hindu society had no place for them.
There is also no doubt that the lower castes from lowest scale of life are steeped in poverty. Obviously it is the duty of the state to help alleviate poverty as that is the job of the government. On this point there can be no debate. The debate arises when the government to build vote banks expands the definition of caste to also include affluent castes like the Yadavs who are land owners. Thus the government has lost sight of the primary role of alleviation of poverty.
We are all aware that poverty stalks India and as per the government figures almost 50% of the population live in poverty. There is not enough food to eat and this lot of poverty stricken population is spread all over the land and covers all castes. There are many high caste also who live in poverty. Once a man in India is born into poverty he dies in poverty as well, as he has no avenues to further improve himself. There may be an odd case or two of a man or woman rising up from the poverty stricken world and become an officer and thus rise up in the social ladder. But it is generally seen that those born in poverty die the same way and nothing much happens to them.
One of the primary policies and aims of a government is to remove poverty. How does one go about it? There is no doubt that the backward castes and untouchables need upliftment as that is the job of the government. But there is no case for well of persons even from this strata as well as the expanded definition of Other Backward Caste ( OBC) being included in government policy to remove poverty. In other words the benefit of reservation should not be availed by anyone from any caste in case he is not mired in poverty. Unfortunately the way the reservation policy is framed, the benefits of reservation continue to accrue to people who have made it good with the reservation extended to them as well as people who are land owners and relatively well off, just because they are included in the OBC quota.
This policy is fraught with danger as the aim of most communities is to be included in the OBC category. This was the genesis of the massive agitation launched by Hardik Patel in Gujarat. Hardik Patel mobilized lakhs of Patels in a massive agitation that shook the roots of the Gujarat government. The very fact that a community quite well off economically was goaded to launch such an agitation is cause for worry. What will happen if other higher castes also launch agitations and demand reservation for jobs ? There is also no doubt that many from the so called higher castes also live in poverty, but all avenues are closed to them. They watch aghast as relatively well off men and women from the OBC and backward castes continue to be pampered with reservation of jobs and benefits.
India is a poor nation and despite all talk of a Mars mission and other paraphernalia, the fact as brought out by the Government and the UNO is that 50% of the Indians live below the poverty line. It is the job of the government to see that those people are helped. Reservation on the basis of caste will not help, but there is a need for reservation based on economic index. In that case all people below the poverty line should be extended reservation. This reservation needs to be purely on economic matters and not on caste.
There is also a need to restore meritocracy in governance and public life. Presently almost 52.5% of all jobs in the government and public sector are reserved on the basis of caste. This has been adversely commented upon by many people and in fact stalls progress and development. There is a strong case to reduce this reservation figure to not more than 20%. I wonder in case the Supreme court so vocal on other matters can give such a decision. It will not go against the principle of Natural Justice , enshrined in Indian jurisprudence. The Supreme Court of India will be shrugging its responsibility in case it is not seized of this matter.
The path ahead is rocky and the road which is being followed can only lead to a vivisection of India. The Supreme Court and the government have to act. One agrees that poverty must be removed, but the basis of any reservation can only be the poverty index and not caste. In addition merit must come into play and one must remember that a society that does not follow meritocracy is doomed. Will India find the man at this critical hour. Will India have a Kemel Mustapha? One must remember that the Ataturk brought about all these changes in a Muslim society steeped in obscurantism. He succeeded and there is no reason to feel that it cannot succeed in India.Modi is certainly not that man, as India awaits the messiah who will lead us forward.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article An Enchanting Place in Dubai: Worlds First Garden of Lights.
Dubai is known as the El Dorado of the East, the proverbial city of gold from mythology. A visit to the city as a tourist can be a rewarding experience as the city has myriad place of interest and recreation. In many ways Dubai, which is the principle city of the United Arab Emirates is an enchanting city. The authorities come up with new avenues for delighting the visitor, again and again.
The latest addition to Dubai are two unique parks. The first is the Butterfly park and the second is the Garden of lights. the Garden of Lights in particular is something unique and I am not aware of a similar garden anywhere else in the world. The Garden of Lights has opened just a few weeks back and when I read about it, I decided to take my girl who was visiting me from America for a spin to the place. I stay in Abu Dhabi and that is about 180 km from Dubai. Frankly, I have never checked the exact distance as in the UAE , you measure distance just by the time taken. In my Ford Mustang, the drive takes just over an hour with a stop at one of the eateries on the way for a burger and a cup of coffee.
The Garden of Lights opens at 4 pm and remains open till 11 pm. One can drive to the Garden and park the car at the parking lot. A visitor can take a taxi or travel by the local public transport( which is extremely comfortable, unlike the BEST transport in Mumbai). The entrance ticket price to the park is a bit steep and will set you back by AED 60. This corresponds to Rs 1200 approximately at the prevalent rate of exchange. however after you have bought the entrance ticket and finished visiting the park , the realization dawns that it was a stupendous experience. The price then does not appear steep.
The park is the latest addition to the entertainment avenues of Dubai city and I was told this is the first such park in the world. Nowhere is there a similar park. This is a feather in the cap of Dubai, where the authorities are always looking ahead. A notice at the entrance of the park states that Dubai took 40 years to come to this stage and people can imagine where the city will reach in the next 40 years. I was told the park cost 12 million dollars and is in many ways a unique park. My American friend had never seen such a park even in the USA and it enthralled her. She summed up the park in one sentence by stating " it creates a magical fairy tale atmosphere".
I personally relate the park to an extension of the famous tales from the Middle East contained in the " Thousand and One Nights". The park uses imaginative lights to create a fairy tale atmosphere. One will need at least a couple of hours to walk though the park and imbibe the fairy tale atmosphere.
The park creates a magical sultans palace and fort. The park also creates an agriculture field . A highlight is a set of lights that bring out the world of Ants. There is also a prehistoric section replete with Dinosaurs and other animals. They are extremely animated and life like and the best part is that they are created with electric lights.
One can start from one end of the park which houses the animal world. There are huge creations of lions and tigers at a water hole drinking water. There are elephants and birds and all of them have a realistic look. The agricultural field showing crops sown are an absolute delight. The Sultans palace and castle with turrets is simply breathtaking. There is also a stage there and a small man made lake. This is the place where entertainment shows are held ever hour. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and attracts a massive crowd.
The entertainment consists of ballet dances by men and women. No sign of prudery here as the girls cavort in shorts and add to the surrealist atmosphere. One can almost feel that one has entered the world of the Arabian Nights. The show is held in the background of the Sultans palace and definitely worth a watch.
The park is a spread out one and along with the animal world there are children's favorite characters like ducks and dog pets. In such a place one will need to eat. There are excellent eating joints, meticulously clean and tidy. They serve excellent beef, Chicken and meat servings with burgers and hot dogs. One can also take meat Biryani and an assorted complement of ice creams, sodas and cold drinks. However by and large Indian food like Dal and vegetable is not available, but Indians visiting the park and there are hundreds of them are happy to feast on beef and Chicken and cheese. I have no inhibitions on beef and me and my girl had a snack of beef burgers and coffee. A good thing is that no alcohol is served.
We left the park close to closing time and drove to the Mercure resort at Jebel Hafeet. More on that later. I can say that a visit to the park is one very enjoyable moment and one feels life is really worth living. How nice it would be that India also similarly progresses. Dubai is the city of gold and all credit to the Sheikh Maktoum, the Emir who is the ruler of Dubai. We need half a dozen men like him in India, not the Lalu's who are dividing the nation on caste lines.
Incidentally I took more than 2 dozen photos of the park and also of me and my American girl. I have reproduced two of them here for benefit of readers, to give an idea of the park
10 years ago
SHANA MARIA VERGHIS created new article Behind David Bowie.
The news of David Bowie's death was somewhat baffling to me. I only realized it wasn't a hoax, some weeks after the actual event. And I missed the tv and newspaper reports. The funny thing is that I had located his new album, Lazarus, and there was a reference to his death. But when I was through trawling through the pages and photo gallery, I came to the conclusion that it was a marketing trick.
I mean, it was odd that. Lazarus in The Bible, is the guy whom Jesus supposedly brought bqck to life when he was thought to be dead as a dresser's dummy. So the juxtaposition confused me, until I came upon another tribute, days later. And I went huh? Huuuuh?No waaay!
But he was. Lazarus wasn't coming back this time.
Hence this obiit.
I'm not a huge Bowie fan, but I'm drawn to the offbeat. And he definitely was offbeat. Androgynous, chameleonlike, colourful.
Always a bit of a mystery. Which is the ideal thing for someone with a public persona.
It keeps the curiosity alive.
You couldn't quite pin him down.
