Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on Entrepreneurship:AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE ANNUAL MANAGEMENT CONVENTION OF THE MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I am delighted to participate in the inauguration of the Annual Management Convention of the Madras Management Association (MMA), Chennai. I would like to extend my greetings to the President and Members of the Association, stalwarts and distinguished members of the industry and service sector, delegates and participants of various prestigious organizations. The theme of this year's Convention "Vision to Reality - The Indian Journey" is indeed significant. As I always tell, a vision is the prime mover which leads to thinking. Thinking leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to actions and integrated actions lead to success in missions. India has a vision to transform itself into a developed nation by 2020. In the journey of India from vision to mission, contribution of people from all walks of life is necessary. The need of the hour is to sensitize people towards this journey. Hence mobilization of right type of human resources becomes the prime responsibility of managers and entrepreneurs.

Law of development

When we go through the development patterns and dynamics of connectivity between developed countries and developing countries, we find that a developed country has to market their products in a competitive way to different countries to remain as developed country. To get transformed into a developed country; the developing country is also required to market their products to other countries in a competitive way. Competitiveness has three dimensions: quality of the product, cost effectiveness and supply in time. This dynamics of competitiveness in marketing of products by developing and developed countries, called the law of development, is one of the areas which require continuous attention of entrepreneurs, managers and industry.

Co-ordination - the key to success

Management has five basic functions - Planning, Organizing, Directing, Coordination and Control. India, over the years, has acquired enormous experience in planning, organizing, directing and control. The problem is regarding coordination. This is so because economic development is a wealth generating activity. Today in the competitive world, wealth generation can occur only through innovation in technology. The greatest problem today is acquisition of technology. This technology is scattered between scientific laboratories, development agencies, production agencies, private sector, public sector and the academic institutions. Coordination of all such institutions, which are geographically separated and organizationally dispersed, is the most difficult job which a manager faces. This is an area in which the MMA can find novel methods of coordinating multiple agencies through virtual organizations to generate home grown technology for application in our products. This is the only way we can make our products competitive.

Expanding role of managers and entrepreneurs

India has demonstrated its immense capabilities and core-competence to the world with large talented manpower. On account of the green revolution, India is now self sufficient in food. The operation flood has made India, the largest producer of milk in the world. Health services have also been improved since independence with increase in life expectancy from 33 to 64 years; fall in infant mortality from 148 to 71 per thousand, and eradication of diseases like small pox, cholera through vaccination etc. Small-scale industries provide a significant percentage to the national GDP. India is in a position to design, develop and launch world-class communication and remote sensing satellites. India is having capability of building large Thermal and Nuclear power stations. Defense research has led to many significant developments in weapon systems like strategic and cruise missiles, sonar's, underwater weapons, light combat aircraft, tanks, electronic warfare systems and various armors. India has a strong base in the development of information technology and the country is progressing in hardware and software business of more than $10 billion.

Many Indian companies including MNCs are not doing well as they find it difficult to face competition, pressure and take "quick right" decisions. It is said that you cannot do business with yesterday's methods and be in business tomorrow. An effective manager gets the job done through high quantitative and qualitative standards of performance with satisfaction and high degree of commitment.

A managerial culture emphasizes rationality and control. Manager has to achieve results so that people will continue to contribute to this organization. It takes neither genius nor heroism to be a manager, but persistence, tough mindedness, hard work, intelligence, analytical ability, tolerance and goodwill. He needs to develop good leadership quality. I think, management education should transform a person to a leader. A leader is one who thinks what he can give to others instead of asking what others can do for him. The style keeps changing as the situation with the types of people. Leadership style should blend with managerial functions. The management education needs to give this ability to manage and lead the change. Indian entrepreneurs should not be just home grown industrialists but they should also become leading MNCs. Leadership with nobility and change management are the two important elements needed from Management Associations to the nation.

Development of Entrepreneurs

The key characteristics required in an entrepreneur are desire, drive, discipline and determination. I am confident that the Entrepreneurship Development Cell promote following important traits among the would be entrepreneurs :

(a) Vision and pioneering spirit.

(b) Being able to see possibilities where others do not.

(c) Always searching for new opportunities and challenges

(d) Being creative - 'able to think out of the box'.

(e) Constantly striving to do things better

(f) Confident about taking risks

(g) Proactive and focused on the future

(h) A good knowledge and skill base.

I am happy to know that the MMA has assisted small and medium entrepreneurs in management education through an Entrepreneurship Development Cell, with funding assistance from Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Germany. I am sure the MMA will continue to expand the scope of its activities through research, innovation and coordination for the larger benefit of Indian industry.

Total Quality Management

I have participated in many space and defense programmes. Putting a satellite in the orbit needs a large rocket system. Rocket system and the satellite put together will have at least 50 sub-systems and more than 80 thousand components mechanical, electrical and chemical. To put a satellite in the orbit all the systems have to work to full performance requirements. Even one sub-system or one component fails mission will be a failure. Same is true with launching of missile systems. It has to reach the required target by flying thousands of kilometers. The message I would like to convey here is that those in the programme have to learn quality of a product has to be built in during the design phase and carried forward till the test phase. It has to be constantly improved. The man who designs and manufactures must love what he does.

Entrepreneurs have to aim for total quality management that is quality design to production and testing, leading to market. This will ensure success of the product and system. I hope the Madras Management Association would aim to align the organizational management system, human resource management system and the total quality management system for promoting a successful TQM initiative by any enterprise.

Addressing the present problems

In the present context, key problem areas faced by Tamil Nadu, especially the city of Chennai, are inadequate supply of water, power, congested transportation and pollution created both by transportation and the industry. The MMA can work for a novel solution for this problem of water through developing solar energy powered seawater desalination plants which will provide a perennial source of drinking water to the city at an affordable cost. In addition, Chennai being located very near to the equatorial region has enormous sunshine, and thus is an ideal place for solar power plants which can even feed power into the grid. Also there is an urgent need for finding solution to the growing transportation problem in the city by designing innovative traffic control systems and working on pollution free automobiles. Pollution free transport systems combined with solar power based industrial units will automatically reduce the pollution in the city. There are institutions which are working on these technologies in different parts of the countries. I would suggest that the MMA should bring them together to find a lasting solution to the problem of potable water, energy, traffic congestion and pollution in the city and the State. I am sure, MMA has the potential to undertake this task and become a role model for other institutions.

Conclusion

As you are aware, our Prime Minister in his Independence Day announcements has declared a rural development programme called PURA - Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas. It involves identification of rural clusters with growth potential and creating Physical Connectivity, Electronic connectivity, Knowledge connectivity and thereby Market connectivity.

Recent experiences indicate that the economic progress of few countries particularly the developed countries is due to the contribution of large number of small entrepreneurs employing less than 50 persons in their establishments. We need such entrepreneurs in large numbers in our country for developing and transforming our village clusters into sustainable economic units. I am sure many of the entrepreneurs and managers grown by this Association will create enterprises in many PURA complexes in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu, in the coming years, improve the lifestyle of our village community and be an active partner in Developed India mission. Let us join together in building India as a developed nation and get the rightful place for India in this planet.

My best wishes to all of you. "

Begin with gratitude

A day that begins with gratitude is a day that you'll
be able to fill with positive progress. When you're
sincerely appreciative of where you
are and what you have, you'll
greatly expand your own possibilities.
Begin with a thankful thought and connect
yourself with the abundance that is all around you.
There is always something for which you can be
sincerely thankful and the simple act
of being thankful ignites a
productive momentum in your world.
Make gratitude your first response and it will soon
become an empowering perspective from which
you can achieve great things. Rather than
looking for something to criticize, look for things
to genuinely praise. Make the most positive
qualities the first things you notice in people,
in your surroundings, and in the
situations which come along.
By focusing your thoughts on the positive aspects
of your life, you cause their influence to grow. Be
grateful, and your gratitude happily
creates even more things in your life
for which you can be grateful.
The appreciation for what you have gives more
value to all that you are. The blessings you
enjoy are blessings precisely because
you see them as such.
Tap into the great reservoir of real value that is
already available to you. Live with gratitude,
and you'll create even more reasons to be thankful.

By:-Ralph Marston

Open your own door to success..

Success on any major scale
requires that you accept responsibility.
The one quality that all successful people have
is their ability to take on responsibility.
You must choose the thoughts and
actions that will lead you on to success.
Nothing will happen by itself.

It can all come your way, once you understand
that you have to make it come your way,
by your own exertions.
Find your pathway to success and begin your journey.
Your life will become what you make of it.

The golden opportunity you are seeking lies within you.
It's not in your environment.
It's not in luck or chance, or the help of others.
It's in you alone.

Opportunity is all around you.
And if the door of opportunity is closed,
you must keep on knocking on it,
and keep on knocking on it until it opens.
You'll develop your opportunity
by applying persistence to your possibilities.
Success won't come to you, you must go to it.
Become an opener of doors.

