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International Volunteer Day #DrArvindKumar 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: v Voluntary community projects. v Parades, marches, or rallies. v Award ceremonies for volunteers who made significant contributions to their communities. v “Time donation” campaigns that involve people pledging hours of voluntary service to specific projects. v Companies launching voluntary programs as part of their corporate responsibility. v Volunteer competitions. v Activities and events for the day help promote the impact of volunteering and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, via volunteering to: v Help eradicate poverty. v Achieve universal primary...

World Disability Day 3rd December is celebrated as International Disability Day i.e. day Persons with Disabilities promoted by the  United Nations  since 1992. 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, and lack equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, health...

Beginning of New Era: WorldToiletDay 2014, 19 November #Dr.ArvindKumar Does your town need new public toilets? Are the toilets safe and accessible, clean and well-maintained? Is there an appropriate ratio of toilets for men and women, or ‘potty parity’? Discuss about toilets with your local representative today. According to 2008 estimates, 466 million people lack access to improved water sources and 1.87 billion people lack access to improved sanitation in Asia and the Pacific. Unrestrained access to safe and potable water is vital for human life. Inadequate access to improved sanitation facilities, coupled with poor hygienic practices, allows diseases to spread, leading to impoverishment and diminished opportunities. The word “toilet” was considered a taboo and the sanitation crisis was largely ignored by the media. In the humanitarian sector, the subject of water and sanitation was bundled into one agenda called WatSan. This resulted in sanitation being oversha...

Children’s Day #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: One third of the world’s children living in poverty are in India; Every 6th girl-child’s death is due to gender discrimination, also known as female ...

Can Religion Transform Public Diplomacy? Religion is potent source of peace, righteousness; and virtues. Religion can play positive role in nation-building, ending conflicts between nations, and prove humanitarian assistance for all whose lives are negatively impacted by war, poverty, illiteracy, human rights violations, natural disasters and religious extremism. Religious leaders should guide their followers in right earnest. Religious leaders must exercise their leadership, and engage in partnership with diplomatic initiatives, to bring about a cessation of violence against humanity, to work to confront and end religious extremism in all its forms, the domination of one religion over another and the domination of one nation over another. The religious leaders are resourceful in moulding public opinion on vital social issues. Hence they must be actively involved with stakeholders and decision-makers in the global community. And religious leaders must be seen as equal partner...

Rainbow of Life Life is like a rainbow wherein every colour manifests its own meaning There are three types of growth – vertical, horizontal and towards roots. The phenomenon of the vertical growth is usually represented by movement from inward to outward. However, the movement from outward to inward is called realization of inner instincts, which follows Salmon-like path. Undoubtedly, Salmon’s journey from the sea to freshwater is unusual, epic and fraught with dangers; nevertheless, it is full of dedication and passion for water. The inward human journey leads to the inner world which is full of thoughts, feelings and ideas; hitherto hidden world that creates and sustains experiences. Deep exploration of this inner world paves path for enlightenment, the ultimate goal of life. The quest for enlightenment is traversable through four paths – Pleasure, Security, Virtue and Freedom – which are called the four “purusharthas” in Vedanta: Kama, Artha, Dharma and Moksa #HumanJ...

World Postal Day 2014 According to Edouard Dayan DG of the Universal Postal Union “On this World Post Day, we should remember the fundamental values of the Post and the numerous public services it offers to people everywhere, which contribute to the economic development of countries.” The UPU was established in the Berne on 9th October, 1874. The main objective of union was to maintain and create the structure for open flows of the worldwide mail around world. In many of the global countries and organizations, the ministers or the high ranking officials issue the proclamations or make their speech on achievements or the history of the international or national postal services. The postal services may issue the unique postal stamps to commemorate the history, achievements or the ideals of national postal service on the World Post Day. All these are respected by the philatelists and stamp collectors. Further to it, unusual education on these topics can be prepared for school ...