He morphed between many different avatars during his lifetime. Imagine Clark Kent disappearing into the phone booth, every few seconds, and emerging in a new Superman costume, asking Lois Lane, "how about this one?"
I got vaguely interested in Bowie, when he was singing with Mick Jagger, whom I was lucky to have a personal encounter with a few years ago. The pair of them were singing ''Dancing in the Street' for charity.
I thought it was a particularly messy, distorted song, but lots of fun.I'd heard some of his other material before like Let's Dance and of course, the eerie Ground Control to Major Tom. I think they used that on the soundtrack of The Martian. So its kind of weird again. Bowie gets resurrected in the movie, then he makes an album called Lazarus. And he dies. All within a short span of time.
I didm't know at one point that the astophysical of Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust, was actually Bowie himself.
And that this working class kid named David Robert Jones, with his hungry, vampire look, had emerged from a blue collared background to become a stage Titan. A really classy act.
The evolution of Bowie is a separate book by itself, as he experimented with a variety of musical styles and enlarged his repertoire.
The times they were always a-changing, and Bowie adapted very well.
The music he produced has always been eclectic and there was a period in his life when he was in Germany doing late night dives, and the sounds that came out deeply influenced his middle albums.
I've also watched him in movies like The Last Temptation of Christ and Absolute Beginners where he was tight and strange and dry and grim.
I always thought he was grim and even macabre, until I saw him in an episode of Extras with Ricky Gervais, banging away at the piano.
Anyone who has seen the scene will recall how Gervais' self deprecating character tries to chum up to Bowie,who gives him an odd compliment by sitting down at the black and whites and dedicating a song to him that he makes up at the spur of the moment.
Or so it seemed like. It must have been in the script Gervais co-wrote.
The song goes, 'The Little Fat Man Who Sold His Soul', and is targetted at chubby Gervais, who looks on not knowing whether to be honoured or embarassed.
And what compounds his humiliation, is that the entire room joins in the song, with the glee of a group of kids singing ring-a-ring a roses to taunt one of their peers.
Gervais looks perturbed, respectful and embarassed, all at the same time. There's a clip of this on YouTube, unfortunately its only got sound, no visuals. But it can be located at: David Bowie and Rick Gervais-"Chubby Little Loser" from Extras (AUDIO EDIT ONLY).
Bowie was being playful and silly which is the kind of thing that great performers do. Even the ones you mistook for being grim.
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10 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Lowest cost smartphone at just Rs. 251..
The whole episode looks there is something fishy in there. Let's wait and see, for the time being the site is not opening but a message display says- they will come back today. Their server is down due to heavy traffic.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Salt Water Crocodile and World War II.
I visited the Al Ain zoo about 150 km from Abu Dhabi. This article is not about the zoo, but about a particular species of crocodile called the saltwater crocodile( Crocodylus porosus). This is a saltwater species, something of which I was not aware. This species of reptile is native to the East Indies and the area of Central America. In India , the reptile is the alligator and it infests the fresh water rivers and lakes from the Ganga to the Cauvery. However there is a sprinkling of saltwater crocodiles along the east coast of India. The Al Ain zoo has a saltwater reptile and he looks a ferocious beast. Just looking at him sends shivers down the spine. One can imagine that an encounter with a human being can only have a one sided result.
The saltwater crocodile is the most ferocious of the reptiles and also grows to gigantic size. It is also a meat eater and one particular episode during World War II, brings out the ferociousness of the beast. The saltwater crocodile has its habitat in swamps and mangroves close to the sea in the entire East Indies, Burma and the Philippines. There is one tale of an encounter with the Imperial army on the island of Ramree, which is hair raising and incredible.
The saltwater crocodile as I have already mentioned is a voracious meat eater. In addition it is very strong and big and it is not uncommon to have a reptile growing to a size of 15-30 feet and weigh over 2000 lbs. It is the largest reptilian predator in the world. The books on natural history tell us that the saltwater crocodile infested in greatest numbers on the island of Ramree. For readers who may not be aware, the island is close to the coast of Burma close to Akyab on the Bay of Bengal. In 1942 the Imperial army struck and not only captured the islands of the Andamans, but also the island of Ramree. The battles in Burma are well documented and the British Indian army went into retreat as the Imperial army struck all across Burma. Thousands of soldiers of the 8th army were captured. There was not much resistence on the island of Ramree, but its strategic importance was great, as it overlooked the Bay of Bengal.
The island of Ramree was occupied by the Japanese who set up a garrison there. The island remained under Japanese occupation for 3 years. By December 1944, the British Indian army had broken the siege of Kohima and Imphal and moved into Burma. The advance into Burma was spearheaded by the26th Indian infantry division, consisting of mostly Sikhs and jats. The general staff led by the Cin C Field Marshal William Slim was keen that the island of Ramree be captured and an airfield be built there for supply lines to the troops operating in Burma.
In early January 1945, the Indian 26th division under Major General HM Chambers captured the city of Akyab. Many of the Imperial army retreated to the island of Ramree and thought it a fit place for defence. They holed up inside caves on the island, which overlooked the landing beaches. A decision was taken for a frontal attack and landing with a gun barrage from ships of the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy drafted the Battleship Queen Elizabeth and many other warships for an incessant bombardment of the island and the caves, where the Imperial army soldiers were holed up.
On 14 January the plan was put into operation and the the Royal Navy began a heavy bombardment of known Japanese positions. Under cover of this heavy barrage the 71st Indian Infantry brigade of Sikhs under command of Brigadier RC Cotterell assaulted the island. It was a victory for Indian arms as the Japanese gave up the beach defences and retreated inwards. The Japanese however put up a determined defence and retreated towards the swamps. Perhaps they thought they would be safe from the advancing Sikh troops of the British Indian army.
A history of the battle reveals that the naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright was along with the Indian army and made meticulous notes. He records that the night of 19th January was particularly harrowing as the Japanese troops retreated towards the swamps. This was a terrible disaster for the Imperial army as the swamps were infested with the salt water crocodiles. Students of natural history tell us that the biggest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world is in the swamps and mangroves of Ramree.
The Retreating Japanese, to escape the incessant attacks of the British Indian regiment entered the swamps. It was a terrible time. The notes of that period reveal that there was intermittent firing all night long with cries of Japanese soldiers as they were attacked and eaten by the crocodiles. No exact figures are available, but the Guinness book records it as the single biggest crocodile attack on humans. It is estimated that anything from 500-1000 Imperial army soldiers were eaten up by the crocodiles. Bruce Stanley Wright has recorded that only about 20 Japanese army soldiers survived and were rescued and as per him upward of 1000 Japanese soldiers were attacked and eaten by the crocodiles.
Many historians debunk the tale of the massacre, but some facts do point to some veracity of the incident. However the only authentic source of this information of an crocodile attack are the notes of Wright. Most soldiers who took part in the assault were illiterate and have died long back. All the same this tale makes interesting reading. I do feel that there is some truth in this incident and though the figure of one thousand soldiers being eaten, may be an exaggeration, perhaps the figure could be close to 80-100.
The crocodile certainly inspires awe and I for one can visualize the plight of the Japanese soldiers who were literally between the devil and the deep sea as they faced the Indian troops and naval bombardment on one side and the crocodiles on the other side. This is what makes war history so interesting
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Epic Siege of Leningrad : World War II.
Background.
One has to search the map of modern Russia for Leningrad, but it does not exist on Russian contemporary maps. During the days of communist rule the city of St. Petersburg had been renamed as Leningrad, in honor of the Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin who had led the Russian revolution in October 1917. After the collapse of communism, the Russian government renamed the city with its original name Petersburg. Never the less I shall use the name Leningrad for the purpose of this article.
In 1938 Hitler signed the non-aggression pact with Russia and the Russian foreign minister Molotov was in Berlin to sign the accord. This was a master stroke by Hitler as in one swift act he had secured his Eastern front and thus could concentrate on defeating France.The peace between Russia and germany was however not destined to be eternal as Hitler had made up his mind of waging war against the Soviet Union. The leader of Russia at that time was Josef Stalin, but he grievously underestimated the German threat. This is difficult to understand now as even a cursory reading of Hitler's " Mien Kampf" would have shown him that Hitler always looked for lands in the East to settle Germans and also for raw materials.
The ice was broken on 22nd June 1941, when 3 German Army groups were ordered to move deep into the Soviet Union. More than 2.5 million men along with guns, tanks and aircraft mounted the greatest invasion in world history, dwarfing even the invasions of Genghis Khan. The Russians under Stalin were caught with their pants down and suffered massive defeats.