By:-Max Steingart


Madan Mohan Malaviya and the Nizam

Madan Mohan Malaviya was trying to build a good university; he had to overcome many difficulties and barriers. He worked with great determination to start the university. There was a funds crisis; but he did not get disheartened. He went from town to town, met many rich people and traders to collect donations.

He went to the Nizam of Hyderabad to request him for funds. The Nizam was furious, 'How dare You come to me for funds and that too for a Hindu University? He roared with anger and took off his footwear and flung it at Malviya.

Malviya picked up the footwear and left silently. He came directly to the market place and began to auction the footwear. As it was the Nizam's footwear, many came forward to buy it. The price went up.

When Nizam heard of this, he became uneasy. He thought it would be an insult if his footwear were to be bought by someone for a pittance. So he sent one of his attendants with the instruction, 'Buy that footwear no matter what the bidding price be!'

Thus, Malviya managed to sell the Nizam's own footwear to him, for a huge amount.

He used that money to establish the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

10 ways to increase your productivity

1.Write out a to-list each day and set a timer for each of your tasks.
2.Prioritize work as per criticality of the tasks assigned.
3.Provide and seek consistent feedback.
4.Stick to guidelines.
5.Use a team approach to problem-solving & help your colleagues.
6.Find different ways of doing things.
7.Be self reliant; do not depend on others to complete minor tasks.
8.Be fair and consistent at your work.
9.Get rid of time wasters like instant messengers, promotional phone calls, and extraneous Internet surfing.
10.Repeatedly ask yourself, “Am I currently making the best possible use of my time?”

How to start your day with a Positive Attitude

1. Open a new file in your PC .

2. Name it " Boss "

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Boss permanently? "

6. Answer calmly, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly....

7. Feel better?

Difference between a Team and a Group

Many people used the words team and group interchangeably, but there are actually a number of differences between a team and a group in real world applications. A number of leadership courses designed for the corporate world stress the importance of team building, not group building, for instance.

A team's strength depends on the commonality of purpose and inter connectivity between individual members, whereas a group's strength may come from sheer volume or willingness to carry out a single leader's commands.

It is often much easier to form a group than a team. If you had a room filled with professional accountants, for example, they could be grouped according to gender, experience, fields of expertise, age, or other common factors.

Forming a group based on a certain commonality is not particularly difficult, although the effectiveness of the groups may be variable. A group's interpersonal dynamics can range from complete compatibility to complete intolerance, which could make consensus building very difficult for a leader.

A team, on the other hand, can be much more difficult to form. Members of a team may be selected for their complementary skills, not a single commonality. A business team may consist of an accountant, a salesman, a company executive and a secretary, for example.

Each member of the team has a purpose and a function within that team, so the overall success depends on a functional interpersonal dynamic. There is usually not as much room for conflict when working as a team.

The success of a group is often measured by its final results, not necessarily the process used to arrive at those results. A group may use equal parts discussion, argumentation and peer pressure to guide individual members towards a consensus. A trial jury would be a good example of a group in action, not a team. The foreperson plays the leadership role, attempting to turn 11 other opinions into one unanimous decision. Since the jury members usually don't know one another personally, there is rarely an effort to build a team dynamic. The decision process for a verdict is the result of group cooperation.

A team, by comparison, does not rely on "group think" to arrive at its conclusions. An accident investigation team would be a good example of a real world team dynamic. Each member of the team is assigned to evaluate one aspect of the accident.

The team's expert on crash scene reconstruction does not have to consult with the team's expert on forensic evidence, for example. The members of a team use their individual abilities to arrive at a cohesive result. There may be a team member working as a facilitator for the process, but not necessarily a specific leader.

Group building can literally take only a few minutes, but team building can take years. Individual members of a group often have the ability to walk away from the group when their services or input become unnecessary. A team member's absence can seriously hamper the abilities of other team members to perform effectively, so it is not uncommon for individual members to form an exceptionally strong allegiance to the team as a whole. An elite military unit such as the US Navy SEALS or the Army Rangers could be considered examples of team building at its best.

I’m Blessed indeed

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl,
And I wish I were as fair.
She seemed so happy, I envied her.
And then, suddenly, she rose to leave,
And I saw her hobble down the aisle,
She had one leg and wore a crutch,
But as she passed, she smiled.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two legs, I am blessed indeed. The world is mine!
Later, walking down the street,
I saw a man with eyes of blue.
But just stood and watched others play.
So, I stopped a moment and then I said,
“Why don’t you join the others, sir?”
But then I knew he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two ears, I am blessed indeed. The world is mine!
And later, I stopped to buy some sweets,
The lad who sold them had such charm,
I talked with him. If I were late, it would do no harm.
But as I turned to go, he said to me,
“I thank you sir. You’ve been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you
But excuse me, I am blind.”
Oh God, forgive me, when I whine,
I have two eyes, I am blessed indeed. The world is mine!
With legs to take me where I want to go,
With ears to hear the things I need to know,
With eyes to watch that radiant sunset glow.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine,
I am blessed indeed! The world is mine!


कुछ अनकही शायरियाँ.........भाग 4

1.करनी है खुदा से गुजारिश तेरी दोस्ती के सिवा कोई बंदगी न मिले,
हर जनम में मिले दोस्त तेरे जैसा या फिर कभी जिंदगी न मिले।

2.जो चाहा जब भी चाहा मिला वही मुझको,
अब किसी बात का गिला नहीं मुझको

3.मत इंतज़ार कराओ हमे इतना
कि वक़्त के फैसले पर अफ़सोस हो जाये
क्या पता कल तुम लौटकर आओ
और हम खामोश हो जाएँ

4.दूरियों से फर्क पड़ता नहीं
बात तो दिलों कि नज़दीकियों से होती है
दोस्ती तो कुछ आप जैसो से है
वरना मुलाकात तो जाने कितनों से होती है

5.दिल से खेलना हमे आता नहीं
इसलिये इश्क की बाजी हम हार गए
शायद मेरी जिन्दगी से बहुत प्यार था उन्हें
इसलिये मुझे जिंदा ही मार गए

6.मना लूँगा आपको रुठकर तो देखो,
जोड़ लूँगा आपको टूटकर तो देखो।
नादाँ हूँ पर इतना भी नहीं ,
थाम लूँगा आपको छूट कर तो देखो।

7.लोग मोहब्बत को खुदा का नाम देते है,
कोई करता है तो इल्जाम देते है।
कहते है पत्थर दिल रोया नही करते,
और पत्थर के रोने को झरने का नाम देते है।

8.भीगी आँखों से मुस्कराने में मज़ा और है,
हसते हँसते पलके भीगने में मज़ा और है,
बात कहके तो कोई भी समझ लेता है,
पर खामोशी कोई समझे तो मज़ा और है!

9.मुस्कराना ही ख़ुशी नहीं होती,
उम्र बिताना ही ज़िन्दगी नहीं होती,
दोस्त को रोज याद करना पड़ता है,
क्योकि दोस्त कहना ही दोस्ती नहीं होती

The Promise of A New Day

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

To wait for someone else, or to expect someone else to make my life richer, or fuller, or more satisfying, puts me in a constant state of suspension.How tempting it is to make another person responsible for our happiness, and how absurd. To give such power to others means we're at their mercy; it does not mean we're happy. Whereas, accepting full responsibility for our own acts and feelings does give us the power to be as happy as we choose, as often as we choose. Emotional maturity precludes our blaming or praising another for our personal well-being. There is reason to be exhilarated that we are blessed with as much control as we choose to have over our own growth, happiness, and commitment to change. We're in another's control only by choice -- never by necessity. And when we've given our precious power away, we're reduced to waiting -- waiting for someone else's nod of approval, waiting for their invitation to live.The time is now to decide for myself who I am, where I'm...

Success Tips.........By Azim Premji

Lesson # 1: Always strive for excellence

There is a tremendous difference between being good and being excellent in whatever you do. In the world of tomorrow, just being good is not good enough. One of the greatest advantages of globalization is that it has brought in completely different standards. Being the best in the country is not enough; one has to be the best in the world. Excellence is a moving target. One has to constantly raise the bar.

In the knowledge-based industries, India has the unique advantage of being a quality leader. Just like Japan was able to win in the overseas market with its quality leadership in automobile manufacturing, India has been able to do the same in information technology. t Wipro, we treat quality as the #1 priority. This enabled us not only to become the world's first SEI CMM Level 5 software services company in the world but also a leader in Six Sigma approach to quality in India.

Lesson # 2: Learn to work in teams

The challenges ahead are so complex that no individual will be able to face them alone. While most of our education is focused in individual strength, teaming with others is equally important. You cannot fire a missile from a canoe.

