The Sunday Sharing
No.-173, Date: 8th Oct. 2023
Theme: Shining Indian Athletes in 19th Asian Games 🥇 🥈 🥉
The 19th Asian Games held in China (also known as Hangzhou 2022) will end today (September 23 – October 8, 2023).
For the first time in the history of the Asian Games in 72 years, India returns with more than 100 medals, improving its tally from 70 to 107. (Gold 🥇 : 28, Silver 🥈 : 38, and Bronze 🥉 41).
India became the fourth nation to win 100 medals in a single edition of the Asian Games.
Our athletes set new records in archery and shooting competitions.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India’s first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games. Saurav Ghosal has won five consecutive medals in men’s squash singles at the Asian Games over the years. In hockey, India registered its biggest victory against Pakistan by 10–2 goals. India claimed the top spot in the archery medal table with five golds, pushing South Korea to second place for the first time since 1978. India won golds in both men’s and women’s Kabadi.
There were many memorable moments in the 19th Asian Games, i.e., Parul Chaudhury’s sensational dash in the last 30 metres of the women’s 5000m event, which will also be remembered for a long time as the Meerut runner snatched a gold by ending Japan’s Ririka Hironaka in a close finish. She became the first Indian athlete to win a silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase and a gold medal in the 5000m race. Javelin thrower Kishore Jena’s astonishing 86.77-metre throw that gave him a lead over superstar Neeraj Chopra for a brief period in the men’s javelin event was another unforgettable moment. Later, Chopra won the gold and Jena the silver. Ojas Pravin Deotale, who won a Gold in the mixed team and men’s team events won his third Gold beating his compatriot Abhishek Verma 149 – 147 in the final.
Indian athletes won the medals at the Asian Games with their blood, sweat, and toil over the last fortnight to give the country an early Diwali gift and promise of a best-ever harvest at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Congratulations to our athletes for their outstanding performances in the 19th Asian Games.
Bishnu🙏
No.-172, Date: 1st Oct. 2023
Theme: M.S. Swaminathan – The Father of Green Revolution in India
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, popularly known as M.S. Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist and a key architect of the country’s ‘Green Revolution,’ passed away at his residence in Chennai on September 28, 2023 at 11.20 am. He was 98.
According to a Time magazine review (1999), Swaminathan was one of the 20 most influential people to see Asia in the 20th century along with Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
M. S. Swaminathan, a plant geneticist by training, and Founder Chairman and Chief Mentor of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, has long been an advocate of sustainable agriculture, of the move from the ‘green’ to an ‘evergreen revolution’ to ensure food and nutrition security for all, alongside the sustainability of global food systems. He has served as the Chairman of the Government of India’s National Commission on Farmers, President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, Chairman of the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) of the World Committee on Food Security (CFS), Member of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Former Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and International Rice Research Institute, amongst others.
He was the recipient of the first World Food Prize (1987) for his leadership in India’s Green Revolution and the and numerous other national and international awards including Padma Vibhushan (1972), Ramon Magsaysay award (1971). He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States and the Royal Society of London. The United Nations Environment Programme has called him “the Father of Economic Ecology”
Swaminathan was born in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, on August 7, 1925. He studied agriculture at the University of Madras and plant genetics at the University of Cambridge, where he received his PhD in 1952. After returning to India, he worked at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, where he developed high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
In 1966, Swaminathan was appointed Director General of the IARI. Under his leadership, the IARI released a number of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice that were adopted by farmers across India. These varieties helped to increase crop yields significantly, leading to a dramatic increase in food production in the country.
Swaminathan served as Director General of the IARI until 1972. He then served as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture in the Government of India from 1972 to 1979. In 1982, he became the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. He served in this position until 1988.
After leaving the IRRI, Swaminathan founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Chennai, India. The MSSRF is a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Swaminathan’s contributions to Indian agriculture are immense. He is credited with helping to avert famine in the country and for making India self-sufficient in food production. He was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to improving the lives of farmers and rural communities.
Green Revolution
The term “Green Revolution” is used to describe the adoption of new agricultural practices and technologies that led to significant increases in crop yields, particularly for wheat and rice.
The Green Revolution in India refers to a period of agricultural transformation and modernization that began in the 1960s and continued into the 1970s and 1980s. It was a series of initiatives and programs aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and food security in India
Key features of the Green Revolution were:
High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): The introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which were developed through scientific breeding techniques. These new varieties were more responsive to fertilizers and irrigation and produced higher crop yields.
Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure to ensure a more reliable and consistent water supply for crops. This involved building dams, canals, and tube wells to improve water availability for agriculture.
Fertilizers and Chemicals: Widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance soil fertility and control pests and diseases.
Extension Services: Government agencies and agricultural institutions provided farmers with training and education on modern farming techniques and the proper use of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Credit Facilities: Access to agricultural credit and loans for farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
Price Support: The government provided price support mechanisms to ensure that farmers received a fair price for their crops, which encouraged them to adopt modern farming practices.