Subh Vijyadashami Vijyadashami is observed as triumph of good over evil. Vijayadashami  or  Dussehra. 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 pollution and clean environment for all of us. We should take solemn pledge on this day to do well 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. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin Lord Rama is the symbol of good whereas Ravana symbolizes evil. The annual ritual of burning the effigies of Ravana along with his kids 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 ...

Remembering Gandhi Ji & Shastriji 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 brethren have to be brought into the national mainstream and this task cannot be left to the Government alone but calls for...

Clean India Movement:  Will this break the Ice and Change Mindset? Tackling water-related problems requires collective efforts and these problems affect all of us and it is through our collective responsibility that we should resolve these problems. The IWF wishes to focus the attention of government and civil society towards the urgency for envisaging water use efficiency, You can be a part of this collective endeavour by becoming a JAL MITRA and requested to join ‘ Clean India Movement’ as a citizen of India need to pledge! Not to throw any garbage or any waste on road/water bodies, only put it in the dustbin or location provided for the same. According to Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw Deputy Executive Director, UNEP “the issue of sanitation should be seen as a social, economic and environmental opportunity rather than a challenge & thus can afford revenue raising possibilities rather than being perceived as a cost and a burden on economies”, commented on 21 June 2014 a...

India-China Heralding New Era In one sign that India wants the Xi visit to be a success, New Delhi asked the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to reschedule an event in the capital so that it would not clash with the Chinese president's trip there on Friday. More can be done in this by further strengthening our strategic communication; enhancing mutual trust and confidence; showing sensitivity to each other`s concerns and interests; continuing to maintain a climate of peace, stability and tranquility in our relations; and, seizing the opportunities for bilateral cooperation and international partnership.  The two leaders Mr Modi and Mr  Xi have the opportunity to craft a new kind of relationship between great powers that is very different from the Western-dominated, post-World War Two model of great power ties. For enhancing and further strengthening bilateral relations, mutual sensitivity should be there for each other’s concerns and aspirations, following t...

Environmental Refugees By Dr Arvind Kumar With the vast majority of the 2.3 billion people projected to be added to the world by 2050 being born in countries where water tables are falling, water refugees are likely to become commonplace. Villages in northwestern India are being abandoned as aquifers are depleted and people can no longer find water. Millions of villagers in northern and western China and in northern Mexico may have to move because of a lack of water. A final category of environmental refugee has appeared only in the last 50 years or so: people who are trying to escape toxic waste or dangerous radiation levels. It is high time to stem the tide of environmental refugees by working with developing countries to restore their economy's natural support systems—the soils, the water tables, the grasslands, the forests—and to help people break out of poverty. People normally seldom leave their homes, their families, and their communities unless they have no ...

Beggary a Social Stigma: Poverty or Mindset Developing countries like India’s economic growth is quite visible through infrastructural and industrial growth in metros but the same is overshadowed by the poor plight of beggars in these cities, Social security in develop countries prevent begging for some extent but enable to change their mindset.  According to a study in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, "(70%) of beggars stated that they would prefer a minimum-wage job, typically citing a desire for a 'steady income' or 'getting off the street.' However, many felt they could not handle conventional jobs because of mental illness, physical disability or lack of skills." Begging has been restricted or prohibited at various times and for various reasons, typically revolving around a desire to preserve public order or to induce people to work rather than to beg for economic or moral reasons. Various European Poor Laws prohibit...

Happy Teachers' Day Since 1962, India has been celebrating Teachers' Day on 5th September as a symbol of tribute and honor to the contribution made by teachers to the society. They are capable to influence and mold a student's life positively. Children are the country's future, hence they need to be positively nurtured and that is done best by teachers as children get inspired by their teachers. Teachers enlighten students and shape their career. This day is also celebrated to honor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great teacher, academic philosopher and India's Second President as he was born on the same day in 1888. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a strong supporter of education. Instead of celebrating his birthday separately he requested to observe the day as Teachers' Day to give honor to all the teachers in India. This appeal demonstrated his love for the teaching profession and since then 5th September is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India. Each o...