Unless you build a strong network of people with complimentary skills, you will be restricted by your own limitations.Globalization has brought in people of different origin, different upbringing and different cultures together. Ability to become an integral part of a cross-cultural team will be a must for your success.

Lesson # 3: Take care of yourself

The stress that a young person faces today while beginning his or her career is the same as the last generation faced at the time of retirement.I have myself found that my job has become enormously more complex over the last two or three years. Along with mutual alertness, physical fitness will also assume a great importance in your life.

You must develop your own mechanism for dealing with stress. I have found that a daily jog for me, goes a long way in releasing the pressure and building up energy. You will need lots of energy to deal with the challenges. Unless you take care of yourself there is no way you can take care of others.

Lesson # 4: Persevere

Finally, no matter what you decide to do in your life, you must persevere. Keep at it and you will succeed, no matter how hopeless it seems at times. In the last three and half decades, we have gone through many difficult times. But we have found that if we remain true to what we believe in, we can surmount every difficulty that comes in the way. Perseverance can make miracles happen

Lesson # 5: Have a broader social vision

For decades we have been waiting for some one who will help us in 'priming the pump' of the economy.The government was the logical choice for doing it, but it was strapped for resources. Other countries were willing to give us loans and aids but there was a limit to this.

In the millennium of the mind, knowledge-based industries like Information Technology are in a unique position to earn wealth from outside. While earning is important, we must have mechanisms by which we use it for the larger good of our society.

Why Does One Love?

Why does one love?
Is it to find an escape from the pains of loneliness or
Is it to feel the warmth of fulfillment that it brings to one's heart?
To me, love is the essential of all being.
One cannot exist without the love of another.
To live for another makes a life complete in every way.
Each beat of one's heart, each breath, each small thought signifies a
Small part of a love that is shared with another.

Who does one love?
Are two people destined to come together or
Is it by chance alone?
Only one's heart can tell when love has come.
It can feel the longing desire from it's deepest point and
It can feel the overpowering attraction when they are close.
One loves whom his heart has chosen and
My heart has chosen you.

When does one love?
Does one share their love in the soft mist of the early morning or
In the crisp breeze of the darkening night?
Those that are truly in love know no night or day, no dark or light.
Love is a continuous thing.
My love for you continues to grow throughout every second of time.

Why, Who, When, they all tie together,
For my love covers each of these.
Why, because you are what I have dreamed about.
Who, my heart tells me that you are the one I've been searching for.
When, now and throughout eternity.
My love for you shall never cease to exist
For there is no end to true love.

Bridge of Love

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?”

“Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor, in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll go him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence–an 8-foot fence–so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge–a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all–and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.

“No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but, I have many more bridges to build.”

क्यों किया जाता है घूंघट?

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

पर्दा प्रथा को भारतीय परंपरा में अनुशासन और सम्मान की दृष्टि से लिया जाता है। घर की बहुओं को परिवार के बड़ों के आगे घूंघट निकालना होता है, ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में तो यह अनिवार्य है ही साथ ही कई महानगरीय परिवारों में भी ऐसा चलन है। सवाल यह है कि भारतीय परंपरा में घूंघट कब और कैसे आया? क्या सनातन समय से यह परंपरा चली आ रही है या फिर कालांतर में यह प्रचलन बढ़ा है?

वास्तव में घूंघट हिंदुस्तान पर आक्रमण करने वाले आक्रमणकारियों की ही देन है। पहले राज्यों में आपसी लड़ाइयां और फिर मुगलों का हमला। इन दो कारणों ने भारत में पूजनीय दर्जा पाने वाले महिला वर्ग को पर्दे के पीछे कर दिया। भारतीय महिलाओं की सुंदरता से प्रभावित आक्रमणकारी अत्याचारी होते जा रहे थे। महिलाओं के साथ बलात्कार और अपहरण की घटनाएं बढ़ने लगीं तो महिलाओं की सुंदरता को छिपाने के लिए घूंघट का इजाद हो गया।

पहले यह आक्रमणकारियों से बचने के लिए था, फिर परिवार में बड़ों के सम्मान के लिए और धीरे से इसने अनिवार्यता का रूप धारण कर लिया। आक्रमणकारी चले गए, देश आजाद हो गया लेकिन महिलाओं के चेहरों पर पर्दा अब भी कायम है।

मांग में क्यों भरा जाता है सिंदूर?

भारतीय वैदिक परंपरा खासतौर पर हिंदू समाज में शादी के बाद महिलाओं को मांग में सिंदूर भरना आवश्यक हो जाता है। आधुनिक दौर में अब सिंदूर की जगह कुंकु और अन्य चीजों ने ले ली है। सवाल यह उठता है कि आखिर सिंदूर ही क्यों लगाया जाता है। दरअसल इसके पीछे एक बड़ा वैज्ञानिक कारण है। यह मामला पूरी तरह स्वास्थ्य से जुड़ा है। सिर के उस स्थान पर जहां मांग भरी जाने की परंपरा है, मस्तिष्क की एक महत्वपूर्ण ग्रंथी होती है, जिसे ब्रह्मरंध्र कहते हैं। यह अत्यंत संवेदनशील भी होती है। यह मांग के स्थान यानी कपाल के अंत से लेकर सिर के मध्य तक होती है। सिंदूर इसलिए लगाया जाता है क्योंकि इसमें पारा नाम की धातु होती है। पारा ब्रह्मरंध्र के लिए औषधि का काम करता है। महिलाओं को तनाव से दूर रखता है और मस्तिष्क हमेशा चैतन्य अवस्था में रखता है। विवाह के बाद ही मांग इसलिए भरी जाती है क्योंकि विवाह के बाद जब गृहस्थी का दबाव महिला पर आता है तो उसे तनाव, चिंता और अनिद्रा जैसी बीमारिया आमतौर पर घेर लेती हैं। पारा एकमात्र ऐसी धातु है जो तरल रूप में रहती है। यह मष्तिष्क के लिए लाभकारी है, इस कारण सिंदूर मांग में भरा जाता है।

इसलिए की जाती है भगवान की आरती

आरती प्रभु आराधना का एक अनन्य भाव है। हम भगवान को अभिषेक, पूजन और नेवैद्य से मनाते है, अंत में अपनी श्रद्धा, भक्ति और प्रभुप्रेम की अभिव्यक्ति के लिए आर्त भाव यानी भावविभोर होकर और व्याकुलता से जो पूजा करते हैं, उसे आरती कहते हैं। आरती, आर्त भाव से ही होती है। इसमें संगीत की स्वरलहरियां और पवित्र वाद्यों के नाद से भगवान की आराधना की जाती है।

मूलत: आरती शब्दों और गीत से नहीं, भावों से की जाने वाली पूजा है। पूजा के बाद आरती करने का महत्व इसलिए भी है कि यह भगवान के उस उपकार के प्रति आभार है जो उसने हमारी पूजा स्वीकार कर किया और उन गलतियों के लिए क्षमा आराधना भी है जो हमसे पूजा के दौरान हुई हों। आरती से हम भगवान का आभार तो मानते ही हैं साथ ही उन सभी जानी-अनजानी भूलों के लिए क्षमा प्रार्थना भी करते हैं। इसलिए आरती का भाव आर्त माना गया है। आरती भावनाओं की अभिव्यक्ति तो है ही साथ ही इसमें संपूर्ण सृष्टि का सार और विज्ञान भी है। आरती के प्रारंभ में शंखनाद, फिर चंवर डुलाना, कर्पूर और धूप से भगवान की आरती करना, जल से उसे शीतल करना और फिर विभिन्न मुद्राओं से आरती ग्रहण करना, यह सब परमात्मा द्वारा रची गई सृष्टि के प्रति अपने आभार और उसके वैभव का प्रतीक है। इस विज्ञान को हम समझें तो यह सृष्टि पंचतत्वों से मिलकर बनी है। आकाश, वायु, अग्रि, जल और पृथ्वी। इन पंचतत्वों से हम भगवान को पूजते हैं, इस सृष्टि को रचने, उसमें सब सुख-संपदा देने और हमें मानव जीवन देकर इसे भोगने के उपकार के प्रति हम भगवान का धन्यवाद करते हैं और उसके (भगवान के) निकट रहने, उसकी कृपा में रहने के लिए आर्त भाव से प्रार्थना करते हैं।