The invasion of Russia was also inevitable as both Stalin and Hitler looked to dominate the world and as one knows only one sword fits a scabbard. Stalin represented a warped form of the communist theory of Karl Marx. In classical Marxism, the communist guru had envisaged a " Dictatorship of the Proletariat". Unfortunately Stalin headed a government that in effect was a " Dictatorship of the Communist party". Hitler on the other hand subscribed to a theory of National Socialism, which in effect was a race theory that propagated the superiority of the German people.
Never the less teh seeds of conflict were sown long back. The German armies made swift progress and by end 1941 were deep in Russia and were within hand shaking distance of Moscow. They had also converged on Leningrad and Hitler expected its imminent fall and Capture. Hitler was initially keen for the capture of Leningrad, as the city had a fond association with the Russian revolution.
The Siege
The commander of the German Army group tasked with the capture of Leningrad was Field Marshal Wilhelm von Leeb. He was part of Army Group North. He made swift initial progress and by 9th August was just 75 miles from Leningrad as he crossed the Luga river. From the north the German allies the Finns also moved in and to Hitler it appeared a matter of time before Leningrad was captured.
The commander of the German force was Field Marshal Von Leeb. He surrounded the city and yet the German assault did not take place. The reason was the changed priority of the Fuhrer, who withdrew large numbers of Panzers from Von Leeb's force to attack in the south and capture the Caucasus oil fields. The Russian commander General Gregory Zhukov also visited Leningrad and beefed up the defences. The Russians prepared for a long siege.
In march 1942, an exasperated Hitler removed Von Leeb. he was replaced by Field Marshal von Kuchler. In the meantime severe fighting continued in the suburbs of Leningrad. Kuchler advocated a tactical withdrawal an counterattack. Hitler i not like the idea and replaced Kuchler with Field Marshal Von Manstein. Yet the Germans could not make headway against stiffened resistance under command of general Meretskov. Areas frequently changed hands, but the Germans were unable to break into Leningrad.
As the Russian and German armies fought on the periphery of the city a harrowing tale of hunger and famine swept the city. It is now estimated that over 1 million russians died of hunger out of a city population of 2.6 million. Yet, the Russians were not ready to throw in the towel.
The only supply line was across the Ladoga river, which was frequently bombed by the German air force. At this time Stalin showed his leadership qualities by holding and taking the salute at a military parade, with the german army at the gates of Moscow. This was a tremendous morale booster and the Russian resistence stiffened.
In september 1942, Meretskov launched an offensive, but Manstein stopped it. Hand to hand fighting continued in the suburbs, but by January 1943, the situation turned better for the Russians. Four Russian armies under Marshal Leonid Govorov mounted an assault and pushed the germans back. The supply position improved and oil and fuel for the city population was transported to Leningrad. The Russians also made the train line operational and despite attacks by the Germans the situation improved radically.
The defeat at Stalingrad had an effect and the Rusians mounted an offensive and broke the German siege. On 27th January 1944 the rail line from Moscow to Leningrad was recaptured by the Russians and the siege was officially declared over. It ha been a tremendous battle of wills and the Russians were the winners
Last Word
The siege of leningrad lasted 907 days and is a tribute to human endurance. It ranks on a par with the long march of Mao tse Tung covering 6000 km when retreating from the Nationalists. The Leningrad siege is an example of the human body can achieve. It brings out the spirit of the Russian people and the ingrained hardy character. It's not something one can associate with Indians who allowed them to be ruled for 900 years by a small coterie of Muslims and Turks. Only if the Hindus had shown similar reliance and courage, they would never have been slaves in their own land.
The siege was also a battle between two formidable dictators Hitler and Stalin and it is recorded that Stalin won. This man is now a much respected figure in Russia as the people yearn for the days when Russia was a great power under Stalin.
10 years ago
Dr. Simran Kaur created new article 5 Vital Health Steps that can Keep you Free from Diseases.
No doubt, there are lot of medicines available, these days in market to heal your body of diseases; but that does not mean, stop maintaining your health with proper health care. Yes, easy availability of medicines at every corner, nook or corner of most of cities and easy availability of health facilities, with increase of number of hospitals in most of cities; have made people, house of laziness. They know that ready made health solution of, a health problem is now easily available; then why to take effort of doing self health care, to prevent disease from developing in your body.
But, they are not aware of fact that if they implement these vital health steps, in their daily life; then it will hinder diseases, from developing inside your body and ultimately, will save lot of your expenses that you have to spent; to curb, already developed disease in body. So, as a Doctor, my best advice to you is that nothing is better than preventing the disease development, inside your body; by taking 5 vital health steps, at right time. And, what are those 5 vital health steps and how many, they are in total?
Well, they are total 5 and they are-
1) Give right fuel (food) to your body to run it- Yes, as we say, to have best output from machine, give it right fuel; similarly, to have best output from your human body, give it right food. Giving your body wrong food and expecting best output, can only thought of in dreams; but not possible in reality.
2) Give right food at right time- Yes, giving food at right time, is that much necessary; to have best output from body, as much is important to give right food. The reason behind is that it will not get properly digested and essential nutrients would not get absorbed, in as efficiently; as they are, when right food is eaten at right time.
3) Give proper rest (3rd step); as well as do proper exercise (4th step)- Yes, both steps are very much essential because lack of any of them, cause lifestyle disease in body. Lack of rest will develop fatigue, mal-absorption and premature aging.
4) Sufficient sleep (5th step)- Yes, sufficient sleep is as much necessary, for body to heal it; as much above steps are because during sleep, body repairs itself of daily wear and tear and lack of sleep, will not let this vital healing task happen.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Back to UAE: Another Desert Safari and Belly Dancing Girls.
The United Arab Emirates is a swell place, that is both enchanting and magical. In fact it reminds me of the Tales in the Thousand and One nights. The UAE as is well known consists of 9 states that have joined together in a political union. The capital is Abu Dhabi and the biggest commercial and entertainment centre is Dubai, often referred to as the El Dorado of the East.
My longtime friend from America was coming to join me. She had worked under me, when I was the Project Director of the United Nations community health project for Tribal people at Palghar. I planned to take her for a desert safari as well as a stay in the desert at Ras al Khaimah. This is a camp close to Sharjah, about 200 km from Abu Dhabi, where I reside.
The road to Ras al Khaimah is simply breathtaking. One can cruise at over 200 km an hour and at places the lower speed limit is 140 km an hour. Should you go below that limit, the recordings are made by video camera installed all along the road. One will only come to know about this infringement when the money is deducted by a fine direct from your bank account. All bank accounts are linked to the traffic police and action is swift and fast. It's not something one can understand in India.
We drove to a point designated as the pick up point on the highway. We were met by a man in a Land Cruiser. He instructed us to follow him. We moved from the highway to a small road that moved along the desert and soon we reached the gates of the camp and a Bedouin village. Around the village were tents and our guide directed us to our tent. It was Spartan accommodation, but having the basic luxuries.
The village was surrounded by sand dunes that towered over the tents and a cool wind blew. There were a pair of camels and a couple of sand scooters for those who wanted to go into the desert. Me and my friend opted to ride the camel. One thing I observed was that the Arabian camel is smaller than the Indian camel, found in Rajasthan and I am told is also unable to carry great loads. However we mounted the camel and moved into the desert. I understand similar rides are organized at Jaishelmer in Rajasthan for the foreign tourists. One of the local Arabs held the camel by a leash and walked along. It was an exhilarating experience and after about half an hour we returned back to camp.
We proceeded to our tent and took a bit of rest. Now the evening had set in and we could witness the glorious sunset of the desert. It's a sight to see and savor as the yellow rays of the sun, lit up the sand. Our guide now informed us to come to the center of the Bedouin village. A make shift stage had been erected in the center with cushions for the guests to sit around. By now all the guests, most of who were from America and Europe had come and all were moving around.
The sun had now set and the generator began to run and lit up the area. The function began with a local Arab doing the Arabian dance. This is peculiar to the Arabs and is done by men who whirl around. This lasts for about 15 minutes and then the barbeque dinner was announced. It was a sumptuous spread with beef, chicken and lamb meat. There was some Indian spread of dal and vegetables also, but most concentrated on the meats. Kebabs and roasted meats were an absolute delight. The surprise was a alcohol bar counter, that served the choicest scotch whiskey and other drinks. I and my friend did douse ourselves with large pegs of Chivas Regal.
After the meal the signature item; the belly dance began. it lasted for about half an hour and the girl a Lebanese, gyrated to the soft Arabian melodies. It was a mood dance and a special attraction for the assembled tourists. Many of the American women also got up and danced along with the dancer. The belly dance is an experience and though I have seen it many times, yet it doesn't stop to thrill me every time i watch it. After the dance me and my girl smoked the hookah, another Arabian delight and then retired to our tent for the night.
