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Neha Sadana replied to the topic Doing actions without expectations! Is this possible?.
There is always an expectation against an action either its cash or satisfaction, that depends on a person. If you feel satisfied with a particular deed or charity, you will go for it again. Sometimes you expect that satisfaction and sometime it comes of its own.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
Manoj Kumar Lamba wrote:
Before Independence, Britishers used English as a major language so that they can easily understand what is going on in the country. In all offices, English was used to complete the work. But after Independence, Hindi was declared as official language. In 1950 it was decided that the use of English will be ended by 1965. But as in south Hindi is not understood by most of the people, in 1963 it was decided to continue with both English and Hindi.
As we know if we go outside India or we want to communicate with foreign people we have to use English, so English is gaining its ground while Hindi is loosing its ground in our country.
In Places like Europe and Japan one cannot get by with English because they stick to their language ! However, in all those countries ruled by the British meaning commonwealth countries and in America and Canada English is the only language spoken although they may have other languages which will be a minority.
However, it was different with India since we already had fully developed languages and scripts in different regions and they were all being used extensively by people inspite of the influence of English language.
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Things successful tech executives do before breakfast.
That's the point. Sticking to your life style chosen by you will certainly be beneficial in the long run.. Teething troubles will be there. Over a period they will be sorted out.
10 years ago
Manoj Kumar Lamba replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
rambabu wrote:
English is considered as International language. It's a Global means of communication. Many countries , where in English is not understood also prefer English.
That's why English is preferred over Hindi, also we are getting many jobs from other countries who like their work to be complete in English. Many BPO's, private companies who deal with foreign countries seek for people who can communicate well in English. So for job purpose also people prefer English over Hindi.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Things successful tech executives do before breakfast.
Of course the list is just that, one cannot follow that because we have our own lifestyles and priorities and many of us who are busy with work cannot even stick to any one morning schedule because there are always days when you may have to change your routine or too tired to do what you normally do !
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is Hangry ?.
Aha.. Then rush to your kitchen and have a sumptuous food. It will control both your anger and Hunger.
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is the meaning of prayer?.
I agree. If at all God is there whom people believe, it is not necessary to give a list of what you want. Do you tell your Mother or father about your wants ? They now better than you about your wants.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic OROP Announced by the Government after 42 years of deadlock !.
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:
usha manohar wrote:
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:
rambabu wrote:
vijay wrote:
The thread initiator had written that Indira Gandhi had scrapped the OROP in 1973. @Gulshan says it was because of third pay commission abolishing the then prevailing system of pension calculation that the need for OROP arose in 1973. I tend to agree with Gulshanji's views as it is the correct position. I feel the references provided by @Rambabu and @Usha are not correct for which they are in no way responsible. Web based information portals are many times not reliable as they are not authenticated. My reason for pointing it out is to set the record straight as otherwise wrong information goes through. There was no OROP in 1973 and thus it could not have been scrapped.
Is there any basis for your info that there was no OROP in 1973?
I an a retired Defence employee. I was involved in pay fixation of 1973 pay commission report. Up to 1973, the army soldiers did not have any graded pay scales. Their pay was fixed according to chart showing pay on basis of lenghth of service and rank. This ensured that even if some body is promoted late, he would get the same pay as another promoted earlier but having same length of service. Similarly pension was fixed. The third c pay commission introduced pay scales. The pension is based on average emoluments in the last ten months. The pay commissions revise pay and pension in such a way that new comers gain more. So the old ones are relative losers. It is hence the system at fault and no individual including Indira Gandhi. It is not possible to give link as traditionally, all information about defence even pay scales are considered secret and the literature/ books are not available in market unlike civil books.
So in your opinion, this link and the Koshyari committee report has no relevance ??? And as the head of the nation, how is it that Indira Gandhi becomes blameless, that is news to me ! Is this something happens in a Congress led government because I see the same people blaming Modi all saffron deeds !!!
‘One Rank One Pension’ more widely known by its acronym OROP, until 1973, was the basis for deciding pension of Indian Armed Forces Personnel [1] In 1973, in the wake ofThird Central Pay Commission (3CPC), when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, and Jagjivan Ram was Defense Minister, the Indian National Congress Government, “took ex-parte decision against the One Rank One Pension formula”. One Rank One Pension (OROP) since then has become a contentious issue
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshyari_Committee_Report_On_Grant_Of_One_Rank_One_Pension
The report does not contradict me. I just mentioned that prior to 1973, the pay of soldiers as well pension were based on table according to rank and length of service. So there was already one rank one poension before 1.1.1973. AQfter implementation of pay commission report 1973, there were pay scales and pension based on average emoluments. So the anamolies began. But the fauklt lies with Third pay commission and not Indira Gandhi. Even though the third pay commission ended one rank one pension, there were overall improvements.
You are contradicting yourself...Either way according to many links and articles it is a fact that OROP was very much n existence until 1973 when Indira Gandhi and her team decided to scrap it and now rightly or wrongly it has been restored and as Chinmoy points out this may probably lead to some more demands that are unjustified, we can only wait and watch what the outcome would be !
10 years ago
Neha Sadana liked a reply to the topic Doing actions without expectations! Is this possible?.
10 years ago
Neha Sadana replied to the topic What is Hangry ?.
Good to know this new word Hangry! Actually I am feeling Hangry!!!
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
English is considered as International language. It's a Global means of communication. Many countries , where in English is not understood also prefer English.
10 years ago
Neha Sadana replied to the topic What is the meaning of prayer?.
Right Sir, Prayer is an expression of thanks to that shape less, formless, infinite power. I dont think you have to tell your problems and difficulties to God. He dont need to know anything. If all events are happening according to his wish then what is the idea of telling and sharing your problems to him.