शंख, आकाश का प्रतीक है। शुभ कार्यों के लिए शंख का नाद आवश्यक है और जब बात अपने आराध्य की पूजा की हो तो शंखनाद और ज्यादा आवश्यक हो जाता है। शंख नाद से माहौल भक्तिमय तो होता ही है साथ ही वातावरण में एक सकारात्मक ऊर्जा का भी संचार होता है। शंख नाद से आकाश तत्व के प्रति आभार व्यक्त किया जाता है। वायु तत्व की अभिव्यक्ति के लिए हम भगवान को चंवर डुलाते हैं। जिस शीतल प्राणवायु से हमारे शरीर में जीवन का संचार है, उसके लिए भगवान को चंवर डुला कर इसका धन्यवाद प्रेषित किया जाता है। इसे भगवान की सुश्रुषा करना भी कहते हैं और हम भगवान को स्वामी मानकर उसके सेवक रूप में स्वयं को प्रस्तुत करते हैं। जब हम भगवान की सेवा सेवक भाव से करते हैं तो इससे हमारे अहंकार का भी नाश होता है और मन निर्मल होता जाता है। प्रतिमाओं की सेवा हमें प्राणी सेवा के लिए भी प्रेरित करती है और हमारे मन में स्वत: मानव सेवा का भाव आने लगता है। कर्पूर और धूप, साक्षात अग्रि के रूप हैं। अग्रि पवित्रता, प्रकाश का प्रतीक भी है और संहार का भी। हम अपने दुर्गुणों को जलाकर सद्गुणों से भगवान को भजते हैं। उससे यह प्रार्थना भी करते हैं कि हमारा जीवन सदैव अंधेरे से प्रकाश की ओर आगे बढ़े। हमारे दुर्गुणों और अहंकार का सदैव क्षरण हो, सद्भाव और सदाचार के पथ पर हमेशा, भगवान की कृपा रूपी रोशनी मिलती रहे। अग्रि बुरी आदतों, अभिमान और दुव्र्यसनों को तो जलाती ही है, बुरी नजर भी जला देती है। एक सच्चा सेवक अपने स्वामी को बुरी नजर से बचाने के लिए भी अग्रि से उसकी नजर उतारता है। वैसे ही हम भगवान के इस सौम्य रूप को कुदृष्टि से बचाने के लिए उसकी आरती उतारते हैं। अग्रि का ताप बढ़े और प्रभु के सौम्य रूप को उससे कष्ट हो तो इसके लिए हम अग्रि को शीतल जल से शांत करते हैं। सृष्टि में जल सर्वाेपरि है, इसी से जीवन की उत्पत्ति भी मानी गई है। वेदों ने जल को ब्रह्म माना है। जिस तरह जल के संपर्क में आते ही हमारी गंदगी धुल जाती है, उसी तरह ब्रह्म यानी परमात्मा संपर्क में आने से हमारे पाप भी स्वत: धुल जाते हैं। जल जीवन का ताप मिटाता है और परमात्मा भी। भूमि तत्व को साधन अपने हाथों की अंगुलियों और अंगुष्ठ की विभिन्न मुद्राओं के जरिए दर्शाता है। हम भूमि को नमन करते हैं, क्योंकि भूमि हमें सहनशीलता सिखाती है। जीवन का सबसे बड़ा गुण आश्रितों को सहारा देना होता है। पृथ्वी अपने पर निवास करने वाले हर प्राणी को पूरे प्रेम से रखती है। ऐसे ही हमें हर आश्रित, शरणागत के प्रति स्नेह रखना चाहिए। पृथ्वी का यही गुण है। आरती, केवल एक पूजा पद्धति या प्रक्रिया नहीं, वरन संपूर्ण सृष्टि का सार है। भगवान के प्रति हमारा यह भाव है कि आपने अमूल्य जीवन हमें दिया, हम सेवकों के लिए इस सुंदर सृष्टि की रचना की और हमें अपने निकट आने का अवसर दिया। ऐसी कृपा हम पर सदैव बनाए रखिएगा।

क्यों रखते हैं भगवान के भोग में तुलसी

भगवान को भोग लगे और तुलसी दल न हो तो भोग अधूरा ही माना जाता है। तुलसी को परंपरा से भोग में रखा जाता है। कारण तुलसी दल का औषधीय गुण है। एकमात्र तुलसी में यह खूबी है कि इसका पत्ता रोगप्रतिरोधक होता है। यानि कि एंटीबायोटिक। संभवत: भोग में तुलसी को अनिवार्य किया गया कि इस बहाने ही सही लोग दिन में कम से कम एक पत्ता ग्रहण करें ताकि उनका स्वास्थ्य ठीक रहे। इस तरह तुलसी स्वास्थ्य देने वाली है।

तुलसी का पौधा मलेरिया के कीटाणु नष्ट करता है। नई खोज से पता चला है इसमें कीनोल, एस्कार्बिक एसिड, केरोटिन और एल्केलाइड होते हैं। तुलसी पत्र मिला हुआ पानी पीने से कई रोग दूर हो जाते हैं। इसीलिए चरणामृत में तुलसी का पत्ता डाला जाता है। तुलसी के स्पर्श से भी रोग दूर होते हैं। तुलसी पर किए गए प्रयोगों से सिद्ध हुआ है कि रक्तचाप और पाचनतंत्र के नियमन में तथा मानसिक रोगों में यह लाभकारी है। इससे रक्तकणों की वृद्धि होती है। तुलसी ब्रrाचर्य की रक्षा करने एवं यह त्रिदोषनाशक है। रक्तविकार, वायु, खांसी, कृमि आदि की निवारक है तथा हृदय के लिए हितकारी है।

पूजा में क्यों वर्जित हैं लोहा, एल्युमीनियम

भारतीय पूजा पद्धति में धातुओं के बर्तन का बड़ा महत्व है। हर तरह की धातु अलग फल देती है और उसका अलग वैज्ञानिक कारण भी है। सोना, चांदी, पीतल, तांबा सभी धातुओं का अपना-अपना महत्व होता है। पूजा पद्धति में लोहा और एल्युमीनियम को वर्जित माना गया है।

लोहा, स्टील और एल्यूमीनियम को अपवित्र धातु माना गया है तथा पूजा और धार्मिक क्रियाकलापों में इन धातुओं के बर्तनों के उपयोग की मनाही की गई है। इन धातुओं की मूर्तियां भी नहीं बनाई जाती। लोहे में हवा पानी से जंग लगता है। एल्यूमीनियम से भी कालिख निकलती है। इसलिए इन्हें अपवित्र कहा गया है। जंग आदि शरीर में जाने पर घातक बीमारियों को जन्म देते हैं। इसलिए लोहा, एल्युमीनियम और स्टील को पूजा में निषेध माना गया है।

क्यों किया जाता है मुंडन?

हिंदू धर्म पद्धतियों में मुंडन संस्कार एक महत्वपूर्ण परंपरा है। बच्चों का मुंडन, किसी रिश्तेदार की मृत्यु के समय मुंडन। आखिर मुंडन कराने से क्या लाभ होता है। क्यों इन्हें संस्कारों में शामिल किया गया है। वास्तव में मुंडन संस्कार सीधे हमारे स्वास्थ्य से जुड़ा है। इसके लिए इस परंपरा के पीछे छिपे विज्ञान को समझना होगा।

जन्म के बाद बच्चे का मुंडन किया जाता है, इसके पीछे मुख्य कारण है जब बच्च मां के गर्भ में होता है तो उसके सिर के बालों में बहुत से कीटाणु, बैक्टिरिया और जीवाणु लगे होते हैं जो साधारण तरह से धोने से नहीं निकल सकते। इसके लिए एक बार बच्चे का मुंडन जरूरी होता है। इसलिए जन्म के एक साल के भीतर बच्चे का मुंडन कराया जाता है। कुछ ऐसा ही कारण मृत्यु के समय मुंडन का भी होता है। जब पार्थिव देह को जलाया जाता है तो उसमें से भी कुछ ऐसे ही जीवाणु हमारे शरीर पर चिपक जाते हैं। नदी में स्नान और धूप में बैठने का भी इसीलिए महत्व है। सिर में चिपके इन जीवाणुओं को पूरी तरह निकालने के लिए ही मुंडन कराया जाता है।

क्यों चढ़ाते हैं सूर्य को जल?

हिंदू धर्म पद्धति सहित कई धर्मो में सुबह उगते सूर्य को अघ्र्य देने (जल चढ़ाने) का महत्व है। इससे कई फायदे बताए गए हैं। लेकिन सबसे बड़ा सवाल है कि क्या सूर्य को जल चढ़ाने से सीधे कोई लाभ मिलता है या नहीं। वास्तव में सूर्य को जल चढ़ाने से हमारे व्यक्तित्व पर सीधा असर पड़ता है।

इसके दो कारण हैं। सूर्य को अघ्र्य देने के पीछे वैज्ञानिक कारण यह है कि जब हम सुबह जल्दी उठकर सूर्य को जल चढ़ाते हैं तो इससे सीधे-सीधे हमारे स्वास्थ्य पर असर पड़ता है। सुबह की ताजी हवा और सूर्य की पहली किरणों हम पर पड़ती हैं। इससे हमारे चेहरे पर तेज दिखाई देता है।

दूसरा कारण है जब हम सूर्य को जल चढ़ाते हैं और पानी की धारा के बीच उगते सूरज को देखते हैं तो नेत्र ज्योति बढ़ती है, पानी के बीच से होकर आने वाली सूर्य की किरणों जब शरीर पर पड़ती हैं तो इसकी किरणों के रंगों का भी हमारे शरीर पर प्रभाव पड़ता है। जिससे विटामिन डी जैसे कई गुण भी मौजूद होते हैं। इसलिए कहा गया है कि जो उगते सूर्य को जल चढ़ाता है उसमें सूर्य जैसा तेज आता है।

Three big mistakes we often commit

Mistake # 1 : Advising before understanding.
Mistake # 2 : Attempting to build / rebuild relationships without changing conduct or attitude.
Mistake # 3 : Assuming that good example and relationship are sufficient.