Positive outcomes of the Green Revolution: Significant increase in agricultural production, particularly in wheat and rice. This increase in food production helped alleviate food shortages and hunger in the country, and India transitioned from being a food-deficient nation to achieving self-sufficiency in food grains.
Negative aspects of Green Revolution, such as concerns about environmental sustainability, overuse of water resources, chemical fertilizer, pesticides, soil degradation, and social inequality in access to resources and benefits.
It’s worth noting that the Green Revolution is an important part of India’s agricultural history, and subsequent agricultural policies and initiatives have aimed to address some of its limitations while building on its successes.
As Swaminathan noted in one of his writings, the Green Revolution was possible because of the synergy between technology, public policy and farmers. Public policy, particularly in terms of
providing remunerative prices and procurement mechanisms, was crucial for the success of the Revolution.
Just before receiving his Nobel Prize in 1970, Norman Borlaug wrote to Swaminathan:
“The Green Revolution has been a team effort and much of the credit for its spectacular development must go to the Indian officials, organizations, scientists, and farmers. However, to you, Dr. Swaminathan, a great deal of the credit must go for first recognizing the potential value of the Mexican dwarfs. Had this not occurred, it is quite possible that there would not have been a Green Revolution in Asia.”
As early as 1968, Swaminathan appealed to farmers not to harm the long-term production potential for short-term gains. He advised them to avoid the temptation to convert the Green
Revolution into a greed revolution.
A term coined by Swaminathan, ‘Evergreen Revolution’, based on the enduring influence of the green revolution, aims to address the continuous increase in sustainable productivity that mankind requires. He has described it as “productivity with perpetuity”.
He advocated farming system research (FSR) – it involves crop-livestock-fish integration in research – to strengthen linkages between agriculture and nutrition.
In his later years, he had also been part of initiatives related to bridging the digital divide, and bringing research to decision-makers in the field of hunger and nutrition.
The National Commission on Farmers, which Swaminathan chaired, recommended that the minimum support price (MSP) be set at least 50 per cent higher than the weighted average cost of production.
At MSSRF, he did a lot of work on hunger and malnutrition. According to Swaminathan, hunger has three major dimensions: The first is calorie deprivation; the second is protein hunger due to
inadequate consumption of pulses, milk, eggs, fish and meat; and the third is hidden
hunger caused by the deficiency of micronutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc,
vitamin A and vitamin B12.
When accepting the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Swaminathan quoted Seneca: “A hungry person listens neither to reason, nor to religion, nor is bent by any prayer.”
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little”
- M.S. Swaminathan
Tributes to the great scientist and father of the Green Revolution, M.S. Swaminathan 🙏
Bishnu
No. – 171, Date: 24th Sept. 2023
Theme: Santiniketan (A abode of Peace)
On 17th Sept. 2023, Santiniketan, West Bengal has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites during the ongoing 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Santiniketan is India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is an ensemble of historic buildings, landscapes and gardens, pavilions, artworks, and continuing educational and cultural traditions that together express its Outstanding Universal Value.
Established in rural West Bengal in 1901, Santiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet and philosopher.
The built and open spaces of Santiniketan constitute an exceptional global testimony to ideas of environmental art and educational reform where progressive education and visual art are intertwined with architecture and landscape, with the Ashram, Uttarayan, and Kala-Bhavana areas forming the prime sites of these practices.
Santiniketan is also directly and tangibly associated with the ideas, works and vision of Rabindranath Tagore and his associates, pioneers of the Bengal School of Art and early Indian Modernism.
This UNESCO recognition not only celebrates India’s heritage but also reinforces the global significance of Santiniketan as a cultural and educational beacon.
The World Heritage Convention, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, strives to safeguard such exceptional places for future generations, recognizing their universal value and the need for international cooperation in their protection.
UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/santiniketan-new-indian-site-unesco-world-heritage-list
Santiniketan
Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India (161 kms from Kolkata), holds a unique and cherished place in India’s cultural and educational landscape. This idyllic town, often referred to as the “abode of peace,” was founded by the poet and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Santiniketan is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of India’s rich heritage, artistic expression, and educational philosophy.
In the middle of the 19th century, Maharshi Devendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore) found solace and serenity in this barren land. He purchased the land and started the construction of a house. This house, named, Santiniketan, was built in the early 1860s; the name later came to denote the entire area. A beautiful garden was laid out on all sides of the house. The top-layer of gritty dry soil was removed and filled with rich soil brought from outside. Trees were planted for fruit and shade. Change in the environment had begun.
In 1888, Debendranath dedicated, the land and buildings, towards the establishment of a Brahmavidyalaya and a library. Rabindranath’s school Brahmacharyasram which started functioning formally December 22, 1901 with no more than five (5) students on the roll. From 1925 this school came to be known as Patha-Bhawan.