10 years ago
Manoj Kumar Lamba replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
Before Independence, Britishers used English as a major language so that they can easily understand what is going on in the country. In all offices, English was used to complete the work. But after Independence, Hindi was declared as official language. In 1950 it was decided that the use of English will be ended by 1965. But as in south Hindi is not understood by most of the people, in 1963 it was decided to continue with both English and Hindi.
As we know if we go outside India or we want to communicate with foreign people we have to use English, so English is gaining its ground while Hindi is loosing its ground in our country.
10 years ago
ABSIVAKUMAR created new article Living by the ideal of Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.
Steeve Jobs was the genius who gave the world a range of Information Technology based products, and the world has been totally different since then. Try as hard as they might, the competitors of Apple Computers, he firm Steeve Jobs founded and took to great heights, is the number one Information Tecnhology in the world, in terms of business excellence and sheer depth of innnovation.
Be that as it may, the late Steeve Jobs continues to inspire a whole lot of followers throughout the world. No where is this evident than in India, where there are a number of artilcles in literally every single Indian language, about how his Managerial and Leadership Styles brought about a significant change to the whole workforce.
Among several of his ideas, the most profound is one speech that he delivered at the Stanford University, USA. "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" was the subject of the subject, but this main idea, had two related ideas -- connecting the dots, and look around, don't settle.
As regards the first idea, that is, connecting the dots, one has to understand the idea in a wider context. Steeve Jobs did not attend college, and was a college drop out. However, he had a very fertile mind that kept looking for the unknown, and he went on to learn caliography. He mentions during the course of his speech, that "dots" refer to events in one's life. Yes, the fact remains that certain things started to fall in place in Steeve Jobs's life.
For example, the skills in caliography helped him to design some of the most fascinating computers in the world. However, for each one of us, it is pertinent to note that we need to pick up a basket of skills and then go on exploring new options.
There are several examples. The most glaring examples are that of the great genius called A.R. Rahman and another genius whose name is Kamal Hasan. The first genius was and is a great music director. The latter is a world famous actor, who has acted in many Indian languages, but whose mother tongue is Tamil. Both have excellent records and have won the Oscar award and several National awards.
However, what is common to each of them, is the passion that both of them bring to work. The most important aspect of such a passion is to pick up a whole range of skills pertinent to their won field of specialization and then go about systematically exploiting each of these skills. The basket of skills is what can be called the "dots". For instance, A R Rahman specializes in what is famously called "fusion" music. He combines a whole range of instrumental music with the most finer aspects of carnatic music, and brings out stunning tunes, some of which have become huge hits. In fact, he is known all over the world, as he has now gone as far as Hollywood movies.
Kamal Hasan is another rare genius. He has started acting from a very young age. He has not had any formal education. Yet, he speaks English, with the most sophisticated command over the language. He is a dancer, a singer, a superb actor, producer and even director. His "Vishwaroopam", a movie that was released a couple of years ago, went on to become a huge hit.
Connecting the dots in Kamal Hasan's life would correspond to how each of these skills have made such a huge authority on world cinema, and his knowledge about Cinema throughout the world. Curious to know what is going on around the world, is not something that is common to most of us. Yet, this curiosity can transform into something that is so profound, as we will discover a whole range of "dots" that will simply connect beautifully in our life as well.
There are such examples in the Information Technology industry. A huge number of start ups in the Dot Com industry, for example, have been able to exploit the convenience factor, that is so much vital to the customers. Each and every product that is sold online adds value to the customer in terms of reduced petrol costs, saving on time and of course, money. How this has become possible, can and should be the subject of a whole range of research for Management pundits.
So, if we do acquire a whole ranges of skills, we can also discover that we have several "dots" that will connect at some point in time.
The second and most important point is regarding "don't settle". This simply means that we should find out what really interests us and what we love to do. Once this is done, we should be able to exploit each of the skills we have to do what we are really passionate about.
In several Tamil Brhmin families, we notice a profound trend to encourage those endowed with a good voice, to take to singing as a career. Of course, such children are given some basic education, but singing becomes a passion, and a very lucractive passion, when they reach a particular level of specializaiton and excellence. Some of the best Carnatic musicians, both vocal and instrumental, are all Tamil Brahmins. To some extent, this is genetic. However, what is most important is that the communtiy alone doe not make it. Those who have good voices do not take up singing as a career, because they are not able to take the risks involved and also do the huge amount of hard work, extending to as much as two decades.
So, "dont settle" has a very profound message in as much as we all need to find out what exactly we love doing, and then go about doing it. The parents of severalk lakhs of young people, also need to understand the most important thing -- do not impose your will on your children. Allow each of them to discover their own inner calling.
The third idea of "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" caps the first two profoundly important ideas. This simply means that we all should be hungry to learn more, to go after the unknown and the whole range of skills and knowledge that we all need to acqure in a much wider context.
Once our ego overtakes us, we feel that we have conquered the world. There is nothing much to learn, is what we all think. However, the present world is so much transient. We cannot rest on ur lawrels. We need to understand that we all need to acquire new skills and knowledge and keep on learning. When we stay "foolish", we go on exploring the new, the spirit of unknown.
So, when we stay hungry and stay foolish, we will be innovative and seek to do new things. This is the most significant message of Steeve Jobs. Even by taking simple baby steps we would be really innovating like Steeve Jobs, in our own little ways. So, let us all do it.
10 years ago
ABSIVAKUMAR created new article Promoting communal harmony.
Everyone -- every Indian -- anywhere in the world, needs to be proud of our cultural heritage and, be very proud of the fact that we as a Nation, stand out when it comes to coming out of all troubles. How is that we tolerate corruption, brave floods, famines, droughts, inflation, and what have you, and yet be religious, celebrate all festivals and also create goodwill through a series of good actions?