Next day we had booked the desert safari and we were ready by 8 am. The vehicle used is a Toyota Land cruiser with a 4 wheel drive. We set course in the desert and the vehicle negeoitiated the sand dunes with ease. I came to know that to drive these vehicles in the sand, a special license is issued by the UAE police. On the way we stopped at a Camel farm. I could see many small baby camels and was reminded of the camel farm run in India at Bikaner by the BSF, who rear camels for their camel corps.
The drive took about an hour and we were then back in the camp. It was a great experience. I inquired whether the Indian vehicles like the Tata Safari or Mahendra XUV 500 are used here. I was told, the vehicles had come for test rides but failed to negotiate the sand dunes and were rejected.
It was now time to call it a day and set course back home. It was a great experience and my American friend of yore loved it. We left after giving a hefty tip to the staff, who were incidentally all Indians from Rajasthan. India is truly a global nation. For general information a days stay and the belly dance at the camp can cost about AED 600-800. One can also take a day trip and that will be AED 200 per head. This desert safari and belly dance is a signature item for tourists who visit the UAE and one can say hats off to the UAE government for a splendid organization and entertainment for the visitors. It's also a place to rekindle an old love.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article India as a World power? Don't Count Chickens Before They are Hatched.
India and China both became "free" from Western influence in the middle of the last century. To be exact the British left India in 1947 after a orderly exit spearheaded by the Indian Independence act, passed by the British House of Commons and ratified by the House of Lords. On the other hand China had a massive civil war between the American backed Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek and the communist party of China led by Mao Tse Tung. The communists won and Chiang fled to Formosa, where he died years later. In 1949, when Mao seized power in China, not even a bicycle was manufactured in China. In contrast India had a thriving industrial base with a steel plant as well.
India inherited the British Indian army, which was rechristened as the Indian army. All the laws, acts and weaponry as well as the doctrines of the British army were given a lease of life in India with minor modifications. The articles of War 1892 were changed to the Indian Army Act 1950. Similarly the Air force Act 1950 and the Naval act 1950 were also passed by parliament. The weaponry remained exclusively British and the army handled the 0303 rifle of World War I vintage for the infantry. Old Sherman and AMX tanks were retained by the army and only British aircraft formed part of the IAF. Among the aircraft were the Hawker Hunter, Canberra MK 111, Folland Gnat and DC-3 as part of the IAF fleet. The navy had some ageing warships with two cruisers, which were also of First World War vintage. The two cruisers were rechristened as the INS Delhi and Mysore respectively. At the same time an old British aircraft carrier was renamed as the Vikrant and made part of the naval fleet.
Unfortunately the Indians think tank, despite setting up Hindustan Aeronautics , an aircraft manufacturing hub never gave it the funds and impetus to set up manufacture of any worthwhile front line aircraft. One famous German designer Dr Kurt Tank of Germany( of Focke Wulf Fame) came to India and was made part of the design team at HAL, but lack of funds and misplaced priorities resulted in practically zero development of any plane at HAL.
This was the time when the Congress leadership headed by Nehru was averse to militarization of India and neglected all matters connected with defence. One can recollect that the then president Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1955 grandly also recommended that the Indian army be disbanded and the border be manned by the police.
The 1965 war brought some home truths to the Indian leadership. The war with Pakistan exhausted India and request for ammunition and weaponry were studiously ignored by the USA and the UK. In fact when India asked for bombs for the Hunter, it was told that the items would be supplied after 3 months. The war only lasted 3 weeks and a war weary India agreed for a cease fire. In contrast Pakistan had the latest weaponry gifted by the USA including the fabled Patton Tanks with IR vision devices. The fact that the 1965 war ended in a draw, was entirely due to the dare devil spirit of Indian soldiers who fought with obsolete weapons.
One must sadly conclude that the lessons of the 1962 war were not learnt and the poor performance of the Indian army was glossed over. The political leadership had shown that it lacked vision and no attempt was made to set up indigenous aircraft design and manufacturing facilities. There was also no research to manufacture tanks or radar guided field guns and after 1965, the government had no choice but to import these items at a exorbitant cost.
While all this was going on in India, China had forged ahead. Chinese engineers did 'reverse engineering' and duplicated Russian fighters which had been given to China. They also reverse engineered American captured field guns during the Korean war and started their own manufacturing facilities. The Chinese had a one track mind to make China a world power, a dream that was lacking in the Indian leadership.
After the rebuff from the UK and USA, India turned to the Soviet Union for defence equipment. The Russians eager to displace the West readily consented and also transferred some limited technology to India to manufacture the MIG-21 Supersonic interceptor. A fact not known to 99% of the Indians was, that though technology was transferred, some vital parts of the aircraft technology which was just 5% of the aircraft by volume were NEVER told to Indian engineers. In fact in case that 5% parts were not given the MIG could not fly. These were critical parts for flight. The same thing was done by the French when they allowed HAL to assemble the Mirage and the Jaguar. Vital components essential for operation were never told to Indian engineers. Thus in case required the countries, be it Russia or France could get the Indian fleet grounded at any time.
The story was the same in the army and the much vaunted T55 tanks were in any case not allowed to be made in India by the Russians. The Indian did make an attempt and produced the Vijayanta, but in test trials it was found wanting. India is also far away from manufacturing submarines and the entire submarine fleet is imported. The Russians have leased a nuclear power submarine , but it has come with severe restrictions. In any case India is years away from manufacturing a nuclear submarine. China in contrast is building at least half a dozen of them.
The point that must be appreciated that to be a world power, a nation must be able to stand on its own feet. It should have the capability of manufacturing weapons and aircraft on its own like China, USA and Russia, not forgetting France and England. India is nowhere near that stage and its so sad that people who talk of India being a great power are unaware of the reality. The blame for this lies on the political leadership, which has led India to becoming a third rate power, unable to even sort out Pakistan which is 1/5th the size of India. All nationalists will be perturbed, but this is the reality.
10 years ago
Jincy Aby created new article How to keep your bedroom romantic.
Bedroom is one of the most important places in our home. This is the place that we always like most to be get relaxed. We always like to keep our bedroom attractive. We will be in tension, if we see our bedroom in disorder. Sometimes, it will lead to lose our mood and energy also. So it is very essential to keep our bedroom an attractive place.
Here are some steps that of course will help you to keep our bedroom more beautiful and attractive.
1.The colour of the bedroom is very important. Light colours are always suitable for bedrooms. If you give light colour to your bedroom, it will look like a big room. You can choose a colour according to your interest. Select a colour that you and your partner like very much. To get more attraction, try to use pillows, curtains and bed sheet in same colour. If you want you can decorate your room with wall papers also.
2. Keep a bad-lamp inside your bedroom to get dim-light throughout night. Bed-lamps are available in beautiful designs. Designed lamps increase the beauty of the bed room.
3. Bed linen in satin or silk gives rich look to the bed room. Keep so many pillows with different sizes and shapes on the bed. Pillows in contrast colours are very beautiful for your bedroom. Always keep your bed sheet and bed linen clean and tidy. Do not use bed and bedroom as a place for eating food.
4. Do not keep television and computer inside your bedroom. Bedroom is not the place for enjoyment. Use bedroom for resting and sleeping.
5. Inside the bedroom, facility to hear music is mandatory. Music is the best medicine to avoid stresses and tensions. It can lead us to sound sleep. The collection of your favorite songs should be reachable to your hands.
6. Always arrange your bedroom. Keep things in the correct place. Do not keep old magazines, news-papers, unnecessary bills and dirty clothes in any place of your bedroom. Storage facility is needed to keep all these things. If there is an open shelf in your bedroom, put a curtain in front of it. Do not exhibit so many photos and trophies for public view.
7. Do not use bed as the only sitting place inside the bedroom. Make a sitting area in one corner of the bedroom to read books, drinking coffee and telling jokes.
8. Decorated candles can give good look to your bedroom. Candles are available in cheap rate. Use fragrant candles to get good smell inside the bedroom.
9. You can decorate your bedroom with wall hangings. Natural as well as artificial plants are available in the market for home decoration. Use such plants to increase the beauty of your bedroom.
10. Always keep your bedroom attached wash room neat and clean. Ventilation is very necessary for your bedroom to breath fresh air.
People always like neat and beautiful places to spend their time. They usually refuse those places that are untidy. If we give little care, we can make each part of our home an attractive place.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article hobby - an inside talent .