In 1921, Rabindranath Tagore expanded Santiniketan into Visva-Bharati University, meaning “The World University.” This institution aimed to promote the synthesis of various cultures and traditions, fostering international understanding and cooperation. It was recognized as a Central University in 1951, further enhancing its stature as a center for excellence in education and culture. Visva-Bharati follows the ideals of its founder by offering a liberal and holistic education that emphasizes creativity, self-discovery, and the integration of the arts and sciences.
The poet selected for its motto an ancient Sanskrit verse, “Yatra visvam bhavatieka nidam” which means “Where the whole world meets in the single nest”
“ Visva-Bharati represents India where she has her wealth of mind which is for all. Visva-Bharati acknowledges India’s obligation to offer to others the hospitality of her best culture and India’s right to accept from others their best ” – Rabindranath Tagore
https://visvabharati.ac.in/Santiniketan.html
In Santiniketan, one can pursue studies from pre-school (nursery) to PhD in many subjects of the arts, sciences, and a few professional courses.
Few classes even to this day are held under trees. The first day of rains is still celebrated with an outing, barefoot and sans umbrellas.
Important places in Santiniketan
Upasana Griha
Inaugurated in 1891, in this is the sanctum sanctorum of Santiniketan. It is a site of the Brahmo Upasana and is marked by empty space within to indicate the immanence of the Brahman who is all pervading. Every Wednesday, students faculty and visitors gather for the Upasana with songs, reading and hymns creating and atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Rabindra Bhavana, founded in 1942, just after the death of the poet, is the focal point of Visva Bharati. It has a museum, archives, library and other units. It houses a major part of Rabindranath’s manuscripts, correspondence, paintings and sketches, 40,000 volumes of books and 12,000 volumes of bound journals, photographs and numerous items associated with the poet’s life. It is generally one of the first points of interest for anybody visiting Santiniketan. It was established by the poet’s son, Rathindranath Tagore, as a memorial museum and research centre for Tagore studies.
The Uttarayana Complex, which lies in the northern portion of the town and is located next to Rabindra Bhavana, features a collection of five houses built by Rabindranath – Udayan, Shyamali, Konark, Udichi and Punascha. The gardens in the Uttarayan complex were planned and laid out by Rathindranath. Shyamali and Konark are mud houses. Shyamali was an experiment. The visual perspective was based on the Borobudur style. The entire outside wall was decorated with beautiful relief work by Kala Bhavana students under the guidance of Nandalal Bose. The Santals on either side of the main door and on the eastern corner were by Ramkinkar Baij. Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi stayed in the house as guests.
Udayan is the most imposing house in the Uttarayan complex. It is meant for important guests visiting Santiniketan. Each suite in Udayan is on a different level which gives this house its individuality. In 2013, Visva Bharati opened a museum Guha Ghar, in the Uttarayan complex, in memory of Rathindranath Tagore.
Other places of Santiniketan are Chhatimtala, The Santiniketan House, Taloddhaj, Jagadish Udyan, Guhaghar – Chitrabhanu, Kalo Bari, Sriniketan, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantiniketan
Few prominent festivals celebrated in Santiniketan
Basanta Utsav (Holi): Basanta Utsav, also known as Holi, is one of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals in Santiniketan. It usually takes place in March, during the spring season. The festival is marked by the enthusiastic playing of colors, traditional folk dances, and songs. Students and residents of Santiniketan, dressed in traditional attire, gather at the university grounds to welcome the arrival of spring with vibrant colors and cultural performances.
Poush Mela: Poush Mela is an annual winter festival celebrated in Santiniketan in December. It is a three-day event that attracts visitors from all over India and abroad. Poush Mela showcases the rich cultural heritage of Santiniketan through various cultural performances, folk music, dance, art exhibitions, and craft fairs. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bengali cuisine and shop for handicrafts and textiles during this festival.
Rabindra Jayanti: Rabindra Jayanti is celebrated on May 7th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the town’s founder and Nobel laureate. On this day, Visva-Bharati University organizes special events, including poetry recitations, musical performances, and discussions on Tagore’s life and works. Students and scholars from various parts of the world gather to pay tribute to the poet and his contributions to literature and culture.
Rathindra Mela: Rathindra Mela is an annual fair organized by Sriniketan, a neighboring town of Santiniketan, in memory of Rathindranath Tagore, Rabindranath’s son. The fair celebrates the rural life of Bengal and showcases various agricultural practices, traditional games, and folk art forms. It provides a glimpse into the agricultural and rural traditions of the region.
Nandan Mela: Nandan Mela is an art and craft fair held in Santiniketan, primarily organized by Kala Bhavana, the art college of Visva-Bharati University. The fair is a platform for artists and craftsmen to display their creations, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Visitors can purchase unique and handmade art and craft items during this event.
Sharodotsav (Durga Puja): While Durga Puja is a widely celebrated festival throughout West Bengal, Santiniketan also joins in the festivities with grand Durga Puja celebrations. The town is adorned with colorful decorations, elaborate pandals (temporary temples), and cultural performances during this time. Residents and students participate in the traditional rituals and enjoy the festive spirit.