30 Tips for winning over people

1. Avoid beginning with details : give a big picture first.
2. You may take time to develop a relationship but do not overlook it.
3. Emphasize on a good work ethics.
4. Use logic with clearly identified priorities and goals.
5. Be willing to wander off towards new and different directions.
6. Appeal to their role as a consultant and adviser.
7. Do not take others’ apparent belligerence personally : be flexible.
8. Appeal to their curiosity : use reason and logic.
9. Keep asking questions about their opinions and ideas.
10. Appeal to established traditional values.
11. Use main stream humor but be generally serious.
12. Appeal to their need to innovate.
13. Make your boundaries clear.
14. Do not interrupt them.
15. Emphasize what is in it for them.
16. Show appropriate emotion to support their position.
17. Allow them time to read and have moments of silence.
18. Do not get too close physically. People generally dislike it.
19. Take their stress seriously but not personally.
20. Be genuine in your intent and purpose. They can see it through your eyes.
21. Appeal to their sense of responsibility.
22. Use the promises of physical rewards such as group dinner etc and keep your word.
23. Avoid a complex vocabulary.
24. Avoid a reference to considerations for others.
25. Notify them if you are going to be late.
26. Emphasize that they are in control.
27. Be a friend even if you are a boss.
28. Be presentable.
29. Do not make personal remarks.
30. Do what you say and say what you do.

10 easy ways to build up Self Confidence

Self confidence is the most imperative thing any individual requires either at the start of his professional career or through his pursuit to nurture it. Do you feel your mind clouded with questions like, How do I look like to other people? What others think about me? People and their perceptions are the realities that every human faces every day and every minute of his/her life.
Self confidence is the difference between feeling inexorable and feeling anxious about your intellect. Sometimes we observe that wonderfully gifted personals have not harnessed the best out of them because of their internal fears. Remember, your own perception about yourself reflects how others perceive you. Perception is like veracity — the more self confident you are, the more are chances of your success.

Even though many aspects regarding self confidence are out of your control, but you can consciously adopt a number of things to build self confidence. Use the following 10 strategies to get the mental edge you need to reach your prospective.

1. Dress Sharp

A dress affects the way a person feels about himself. For example the morning you know you don’t look good the feeling reflects in the way you carry yourself around all day. This also affects your interaction with other people. So be conscious about yourself and take care of your personal appearance to build up a good confidence level. Significant improvements can be made by following some simple routine:

• Bath and shave frequently
• Wear clean clothes
• Be cognizant of latest styles
• A great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much“. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes buy half as many. Select high quality items. This will decrease your spending because expensive clothes have good quality so they take time to wear out and stay in style longer.

2. Walk Fast

A way to tell how a person feels about him/ herself is to observe his/her walk. Is it slow & tired? Or is it brisk and firm? People with confidence walk brisk so adopt this habit. Walking faster will make to you look and feel more important. This will keep you more alert physically and will double the energy level. Even if you are not in a hurry for a meeting or to catch a flight, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step.

3. Good Posture

The way a person carries him/herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lazy movements display a lack of interest and self confidence. They give the impression of being less enthusiastic and dull which in turn implies that they do not care about what is happening around and in their lives. This is a feeling of negativity they carry around with themselves. By practicing good posture, you will automatically feel confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You will make a positive impression on others and will feel more alert and empowered.

4. Personal Motivation

One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Write a 30-60 second speech which highlights your strengths and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud or inside your head for a confidence boost.

5. Gratitude

Your mind is like a machine which is needed to be controlled by you. When you focus too much on what you want your mind creates reasons why you cannot have it. This leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. Consciously focus on gratitude for what you are. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Do not let negativity invade your mind for long as it cannot be avoided but can be controlled. Count your successes, exclusive abilities, good relationships, and positive momentum. You will be amazed how much this simple practice will bring you closer to success.

6. Compliment other people

It is observed that a negative person often transfers his/her negative feelings to others either by insult or gossip. If you feel you have this streak in you STOP! break this cycle of pessimism & get into the habit of praising people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. This will make you acceptable and well liked among your peers and colleagues which will build your self confidence. As by looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

7. Sit in the front row

Around the world we see people striving to seat themselves at the back rows may it be schools, offices or public assemblies. Most people prefer the back seat because they are afraid of being noticed. This reflects lack of self confidence. Sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self confidence. You will also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.

8. Speak up

During group discussions many people never speak up because they are afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. This fear is not really justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact most people are dealing with the exact same fears. By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion you will become a better public speaker. You will instill more confidence in your thoughts and will be recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out

Physical fitness has a huge effect on self confidence. If you are out of shape you will feel insecure, unattractive and less energetic. Start working out, this will improve your physical appearance; make you feel fresh, boat your energy and accomplish something positive. Working out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum upon which you can build the rest of your day.

10. Focus on contribution

Too often we get caught up in our own desires. We focus more on ourselves and neglect the needs of other people. Concentrate on contributing to the rest of the world you will worry less about you own flaws. You can start with a small charity. This will increase your self confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you will be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

15 Tips to Improve Your Memory and Exercise Your Brain

Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Whether you want to win the World Memory Championships, ace your history test, or simply remember where you put your keys, this article can get you started. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a 'cognitive reserve' that will help you stay sharp as you age.

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve.

Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.

2. Keep your brain active.

The brain is not a muscle, but regularly "exercising" the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning.

3. Exercise daily.

Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental "pictures."

4. Reduce stress.

Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress.

5. Eat well and eat right.

There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine) . A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidants broccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for example and Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.

6. Take better pictures.

Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don't really learn people's names at first because we aren't really concentrating on remembering them. You'll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you'll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you're able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.

7. Give yourself time to form a memory.

Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you're trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.

8. Create vivid, memorable images.

You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book that's too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It's your mind make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.

9. Repeat things you need to learn.

The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you'll remember it, right? It's a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker's name or your best friend's birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.

10. Group things you need to remember.

Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you'll find it easier to remember all four.

11. Organize your life.

Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn't improve your memory, you'll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won't have to search for your keys anymore).

12. Try meditation.

Research now suggests that people who regularly practice "mindfulness" meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.

13. Sleep well.

The amount of sleep we get affects the brain's ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night's sleep a minimum of seven hours a night may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.

14. Build your memorization arsenal.

Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.

15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes.

Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you've done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.

12 Reflections on Personal Responsibility

Responsibility means being accountable for what we think, say, and do. Personal responsibility involves working on our own character and skill development rather than blaming others for situations and circumstances. It means choosing to design a life that honors our values and purpose.

Here are twelve reflections on personal responsibility:

1. Personal responsibility begins from the inside and moves outward. We must begin by taking responsibility for our thoughts, choices, and reactions. Then we can be responsible for the circumstances we create in our world.

2. We have the divine gift of free will. We make conscious choices as spiritual living in a physical world. Conscious choice is a gift that carries great responsibility.

3. Every choice can benefit humanity or harm it. Even avoiding choices is a choice, and each choice will have consequences.

4. When you think something or someone else is responsible for your problems and their solutions, that exact thought is the first problem to solve.

5. People waste precious years while believing that there will be more time tomorrow than there is today. Today is the perfect day to accept and develop our gifts and talents.

6. A great philosophy of responsibility: When things are working, I am responsible... and when they need fixing, I am responsible.

7. Only our choices and actions today will bring the rainbow's end with any gold it might contain.

8. The richest blessings follow those who follow the rules and honor the universal laws for abundant living: laws for wellness, success, relationships, prosperity, spirituality, and service to others.

9. When you follow the rules, life works. If you think you ever really get by with breaking the rules, you are only fooling yourself.

10. True personal independence is the freedom from reaction—the ability to choose actions and make choices that will influence positively the future of our lives and our world.

11. The Creator knows what it is we need to be doing and will provide us with plenty of chances to show up. However, we will not get an unlimited number of chances, and we cannot ever assume that we will have tomorrow.

12. Living serenely does not mean that we deny problems or avoid the responsibility for solving them. Just the opposite—we find the clarity and presence of mind to deal with the issues of daily living in positive constructive ways.