Hobby plays an important role in our life. It even makes one a complete man. But most people do not know how to utilize their leisure period. They often spend their leisure in wondering what to do. Again the others spend smoking, eating, watching television or gossiping while there are also some people who wants to spend their free time in doing some jobs on the internet because now a day the internet has become so popular in almost every country, so there are also some people who passes their free time in chatting with others on the internet.
But life does not mean to idle away time. It becomes a habit of our life that we want to do nothing when we find some leisure time after hard working. This is not right to spend the time in this way. We often see that there are some young girls who spend their leisure time in make-up or dressing up well while some housewives spend in embroidery, tailoring or trying out new recipes.
But it is one of the interesting pursuits one can have in their everyday life. There are a number of hobbies in our present society. A hobby affords us a useful change from the dull routine of life. It refreshes and regenerates our minds. It saves us from evil company and gives us pleasure and amusement.
Hobbies are of different kinds such as photography, swimming, singing, gardening, and painting; stamp collecting, writing, reading story books, hunting, fishing, and nature-study and so on. There are many hobbies beyond these, now a day people are having different kinds of hobby such as shopping, chatting on net etc.
Well above these my favourite hobby is gardening. I have made a garden in front of our house. It has different types of Indian and foreign flowers. I go to my garden everyday and care it with full mind. I also get enough of pleasure in turn. How nice it looks when all the trees are in bloom.
Some of my friends visit our house very often. They feel very joy when they go to my garden. They also praise me for my carefulness for it. There are also some friends of mine who are jealous with me because I have a beautiful garden and also because my best and close friends who likes the garden praises me for the beautiful garden and a good look after of them.
Thus I think everybody should have some hobby of his own instead of wasting their time in leisure period. It is really a kind of achievement in life. Besides it is also a source of recreation in which one can apply his own knowledge and wisdom. And one more thing if you are good, I mean if you are very good in your hobby, whatever your hobby is, it may be able to pay you also a good amount from which you can become rich also. So have a good hobby, a useful hobby which will be good for everyone and if not then do whatever you like to do but use your leisure period in doing some useful things.
10 years ago
Dr. Simran Kaur created new article 7 Main Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease that will make you, easily Identify, whether you are its Victim or not?.
Parkinson's disease is, a disease of human body; but do you know, of which type? Well, it comes under category of neuro-degenrative type disease, in list of various human diseases. You may ask that I already told you that it is of which kind; but, how to identify its victim? Or because of what reason, it is classified under such kind? Well, it is classified under such kind because of kind of aliments, happening in its sufferer's human body.
But, what are those aliments or in other words, what is symptomatology of Parkinson's Disease; with which, you can easily identify, whether you are its victim or not? Well that symptomatology, is given below, one by one-
1) Trembling of hands- It is very marked feature of Parkinson's disease. And this is, such a symptom that you can notice, even at rest. Yes, try to keep your hands still for 1 minute; if they remain still, its good sign. But, if they show sign of trembling, in this 1 minute; continuously and no stillness, noticed just for a second; then I am sorry to say, you are victim of Parkinson's disease.
2) Trembling of head- Yes, if your head keep on shaking, without reason even at rest; then, this sign is called trembling of head. I am sorry to say, if you have this sign; then you are suffering, from Parkinson's sign.
3) Stooped body posture- If you have habit of bending your head or upper body and that in such way that it make 90 degree angle with body trunk; then, you are under list of patients, of Parkinson's disease.
4) Small steps- One more sign with which, you can identify a Parkinson's patient and that is, habit of taking very small steps, while walking. So, if you this habit; then you are its victim, but, if you do not have such habit; then there is nothing to worry.
5) 5th sign and that is, very marked feature of Parkinson's disease and that is, patient is slow. What does mean by, patient is slow? It means, patient is known for doing, his or her every work very slowly; whether it is walking, eating, doing any task; his or her speed is markedly slow, performance wise. Reaction to every stimulation, comes markedly very late. If you are such a slow person, known for such slowness; then I am sorry to say that you are its victim
6) Yes, it is often noticed, among Parkinson's disease victim that they mostly have, complaint of drooling of saliva, while sleeping and some have difficulty in falling sleep, too and mostly visit OPD, for treatment of their insomnia.
7) Nervousness, stage fear is also noticed, among its Victim; and if you are victim of Parkinson's disease; then you will have trembling of hands or legs, during performance of stage tasks and even noticed; when performing nothing.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article Gandhi and Caste: In the end Result he had Feet of Clay.
MK Gandhi is propagated by the Congress government as the father of the independence movement. He is also eulogized as a man who fought the ills of Hinduism, especially caste divisions of society. Caste as we know has been a factor in Indian and ipso facto Hindu history from as far back as the Mahabharata, which was written between 4000-5000 BC.
India all these centuries had a string of saints, holy men and saints who wanted to reform society. Reformers like Guru Nanak, Namdev and Raja Ram Mohan Roy were thus relative failures. The result is that even in the 21st century, this division in Hindu society continues. It remains the one single divisive force in India and one wonders who can remove it. One thing is clear that a division of society sanctified by the scriptures, as well as common usage for thousands of years is not easy to obliterate.
One man, who appeared on the horizon in the 20th century, had the power to break the caste system. For all his faults, this man Gandhi had a following in all corners of India and had he decided to take the bull by the horns as far as caste system is concerned, there was a chance of this divison getting blurred. The fact is that the caste sytem has been further refined and now.The 4 main divisions of society are further accentuated by sub-castes and clans. These further sub-divide Hindu society.
What were the views of Gandhi on caste and Hindu society? To form a correct assessment of Gandhi on this matter, one must study the writings of the man. Gandhi returned to India from South Africa at the turn of the last century. He was aware that caste had bedeviled Indian society, yet he never went against the caste divisions. I will quote Gandhi from his works. He wrote in 1921 " I am a sanatani Hindu. I believe in Varnashram Dharma. I believe in protection of the cow"
This statement in one line sums up Gandhi's views on caste. Not many know that his great speeches on caste and untouchability in India were an aberration. At these meetings when he was supposed to be making his plea against untouchability and caste, there were separate enclosures for the lower caste Hindus. The lower caste Hindus were made to sit apart from the higer castes. He also said that he did not believe that equality of caste meant that a higher caste ( brahmin) will eat on the same table along with an untouchable.
Gandhi wrote extensively and most of his writings on caste and the Varna system are never publicised. The reason is not far to seek, as in case his writings are made public and read out to all, they will show that Gandhi in fact upheld the caste system and its division of Hindu society.
Gandhi also wrote that the beauty of the caste system is that it does not base itself on distinctions of wealth. He was of the view that the caste system was a harmonious human adjustment and division of Hindus. He also felt that caste serves a definite purpose in society. A man with such views cannot be expected to strike at the root of the ills that bedevil Hindu society.
It is possible that at some stage in Hindu society, caste may have been a system to keep order in society. Unfortunately these divisions got accentuated down the ages resulting in a deep shism among the followers of a common religion. Thus at many temples and shrines, many of the so called untouchables are not allowed. Thinking of marriage between the higher and lower caste can lead to great strife and bloodshed. Gandhi had a chance to try and become a messiah and reform Hindu society, but he did precious little. The reason was that he himself believed in the Varna system and considered it the bed rock of Indian society.
Gandhi's writing point to his state of mind. At one point he wrote " Caste does not connote inferiority or superiority. It simply recognizes different outlooks and corresponding modes of life". He went on to add that all castes cannot accept a common goal of life and as such a hierarchy was inevitable. These thoughts of the so called " father of the nation" show Gandhi in poor light.
Gandhi's views on caste and racial divisions had surfaced as far back as when he was in South Africa. His sojourn there show that he considered the blacks to be inferior to Indians and in one case when some Hindus were imprisoned along with blacks, he wrote a letter to General Smuts, the Governor General in South Africa, that blacks should not be kept along with Hindus. His remark to a visiting dignitary from Europe also shows the mind of Gandhi and his twisted logic. Referring to blacks he had said that" can you teach the Gospel to the cow?".
Gandhi was thus not a revolutionary and it is the bane of India that a mass leader who could have done so much, did nothing. Gandhi was also opposed to remarriage and inter-caste marriages. When one of his sons whose wife had died, wanted to marry again, Gandhi voiced his strong opposition to a second union. Thus one can infer that widow remarriage was a subject that he opposed as well. He considered marriage to be a carnal union and as he advocated celibacy, he could not accept that a remarriage was anybody's need.
Dr. Ambedkar a erudite and learned man saw through the views of Gandhi. He was of the view that Gandhi was decieving himself and all the people of India by preaching that the Varna and caste system was the bedrock of Hindu society. Dr. Ambedkar was born an untouchable and after facing severe discrimination from higher caste Hindus converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers. Gandhi tried to stop this conversion, but he failed. Dr. Ambedkar's writings on Gandhi are revealing and hardly published anywhere.