The spirit of Rabindranath lives on in Santiniketan.
I was privileged to study at Visva-Bharati University. I did my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 1993 – 95. I am still having good relationships with my batchmates, faculty, and alumni of Social Work.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 170, Date: 10th Sept. 2023
Theme: DOT – India’s largest Optical Telescope
After ISRO’s Chandrayan-3 (Moon Mission) and Aditya-L1 (Sun Mission), astronomy (the scientific study of celestial objects like stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole) has gained immense popularity in India, particularly among students.
While most people are unaware of it, the Government of India has another scientific agency that has been conducting astronomy-related research under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology. The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) conducts research in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and meteorology. Due to its central location in a 180-degree longitude band facility, ARIES has made a unique contribution in many fields of astronomical research, especially those involving time-critical phenomena. ARIES’ Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) at Devasthal, India, is the largest Optical Telescope in the country (Aperture size for the 3.6 m). Training researchers (both PhD and Post-Doc level) is also a priority for ARIES.
The 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) is a custom-built instrument of great complexity This telescope has the distinction of being largest telescope in India for study of celestial objects at optical wavelengths. It is a national facility installed at Devasthal in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. It was commissioned in the year 2016 and is being maintained and operated by ARIES. The 3.6m DOT facility consists of a modern 3.6 meter optical new technology telescope, a suite of instruments, an Aluminium coating plant, a control room and a data center. The back-end instruments of telescope provide spectral and imaging capabilities at visible and near-infrared bands.
https://www.aries.res.in/facilities/astronomical-telescopes/360cm-telescope
ARIES hosts three telescopes of apertures 1.04m, 1.3m and 3.6m and an upcoming 4m Liquid Mirror Telescope. The 1.04m optical telescope, located at Manora Peak, near Nainital, is being used as a main observing facility by the ARIES scientists since 1972. Recent increase in light polution due to Nainital city, ARIES has now developed a new astronomical site at Devasthal after a comprehensive site survey done in different places in the Himalayan region.
Devasthal (“Abode of God”) is a mountain peak located at a distance of ~60 km from ARIES near Dhana-chuli, which has the advantages of having dark skies sub-arcsec seeing, low extinction and excellent observing conditions. Devasthal has a longitude of 79.7 E, latitude of 29.4 N, and an altitude of ~2450 m above msl. The site is away from major urban settlements in the region.
Congratulations to Computer Engineer Mohit Joshi for his contribution to set up *Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT)” at Devasthal, Nainital, Uttarakhand India,
https://aries.res.in/index.php/about-us/devasthal-campus
Bishnu🙏
No. – 169, Date: 10th Sept. 2023
Theme: G20 India 2023
The G20 India 2023 leaders’ summit held in New Delhi on September 9 – 10, 2023, successfully with many successes and records.
As the president of the G20 for the year 2023, India made its work done by adopting the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration consensually.
https://www.g20.org/content/dam/gtwenty/gtwenty_new/document/G20-New-Delhi-Leaders-Declaration.pdf
The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
https://www.g20.org/en/about-g20/#how-g20-works
India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States) and European Union.
The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation and it plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or staff. Instead, the G20 Presidency rotates annually among the members and is selected from a different regional grouping of countries. The 19 member countries are therefore divided up into five groups comprising a maximum of four countries each. Most of the groups are formed on a regional basis, that is countries from the same region are usually put in the same group. Only Group 1 (Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United States) and Group 2 (India, Russia, South Africa and Türkiye) do not follow this pattern. Group 3 includes Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico; Group 4 includes France, Germany, Italy, and United Kingdom; and Group 5 includes China, Indonesia, Japan, and Republic of Korea. The EU, the 20th member, is not a member of any of these regional groups.
Each year another country from a different group assumes the G20 Presidency. The countries in a group are each equally entitled to take on the Presidency when it is their group’s turn, though. India, from Group 2, holds the current Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. The G20 Presidency is responsible for bringing together the G20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy.
To ensure continuity, the Presidency is supported by a “troika” made up of the current, immediate past and next host countries. During India’s Presidency, the members of the G20 troika are Indonesia, India and Brazil.
https://www.g20.org/content/dam/gtwenty/gtwenty_new/about_g20/G20_Background_Brief.pdf
India has transformed G20, the elite diplomatic event into a people’s event. It has been a pan-national celebration so the economic benefits are unfolding nationwide.
With approximately 220 meetings spanning 60 cities, nearly 30,000 delegates in G20 meetings, over 1,00,00 participants in their side events as well as involvement of citizens from all corners of the nation, G20 engaged with the people in myriad ways.
Preamble G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 2023
- We are One Earth, One Family, and we share One Future.
- We, the Leaders of the G20, met in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023, under the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. We meet at a defining moment in history where the decisions we make now will determine the future of our people and our planet. It is with the philosophy of living in harmony with our surrounding ecosystem that we commit to concrete actions to address global challenges.