You cannot control all the circumstances in life; however, you can learn from them. You can choose to allow every circumstance to make you stronger, wiser, more knowledgeable, more skillful, and more loving.

You can control your ability to design your life and your philosophies. A philosophy of personal responsibility allows you to live from an inner core of integrity. It will bring a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

--By Steve Brunkhorst

15 Tips to help you succeed at whatever you wish

Tip 1 Ask for what you want.
How does the world know what to give you unless you put it out there? Ask for what you want and need. Let the world know what you want from it and look for it in return.

Tip 2 Be the person you want to be.
It's call modeling. If you act like it, people will believe it. Assume the role you want others to see you in. Sell it from the inside out.

Tip 3 Believe in yourself.
If you don't, no one will. People will follow; you just need to lead them. Forget worrying; concentrate on making things happen. Action and momentum are infectious.

Tip 4 Make a plan.
No one goes anywhere without a destination. Know your destination, and plot your journey. Take whatever pleasures you need on the way, but know that you are moving forward and will arrive at your destination.

Tip 5 Nervous = excited.
Realize that being nervous is the same as being excited. Instead of dreading it, welcome the surge of positive energy. Own it, and use it. It's infectious in a good way!

Tip 6 Thinking about your failure brings your failure.
Concentrate on your success and watch it happen. Your mind will move in whatever direction you point it in. Make sure it's pointed toward where you want to go and not where you don't!

Tip 7 Feel whatever way you choose.
You control your feelings. You allow yourself to be upset, annoyed or frustrated. Only you control your feelings and no one else. Take back the power you give others and choose to feel strong, clear-minded and in control.

Tip 8 Communicate.
Listening and being understood are the keys to communication. People want to talk about themselves and they want to hear interesting things about you. No one wants to hear a sermon or hear a rant about your latest victory or great audition. Listen, observe and speak about mutually interesting subjects. Otherwise, you're a bore.

Tip 9 Freak out.
Bad audition, interview or meeting? Take ten minutes to beat yourself up. Blame yourself, be annoyed and frustrated. Then, learn your lesson and move on. Now that all your anger is gone, put your energy into the lessons learned and move forward once again.

Tip 10 Speak your mind, NOW.
People swallow their feelings and anger, they postpone what they really want to say, thinking, "I'll just wait till a good time." DON'T! Handle the situation now, before the situation changes. Have a problem? Be a diplomat and talk about it. Handling a minor situation now will prevent it from becoming a festering chasm of misunderstanding and resentment later.

Tip 11 Dive in.
Someone make you feel inadequate? A situation makes you feel uneasy? In a room with a big shot and feeling small? Don't overcompensate, navigate or fake your way through it, because you can't. Dive in and address the problem. Address your feelings and say, "I've got to be honest, I'm a big fan and I'm feeling a little intimidated right now." As soon as you own up to your feelings and the playing field is understood, you're both able to move ahead. Everyone wants to deal with someone who's truthful and honest, and not afraid to address their own insecurities.

Tip 12 Exploit yourself.
Find out what makes you different and exploit it. Each of you has a quality that makes you unique. Instead of trying to be what others are, exploit your uniqueness. It's the one "ace" you have that no one else possesses

Tip 13 Don't accept the unacceptable.
Train people to treat you as you want to be treated. Being late is not acceptable, not returning calls is not acceptable and them not doing their job is not acceptable. Don't accept these behaviors from people.

Tip 14 Walk a mile in someone else's shoes.
Be someone else. Changing perspective is an amazing tip to see the world from another point of view. Assume a character and role and act it out for one day, then go out in the world as if it's all new to you. You'll be amazed at the new perspective you gain.

Tip 15 Say thank you.
Send an email from Hallmark, a card or a simple phone call. Don't underestimate the value of someone feeling appreciated and recognized for their efforts. It leaves a lasting impression when someone thanks you for meeting or helping them.

Duryodhana

There are some heroes who are labeled by posterity as villains. Duryodhana falls in this category. Even though, in many instances in Mahabharata ,Duryodhana displayed qualities of a good leader .

He showed benevolence and large heartedness when he made Karna ( a person who did not have acknowledged royal lineage),the King of Anga . This act also showcased his astuteness because he had earned a loyal ally in Karna, who could match the valor and skill of Pandavas in warfare.

Duryodhana skilled strategist also. He managed to win the allegiance King Salya, who was actually the maternal uncle of Pandavas , to fight on his side in battle of Kurukshetra . It so happened that while King Shalya was moving with his army to go and support Yudhishthira, he and his force were looked after extremely well en route. Floored by the hospitality, Shalya offered complete support to the host thinking it was Yudhishthira. Only later did he discover that Duryodhana was the person behind the hospitality. This episode indicates that Duryodhana had the capabilities of converting difficult situation favorable.

Duryodhana was also prompt and quick acting; when the time came to seek support from Krishna – he reached Dwarka before Arjun did. Similarly, as soon as war became imminent, Duryodhana met many kings and lined up a formidable force for himself. Some were relatives, while others he won due to his persuasive charm. When the war began he had eleven aksaunis, while Yudhishthira had managed only seven. Each Aksauni is a division of army consisting of 21870 chariots , equal number of elephants , 65160 horses and 109350 soldiers . Pandavas , on the other hand got support mainly from the Krishna’s allies, and there in laws -King Dhrupad and Virat from the marriage of Draupadi and Uttara, ( Abhmanyu’s wife).It is also said that Duryodhana was a good king and people in his reign were happy.

Then what makes Duryodhana a villain. First, he had a negative vision - victory for him was not what he had, but what he could take away from the Pandavas .When the kingdom of Hastinapur was divided and the barren half - Khandavaprastha was given to Pandavas , Duryodhana kept Hastinapur with himself. In due course the Pandavas built the land and renamed it Indraprastha, he was jealous of their glory . He then stage managed the infamous dice game and the Pandavas lost everything to him. Just before the war, in a last bid for peace, the Pandavas asked for just five villages , but, he refused saying he would not give land even the size of the tip of a needle . One wonder where was Duryodhana‘s benevolence at this time.

There is no logical reason for his vindictiveness – for the Pandavas had never harmed them. In those days vanquished kings were never humiliated by the victor nor were their land annexed or assets appropriated. Winning had symbolic significance, meant to establish superiority of the victor; this was the noble “Kshatriya value frame” that existed in the times of Mahabharata. Why did Duryodhana fall short here? His aim was not just impoverishing the Pandavas but also humiliating them.

Duryodhana’s think tank- his purohits and advisors were people who were not well versed in matters of Dharma .Dhritarashtra, his father tacitly fanned the flames of ambition and annihilation of Pandavas in him. Karna , his closest friend ,was the one who suggested the contemptible act of public disrobing of the well bred Draupadi , and pointing a finger at her character because she was wedded to five brothers .Finally it was Shakuni , his maternal uncle ,who cheated on his behalf in the dice game , which reduced the Pandavas to pecuniary .

Thus Duryodhana was weak in the knowledge of dharma, though he was good in implementation. His leadership skills and competencies were put to use for supporting adharma rather than dharma. Duryodhana was a victim of his destructive emotions which his friends and elders watered and fanned – Sibling rivalry in childhood became in adulthood raging flames of anger and hatred that destroyed thousands of innocent lives.

We must remember that dharma is the natural intelligence that keeps the creation in order. It always prevails despite bad leaders and advisers. This is why Duryodhana had to lose in the end. Only truth wins , and dharma is truth . Satyameva Jayate

Men,Take Care!

Men have constantly neglected their health in the past and tried to rough it out. All those various aches and pains are generally overseen and treated as something trivial. While in your youth it is easy to get away with excuses, as you age it could mean something worse. There are some symptoms that if persistent, you should not ignore.

Chest pain : This is one of the biggest signs to be careful of. If you feel an enormous weight on your chest, head to the hospital. Signs of a heart attack tend to be less obvious with a pain in the arm pain, jaw, sweating and shortness of breath. If you feel a pain after rigorous exercise it could be that your heart is not getting enough blood.

Short of breath : It’s natural to feel tired out after a long jog or a game of tennis. But if you find yourself breathless while lying in bed or after climbing two flights of stairs, it’s time to visit your doctor. It could be a sign of weakness of the heart and should be taken seriously.

Sudden weight loss : While there are thousands of people trying to reduce the flab, there are others who lose on their own without trying. If your clothes are suddenly not fitting and you haven’t altered your eating routine, then it could be a sign of something else. Check for an overactive thyroid gland.

Blood in the urine : It may sound a little creepy to check your urine but there there shouldn’t be any blood in your urine or stool. Anything from cysts to kidney stones or infection can be the cause as can cancer of the kidneys or bladder.

Change in frequency of urination : If you find yourself running to the toilet too many times or getting pain while passing urine, it could mean an enlarged prostate. The gland grows as men age and can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you identify it in time, you can prevent its progression. Prostate cancer has similar symptoms. Increased visits to the bathroom could signal diabetes.