Avoid Plastic and Save Environment Plastic is like a common commodity which is essential in our daily lives. Bakelite, nylon and rubber are some examples of synthetic plastics. Almost everything is made of plastic! They are very convenient to use because of their malleability and plasticity. They can be easily moulded by heating. Plastic product may be non-toxic, but some small amounts of the chemicals remain trapped in the product. As a result, when these plastics come in contact with food stuffs, the chemicals mix with the food which we subsequently consume. Plastics are non-biodegradable solids. When we burnt, they release some toxic fumes which cause ozone depletion and pollution; many chemicals are released into the air as well as into water. All these bear hazardous environmental consequences. Plastics are made of crude oil and can be used as fuel. One litter of hydrocarbon is produced from one kilogram of plastic waste. Over 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year w...

Dr. Arvind Kumar Season for religious festivities has set in and this phenomenon is an annual feature which is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by the devotees by preparing idols of their chosen deities and holding processions. The festivals of Ganesh Chathurthi and Durga Puja are of specific significance because their celebrations entail preparing of idols of Ganeshji or Ganapati Bappa during Ganesh Chathurthi and the idol of Goddess Kali is prepared and decorated beautifully during the Durga Puja.  The idols of the deities are prepared from the clean and pure earthly soil and thereafter these idols are beautifully decorated with different colours. There takes place a sort of competition among different groups to prepare the most attractive idol of their deity. The colours used in beautifying the idols of the deities contain harmful chemical ingredients. Once the celebrations are over, these idols are immersed in the nearby water bodies like rivers, la...

Despite its growing prosperity, India has the highest burden of malnutrition in the world. Malnutrition is an underlying cause of almost half of all child deaths, and, for those children who survive, leads to cognitive impairment that prevents tens of millions of children from ever reaching their potential due to water quality and depletion of water resource, lack of nutrition in soil and food items. Climate change can have both direct and indirect human health impacts. Direct impact is heat and cold related stress. Indirect impacts arise from changes in temperature patterns, which may disturb natural ecosystems, change the ecology of infectious diseases, harm agriculture and fresh water supplies, exacerbate air pollution levels, and cause large-scale reorganization of plant and animal communities. As the economist Dean Spears has written, “Because the problems that prevent children from growing tall also prevent them from growing into healthy, productive, smart a...

Need for Water and Soil Conservation Media reports indicate that in the aftermath of recent floods, China has begun to review its old laws relating to water and soil conservation and revise them accordingly to provide comprehensive protection for land and water resources in planning, controls and monitoring.  In the aftermath of recent Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh  tragedy and current floods affecting Uttar Pradesh,  Bihar and other parts of the country, the current scenario calls for revision of old laws pertaining to water and soil conservation in view of the increased industrial and urbanization activity. The loss of soil and water portends grave threats to the ecology, food safety and flood control. With a view to keep pace with fast changing economic and social development and environmental requirements following measures need to be accorded priority while amending existing laws on water and soil conservation: Ø Proper coordination between an...

Happy Janmashtami Krishna Janmashtami is the birth (Janma) anniversary of Lord Krishna. According to the legend of the birth of Krishna, Vishnu incarnated himself as Krishna to destroy the evil Kansa who was harassing mankind. During Janmashtami, The main celebrations are held at the Dwarkadhish temple, Mathura in the form of Jhulanotsava and the Ghatas during the entire month of Shravan. The ghatas are a unique feature of the month long celebrations. The temples and the Lord Krishna`s statue are decorated in the same colour as the colour of the ghatas. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan wear a festive look and spirit of devotion runs high among the people. There are about 400 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in this sacred city and the major festivities are held at the Banke Bihari, Rangaji, Shri Krishna Balram temple and Gopinath temple. The Raslila of Braj is thematically the basis of many performing arts. Professional drama troupes or even young children perform Rasl...