Just around a month ago, there was a very interesting news item in THE HINDU, a leading Newspaper in English, and possibly India's best newspaper, published from Chennai. This superb story was carried on the front page, along with a photograph. A small little girl, who had studied upto plus two standard and had scored good marks, had applied to the Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and had an interview call to appear before the Selection Committee in Coimbatore city. Unknowingly, and with wrong guidance, they were spotted at Anna University, main campus, at Guindy, in Chennai. A group of IT professionals who were on their morning walk, noticed the girl and the mother and enquired as to what was happening. The girl narrated the story and showed the call letter.
The professinals immediately sprung into action. They told the mother and the girl, that they would have to reach Coimbatore. They booked the two of them to fly to Coimbatore city, informed the Registrar of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to help the girl, even if she came a bit late, arranged for transport and food to reach the venue in Coimabotore city, on time, and ensured that the girl got her seat.
This touching story of human compassion needs to discussed in all social media, and the IT professionals need to be rewarded by the State Government or some other organization. The particular girl and her mother referred to the IT professinals as "God" in human form.
This is the essence of life. When we do something good, irrespective of caste or creed or religion or region, the entire society will stand to benefit. We will have put into the background, all the muck that is there in our heads. We are all human beings capable of love and compassion and kindness and generosity. We, at times, are also prone to be very violent and selfish and also greedy. We forget our basic strengths.
Only because we have our own differences that politicians are able to play their own dirty games, like suggesting that Muslims in India should not be allowed to vote in elections.
It is a very dangerous game that politicians are playing. They are playing a stupid game that cuts across the entire societal fabric of India.
We, as a Nation, are capable of defeating all dangerous games of all politicians. We can do this, only if we observe how people in perfect harmony, in all parts of India.
The best example of such harmony can be observed in a city called Tiruchirapalli, in Central India. This city of around nine lakh people, is a good educational centre. It has an IIM and a world famous NIT as well. It also has a superb Rock temple, that attracts thousands of tourists everyday from India and abroad.
Quite apart from this, is a small locality called Palakkarai, which is almost centrally located within the city limits. This locaity has a huge Muslim population, but it is not a very traditional Muslim population out there. Many of them are graduates, and a few are lawyers and even engineers.
What is unique about this locality is that one can see the Muslims respecting the Tamil Brahmins and other members of the other castes and even religions like Christians with the best of love and compassion. Even in the post-Ayodhya temple destruction throughout India, nothing happened at all in Tiruchirapalli and, particularly in Palakkarai.
What is most important is that the spirit of love and compassion and kindness knows no religion and no caste or regional differences. Only when we start appreciating the larger purpose of life, we can understand the true importance of communal harmony.
One of the simple ways in which we can promote communal harmony, is to understand people of all religions and reach out to them, in whatever ways we can. Once this is done, the rest will follow.
This fact was possibly in full evidence during a nasty fire accident in a marriage ( before the wedding could actually take place), in Srirangam, a part of Tiruchirapalli town, some ten years ago. Hearing about the commotion, a group of Muslims who were on the way to their Mosque, for prayers, voluntered themselves, rushed to the venue and saved a few precious lives. When reporters asked them whether their regular prayer schedules were not disturbed, they replied that Allah had actually planned it for them. Even Allah would not have heard their prayers if they had not gone inside the venue to save the precious lives.
This is a true story, that highlights the importance of promoting communal harmony.
The second basic step is to make the members of other religions take part in functions and festivities. When we involve others, things become far better. For instance, it is very common for Hindus to visit the famous Darga at Nagore, near Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. A huge amount of Muslims and Hindus visit the world-famous Church at Velankkanni, near Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. What really happens is that the appreciation of the larger context of harmony between all religions is so much appreciated in Tamil Nadu.
The third basic step is to step up the process of educating one and all, so that such education will defeat the evil designs of politicians and help them see reason. For instance, when the stupid suggestion of taking away the Muslim vote was made in Bombay, the very next day, most people who were interviewed by Tamil TV channels condemned it with all their might. The Hindu leaders were the first to raise their protest and a series of articles in the local press, by Hindus, made a huge attack on the political party that advocated such a stupid step. Education can indeed make a vital diference.
The fourth step is to talk to the politicians themselves through at least some right meaning representatives and help them see reason. It is a very welcome sign that even in the ruling party at the Centre, the BJP, there was a huge opposition to the idea, the very next day.
The fifth step is to use the social media and reach out to millions of people, who would understand the real importance of communal harmony and do something about it, when and if they understand its importance. This will become all the more easy when people start using the social media as a way of life. The social media is now becoming more common, even in rural areas. Facebook, for example, is very much available in many Indian languages and most exchanges takes place in local languages. Socail media is a very important tool for promoting communal harmony.
So, let us all wake up and do something about communal harmony. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels of the past.
10 years ago
Lopamudra created new article The 'Selfie' World.
I, me and myself . That’s what the society has come down to. Everything about oneself takes overriding priority over anything else in this world. Being self centered is considered to be normal and absolutely fine today!
The Journey from ‘We’ to ‘I’
We have long moved away from joint families where grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins lived harmoniously under one roof no matter what differences they had. However, at some point the differences expanded and so did the families resulting into nuclear families. It may be argued that the job requirements were also the cause. It also seemed that distance indeed makes the heart grow fonder and thus the resulting small families were not frowned upon. People visited each other with gifts in their hands and fondness in their hearts during holidays and lived their lives happily. The senior members took turns to visit their children and spend time with them. All that was fine till the time they were not too old to be able to do their own chores and till the time when these nuclear families did not become miniature families comprising of only one member, the individual himself oblivious to the rest even when staying under the same roof with others. So now, be it because of a busy schedule, work pressure, independent income, ambition to run the rat race of going up a corporate ladder, social ladder or whichever ladder, the ‘selfie’ family or the self centered family leading to a self centered world has come into existence.