Gandhi also opposed inter-caste marriages. He was fond of quoting the Gita in this matter. The Gita at many places has verses that say that in case a higher caste Hindu marries a lower caste or untoucable than he will be debased.
The question arises as to why was Gandhi supporting the caste system. to get an answer to this question, one can again refer to the writings of Dr Ambedkar. As per him, Gandhi was a politician and reform was far from his mind. He wanted to be adulated by the masses. He further adds that Gandhi was scared of losing his leadership of the Hindus in case he went against caste as he would lose his place in politics.
I personally feel that he was in a way wary of Jinnah who had appropriated for himself the role of the sole leader of the Muslims in the sub-continent. To match him Gandhi, presented himself as a Hindu leader who respected the caste system. Otherwise he would have lost his place as a leader of India. Thus one can see that Gandhi in retrospect was a man who bowed to the wind. He was not a reformer, but a plain wily politician. it is a matter of regret that the greatest Hindu leader of the 20th century abdicated his reposnsibilty in his lust for greatness. In other word we can say he let the Hindus down.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article tree is a life.
It is truly said that a tree is a life. In fact, trees play an important part in our economic and social life. We cannot live without the direct effect of trees. They not only provide timber, fruits, seeds, nectar etc. but also produce oxygen that is essential for our existence. Besides, they prevent sol-erosion, because rainfall and control weather of a locality to some extent.
But it is very sad to speak that even though they are vital for our existence most people do not realise their importance. They cut down trees recklessly and are organised to clear of groves and bushes. In our country excessive population also gives birth to such cruel deed. For their own benefit they do not spend even a moment whether they are doing right or wrong. But such a cruel blow must stop immediately.
So if we want to avoid some harmful effects of deforestation such as absence of rain, erosion of soil, drought and ecological imbalance we should grow more trees instead of deforestation. This matter should be taken very seriously because if we take it lightly then the consequences of it will not be good for the human beings as well as for the planet earth.
This is a very good sign that in our country both the central and state governments have become alarmed about the depletion of forest wealth. That is why we celebrate Vana-Mohotsava every year in the rainy season. The purpose of such celebration is to grow more trees in different places.
For this purpose the people should also come forward for only programmes on the part of governments cannot help to spread forests. A man should think if he has planted a tree before he is going to cut down a grown-up tree. So we should utter the solemn vow that “save the trees and plant more”. This is not only for the people or for the human begins, these are for all the creatures that live in this world (earth). If there is a tree then our ecological balances will be ok and good and will work and run smoothly and if there is no trees or if there is shortage of trees then it will not be good for the mankind and for every creature that is living on earth.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article to face the problem - be happy .
We all know that we have to do our work at any coast then why not we do our work with joy and happiness instead of doing the work in tension and getting headache from it, which we usually get from our office work or from our house work so it is better that we do our work in that way which will complete our work and as well as make us happy. We all know that our family also comes in tension when they see us in tension or in a problem from where we are not getting out.
Today life becomes more sophisticated than earlier there are many ways to make us relief from any tension or any kind of problem which we are facing now. Now a day there is so much solution to a particular problem. If we have one problem or more than that then today we don’t have to think a lot because now a days there is way to come out from every problems which we usually faces in today’s world. So if one think that he/she cannot be happy or if he/she thinks that there is only one way left for him/her in this world, let me tell you to those who think like that, that his/her thinking is very much wrong specially a person who thinks these in today’s world because now a days there are many opportunities that are provided now a days to the people the only thing that we have to do is just grab it and pull the profit out of it.
Now a days the biggest problem of humans life is money and many tension occurs just because of this and if someone have money then the biggest problem of his/her life is a family goodwill, some way or the other people have problems and in that problems they have to go outside and earn for their family. So if we know that even we become sad it will not be helping our family or ourselves to come out from the bad situation we are facing so it is good to be happy and face the problem with an ease and happily. It is profitable to both our work and as well as our health.
Many of us are very scared of problems and the only thing which comes in our mind when we are facing big problems such as property problem, money problem and many more which is related to money or family or any kind of relationship. The only things which comes to us as a solution at that point of time is our death and we try to do suicide and which is wrong, it is not the solution to any kind of problem it is just a stupid trash thinking which usually comes at that kind of problems.
The solution to all the problems in life is happiness and bravery; if we are brave then we will not do anything which is not correct at any sense. The best way to face the problem is happiness and if we are happy then every problems will seem like a minor problem. We all don’t know whether today is our good day or bad day so then why not make it a good day by being happy. By being happy we are not making ourselves only happy indirectly we are making our family happy too. So if we want to live better tomorrow we have to be happy today.
10 years ago
MG Singh created new article The US Presidential Election: The Scene is Hotting up.
The US elections are followed by almost 80% of the world's population. This is because the US is the mightiest power on this globe with a reach that is worldwide. No other nation can match the USA, be it China or Russia.The earlier colonial powers France and England are riding piggy back on America, so America is presently the greatest power on this globe.Obviously the world is concerned as to who leads the USA as the US president is the one single factor that cannot be ignored by any nation.
The Americans seem to be disenchanted with the leadership of Obama, the present president. Many blame him for a dip in American prestige around the globe. One good thing about the American election is that a president can get only 2, four year terms in office and after that he goes into retirement. This amendment was brought in after the end of World War II, which saw President Roosevelt getting elected for 4 terms. One wonders why we in India cannot have a similar restriction on the office of the Indian chief executive, the prime minister.
The US election process is long and tedious and lasts almost a year.To begin with the two main contending parties the Republicans and the Democrats have to select their nominee for the post of President. This is done by a party electoral process for each state of the Union. This process of electing the candidate who will be the nominee for the post of president lasts almost 9-10 months. Elections are held in all the states and the man who wins the maximum electoral votes wins the party nomination.
The Democratic party led by President Barack Obama has been in power for 8 years and now its time to say bye to Obama. There are two main candidates in the fray namely Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Just a few weeks back Bernie was trailing Hillary by over 50 points, but there is a dramatic reversal. Bernie has bridged the gap and is now neck and neck with Hillary.
The first state to go for polls is Iowa. The results for the Democrats have been a dead heat with Hillary winning 50.3% of the vote and Bernie 49.5%.Though Hillary has claimed victory, she can't feel very comfortable. This is because Bernie has almost caught up with her and may very well go ahead of her as other states vote.
The choice in the Democratic Party is just between Hillary and Bernie Sanders, but in the Republican party there are many contenders. For the last many weeks the man leading the pack was Donald Trump. His campaign seemed to be gathering steam as he established a lead of over 25 points over his nearest rival Ted Cruze.
Trump launched a campaign that had the theme that he wished to restore American prestige, eroded during the years Obama was in office. He also launched virulent attacks on Muslims and made the outrageous suggestion that Muslims be banned from entering the USA. He also proposed to racially profile Muslims in America, as was done by Roosevelt during the war years. At that time all Japanese who were residents of the USA were arrested and interred in camps.
Donald Trump seemed to be riding high and the press and the establishment expected Donald to win the Iowa primary. The results have however come as a shock and the winner is Ted Cruze who has polled 28% of the vote to 24% for Donald Trump. This is a surprise and shows that what is apparent is not real. Probably Donald Trump miscalculated. Worse the third candidate is just a point behind Trump with 23% of the vote. This in real terms shows a fractured mandate and one wonders whether this will be the theme of the Republican Party election.
One must point out that these are early days and there are still nearly 50+ states that have to vote, with big states like Texas and California coming up later. One cannot say that the Iowa primaries are a decisive factor. Donald trump may still pull his chestnuts out of the fire and come back with all guns blazing in teh subsequent primaries in the other states. One point that has been made is that small time candidates like Jeb Bush stand nowhere and many have scratched from the race.
The battle in the Repulican party, often called the Grand old Party is really between Trump and Cruze, who is much younger than Trump. But it would be a fallacy to write off Trump, for the simple reason that he does have sizeable support. Many Americans identify with his views and one cannot say that Cruz has won. It is a long hard road ahead.
As things stand who ever gets the republican nomination will go on to win the election. This victory will be more prouncenced in case Hillary wins the Democratic nomination. To my mind Hillary represents the status quo and the American public wants change. If Bernie gets the nomination the fight would be more even, but again the Republican charge will be difficult to blunt.
As far as the Republican nomination is concerned it looks a toss-up between Trump and Cruze. All the pollsters had predicted a Trump victory, but it did not happen in Iowa. The election season in America is the toast not only of America, but the world. It is the greatest election and Indians could learn from it. Here we are dominated by caste and that makes our democracy very fragile. One hopes in the years to come we can have a similar election, where caste is not a factor at all.