Swelling of the leg : Swelling could be caused due to fluid accumulation in your feet, ankles or legs and may be a sign of heart, kidney or liver disease. There are certain medications that can help reduce the swelling and it is important to find the cause. Visit a doctor and get some tests done.

Skin scars : Many people ignore wounds, especially when they are on some nondescript part of the body. Skin ulcers, that don’t heal within a few days should be treated seriously. They may be a signal of a problem with your circulation. Wounds that still remain could also mean diabetes. If it becomes larger or changes color, it could even be skin cancer. Go get it checked out.

Everyday Heart Health Tips

With sedentary jobs and increasing deadlines, we don't end up paying enough attention to our hearts. Cardiovascular disease in India has quadrupled in the last 40 years and WHO estimates that by 2020 close to 60 percent of cardiac patients worldwide will be Indian [source: expresspharmaonline.com].

Don't lose hope yet! Dr Ramakant Panda, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan this year and has had the oppurtunity to operate on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gives you tips to follow everyday to make your heart healthier.


1. 5-a-day: Eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthier heart.

2. Banish that salt shaker from the dinner table. Never add extra salt on top of your food. Excess sodium intake causes hypertension.

3. If you must drink, ensure that it's no more than 2 drinks a day for men and a drink a day for women.

4. Walk for your heart. It's the best heart healthy exercise and will not cost you a rupee. Every step you take during the day builds up your heart balance & helps prevent disease.

5. Take the stairs for a healthier heart. When you go up, your blood pressure goes down.

6. Quit Smoking today. Thousands of Indians quit smoking everyday - by dying. Save your heart and lungs. Smoking also speeds up the development of plaque in the arteries.

7. Start slowly. Build up to at least 30 minutes of activity, five times per week. Try two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions to meet your goal. However, don't exercise right after meals, or when it's very hot and humid. Always warm-up before exercise and cool down after you are done.

20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough

1. When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to a future accomplishment.

2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face adversity; they embrace it, knowing it's not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.

3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.

4. When you face the naysayer's, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.

5. When you face critics, remember to tune them out and focus only on being the best you can be.

6. When you wake up in the morning, take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

7. When you fear, trust. Let your faith be greater than your doubt.

8. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time when you have succeeded.

9. When you head into battle, visualize success.

10. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.

11. When you want to complain, instead identify a solution.

12. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.

13. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, clear your mind, and get into The Zone. The Zone is not a random event. It can be created.


14. When you feel all is impossible, know that with God all things are possible.

15. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along the way and who love and support you now.

16. When you feel lost, pray for guidance.

17. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give up. Finish Strong in everything you do.

18. When you feel like you can't do it, know that you can do all things through Him who gives you strength.

19. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray and surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't.

20. When you're in a high-pressure situation and the game is on the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is short; you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.

8 Success Secrets from Motivational Experts

These 8 "secrets" are:-

1. Take 100 percent responsibility for your life
2. Live your life "on purpose"
3. Be willing to pay the price for your dreams
4. Stay focused
5. Become an expert in your field
6. Write out a plan for achieving your goals
7. Never give up
8. Don't delay

Two Pots

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream."I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?"

"That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them."

"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

Stay Brain Sharp

Just because you are done with your education, doesn’t mean you need to stop learning. Keeping abreast of the latest happenings will help keep your mind agile and memory working well.

So many of us get so caught up in our jobs and daily chores that we don’t take time to read anything new or even try a new hobby. These can go a long way in keeping your mind young.

Become a frequent reader:

Make it a point to read articles that may be differing with your point of view. This is a great way to challenge your brain and get yourself thinking. Be open to different people’s opinions. Read or listen, no matter how frustrated you may feel, as a bit of challenging knowledge is good.

Learn something new:

This is a good thing to follow no matter your age. Pick something that interests or inspires you and follow it through. If you’ve always wanted to learn Salsa, join dancing classes. Have a guitar you bought but never use? Start taking guitar lessons. Playing an instrument also helps exercise some parts of the brain functioning especially while listening and reading written notes. By constantly adding to your repertoire of knowledge, you will be doing yourself a favor.

Teach someone :

All of us are good at something or the other and teaching another can be beneficial. While teaching, your ‘student/s’ are bound to have many questions, which will prompt you to think and find out more. Surround yourself with people who ask smart questions and provide good insights as well.

Get some eye shut:

Yes, sleeping for a good seven to eight hours daily is essential. Research shows that neural connections are made in the brain when you’re in your deepest phase of sleep.

Mind games:

Games are not for kids! Solving a jigsaw puzzle, tackling a crossword game or even sudoku can do wonders for your brain. These will help your mind concentrate and work well. Further, they are a great way to de-stress and get a change from your regular work.

Things you don't know about your health and body

Health.com presents its list of 25 random things you might not know about the human body, nutrition and exercise, sex, sickness, and health. Go ahead: Pass it on to your friends.

1. Rinsing your nose with salt water can help keep you healthy and ward off allergy symptoms. Nasal irrigation is a cheap and easy way to find relief if you have spring allergies, nasal congestion, stuffy noses or post-nasal drip, says Dr. Melissa Pynnonen, co-director of the Michigan Sinus Center and an assistant professor in the University of Michigan's department of otolaryngology.

2. Dogs can smell cancer and low blood sugar. The Pine Street Foundation, a cancer-education and research center in San Anselmo, California, published a study showing it was possible to train dogs to identify, based on breath samples, which patients had lung and breast cancer. Now the organization is recruiting ovarian cancer patients and dogs for a new study. In diabetics, the presence of ketones - substances made by the body during the metabolic process - can be smelled in urine and on the breath when blood sugars are high. Dogs can pick up on other smells that humans can’t when glucose levels drop.

3. Researchers at Cornell University found that people who pass through an entryway near the kitchen tend to eat 15 percent more than those who use the front door.

4. You're more likely to have a heart attack on a Monday, or up to three days after you've been diagnosed with the flu or a respiratory tract infection. The risk of dying from a heart attack increases by a third during outbreaks of the flu and related respiratory diseases, found researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The study authors estimate that 90,000 coronary deaths could be prevented a year in the United States if more heart patients simply got a flu shot.

5. You can't get a tan from your computer screen. The Computer Tan Web site was created as a hoax to raise awareness about skin cancer.

6. Obese people spend approximately $485 more on clothing, $828 on extra plane seats, and $36 more on gas each year than their thinner counterparts. Researchers say an overweight driver burns about 18 additional gallons of gas a year. Plus-sized clothing costs 10 percent to 15 percent more than smaller-sized clothes. When it comes to jet fuel, a recent issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicineestimated that the extra weight of obese Americans caused airlines to spend $275 million to burn 350 million more gallons of fuel.

7. Smokers are four times as likely to report feeling unrested after a night's sleep than nonsmokers. Smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms at night, thus causing periods of restlessness and waking. Smokers were also 1.69 times more likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers, as smoking may affect antioxidative mechanisms or the blood vessels that feed the auditory system.

8. Eating fruits and vegetables may help the human body make its own aspirin. Findings from the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicate that study participants who received benzoic acid, a natural substance in fruits and vegetables, could make their own salicylic acid, the key component that gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

9. A 20-minute nap can improve your overall alertness, boost your mood, and increase productivity. William Anthony, co-author of The Art of Napping at Work (Larson Publications, 1999), says the post-nap boost can last for several hours. In addition, your heart may reap benefits from napping. In a six-year study of Greek adults, researchers found that those men who took naps at least three times a week had a 37 percent lower risk of heart-related death.

10. Your kitchen sink is dirtier than your bathroom: There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in its drain. The faucet, basin, and sponge are crawling with germs as well. Bacteria colonies with a total population exceeding 50 million can live on a single dirty sponge. And just think - that's what you use to wipe down countertops, forks and drinking glasses.

11. Four out of five doctors in the UK don't work out enough. Heavy workloads, lack of time and poor motivation contributed to the lack of exercise.

12. Baking soda can whiten teeth, garlic can help treat athlete's foot, and honey can soothe a hangover.

13. Using a food diary can double a person's weight-loss efforts. Your food diary makes you accountable to yourself and provides you with clues on where the extra calories are sneaking in.

14. Regular exercise can lower a woman's cancer risk - but only if she's getting enough sleep. The National Cancer Institute followed 5,968 women for almost 10 years, during which 604 of them developed some form of cancer. Women in the top half of physical activity levels showed an approximate 20 percent reduction in cancer risk compared to those who exercised less. For a segment of those women, sleeping less than seven hours per night had a decreased benefit to exercise. Their cancer risk was greater than those who exercised but slept more - but still lower than those who exercised the least.

