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#MerryChristmas #Xmas #Merry #IndiaWaterFoundation

Spread Message of Love By Dr Arvind Kumar 25 December is celebrated as the holy day of Christmas to commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was born, as a tiny baby to restore the friendship between God and humanity, and to bring hope and joy and love to the world. Christmas is more than a charming story. It is, should be, a life-changing experience as well as a celebration. Yet in much of Christian World today there is a growing crave for materialistic possessions and the ideals of Christianity – love and compassion – are being replaced by Epicurean notions of eating, drinking and merry-making. Eating and drinking and making merry are fine, of course, but Christmas is a time to persuade people to part with more money for the poor and neglected segments of the society. Santa Claus (Father Christmas) has been hijacked as a super-salesperson for aggressive marketing. Instead of reverent, melodious Christmas carols, the air is filled with the sound of tinkling Muzak with cringe-...

Farmers’ Day By Dr Arvind Kumar “Plight of farmers in India has become very critical in recent decades. Small farmers are reeling under appalling debt and many of them commit suicide for being not able to repay the debt”. 23 December is celebrated as Kisan Divas or Farmers’ Day to commemorate the memory of Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose life reflected his peasantry background and he understood problems of the farmer and did his best to help them. There is a need to equip farmers with latest technological accessories that augment the prospects of better output and thus make their contribution more prominent in the global economy. Better results could be attained if information centers having state-of-the -art facilities are set-up inside each village that shed light on issues related with farmers. Let’s not forget that they form the backbone of the nation and so it becomes imperative for us to be conscious of their needs. Both the Central and state governments should come ou...

Sashastra Seema Bal Golden Jubilee Raising Day By Dr Arvind Kumar 20th December marks the 50th Raising Day (Golden Jubilee) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which was set up in early 1963 in the wake of the Indo-China conflict to inculcate feelings of national belonging in the border population and develop their capabilities for resistance through a continuous process of motivation, training, development, welfare programmes and activities in the border areas. In the past Fifty years of its existence, SSB has endeavoured to present a benign face of the government among border populace in the far flung and inaccessible areas subscribing to the ethos of Service, Security and Brotherhood. The local populace always found SSB standing steadfastly with them during difficult times. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on reforming the National Security System, SSB was declared as a border guarding force and lead intelligence agency (LIA) for Indo-Ne...

International Day for South-South Cooperation By Dr Arvind Kumar 19 December is observed as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation annually to commemorate the date when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly endorsed a plan of action in 1978 to promote and implement technical cooperation among developing countries. In 1978 the UN General Assembly established the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation to promote, coordinate and support South-South and triangular cooperation on a global level. It was on 23 December 2003 that the UN General Assembly declared 19 December as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation to mark the date when the Assembly endorsed the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries. The Assembly also called upon all UN organizations and other institutions to enhance their efforts to mainstream the use of South-South cooperation in designing, formulating, and implemen...

The diplomatic row between India and the United States over the arrest of Indian diplomat is a sad development for the future of Indo-US relations. The crisis got triggered with the sudden arrest and temporary detention in New York on 11 December this year of Devyani Khobragade, an Indian deputy consul general, on the charge of visa fraud and false statements in connection with household employee’s visa application. Such a bizarre behavior on the part of US authorities is unbecoming of a great power and it sets bad precedent for the diplomats of other countries posted in Washington or New York. More civilized behavior is expected from Washington, which needs to come out of its Cold War mind-set and cowboy mentality. #CowboyMentality #COldWar #NEwyork #Visafraud #Indo #Us #Relations

International Migrants Day By DrArvind Kumar 18 December is observed as the UN International Migrants Day every year to acknowledge the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide. It was on 4 December 2000 that the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed December 18 as International Migrants. On that day, a decade earlier, the assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. International Migrants Day recognizes the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide. Each year the UN invites governments, organizations, and individuals to observe International Migrants Day by distributing information on the human rights and migrants’ fundamental freedoms. People are also invited to share their experiences and contribute to designing action plans to ensure their protection. Organizations actively involve...

Reviving Traditional Wisdom Environmental consciousness was preached by our ancestors preached, our parents taught it to us, the West is adopting it and are we abandoning it. Conserving water, switching off light when not required, patiently folding used wrapping paper and storing it under their mattress for reuse etc. were some steps the undertook by older generation as part of environmental consciousness. There was hardly any waste generated in a typical household. Everything was used and reused until it fell apart. The new generation is disinterested in reusing paper bags anymore. They don't even want to be seen conserving. They now have the power to waste, and want to flaunt it. As India's economic boom has transformed it from a global laggard into one of the world's key emerging powers, the new generation of Indians finally arrived — in business, science, and politics. Indian diasporas in the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia are among the riches...