As far as my gut feeling goes, there is a good chance that Trump will forge ahead, but again one can't be sure.
10 years ago
rambabu created new article A holistic Agriculture.
Traditional Farming
Traditional Farming, a farming, that involves locally available bio- degradable materials and combine scientific knowledge
Subhash Palekar, who was born in the district of Amaravati, in the village of Belora two years after independence. Right from his childhood Palekar had a liking towards lush Greenery. Owing to this reason, Palekar had done a degree in Agricultural science.
Palekar, in his early years used to go to nearby forests as he was a nature lover. The heart warming lush greenery made a feast to his eyes.He had closely observed the nature in close proximity and came to the conclusion that a forest is different from a farm. With the same thought, Palekar started farming.
The first crop
Palekar was overwhelmed seeing the bumper crop. Palekar who bought powerful pesticides was exhilarated seeing how the pesticides were killing the insects. He felt as if the cruel demons like Narak and Tarakasura were annihilated.
The next crop was also turned out be good. Palekar's joy and enthusiasm multiplied. But to his disappointment though he used chemicals, the output hasn't given the same as that of the first crop.
But, Palekar did not leave his grip. But, the yield had further gone down so much so that, the investment could not be realized.
Introspection started
Palekar felt guilty. This feeling of guilt haunted him day in and day out. He again went to the forest. Again looked at the nature and the greenery. He had to change his opinion that was formed earlier. Now, in the view of Palekar a forest is not the same as farm.
Mother Nature
During his introspection, many a thought hovered in his mind. Who will take the responsibility of watering these plants in this dense forest ?
Then the wisdom transpired in him. Mother Nature takes care of every plant and tree like mother feeds her offspring with her breast milk. Palekar thought,in nature farming, no other element should intervene between Nature and farming. Human's or Farmer should act as a coordinator only.
Chemical farming - Ill effects
As Palekar was thinking, more and more reasons for the dreaded Food crisis and the farmer suicides started surfacing up. He found that Chemical farming was the real culprit. Man out of excess greed started confronting with the nature. Palekar felt that this kind of man's nature is alarming and unwanted. It's only when Human and nature live together with harmony human survival is possible. Only Natural farming is the panacea and the only way to solve the ill effects of Chemical farming.
This change in Palekar was akin to Siddhartha's awakening after seeing the death and penury.
Vexed and disgusted Palekar
Investment which are unbearable, heavy expenditure involved in Mechanized farming, farming ways that endangered the soil and the organisms made Palekar turned his against chemical farming.
Green Revolution looked like a dangerous proposition. It took no time to Palekar that the Green Revolution is gradually and in a slow manner driving the farmer down into the abysmal depths. The illusion that created by the Green Revolution looked like a nightmare. He realized that Green Revolution is not a revolution at all, but a bane on the farmer and an enemy to the farmer.
True. Once, in farming there were only Farmer and nature. Now a third nature replete with chemical fertilizers machines etc.entered farming.
The Beginnings
During his college days, as part of his training, Palekar, spent some time among Girijans. Seeing the lush greenery in the forests, he was immersed in the thoughts. In this process, he was many questions appeared before him. Many doubts and suspicions haunted him. Palekar was perplexed by questions and doubts like, who will feed these plants with fertilizers, Who will feed them water.
As the thoughts continued, more and more new doubts and suspicions stood before him. Even after finishing his education and training these questions remained unanswered. Palekar, who faced bitter experiences, Drove him in to nostalgia.
Palekar, in order to find answers, had become a scientist. He had studied all about agricultural ways during Vedic period to the Modern age.
It was not a cakewalk
After deciding his future course, Palekar, had tough time. It became a Herculean task to convince his co farmers. Palekar had to face many hurdles, He had been subjected to ridicules oppositions and what not ? In a way he had been alienated and isolated from the society. On the other side, there were financial problems. The feeling of his inability to do do his research on agriculture made him dissatisfied day and night.
To overcome his financial problems and solve them, Palekar was forced to submit his resignation, He was working as an editor in a Magazine called , 'Baliraja'. At one particular stage, his entire family had to face starvation.
At this time, only one individual stood by Palekar. His better half,Chandrangi . though Palekar has directed all his endeavors to convince the farmers in his village, Chandrangi rested faith fully on her husband's views on natural farming.
Chandrangi has got her ornaments melted and sold them in order to facilitate her husband's cherished beliefs on Natural farming.
Fate plays a cruel Joke
Palekar, suffered a death blow, just when he was about to start his stalled efforts to do research on Natural farming. Bis better half Chandrangi died of Liver Cancer.
Though upset in the beginning at the sad demise of his wife, Palekar composed himself. He thought that there is a meaning and purpose behind every deed of the Almighty. The God who took away my wife may be having some intentions through which, he wanted to bring in a new mission. His mission may be that I should go ahead with my experiments on Natural farming and spread the truth that Natural farming is the only panacea for the good of the nation in particular and to the world in general
The campaign has become everything for Palekar.
After the sad demise of his wife, Palekar has become Committed to his cherished exploring all the way to prove Natural farming is the only panacea. Before the death of his wife, wherever Palekar went to for preaching and propagating the goodness of Natural farming, always used to remember about his wife who gave away everything to her husband in her husband's mission.
Now after the death of his wife, his movement for promoting Natural Farming has become a single point agenda, that is spreading the message, " Natural Farming " is the panacea both for the man and nature.
Now the movement has made him more strong and determined to carry on his mission further.
A New Palekar
Once Palekar used to remember, wherever he goes for propagating Natural Farming, about his better half. Now, after the demise of his wife Scientific investigation and research, has become an integral part of his life. He thinks and breathes Natural farming from dawn to dusk. By nature Palekar was a simpleton. Now he has become more simple. He eats limited food. Whatever he eats that is the food farmed by Natural farming. Drinks like coffee, tea and cool drinks completely disappeared from his life once and for all. Palekar never goes for Soaps, shampoos or Shaving creams.
He is always on the move. The best part of his daily routine is filled with holding seminars, creating awareness on natural farming and writings on Natural farming. Never he complains of fatigue or tiredness despite his hectic traveling.
Farmer's Gandhi, Palekar
If Mahatma Gandhi takes a rebirth and converts Sabarmati Ashram into a farming land, Palekar would look like Mahatma Gandhi. This is the reason why Palekar has been hailed as the Farmer's Gandhi, an apt and well deserved comparison.
Palekar, during his tours has shown a plethora of solutions, which led to crisis in the the field of Farming. Through his findings, he has shown it is the Natural farming alone that ends the crisis of food shortages and farmer suicides.
Simple devices
Palekar's farming tools are as simple as himself. There is no need for heavy investments. What all a farmer needs are a wooden plough and a pair of bulls. There is no need of heavy tractors. There is no need for expensive fertilizers bought from a Multinational fertilizer company. In Natural farming farmers can make his own fertilizers, This means, a farmer need not go for loans. Hence, the condition of farmer suicides will never arise. The farmer need not be driven to the desperate condition of dejection.
Rice, wheat, sugar cane, grapes..there is no limit for his produce. Any kind of land can breathe in to life in Natural farming.
Natural farming revolves around Cow
Palekar's Natural farming revolves around Cow. Palekar says affirmatively that with a single cow, mixed farming that involves different varieties of produce like Vegetables and fruits can be farmed.
Leech is considered as the Farmer's friend since ages. Palekar says it is absolutely necessary to provide congenial atmosphere to help for the growth of Leeches and many such simple organisms.
Palekar, has done intensive Research on Indian cow and foreign Buffalo for a prolonged period of 8 years to know how the Indian cow's dung and urine are the most effective natural fertilizers.
If one observes cow dung, one can see the small openings. in the cow dung. And through these openings leeches and other smaller organisms enter the dung. It means that these small organisms can instantly identify the smell of the cow dung.
It clearly establishes the fact that this phenomenon strengthens the soil. His investigation found that, there is no other cow that is so effective as Indian cow.
Owing to this reason, Cow has been given the highly esteemed status in mythologies and Sanatana Dharma.
Future looks gloomy
Seeing cows being sent to slaughter houses, Palekar shudders with fear. The thought that over the years, Farming without cow makes Palekar shiver with fear. It's not all. Farming requires millions of tractors. Entire farming becomes mechanized. How much of fuel is needed for running these machines. And to what extent, all these machines contribute to the atmospheric pollution.
Questions, questions.. all questions that make Palekar gloomy and sad..