The ‘make believe’ world
Social media has added to the woes as it encourages self love and self appreciation leading to a feel good world within the circle of a virtual world. Whatever be our achievements or activities in the real world, we have found a platform to boast through these sites, with elaborate, sometimes exaggerated description and pictures to endorse the same. We seem to revel in the number of ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ that give us this uplifting feeling of self worth. In the process everyone these days is glued to mobiles, tabs, laptops, i phones and all sorts of gadgets ignoring the real people in the vicinity .Even when we are sitting with them we are scrolling through the posts and comments of a make believe world.
Trends and Effects
These trends are leading to a dangerous situation where a person including children is either living in a status conscious environment or a false world which revolves around themselves and their gadgets. Competition is anything but healthy these days. The need to overtake others to reach the goals is almost the essence of life now and therefore it is done at any cost even if people are crushed on their way to success. On the other hand narcissism is on the rise. People spend hours clicking their own pictures so much so that the word ‘selfie’ has been formally included in the oxford dictionary. Interaction and visiting relatives have become passe because one can simply ‘whats-app’ to inquire about each other. Discussions in the dining table have been reduced to mere formalities in many houses. This is also leading to a lot of communication gap which in turn is leading to broken relationships and lack of empathy. One is quite contended to spend time on his own.
It’s time to wake up and look around. It’s time to see who is suffering. Our parents and the older generation is suffering who feel neglected and left out as they cannot relate to the present day mind set and because we do not have the time to hold their hands to guide them through their old age .
Our children are suffering because their childhood is passing them by and yet they do not go out and play, talk and enjoy the outside world in company of siblings, cousins and friends. They are suffering because they are unable to ask, discuss, argue and understand about the various aspects of life from their parents. They are not being encouraged to spend time, listen to stories and experiences that their grandparents would give anything to share. Many children are going through emotional turmoil since we hand them over the play stations, tabs and TV channels to spend time with in order to compromise on our own physical presence. Bullying, irritability, combativeness is commonly seen in children because of these reasons.
Lastly but most importantly we are suffering because we have become so self centered and so self opinionated that no one else seems to be more important. We are running after a mirage of contentment in terms of material gains that never seems to be anywhere close ,and so, we are always left wanting for more. We are missing out on precious years of our lives that will be gone in a jiffy as our children grow, parents leave this world and friends of the real world drift away further.
Stop and Think
It’s time to start living and cherishing all those we care for. As much as it can’t be denied that the work pressure has increased many folds to have us engrossed in our work, it is for us to make time for ourselves and to keep our sanity intact and our relationships healthy. We must know where to draw the line and what is achievable within our capabilities. Neither can it be denied that the social media has helped to get us back in touch with our long lost friends we didn’t have contact with after those school days or relatives staying in far flung areas, but one can always find time for them without neglecting the near and dear ones who are our priority. Time management is the answer. When there’s a will there’s a way. It’s time to reach out and be there for our parents, children, spouse, relatives and friends, in person so that they know us more than just a profile picture on Facebook.
10 years ago
Reena created new article Salt- An Unwanted Food Element.
Salt too like sugar is considered as a slow poison. If sugar is compared to sweet poison, then salt can be very well referred as sour poison. We add salt to most of the food items that we consume regardless of whether it is cooked food or raw food like salad. This salt which is added to various food stuffs when consumed in excess produces adverse effects on our body. To reduce these ill-effects, our kidney has to constantly throw out excess of salt from body and thus it has to work excessively. As a result of this excess of load is exerted on it. Consequently, kidney disorders develop and sometimes kidneys may even become function less.
It is true that salt adds to the flavor of food but its excessive consumption is not good for health. It is well known to all of us that in absence of salt no food can be prepared. We are so much addicted to it. We can't even imagine our meals prepared in its absence and consider it to be an important element which adds to the taste as well as considered to be important in traces for achieving good health. However, it is been proved by scientists and medical experts that for good health we do not require to consume even small traces of salt in our daily diet.
Today mankind is suffering from numerous diseases and disorders. Salt is considered to be one of the major causes of these diseases and disorders. Salt is also considered to stop absorption of calcium in body. This has resulted in weak bones and teeth. It is responsible in one way or other for causation of headache, insomnia, migraine, heart diseases, deafness, kidney disorders, hiccups, sinusitis etc..... Excessive salt consumption also play an important role in causation of cancer. It retains water in the body. This results in weight gain. Thus, dietitians often recommend to reduce daily salt intake to reduce body weight. It also increases blood pressure which is very common disorder among us today. This disorder if not treated early can cause large number of complexities and chronic diseases.
Human body only requires 1.5gm of salt per day. This requirement can be easily fulfilled by 50gm of vegetables. Fruits and vegetables we consume in our daily diet fulfills requirement of salt in our body. Thus, there is no need to consume excessive salt. Its excessive consumption has lots of disadvantages over advantages. A person who does excess of physical work requires more amount of salt in his diet. This is because his body sweats out salt and thus it has to be replenished back. If it is not done then that person will experience weakness, body pain due to its deficiency.
Many of us today suffer from insomnia. Reducing salt intake can treat this disorder completely and a person will never complain of being sleep deprived. High blood pressure patients should reduce their salt intake which will greatly help them in keeping their blood pressure within normal range. If we reduce daily consumption of salt in our diet then it will help in the improvement of our overall health. In contradiction to this, if we consume salt in excess then our body will become prone to various diseases and disorders and we need to face many complexities.
