sharpeye

Vijyadashami By Dr Arvind Kumar Vijyadashami is observed as triumph of good over evil. Lord Rama is the symbol of good whereas Ravana symbolizes evil. The annual ritual of burning the effigies of Ravana along with his kiths and kins in different corners of India as a mark of Vijyadashami results in burning of fuel wood in hundreds of tonnes by cutting trees. Besides, effigy-burning also culminates in pollution of air. The time has come to change the mind-set and stop wasting wood and rather save trees. Ravana as symbol of evil represents our negative thoughts which should be abandoned immediately and we should take solemn pledge on this day to do good to others in word, action and deed. We should think of the poor and down-trodden segments of the society and work for their uplift. Instead of cutting trees for burning effigies, we should take pledge to plant more trees so that the demon of global warming is kept at bay and fresh air is ushered in for of all to breathe. Mo

A grateful nation celebrates today the birth anniversary of Gandh Ji, Father of the Nation. It has become a ritual with the powers that be either at the Centre or States to pay courtesy call at Rajghat and offer garlands as a token of tributes to the departed noble soul. Gandhi Ji did not lay down his life for earning these rituals. He never clamoured for any coveted office and rather led a life of an ordinary Indian peasant or a hermit. He experimented with nonviolence, truth, Satyagraha and found these ideals as worth putting into practice. He strove hard to eliminate the curse of untouchability from the India society. Today is the solemn occasion for all of us to emulate the ideals cherished by Gandhi Ji and putting even a single ideal into our practice will be real tribute to the Father of the Nation. Our dalit brethern have to be brought into the national mainstream and this task cannot be left to the Government alone but calls for our involement with sincerity and dedica