Amrit surfaces up at last
Churning of the Ocean.We all know about the the story of Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod. And during this churning, of mind, Nectar or Amrit, emerged out. He found that this Nectar is going to work like Nectar to the crops.
Palekar devised several ways to that Nectar, so that Natural farming yields best of the results. In this process he designed a manure using Desi cow dung, urine of the Desi cow, and powder of various pulses. The Nectar so designed will utilize all the nutrients under the soil by the roots.
Mixed crop is Palekar's favorite
Palekar is of the firm opinion that even if the first crop goes towards the cost invested, the second crop on wards, farmer gets dividends.
Palekar's efforts Started yielding results
Palekar was delighted to see, his efforts did not go waste. Awareness towards Nature farming is growing. Approximately 40 lakhs of farmers in the country are doing Nature farming through their respective Agricultural departments. the intricacies in Nature farming. The pleased Palekar aspired that Nature farming should spread to the other parts of the country.
Age did not deter his firm determination to spread the Nature farming. Even at the age of Sixty, Palekar used to spend 25 days in a month touring the other parts of the country. It is enough to send a word. Palekar readily comes to any place and teach his findings on Natural farming. He fills the people with inspiration and visits the crops and offers valuable suggestions.
Both his two sons, resigned from their jobs and stood as a support to Palekar. Palekar's daughters- in- law to followed the suit.
There is no need for funds
Whenever Palekar is offered funds from the people during his interactions and meetings, Palekar flatly refuses to accept the funds. " What is the need of funds for Natural farming that doesn't need funds ? " asks Palekar.
Beneficiary speak
Nearly 50,000 farmers are practicing Natural farming in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Among them Software engineers and Business people are also there.The Andhra Pradesh representative of SAVE, a non profit organization known as N. Vijayaram, says that he met Palekar for the first time in a camp held at Rajahmundry He was impressed with Palekar's ways on Natural farming. Vijayaram started his first camp on Natural Farming in the year 2012. In this camp and other camps, SAVE distributed seeds enough for doing farming for one acre.
Vijayaram, further says that he is doing Natural farming in the six acres owned by him in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayaram found that his crops had yielded more than twice than before when he was doing Chemical farming.
Vijayaram and his wife were working in cognizant, Hyderabad. At that time, he was influenced by Palekar.s views on Natural farming. With this Vijayaram started farming leafy and green vegetables, fruits through Natural farming in his farm of 10 acres in Vijayawada.
Rayappa a software engineer from the district of Nalgonda, Hyderabad resorted to Natural farming, on his farm of 10 acres. Rayappa bought a tractor. But it was stuck in the mire in the farm. Immediately, Rayappa bought four bulls which were about to go to a slaughter house. Now Rayappa has 100 cows. Cultivating Using natural farming in 10 acres was unprecedented in the state at that time. Encouraged by this, Rayappa had gone further. He cropped 27 Quintals of Basmati rice. In the district of Nalgonda, it was the first time to crop Basmati rice. One cannot miss the spark in the eyes of Rayappa while narrating his experiences in Natural farming.
It's a Duck that gives golden eggs
Vedas say, land is like a Milch cow that caters to all the needs of humans. The earth is like a goose that lays golden eggs. Wisdom lies in preserving this goose. Not in killing it. Such activity is nothing short of committing a Hara-kiri. It's only then the humanity survives.
What Subhash Palekar says is the same.
Palekar's encounter with Scientists
Once Palekar took part in a National Seminar of Scientists. Nearly 150 Scientists attended the seminar. During the Seminar, Palekar's speech created waves.
All the Scientists, surrounded Palekar, showering question after question. Palekar's speech on Natural farming was termed as ' Cock and Bull stories' by the Scientists. They further asked him, how it could be possible to do Farming, to that matter any farming, especially Natural Farming without chemicals and pesticides.
Palekar's answer left the Scientists speechless. Palekar asked them to to leave their Laboratories and go once to the forests. see those trees bent by the fruits. Further Palekar questioned the Scientists, who is feeding those trees, who is giving them fertilizers and pesticides. Palekar did not stop there. He asked the Scientists, how, those trees are surviving even when we are facing famines.
There were no answers to the barrage of questions posed by Palekar.
More about Palekar's thoughts on Natural Farming
In a nutshell Palekar's thoughts are
That food which is not poisonous that air,water, environment that is not polluted, happy life to the humans are the birthright of all of us. But hazardous Green Revolution and Chemical farming are more dangerous are robbing away human rights.
The aim of Natural farming is to bring back all those human rights. We are not enemies to any. Nobody is opposing Natural farming.
Palekar further added that in the last decade, Chemical farming has gained prominence This Chemical farming damages environment in a big way. Global warming takes place. As a result soil becomes hollow. The fertilizers used in chemical farming pollute the ground, river and ocean water with high high amounts of Nitrogen and phosphorous. This further makes the stable carbon in the chemical fertilizers unstable. This entire process releases carbon dioxide,methane, Nitrous oxide and warms the environment.
In natural farming, the fertility of the soil increases every year.It means, productivity too increases. The food sans harmful chemicals has a heavy demand all over the world. The farmer will get 2to3 times more than what he has invested. Natural farming done in this way, electricity consumption reduces drastically. In totality, Natural farming has several benefits than the Chemical farming.
Agriculture has the strength to bring a mental change in the farmer. In that environment that is free from pollution, a farmer's mind will be rejuvenated and invigorated. Astonishingly, in this pure atmosphere, a farmer will never be drawn towards vices like liquor or drugs. Another heartening aspect is , the farmer will not be burdened by the heavy investments. Because, in Natural farming, there is no necessity of investment at all. The farmer will be free from stresses and strains. Because, natural farming is done with the cow, leeches and other living organisms, the farmer will develop a love towards them, which is very essential for the environment too.
Oriental Countries in the fore
It must be noted that Natural farming is widely practiced successfully in over 30 countries. Those countries which are practicing felt very strongly that, natural farming is the only way to eliminate hunger and poverty in comparatively poor countries of the world.
Oriental countries like Japan, China and Korea have been doing natural farming since centuries.
Masanobu Fukuoka, A Japanese farmer and and philosopher is a prominent figure in the field of Natural Farming. He is a pioneer in, who firmly believes " No- tiling and no herbicides kind of farming. Fukuoka has many books to his credit.
" Shizen noho" is the word for Natural farming in Japanese language.
" Soil is a living thing", A Mantra for Japanese farmers. Sakae Suka, wife of Kazua Suka.
Now it's time for arriving at a conclusion. From the aforesaid , any one can see that, there is nothing like Natural Farming. Natural farming is the only panacea to save the environment as well as the population from many diseases.
Above all,it is less expensive.
10 years ago
Babu saroj created new article illiteracy making a huge problem in society .
Education is the backbone of a nation. Without education a nation can never stand. So illiteracy is a curse in the life of a nation. A nation is often called backward if it consists of most illiterate fellows.
In the Middle Ages ability to read and write was not so highly valued. But today we even do not feel the existence of democratic government without the spread of education throughout a nation. Actually the rank and standard of a fellow do not depend on his high birth. It depends on proper education of the person.
An illiterate man does not understand what is happening in a society. Besides he is not conscious about his own rights and duties as a citizen. Sometimes he appears to be in the grip of superstition evil customs and tradition which creates a huge problem for the innocent and good one. An illiterate is really a curse on the society, they just know what is bad they really enjoys badness, good things and goodness are not in their dictionary because they are not taught from their childhood about the social goodness, the illiterate person don’t know how to give respect to others, they are not taught how to eat in front of others, how to behave in front of big personality. They just know and are taught cruelty from their beginning of their life. Their bringing up are also not good as compared to the good bringing up family. The only thing is lacking is education and if they are provided education I am sure that everything about themselves will good and best for their future in regards of their past.
It is sad to think that our country has got independence even more than fifty years ago. But she does not get more than fifty percent literate fellows till today. In our country most of the people live in villages. They are absorbed in agriculture. As they are suffering from poverty they engage their sons and daughters in cultivation in earlier period of their lives. As a consequence, they do not have the scope for education.
But though very late our government has realised the importance of mass education and has taken necessary steps to obliterate totally the problem of illiteracy totally. They have succeeded in this purpose to a great extent.
To abolish the problem totally our government should be more aggressive. If possible some centres of free education for all the classes of people irrespective of race, religion and age may be established. So we may hope that one day will come when all the people of India will be literate because if that happened many problems related to ill-mannerism bad behaviour against the women will be decreased because education is the only way to understand people or to teach them what is bad and what is good. If the country wants to make their country looks good in the eyes of other country the only thing that he has to do is to make a country literate with some social activities by each and every individual of that country should be made compulsory.
10 years ago