10 years ago
Neha Sadana replied to the topic Doing actions without expectations! Is this possible?.
There is always an expectation against an action either its cash or satisfaction, that depends on a person. If you feel satisfied with a particular deed or charity, you will go for it again. Sometimes you expect that satisfaction and sometime it comes of its own.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
Manoj Kumar Lamba wrote:
Before Independence, Britishers used English as a major language so that they can easily understand what is going on in the country. In all offices, English was used to complete the work. But after Independence, Hindi was declared as official language. In 1950 it was decided that the use of English will be ended by 1965. But as in south Hindi is not understood by most of the people, in 1963 it was decided to continue with both English and Hindi.
As we know if we go outside India or we want to communicate with foreign people we have to use English, so English is gaining its ground while Hindi is loosing its ground in our country.
In Places like Europe and Japan one cannot get by with English because they stick to their language ! However, in all those countries ruled by the British meaning commonwealth countries and in America and Canada English is the only language spoken although they may have other languages which will be a minority.
However, it was different with India since we already had fully developed languages and scripts in different regions and they were all being used extensively by people inspite of the influence of English language.
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Things successful tech executives do before breakfast.
That's the point. Sticking to your life style chosen by you will certainly be beneficial in the long run.. Teething troubles will be there. Over a period they will be sorted out.
10 years ago
Manoj Kumar Lamba replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
rambabu wrote:
English is considered as International language. It's a Global means of communication. Many countries , where in English is not understood also prefer English.
That's why English is preferred over Hindi, also we are getting many jobs from other countries who like their work to be complete in English. Many BPO's, private companies who deal with foreign countries seek for people who can communicate well in English. So for job purpose also people prefer English over Hindi.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Things successful tech executives do before breakfast.
Of course the list is just that, one cannot follow that because we have our own lifestyles and priorities and many of us who are busy with work cannot even stick to any one morning schedule because there are always days when you may have to change your routine or too tired to do what you normally do !
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is Hangry ?.
Aha.. Then rush to your kitchen and have a sumptuous food. It will control both your anger and Hunger.
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is the meaning of prayer?.
I agree. If at all God is there whom people believe, it is not necessary to give a list of what you want. Do you tell your Mother or father about your wants ? They now better than you about your wants.
10 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic OROP Announced by the Government after 42 years of deadlock !.
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:
usha manohar wrote:
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:
rambabu wrote:
vijay wrote:
The thread initiator had written that Indira Gandhi had scrapped the OROP in 1973. @Gulshan says it was because of third pay commission abolishing the then prevailing system of pension calculation that the need for OROP arose in 1973. I tend to agree with Gulshanji's views as it is the correct position. I feel the references provided by @Rambabu and @Usha are not correct for which they are in no way responsible. Web based information portals are many times not reliable as they are not authenticated. My reason for pointing it out is to set the record straight as otherwise wrong information goes through. There was no OROP in 1973 and thus it could not have been scrapped.
Is there any basis for your info that there was no OROP in 1973?
I an a retired Defence employee. I was involved in pay fixation of 1973 pay commission report. Up to 1973, the army soldiers did not have any graded pay scales. Their pay was fixed according to chart showing pay on basis of lenghth of service and rank. This ensured that even if some body is promoted late, he would get the same pay as another promoted earlier but having same length of service. Similarly pension was fixed. The third c pay commission introduced pay scales. The pension is based on average emoluments in the last ten months. The pay commissions revise pay and pension in such a way that new comers gain more. So the old ones are relative losers. It is hence the system at fault and no individual including Indira Gandhi. It is not possible to give link as traditionally, all information about defence even pay scales are considered secret and the literature/ books are not available in market unlike civil books.
So in your opinion, this link and the Koshyari committee report has no relevance ??? And as the head of the nation, how is it that Indira Gandhi becomes blameless, that is news to me ! Is this something happens in a Congress led government because I see the same people blaming Modi all saffron deeds !!!
‘One Rank One Pension’ more widely known by its acronym OROP, until 1973, was the basis for deciding pension of Indian Armed Forces Personnel [1] In 1973, in the wake ofThird Central Pay Commission (3CPC), when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, and Jagjivan Ram was Defense Minister, the Indian National Congress Government, “took ex-parte decision against the One Rank One Pension formula”. One Rank One Pension (OROP) since then has become a contentious issue
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshyari_Committee_Report_On_Grant_Of_One_Rank_One_Pension
The report does not contradict me. I just mentioned that prior to 1973, the pay of soldiers as well pension were based on table according to rank and length of service. So there was already one rank one poension before 1.1.1973. AQfter implementation of pay commission report 1973, there were pay scales and pension based on average emoluments. So the anamolies began. But the fauklt lies with Third pay commission and not Indira Gandhi. Even though the third pay commission ended one rank one pension, there were overall improvements.
You are contradicting yourself...Either way according to many links and articles it is a fact that OROP was very much n existence until 1973 when Indira Gandhi and her team decided to scrap it and now rightly or wrongly it has been restored and as Chinmoy points out this may probably lead to some more demands that are unjustified, we can only wait and watch what the outcome would be !
10 years ago
Neha Sadana liked a reply to the topic Doing actions without expectations! Is this possible?.
10 years ago
Neha Sadana replied to the topic What is Hangry ?.
Good to know this new word Hangry! Actually I am feeling Hangry!!!
10 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
English is considered as International language. It's a Global means of communication. Many countries , where in English is not understood also prefer English.
10 years ago
Neha Sadana replied to the topic What is the meaning of prayer?.
Right Sir, Prayer is an expression of thanks to that shape less, formless, infinite power. I dont think you have to tell your problems and difficulties to God. He dont need to know anything. If all events are happening according to his wish then what is the idea of telling and sharing your problems to him.