- G20 cooperation is essential in determining the course the world takes. Headwinds to global economic growth and stability persist. Years of cascading challenges and crises have reversed gains in the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to increase, with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, drought, land degradation and desertification threatening lives and livelihoods. Rising commodity prices, including food and energy prices are contributing to cost of living pressures. Global challenges like poverty and inequality, climate change, pandemics and conflicts disproportionately affect women and children, and the most vulnerable.
- Together we have an opportunity to build a better future. Just energy transitions can improve jobs and livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience. We affirm that no country should have to choose between fighting poverty and fighting for our planet. We will pursue development models that implement sustainable, inclusive and just transitions globally, while leaving no one behind.
- As Leaders of G20, the premier global forum for international economic cooperation, we resolve to act in concrete ways through partnerships. We commit to:
a. Accelerate strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.
b. Accelerate the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
c. Pursue low-GHG/low-carbon emissions, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development pathways by championing an integrated and inclusive approach. We will urgently accelerate our actions to address development and climate challenges, promote Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), and conserve biodiversity, forests and oceans.
d. Improve access to medical countermeasures and facilitate more supplies and production capacities in developing countries to prepare better for future health emergencies.
e. Promote resilient growth by urgently and effectively addressing debt vulnerabilities in developing countries.
f. Scale up financing from all sources for accelerating progress on SDGs. 2 Zero Draft
g. Accelerate efforts and enhance resources towards achieving the Paris Agreement, including its temperature goal.
h. Pursue reforms for better, bigger and more effective Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address global challenges to maximise developmental impact.
i. Improve access to digital services and digital public infrastructure, and leverage digital transformation opportunities to boost sustainable and inclusive growth.
j. Promote sustainable, quality, healthy, safe and gainful employment.
k. Close gender gaps and promote the full, equal, effective and meaningful participation of women in the economy as decision-makers. l. Better integrate the perspectives of developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, into future G20 agenda and strengthen the voice of developing countries in global decision making.
One Earth, One Family, and One Future.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
Bishnu🙏
No. – 168, Date: 3rd Sept. 2023
Theme: Aditya L1 Sun Mission of India
Yesterday (September 2, 2023), around noon, ISRO launched its Aditya L1 Sun Mission. Its PSLV- C57 rocket has placed the satellite precisely in its intended earth-bound orbit. India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the Sun-Earth L1 point.
Lagrange Points
Lagrange points, also known as Lagrangian points or simply L- points, are specific locations in space where the gravitational forces of two large objects, such as a planet and its moon or a planet and the Sun, balance the centrifugal force felt by a smaller object, like a satellite or spacecraft. These points were named after the French-Italian mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, who studied them in the late 18th century.
There are five Lagrange points associated with the Earth-Sun system, denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5:
L1 (Lagrange Point 1): This point lies along the line connecting the two larger bodies (Earth and the Sun) and is located closer to the smaller body (Earth). Objects placed at L1 maintain a nearly constant position relative to the Earth as they orbit the Sun.
Lagrange points are of great interest to space missions and astronomy. For instance, the L1 point is used for solar observatories like the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) because it allows a continuous view of the Sun. L2 is used for missions like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), as it provides a stable environment and is shielded from the Sun’s radiation and Earth’s atmosphere.
India’s Aditya spacecraft (satellite) will be placed in L1 (Lagrange Point 1) in next 125 days and revolve around the Sun.
Aditya L1 Mission
Aditya L1 shall be the first space based Indian mission to study the Sun. The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses. This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time.
The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors. Using the special vantage point L1, four payloads directly view the Sun and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1, thus providing important scientific studies of the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium
The suits of Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide most crucial information to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particle and fields etc.
https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1.html
Aditya L1 Mission Brochure from ISRO website
https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/AdityaL1_Mission_Brochure.pdf
The Sun
Though Sun is special to us, there are billions of stars like our sun scattered across the Milky Way galaxy in the Universe. The Sun is located in one of the spiral arms of the Milky Way known as the Orion Arm, situated roughly halfway from the galactic center to the outer edge.
Our Sun is a 4.5 billion-year-old star – a hot glowing ball of hydrogen and helium in plasma state at the center of our solar system. The Sun is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) from Earth, and without its energy, life as we know it could not exist here on our home planet.
The Sun is the largest object in our solar system. The Sun’s volume would need 1.3 million Earths to fill it. Its gravity holds the solar system together, keeping everything from the biggest planets to the smallest bits of debris in orbit around it. The hottest part of the Sun is its core, where temperatures top 27 million degrees Fahrenheit (15 million degrees Celsius). The Sun’s activity, from its powerful eruptions to the steady stream of charged particles it sends out, influences the nature of space throughout the solar system.
Sun’s influence extends far beyond the orbits of distant Neptune and Pluto. Without the sun’s intense energy and heat, there would be no life on Earth. And. If the sun were as tall as a typical front door, the Earth would be the size of a U.S. nickel (coin).