15. Watching yourself run in a mirror can make a treadmill workout go by faster and feel easier.

16. Third-hand smoke - the particles that cling to smokers' hair and clothing and linger in a room long after they've left - is a cancer risk to young children (and pets).

17. Walking against the wind, in the water, or while wearing a backpack burns about 50 more calories per hour than walking with no resistance. People who wear pedometers also tend to burn more calories and lose more weight.

18. Trained sexologists can infer a woman's orgasm history by observing the way she walks. In other research news, men find women who wear red sexier than those who wear "cool" colors such as blue and green.

19. Foreign accent syndrome and exploding head syndrome are real (but very rare) medical conditions. The American Sleep Association explains that a person with exploding head syndrome experiences a loud, indecipherable noise that seems to originate from inside the head.

20. Vitamins don't seem to help older women guard against cancer or heart disease.

21. Some men experience pain, headaches, or sneezing as a result of ejaculation. The increased activity in the nervous system during orgasm may be the culprit in triggering headaches.

22. Germ-killing wipes can spread bacteria from one spot to another if you reuse them. Researchers at the Welsh School of Pharmacy at Cardiff University in Wales issued their concern on the use of the wipes in hospitals and the importance of a routine surveillance program in reducing risks of infection to patients.

23. Oatmeal, citrus fruits, and honey can boost your sex drive and improve fertility. Oats produce a chemical that releases testosterone into the blood supply, increasing sex drive and orgasm strength. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits improves sperm count and motility, while vitamin B from honey helps the body use estrogen, a key factor in blood flow and arousal.

24. Twenty-nine percent of Americans say they have skipped filling a prescription due to the cost, and 23 percent use pill splitting as a way to save money.

25. Facebook may be good for your health: Studies show that staying in touch with family and friends can ward off memory loss and help you live longer.

Tips to Boost Brainpower

Small changes can help you stay sharp later in life and could keep your brain in tip-top shape.

On ‘The Early Show Saturday Edition,’ Dr Cynthia Green, PhD, has spelled out some tips for the same, reports CBS News .

Green and the editors of Prevention magazine wrote, "Brainpower Game Plan: Sharpen Your Memory, Improve Your Concentration, and Age-Proof Your Mind in Just 4 Weeks."

Exercise : Go for a walk or run, swim - anything to get yourself moving.

Seek new challenges : Look for some simple ways to push you out of your intellectual routine every day, like – brushing teeth with non-dominant hand, taking a new route to work.

Get your head in the game : Spend 10 to 20 minutes every day giving your everyday intellectual skills a good workout by playing games that require you to play against the clock. Play board games like Boggle or Set.

Top 10 Health Concerns of the decade

In the last ten years, innumerable diseases and conditions have plagued mankind. From the recent Swine Flu pandemic to Cancer, AIDS and Obesity in children, we bring you a roundup of the most alarming ones which have managed to create ripples of tension in the minds of the young and old alike.

After sharing and discussing with several professionals and housewives across the country, we confirmed these health concerns with experts in the line of medicine and health. Here are top of the mind health concerns voiced by men, women and also children.

Heart diseases: Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. Now researchers say India, a country with more than one billion people, will likely account for 60 per cent of heart disease patients worldwide, by 2010. A study among Asian Indian men showed that half of all heart attacks in this population occur under the age of 50 years and 25 per cent under the age of 40, according to the Indian organization, Medwin Heart Foundation. Although more men die of heart disease than women, females tend to be under-diagnosed, often to the point that it's too late to help them once the condition is discovered.

Cancer: The good news is that survival rates have improved for many types of cancers in recent years. But, you can lower your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Screenings also can help find some cancers early, when they are most treatable. Skin, lung, prostate, colon and testicular cancers are the ones that worry most men, while women feel anxious about breast cancer. It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for women. Experts say the fear of breast cancer can sometimes be exaggerated, stopping women from going to their doctors for screening, or pushing women to make rash decisions about mastectomy, when it may it may not be necessary.

HIV/ AIDS: The HIV/AIDS epidemic will affect women’s health in coming years. Rates of infection are found in population groups with certain high-risk behaviors (i.e., sex workers, intravenous drug users, and sexually transmitted disease patients). However, infection also is increasing in the general population. Despite the alarming growth of the epidemic, most women in India have very little knowledge of AIDS. Even among those who had heard of the disease, there were many misconceptions about modes of transmission.

Swine Flu: Soon after the outbreak of H1N1 virus in the United States and Mexico in March 2009, the Government of India started screening people coming from the affected countries at airports for swine flu symptoms. Till date there have been 852 confirmed H1N1 deaths in the country confirms the health ministry. What begins with sudden chills, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue, worsen and lead to death if not detected on time.

Reproductive health: Many of the health problems of Indian women are related to or exacerbated by high levels of fertility. Research has shown that numerous pregnancies and closely spaced births erode a mother’s nutritional status, which can negatively affect the pregnancy outcome. Unwanted pregnancies terminated by unsafe abortions also have negative consequences for women’s health.

Osteoporosis: A largely preventable disease, the behaviors that women develop in their childhood, in their adolescence, and in their early adult years really play a significant role in the development of osteoporosis. That's because bodies build up most of bone mass until age 30. Then new bone stops forming and the focus is on maintenance of old bone. It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures.

Depression: Depression appears to affect more women than men. Research has proved that women need a connection with others in their lives. They need that sustenance and if they don't have it, they tend to get depressed.

Unintentional injuries: Accidents, also called unintentional injuries, are the third leading cause of death around the world. They account for 1 of every 4 people treated in an emergency department. Death can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls and fires.

Diabetes: More than 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Many men don't even know they have it until they develop problems such as erectile dysfunction, vision loss, or kidney disease.

Obesity: A difficult condition to treat, obesity and overweight rates for children and teens have been steadily rising. Children who are obese face serious health problems, including asthma, joint pain, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. In the poll parents reported that they discuss at length limiting junk food and physical activity. However, most do not curtail TV time.

I am me

Monday, May 17, 2010

In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically me
Because I alone chose it - I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions,
Whether they be to others or to myself - I own my fantasies,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears - I own all my triumphs and successes,
All my failures and mistakes because I own all of me,
I can become intimately acquainted with me - by so doing
I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts -
I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other
Aspects that I do not know - but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself,
I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles
And for ways to find out more about me - However I look and sound,
Whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel
At a given moment in time is authentically me -
If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought and felt
Turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest,
And invent something new for that which I discarded -
I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do I have the tools to survive,
To be close to others, to be productive to make sense and order out of the world
Of people and things outside of me - I own me, and therefore I can engineer me -
I am me and I AM OKAY

-----by Virginia Satir

The paradox of our age

We have bigger houses but smaller families;
More conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less sense;
More knowledge, but less judgment;
More experts, but more problems;
More medicines, but less healthiness;
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new
neighbour.
We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever but have less
communication.
We have become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are times of fast foods but slow digestion;
Tall men but short character;
Steep profits but shallow relationships.
It’s a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room.

--The 14th Dalai Lama

Make a difference

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?” The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in,
they’ll die.” Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that
there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!” At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It sure made a difference to that one!”

Just two words

There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed
to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule. Every ten years, the monks were permitted
to speak just twowords. After spending his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to
the head monk.

“It has been ten years,” said the head monk.

“What are the two words you would like to speak?”

“Bed... hard...” said the monk.

“I see,” replied the head monk.

Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk’s office.

“It has been ten more years,” said the head monk. “What are the two words you would like to
speak?”

“Food... stinks...” said the monk.

“I see,” replied the head monk.

Yet another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk who asked,

“What are your two words now, after these ten years?”

“I... quit!” said the monk.

We’ll see

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.

“Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“We’ll see,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

“How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“We’ll see,” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

“We’ll see,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the
son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

“We’ll see” said the farmer.

Work smarter

“An old man lived in Idaho. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His
only son, who used to help him is in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his
predicament.

Dear son,

“I’m feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I am just getting too old to be digging up the garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over.
I know you would dig the plot for me.”

Love Dad

A few days later, he received a letter from his son.

Dear Dad,

“For heaven’s sake, Dad, don’t dig up that garden, that’s where I buried the BODIES.”

Love Son

At 4 a.m. the next morning, F.B.I. agents and local police showed up and dug up the entire area
without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man
received another letter from his son.

Dear Dad,

“Go ahead and plant the potatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances.”

Love son”

And the moral of the story is to work smarter not harder. Use your brain; in the perceived impossible. Sometimes it can make the impossible possible.

Problems or opportunities

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to
see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers
came by and simply walked around it.

Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained
many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed
the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand.

English is a funny Language-Part 2

Sunday, May 16, 2010

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 'UP.'

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ?
Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report ?
We call UP our friends.
And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.
We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.
At other times the little word has real special meaning.
People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.
A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary.
In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.
It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP .
When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP...
When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP.
When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.