WTO Deal By Dr Arvind Kumar India’s refusal to accept a four-year ‘peace clause’ for ostensibly breaching farm subsidy caps under the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) has been vindicated at at the recently held meeting of WTO at Bali (Indonesia). The germane issue here is not about our sovereign right to provide unlimited agricultural subsidies or to keep them insulated from the global rules of trade. The problem lies – and those accusing India of having played a deal-breaking role would do well to take a closer look at them – in the AoA’s rules itself, which are hopelessly flawed and outdated. Fortunately, the Indian position – that the ‘peace clause’ remains in force until a permanent solution is found to food security and, indirectly, the farm subsidy computation issue – has prevailed at the Bali ministerial meet. It is a just victory. However, civil societies in Asia are calling for an end to the WTO and pushing for alternatives. #WTO #India #C...

Mandela’s Legacy Dr Arvind Kumar With the passing away of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost ‘an icon of the 20th century and a leader who had a larger-than-life figure. He will always be remembered for insisting on the dignity of all humanity, and for refusing to give in to baser instincts. He brought an end to apartheid without sparking a civil war, an outcome many thought inevitable. With is passing away, South Africa has lost its father; the world has lost a hero and one of the greatest humans of our time. He was a towering figure who dedicated his entire life to establishing and defending the noble values. Sadly, our contemporary world has seen few figures of the calibre of Nelson Mandela. His tenacity in the face of overwhelming opposition and his unswerving commitment to the value and importance of human dignity and integrity will continue to find him a unique place in human history. He set a precedent by relinquishing his office after the tenure was over. Similar exam...

International Mountain Day By Dr Arvind Kumar Mountaineering and explorations societies generally hold lectures and social events on or around 11 December. This year, according to the theme for IMD "Mountains - Key to a Sustainable Future". In the wake of melting of Himalayan glaciers at a fast pace and recurrence of natural disaster like cloud-bursts, landslides and flash floods, there is dire need to preserve mountains and generate awareness among the people inhabiting hilly regions to preserve mountains by growing more trees. Various activities are organized on and around this day with the objective of increasing awareness of and knowledge around the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general population and professionals. The observance of the day strives to achieve a stronger engagement of all actors and the civil society with a view to mobilising resources to improve the livelihoods of mountain communities. Mountains are the water towers of...

Human Rights Day 2013 By Dr Arvind Kumar In order to safeguard human rights and make people aware of their rights world wide, 10th December is observed annually to mark the United Nations' (UN) Human Rights Day anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Events focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on and around December 10 are held worldwide. Most of these events aim at educating people, especially children and teenagers, on their human rights and the importance of upholding these in their own communities and further afield. The ocassion may also include protests to alert people of circumstances in parts of the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not recognized or respected, or where the significance of these rights are not considered to be important. Cultural events are also organized to celebrate the importance of human rights through music, dance, drama or fine art. Having been drafted between...

AAP—Phenomenon or Euphoria? Dr Arvind Kumar The stunning victory registered by the Aam Adami Party (AAP) at recently held assembly election in Delhi has unfolded a new chapter in the prevalent party system in India. One wonders whether the emergence of AAP is a lasting phenomenon or a euphoria that would fade away into oblivion. The UPA-1 rode the crest of power in 2004 on the plank of Aam Adami and at the fag end of its second term in power; it has swept the Aam Adami under the carpet of scams, non-governance and retardation. Emergence of political parties as an off-shoot of movements is not a new phenomenon and emergence of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Assam and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are stark examples of this phenomenon. However, AAP phenomenon entails various unanswered questions for the future like: Will it retain its present momentum? Will it be an All-India phenomenon or remain confined to the precincts of Delhi at number two/three? Will it fulfill the aspirations o...

International Volunteer Day By Dr Arvind Kumar Yesterday 5 th December was observed as the International Volunteer Day every year by the United Nations (UN). This day affords volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. As a result of the resolution A/RES/40/212 adopted by UN General Assembly on 17 December 1985, the governments world over, the UN, and civil society organizations work together with volunteers around the world to promote economic and social development. This day hopes to heighten people’s and governments’ awareness of the voluntary contributions. It also focuses on stimulating people to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad. Over the years, governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals contribute the International Volunteer Day through various activities including: Ø Voluntary community pr...

World Disability Day 3rd December is celebrated as International Day of Persons with Disabilities promoted by the  United Nations  since 1992. This year we celebrate the 21st anniversary of International Day of Persons with disability. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Over one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of disability! 15% of the world’s population is disabled and an estimated 80% of those 1 billion people live in the developing world. Around the world, persons with disabilities face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. They are disproportionately represented among the world’s poorest, ...