10 years ago
Manoj Kumar Lamba replied to the topic Will it be good to have a National Language in India?.
Before Independence, Britishers used English as a major language so that they can easily understand what is going on in the country. In all offices, English was used to complete the work. But after Independence, Hindi was declared as official language. In 1950 it was decided that the use of English will be ended by 1965. But as in south Hindi is not understood by most of the people, in 1963 it was decided to continue with both English and Hindi.
As we know if we go outside India or we want to communicate with foreign people we have to use English, so English is gaining its ground while Hindi is loosing its ground in our country.
10 years ago
ABSIVAKUMAR created new article Living by the ideal of Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.
Steeve Jobs was the genius who gave the world a range of Information Technology based products, and the world has been totally different since then. Try as hard as they might, the competitors of Apple Computers, he firm Steeve Jobs founded and took to great heights, is the number one Information Tecnhology in the world, in terms of business excellence and sheer depth of innnovation.
Be that as it may, the late Steeve Jobs continues to inspire a whole lot of followers throughout the world. No where is this evident than in India, where there are a number of artilcles in literally every single Indian language, about how his Managerial and Leadership Styles brought about a significant change to the whole workforce.
Among several of his ideas, the most profound is one speech that he delivered at the Stanford University, USA. "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" was the subject of the subject, but this main idea, had two related ideas -- connecting the dots, and look around, don't settle.
As regards the first idea, that is, connecting the dots, one has to understand the idea in a wider context. Steeve Jobs did not attend college, and was a college drop out. However, he had a very fertile mind that kept looking for the unknown, and he went on to learn caliography. He mentions during the course of his speech, that "dots" refer to events in one's life. Yes, the fact remains that certain things started to fall in place in Steeve Jobs's life.
For example, the skills in caliography helped him to design some of the most fascinating computers in the world. However, for each one of us, it is pertinent to note that we need to pick up a basket of skills and then go on exploring new options.
There are several examples. The most glaring examples are that of the great genius called A.R. Rahman and another genius whose name is Kamal Hasan. The first genius was and is a great music director. The latter is a world famous actor, who has acted in many Indian languages, but whose mother tongue is Tamil. Both have excellent records and have won the Oscar award and several National awards.
However, what is common to each of them, is the passion that both of them bring to work. The most important aspect of such a passion is to pick up a whole range of skills pertinent to their won field of specialization and then go about systematically exploiting each of these skills. The basket of skills is what can be called the "dots". For instance, A R Rahman specializes in what is famously called "fusion" music. He combines a whole range of instrumental music with the most finer aspects of carnatic music, and brings out stunning tunes, some of which have become huge hits. In fact, he is known all over the world, as he has now gone as far as Hollywood movies.
Kamal Hasan is another rare genius. He has started acting from a very young age. He has not had any formal education. Yet, he speaks English, with the most sophisticated command over the language. He is a dancer, a singer, a superb actor, producer and even director. His "Vishwaroopam", a movie that was released a couple of years ago, went on to become a huge hit.
Connecting the dots in Kamal Hasan's life would correspond to how each of these skills have made such a huge authority on world cinema, and his knowledge about Cinema throughout the world. Curious to know what is going on around the world, is not something that is common to most of us. Yet, this curiosity can transform into something that is so profound, as we will discover a whole range of "dots" that will simply connect beautifully in our life as well.
There are such examples in the Information Technology industry. A huge number of start ups in the Dot Com industry, for example, have been able to exploit the convenience factor, that is so much vital to the customers. Each and every product that is sold online adds value to the customer in terms of reduced petrol costs, saving on time and of course, money. How this has become possible, can and should be the subject of a whole range of research for Management pundits.
So, if we do acquire a whole ranges of skills, we can also discover that we have several "dots" that will connect at some point in time.
The second and most important point is regarding "don't settle". This simply means that we should find out what really interests us and what we love to do. Once this is done, we should be able to exploit each of the skills we have to do what we are really passionate about.
In several Tamil Brhmin families, we notice a profound trend to encourage those endowed with a good voice, to take to singing as a career. Of course, such children are given some basic education, but singing becomes a passion, and a very lucractive passion, when they reach a particular level of specializaiton and excellence. Some of the best Carnatic musicians, both vocal and instrumental, are all Tamil Brahmins. To some extent, this is genetic. However, what is most important is that the communtiy alone doe not make it. Those who have good voices do not take up singing as a career, because they are not able to take the risks involved and also do the huge amount of hard work, extending to as much as two decades.
So, "dont settle" has a very profound message in as much as we all need to find out what exactly we love doing, and then go about doing it. The parents of severalk lakhs of young people, also need to understand the most important thing -- do not impose your will on your children. Allow each of them to discover their own inner calling.
The third idea of "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" caps the first two profoundly important ideas. This simply means that we all should be hungry to learn more, to go after the unknown and the whole range of skills and knowledge that we all need to acqure in a much wider context.
Once our ego overtakes us, we feel that we have conquered the world. There is nothing much to learn, is what we all think. However, the present world is so much transient. We cannot rest on ur lawrels. We need to understand that we all need to acquire new skills and knowledge and keep on learning. When we stay "foolish", we go on exploring the new, the spirit of unknown.
So, when we stay hungry and stay foolish, we will be innovative and seek to do new things. This is the most significant message of Steeve Jobs. Even by taking simple baby steps we would be really innovating like Steeve Jobs, in our own little ways. So, let us all do it.
10 years ago
ABSIVAKUMAR created new article Promoting communal harmony.
Everyone -- every Indian -- anywhere in the world, needs to be proud of our cultural heritage and, be very proud of the fact that we as a Nation, stand out when it comes to coming out of all troubles. How is that we tolerate corruption, brave floods, famines, droughts, inflation, and what have you, and yet be religious, celebrate all festivals and also create goodwill through a series of good actions?