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/sun/in-depth/
Few Interesting information about Sun
Age and Lifespan: The Sun is approximately 4.5 billion years old and is considered middle-aged. It is expected to remain in its current state for another 5 billion years before it enters the later stages of its life.
Composition: The Sun is primarily composed of hydrogen (about 74%) and helium (about 24%). Trace amounts of other elements make up the remaining 2% of its mass.
Size: The Sun is massive, with a diameter of about 109 times that of Earth. Its volume is so vast that it could fit over 1.3 million Earths inside it.
Rotation: In the year 1612, Galileo Galilei first discovered that the Sun rotates on its axis once in every 27 days. However, its equator, the mid-region of the Sun spins the faster and takes about 24 days to rotate, while the poles take more than 30 days.
Energy Production: The Sun’s core is incredibly hot, with temperatures exceeding 15 million degrees Celsius (27 million degrees Fahrenheit). It generates energy through nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing immense amounts of energy in the process.
Light Travel Time: It takes roughly 8 minutes and 20 seconds for sunlight to reach Earth, traveling at the speed of light. This means that when you look at the Sun, you’re actually seeing it as it was over 8 minutes ago.
Solar Flares and Sunspots: The Sun experiences periodic bursts of energy called solar flares and dark, cooler regions known as sunspots. These solar activities can impact Earth’s magnetic field and communication systems.
Solar Wind: The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When this wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, it creates phenomena like the Northern and Southern Lights (Auroras).
Energy Output: The Sun radiates an enormous amount of energy. In one second, it emits more energy than humanity has consumed throughout all of history.
Solar Variability: The Sun goes through an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity known as the solar cycle. During periods of high activity, there are more sunspots and solar flares, while during solar minimums, the Sun is quieter.
Importance for Life: The Sun is vital for life on Earth. Its energy powers photosynthesis in plants, providing the basis for the food chain. It also regulates Earth’s climate and weather patterns.
Future Evolution: Eventually, the Sun will exhaust its hydrogen fuel and expand into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets, including Earth, before eventually cooling and becoming a white dwarf.
Solar Missions: Numerous space missions, like the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the Parker Solar Probe, have been launched to study the Sun up close and better understand its behavior. Aditya L1 Mission of India will add value to previous and ongoing solar missions.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 167, Date: 27th Aug. 2023
Theme: Tribute to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak – The Toilet man of India
Most of us know and have even used public toilets and bathing facilities at bus stands, railway stations, and market places across India. But few may be aware of its promoter, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, passed away at the age of 80 on August 15, 2023. He died due to a cardiac arrest, the news agency PTI reported, citing a close aide. The aide said that Pathak hoisted the national flag in the morning on the occasion of Independence Day and collapsed soon after that.
Pathak was a pioneer in building public toilets.
He founded Sulabh International, a social service organization that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, waste management, and reforms through education.
In the early 1970s, he made a cheap twin-pit toilet, a design that has since been used to build clean toilets in hundreds of thousands of homes across India, helping millions of women access safe sanitation facilities.
Over the years, his organization, Sulabh International, also helped many Indian cities set up 10,123 pay-per-use public toilets that were clean and safe. The organization also constructed 15, 91, 185 household toilets, 32, 541 school toilets, 2,454 slum community toilets, 200 biogas plants, Museum of Toilets, World’s largest toilet and bathing complex and many other things.
The concept – one rupee for a pee and two rupees for a poo – quickly caught on in a country where using a toilet in public often meant squatting behind a tree.
His work in challenging India’s tenacious caste discrimination, which puts those at the bottom of the social hierarchy at a disadvantage, and uplifting more than 10,000 manual scavengers, mostly Dalits (formerly untouchables), has also been widely recognized.
During his lifetime, Mr. Pathak won many prestigious Indian and global awards. As his popularity grew, the press dubbed him “Mr. Sanitation” and “The Toilet Man of India” In a report, the Washington Post described him as a “mini revolutionary,” and he figured in the Economist Global Diversity List in 2015. He was also awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2016.
In 1991, Pathak was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his work in liberating and rehabilitating manual scavengers and also for preventing environmental pollution by providing pour-flush toilet technology. In 1989 he once led 100 girls from families of manual scavengers in Rajasthan state into a temple, where Dalits were traditionally barred from entering, and ate a meal in public with them.
In recent years, Sulabh International has also tied up with the Indian government’s flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission, which aims to end open defecation and promote hygiene.
Mr. Pathak, who often said that his “priority in life was to solve the problem of sanitation for people” and that “I love this work more than my sons and daughters”, was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s independence movement leader.
Mr. Pathak claims that even as a young child, he was acutely aware of his privilege and perplexed by the harsh realities of the caste system, which governed life in his village in every way. He was born into an upper-caste Brahmin family in Rampur Baghel village, Vaishali, Bihar.