Drinking from plastic bottles or cups gives Migraine Attack, According to Times of India report Drinking water directly from plastic cups or bottles could be giving millions of people around the world a serious headache. New research has confirmed that a chemical in synthetic packaging triggers migraines. Bisphenol A (BPA) which has been linked to obesity , infertility and heart attacks has now been confirmed through toxicological studies to be a serious trigger for a serious prolonged bout of migraine. Researchers at the  University of Kansas Medical Center  reported a 24% increased risk for overall cardiovascular disease in men who experienced migraines  compared to those who did not including a 42% increase in heart attack risk. The findings suggest that  migraine  sufferers might be able to reduce the frequency and severity of their headaches by changing their habits. Three in every four adults aged between 18 and 65 suffered from some form...

Children’s Day By Dr Arvind Kumar Today is 14th November; the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, this day is celebrated as Children’s Day throughout the nation. Many countries, including Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, hold Universal Children's Day events on November 20 to mark the anniversaries of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, other countries hold events on different dates, such as the fourth Wednesday in October (Australia) and November 14 (India). Universal Children's Day is not observed in the United States, although a similar observance, National Child's Day, is held on the first Sunday in June. However, the plight of children in India is deplorable as can be judged from following facts: Ø   One third of the world’s children living in poverty are in India; Ø   Every 6th girl-child’s death is due to gender discrimination, also known as ...

Need for Social Transformation By Dr Arvind Kumar As Matt Taibbi puts it “organized greed always defeats disorganized democracy.” In fact, real transformation will occur when business behaves more like civil society, not the other way around. Energy and creativity of millions of ordinary people can be helpful in creating a foundation for lasting progress that will never come through top-down planning by new global elite, however well intentioned. Otherwise, it has always been civil society and government that have pressed businesses to do these things; and to exercise their influence effectively, both government and civil society need to be strong and independent. Only then can they exert sustained pressure for accountability and act from a different set of values and priorities. Transformation of the world in the image of love and justice entails deep social change and social transformation, of democracy versus plutocracy, and of people’s willingness to work together on com...

Celebrate Green Diwali By Dr Arvind Kumar The entire nation is brimming with enthusiasm and joyful spirits of the festival of lights ‘Diwali’. This festive occasion is celebrated with renewed fervour and on this occasion, people buy new house, new cloths, many houses and shops get a fresh coat of paints, and are well decorated. There is exchange of sweets and gifts among relatives and friends, business clients and partners and last but the least, buying the firecrackers. This means a huge business for the apparel industry, firecracker, paint and household items and for sweets and gifts. According to broad estimates, the budget of corporate “gift” alone exceeds Rs 3,200 crore, and the sale of firecrackers to above Rs 500 crore. In all, India spends over 5000 crore rupees for the celebration of this annual event. Excessive consumerism, high-energy consumption and air pollution through firecrackers, are the three major concerns from the environment point of view. We should celeb...

Living Well By Dr Arvind Kumar The notion of living well should not be construed in terms of leading a luxurious and cozy life. It means redesigning urban and non-urban living environments, the restitution of the local, regional and national communal goods, and a quick transition toward renewable energy at a small scale, that must be oriented to the locality and owned by the local community, without hampering the natural balance, and including wind, solar, small scale hydro and wave and local bio-fuels, not global agro fuels. It also means reallocating the massive funds destined for war in order to heal Mother Earth. Living well should aim at promoting an orderly reconstruction of the rural areas and the revitalization of communities by way of agrarian reform, education and application of eco-agricultural micro farming methods, based on native cultural and communal practices, the wealth of communities, fertile land, clean water and air. All of these approaches are in prep...

World Food Day World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1945. Ironically, about one billion people still suffer from food shortages around the world and it is the bounden duty of the international duty to take a united stand against hunger. The World Food Day theme for 2013 is “ Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and   Nutrition ” and it will be the focus of World Food Day in 2013. While asserting that the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the proportion of hungry people in the world is a pillar for achieving all eight of the globally-agreed targets with a 2015 deadline, today almost 842 million people worldwide are chronically undernourished. Unsustainable models of development are degrading the natural environment, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity that will be needed for our future food supply. When people are hungry, they ...

Global Hand Washing Day Global Handwashing Day   is a campaign to motivate and mobilize millions around the world to wash their   hands   with   soap . It takes place on October 15 of each year. The campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of hand washing with soap as a key approach to disease prevention. Hand washing with soap is the single most effective and inexpensive way to prevent  diarrhea  and acute respiratory infections (ARI), and swine flu as automatic behavior performed in homes, schools, and communities worldwide.  Pneumonia , a major ARI, is the number one cause of mortality among children under five years old, taking the life of an estimated 1.8 million children per year. Diarrhea and pneumonia together account for almost 3.5 million child deaths annually Hand-hygiene is a vital part of infection control. The process of drying hands after washing constitutes an important part of the process. Not drying one’s hands thoroughly...

Vijyadashami 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. More trees mean less polluti...