Just around a month ago, there was a very interesting news item in THE HINDU, a leading Newspaper in English, and possibly India's best newspaper, published from Chennai. This superb story was carried on the front page, along with a photograph. A small little girl, who had studied upto plus two standard and had scored good marks, had applied to the Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and had an interview call to appear before the Selection Committee in Coimbatore city. Unknowingly, and with wrong guidance, they were spotted at Anna University, main campus, at Guindy, in Chennai. A group of IT professionals who were on their morning walk, noticed the girl and the mother and enquired as to what was happening. The girl narrated the story and showed the call letter.
The professinals immediately sprung into action. They told the mother and the girl, that they would have to reach Coimbatore. They booked the two of them to fly to Coimbatore city, informed the Registrar of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to help the girl, even if she came a bit late, arranged for transport and food to reach the venue in Coimabotore city, on time, and ensured that the girl got her seat.
This touching story of human compassion needs to discussed in all social media, and the IT professionals need to be rewarded by the State Government or some other organization. The particular girl and her mother referred to the IT professinals as "God" in human form.
This is the essence of life. When we do something good, irrespective of caste or creed or religion or region, the entire society will stand to benefit. We will have put into the background, all the muck that is there in our heads. We are all human beings capable of love and compassion and kindness and generosity. We, at times, are also prone to be very violent and selfish and also greedy. We forget our basic strengths.
Only because we have our own differences that politicians are able to play their own dirty games, like suggesting that Muslims in India should not be allowed to vote in elections.
It is a very dangerous game that politicians are playing. They are playing a stupid game that cuts across the entire societal fabric of India.
We, as a Nation, are capable of defeating all dangerous games of all politicians. We can do this, only if we observe how people in perfect harmony, in all parts of India.
The best example of such harmony can be observed in a city called Tiruchirapalli, in Central India. This city of around nine lakh people, is a good educational centre. It has an IIM and a world famous NIT as well. It also has a superb Rock temple, that attracts thousands of tourists everyday from India and abroad.
Quite apart from this, is a small locality called Palakkarai, which is almost centrally located within the city limits. This locaity has a huge Muslim population, but it is not a very traditional Muslim population out there. Many of them are graduates, and a few are lawyers and even engineers.
What is unique about this locality is that one can see the Muslims respecting the Tamil Brahmins and other members of the other castes and even religions like Christians with the best of love and compassion. Even in the post-Ayodhya temple destruction throughout India, nothing happened at all in Tiruchirapalli and, particularly in Palakkarai.
What is most important is that the spirit of love and compassion and kindness knows no religion and no caste or regional differences. Only when we start appreciating the larger purpose of life, we can understand the true importance of communal harmony.
One of the simple ways in which we can promote communal harmony, is to understand people of all religions and reach out to them, in whatever ways we can. Once this is done, the rest will follow.
This fact was possibly in full evidence during a nasty fire accident in a marriage ( before the wedding could actually take place), in Srirangam, a part of Tiruchirapalli town, some ten years ago. Hearing about the commotion, a group of Muslims who were on the way to their Mosque, for prayers, voluntered themselves, rushed to the venue and saved a few precious lives. When reporters asked them whether their regular prayer schedules were not disturbed, they replied that Allah had actually planned it for them. Even Allah would not have heard their prayers if they had not gone inside the venue to save the precious lives.
This is a true story, that highlights the importance of promoting communal harmony.
The second basic step is to make the members of other religions take part in functions and festivities. When we involve others, things become far better. For instance, it is very common for Hindus to visit the famous Darga at Nagore, near Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. A huge amount of Muslims and Hindus visit the world-famous Church at Velankkanni, near Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. What really happens is that the appreciation of the larger context of harmony between all religions is so much appreciated in Tamil Nadu.
The third basic step is to step up the process of educating one and all, so that such education will defeat the evil designs of politicians and help them see reason. For instance, when the stupid suggestion of taking away the Muslim vote was made in Bombay, the very next day, most people who were interviewed by Tamil TV channels condemned it with all their might. The Hindu leaders were the first to raise their protest and a series of articles in the local press, by Hindus, made a huge attack on the political party that advocated such a stupid step. Education can indeed make a vital diference.
The fourth step is to talk to the politicians themselves through at least some right meaning representatives and help them see reason. It is a very welcome sign that even in the ruling party at the Centre, the BJP, there was a huge opposition to the idea, the very next day.
The fifth step is to use the social media and reach out to millions of people, who would understand the real importance of communal harmony and do something about it, when and if they understand its importance. This will become all the more easy when people start using the social media as a way of life. The social media is now becoming more common, even in rural areas. Facebook, for example, is very much available in many Indian languages and most exchanges takes place in local languages. Socail media is a very important tool for promoting communal harmony.
So, let us all wake up and do something about communal harmony. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels of the past.
10 years ago
Lopamudra created new article The 'Selfie' World.
I, me and myself . That’s what the society has come down to. Everything about oneself takes overriding priority over anything else in this world. Being self centered is considered to be normal and absolutely fine today!
The Journey from ‘We’ to ‘I’
We have long moved away from joint families where grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins lived harmoniously under one roof no matter what differences they had. However, at some point the differences expanded and so did the families resulting into nuclear families. It may be argued that the job requirements were also the cause. It also seemed that distance indeed makes the heart grow fonder and thus the resulting small families were not frowned upon. People visited each other with gifts in their hands and fondness in their hearts during holidays and lived their lives happily. The senior members took turns to visit their children and spend time with them. All that was fine till the time they were not too old to be able to do their own chores and till the time when these nuclear families did not become miniature families comprising of only one member, the individual himself oblivious to the rest even when staying under the same roof with others. So now, be it because of a busy schedule, work pressure, independent income, ambition to run the rat race of going up a corporate ladder, social ladder or whichever ladder, the ‘selfie’ family or the self centered family leading to a self centered world has come into existence.