Pathak did his graduation in sociology in 1964 from the Banaras Hindu University. He earned his master’s degree in 1980 and his PhD in 1985 from the University of Patna. He established the Sulabh International Social Service in 1970 with the aim of resolving the country’s sanitation problems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindeshwar_Pathak
The first of its kind in the world, the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, was set up in New Delhi in 1994. The curation of this unique museum is such that it narrates the story of toilet evolution through artefacts, pictures, posters and other available materials. The museum is hugely popular and has been profiled by the likes The Time Magazine and the Discovery Channel. Thousands visit the museum every year.
In the year 2012, at the behest of India’s Supreme Court, Sulabh steps in to provide care for the widows living in the government shelters in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh). Since then Sulabh has been providing humanitarian services to thousands of widows innovative ways. Many widows are now celebrating Holi and Diwali as a result of Dr. Bindeswar Pathak.
Sulabh inaugurated the world’s largest toilet complex in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, with 2,858 toilet seats in 2015. It has bathing and locker facilities that are used by four thousand people every day. Additionally, 36 public toilets have been constructed. These toilets are monitored around the clock and are disabled-friendly.
“Great things are achieved when knowledge is combined with action.” – Dr. Bideshwar Pathak
Late Dr. Bideshwar Pathak, the renowned social reformer, deserves our respect and admiration.
Our tribute to him. 🙏
Bishnu
No. – 166, Date: 20th Aug. 2023
Theme: Richard Turere – The Young Inventor and conservationis
Richard Turere from Kenya is a recognised conservationist with expertise in human-wildlife conflict and nature conservation-related matters of national and global importance.
Richard Turere was born in Kitengela, Kenya, just south of Nairobi National Park, which has the world’s largest density of lions. At the age of nine, Turere was responsible for looking after his family’s herd of cattle. The lions took down these valuable animals — the family’s source of meat and milk — too often.
By age 11, Turere decided to find a way to protect his family’s livestock, which also included goats and sheep, from falling prey to the roaming lions. At first, he tried building fires, but the lions learned to skirt around them and remain in the shadows – still able to hunt vulnerable animals.
Turere soon noticed that while the lions didn’t seem to fear the stationary fires, they were afraid of moving lights; they wouldn’t come near the stockade if someone walked around with a flashlight.
After a few weeks of contemplation and experimentation, he devised an innovative, simple, and low-cost system to keep the predators at bay. With little to no access to technical information, Turere put together an automated lighting system using LED bulbs from broken flashlights and a car battery powered by a solar panel that also powers the family’s television. These “Lion Lights” are designed to flash intermittently, tricking lions into thinking someone is walking around with a flashlight.
This solution has been so successful that several families have asked for Lion Lights; over 2000 such systems have been rigged up around Kenya. Invention saves tourism, too. Tourism is key in helping support the national economy in Kenya, and thousands of tourists visit Nairobi National Park every year to see wildlife.
He is the founder and innovator of Lion Lights, an innovation widely recognised for its singular ingenuity in promoting a sustainable, peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Richard has been honoured to speak within various forums, both local and global, such as the TED Global Stage in California, USA; the Let’s Go Festival in Brazil; La Ciudad de Las Ideas, Mexico; the Lion Week Festival in Hong Kong; the Jack Ma Talk as a Special Invited Guest Speaker at the University of Nairobi; the Anzisha Prize in Johannesburg, South Africa; the Conservation Business Forum as a recognised youth expert in Kigali, Rwanda.
https://www.lion-lights.org/about/
Our students, and young people should take inspiration from Richard and do something similar in order to address issues facing society.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 165, Date: 13th Aug. 2023
Theme: Salute to Indian Army – Our Defender
We will celebrate our 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2023.
While celebrating Independence Day or Republic Day, we generally remember and pay tribute to our freedom fighters.
But there is one important category, i.e., our Armed forces, who are defending us and our motherland.
Our salute and tribute to them for their duty and sacrifices.
“The distinguished history of Indian Army dates back more than ten thousand years. The two grand epics of ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ constitute the fundamental framework around which the edifice of Indian Army is built. The massive war ‘Mahabharata’, fought at Kurukshetra in north-central India, has left indelible imprints on the Indian psyche. Fought relentlessly for eighteen days in the quest of peace, the force level described in the Epic states 18 ‘Akshaunis’, seven with the ‘Pandavas’ and eleven with the ‘Kauravas’, amounting to nearly 400,000 assorted troops fighting on chariots, horses, elephants and foot soldiers.”
https://indianarmy.nic.in/KnowYourArmy/know-your-army-main/history
The predecessors to the contemporary Army of India were many: the sepoy regiments, native cavalry, irregular horse and Indian sapper and miner companies raised by the three British presidencies. The Army of India was raised under the British Raj in the 19th century by taking the erstwhile presidency armies, merging them, and bringing them under the Crown. The British Indian Army fought in both World Wars.