The ‘make believe’ world
Social media has added to the woes as it encourages self love and self appreciation leading to a feel good world within the circle of a virtual world. Whatever be our achievements or activities in the real world, we have found a platform to boast through these sites, with elaborate, sometimes exaggerated description and pictures to endorse the same. We seem to revel in the number of ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ that give us this uplifting feeling of self worth. In the process everyone these days is glued to mobiles, tabs, laptops, i phones and all sorts of gadgets ignoring the real people in the vicinity .Even when we are sitting with them we are scrolling through the posts and comments of a make believe world.
Trends and Effects
These trends are leading to a dangerous situation where a person including children is either living in a status conscious environment or a false world which revolves around themselves and their gadgets. Competition is anything but healthy these days. The need to overtake others to reach the goals is almost the essence of life now and therefore it is done at any cost even if people are crushed on their way to success. On the other hand narcissism is on the rise. People spend hours clicking their own pictures so much so that the word ‘selfie’ has been formally included in the oxford dictionary. Interaction and visiting relatives have become passe because one can simply ‘whats-app’ to inquire about each other. Discussions in the dining table have been reduced to mere formalities in many houses. This is also leading to a lot of communication gap which in turn is leading to broken relationships and lack of empathy. One is quite contended to spend time on his own.
It’s time to wake up and look around. It’s time to see who is suffering. Our parents and the older generation is suffering who feel neglected and left out as they cannot relate to the present day mind set and because we do not have the time to hold their hands to guide them through their old age .
Our children are suffering because their childhood is passing them by and yet they do not go out and play, talk and enjoy the outside world in company of siblings, cousins and friends. They are suffering because they are unable to ask, discuss, argue and understand about the various aspects of life from their parents. They are not being encouraged to spend time, listen to stories and experiences that their grandparents would give anything to share. Many children are going through emotional turmoil since we hand them over the play stations, tabs and TV channels to spend time with in order to compromise on our own physical presence. Bullying, irritability, combativeness is commonly seen in children because of these reasons.
Lastly but most importantly we are suffering because we have become so self centered and so self opinionated that no one else seems to be more important. We are running after a mirage of contentment in terms of material gains that never seems to be anywhere close ,and so, we are always left wanting for more. We are missing out on precious years of our lives that will be gone in a jiffy as our children grow, parents leave this world and friends of the real world drift away further.
Stop and Think
It’s time to start living and cherishing all those we care for. As much as it can’t be denied that the work pressure has increased many folds to have us engrossed in our work, it is for us to make time for ourselves and to keep our sanity intact and our relationships healthy. We must know where to draw the line and what is achievable within our capabilities. Neither can it be denied that the social media has helped to get us back in touch with our long lost friends we didn’t have contact with after those school days or relatives staying in far flung areas, but one can always find time for them without neglecting the near and dear ones who are our priority. Time management is the answer. When there’s a will there’s a way. It’s time to reach out and be there for our parents, children, spouse, relatives and friends, in person so that they know us more than just a profile picture on Facebook.
10 years ago
Reena created new article Salt- An Unwanted Food Element.
Salt too like sugar is considered as a slow poison. If sugar is compared to sweet poison, then salt can be very well referred as sour poison. We add salt to most of the food items that we consume regardless of whether it is cooked food or raw food like salad. This salt which is added to various food stuffs when consumed in excess produces adverse effects on our body. To reduce these ill-effects, our kidney has to constantly throw out excess of salt from body and thus it has to work excessively. As a result of this excess of load is exerted on it. Consequently, kidney disorders develop and sometimes kidneys may even become function less.
It is true that salt adds to the flavor of food but its excessive consumption is not good for health. It is well known to all of us that in absence of salt no food can be prepared. We are so much addicted to it. We can't even imagine our meals prepared in its absence and consider it to be an important element which adds to the taste as well as considered to be important in traces for achieving good health. However, it is been proved by scientists and medical experts that for good health we do not require to consume even small traces of salt in our daily diet.
Today mankind is suffering from numerous diseases and disorders. Salt is considered to be one of the major causes of these diseases and disorders. Salt is also considered to stop absorption of calcium in body. This has resulted in weak bones and teeth. It is responsible in one way or other for causation of headache, insomnia, migraine, heart diseases, deafness, kidney disorders, hiccups, sinusitis etc..... Excessive salt consumption also play an important role in causation of cancer. It retains water in the body. This results in weight gain. Thus, dietitians often recommend to reduce daily salt intake to reduce body weight. It also increases blood pressure which is very common disorder among us today. This disorder if not treated early can cause large number of complexities and chronic diseases.
Human body only requires 1.5gm of salt per day. This requirement can be easily fulfilled by 50gm of vegetables. Fruits and vegetables we consume in our daily diet fulfills requirement of salt in our body. Thus, there is no need to consume excessive salt. Its excessive consumption has lots of disadvantages over advantages. A person who does excess of physical work requires more amount of salt in his diet. This is because his body sweats out salt and thus it has to be replenished back. If it is not done then that person will experience weakness, body pain due to its deficiency.
Many of us today suffer from insomnia. Reducing salt intake can treat this disorder completely and a person will never complain of being sleep deprived. High blood pressure patients should reduce their salt intake which will greatly help them in keeping their blood pressure within normal range. If we reduce daily consumption of salt in our diet then it will help in the improvement of our overall health. In contradiction to this, if we consume salt in excess then our body will become prone to various diseases and disorders and we need to face many complexities.
10 years ago