The armed forces succeeded the military of British India following India’s independence in 1947. After World War II, many of the wartime troops were discharged and units disbanded. The reduced armed forces were partitioned between India and Pakistan. The Indian Armed Forces fought in all four wars against Pakistan and two wars against the People’s Republic of China in 1962 and 1967 (Nathu La – Cho La clashes). India also fought in the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999, the highest altitude mountain warfare in history. The Indian Armed Forces have participated in several United Nations peacekeeping operations and are presently the second largest contributor of troops to the peacekeeping force.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_India
The Indian Army is one of the best armies in the world.
Jai Hind 🙏
Bishnu
No. – 164, Date: 6th Aug. 2023
Theme: Power of Believe / Positive Mindset
This is the real life story of George Bernard Dantzig who was an American mathematical scientist who made contributions to industrial engineering, operations research, computer science, economics, and statistics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Dantzig
Dantzig solved two open problems in statistical theory (which had been unsolved for many years), which he had mistaken for homework after arriving late to a lecture by Jerzy Neyman.
“I didn’t know I couldn’t, so I did.” – Dantzig
There are many inspiring stories in https://storyworks.in/storybanks/
“When you believe, your mind will find a way.” – David J. Schwartz
The power of belief is the transformative impact of our beliefs on our lives and actions. Positive beliefs increase confidence, motivation, and resilience, driving us to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Negative beliefs limit our potential and limit our ability to succeed.
While belief alone doesn’t guarantee success, it significantly influences attitudes and actions. Cultivating positive beliefs and maintaining a hopeful outlook contribute to a more optimistic and fulfilling life journey. Balancing belief with realism and taking practical steps towards goals is essential for lasting success and personal growth.
Cultivating the power of belief involves developing a positive mindset, setting clear goals, visualizing success, practicing positive affirmations, and surrounding oneself with supportive positive thinking people who believe in one’s potential. These strategies help build confidence, boost assurance, and reinforce positive beliefs about one’s capabilities.
”Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Dr. Benjamin Spock
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 163, Date: 9th July 2023
Theme: India’s Moon Missions
On July 14, 2023, India launched Chandrayaan-3 (its third mission to the moon). On August 23, 2023, the Lander with the Rover of Chandrayaan-3 will ascent the moon. Moon, Earth’s sole natural satellite and nearest large celestial body Known since prehistoric times, it is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun.
At night, the moon is the brightest and largest object in our sky. The moon does not have its own light but is lit by the Sun. The Moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet’s wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate. It also causes tides, creating a rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years. The Moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth billions of years ago.
The Earth’s Moon is the fifth largest of the 200+ moons orbiting planets in our solar system.
Earth’s only natural satellite is simply called “the Moon” because people didn’t know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610.
In Latin, the moon is called Luna.
Earth’s Moon is the only place beyond Earth where humans have set foot.
Interesting things about the Moon
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite.
It goes around the Earth at a distance of about 385,000 kilometres.
The Moon’s diameter is about 3,500 km, more than a quarter of Earth’s, with the face of the Moon comparable to the width of Australia. The whole surface area of the Moon is about 38 million square kilometres, roughly the size of the Americas (North and South America) and Africa.
The Moon’s mass is 1/81 of Earth’s, making it the second densest among the planetary moons and having the second highest surface gravity after Io at 0.1654 g and an escape velocity of 2.38 km/s (8600 km/h; 5300 mph).
The Moon has a solid and rocky surface.
The Moon has a very thin and tenuous atmosphere called an exosphere. It is not breathable.
The Moon has no moons and no rings.
The Earth and Moon are tidally locked. Their rotations are so in sync that we only see one side of the Moon. Humans didn’t see the far side of the moon until a Soviet spacecraft flew past in 1959.
More than 105 robotic spacecraft have been launched to explore the Moon. It is the only celestial body beyond Earth, so far, visited by humans.
Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were the first of 12 human beings to walk on the Moon. Four of America’s moonwalkers are still alive: Aldrin (Apollo 11), David Scott (Apollo 15), Charles Duke (Apollo 16), and Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17).
In all, 24 American astronauts made the trip from Earth to the Moon between 1968 and 1972. Three astronauts made the journey from Earth to the Moon twice: James Lovell (Apollo 8 and Apollo 13), John Young (Apollo 10 and Apollo 16), and Gene Cernan (Apollo 10 and Apollo 17).
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/890/who-has-walked-on-the-moon/
Apollo astronauts brought back a total of 382 kilogrammes of lunar rocks and soil to Earth. We are still studying them.
Few countries, i.e., the USA, Russia, China, Japan, the EU, and India, have made missions to the Moon.
Chandrayan – 1 (2008)
Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe under the Chandrayaan programme. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket on October 22 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission was a major boost to India’s space programme [8] as India researched and developed indigenous technology to explore the Moon. The vehicle was inserted into lunar orbit on November 8, 2008.
On November 14, 2008, the Moon Impact Probe separated from the Chandrayaan orbiter at 14:36 UTC and struck the south pole in a controlled manner.
Chandrayaan-1 explored the presence of water on the moon along with other scientific studies.
Chandrayaan – 2 (2019)
Chandrayaan-2 is the second lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO after Chandrayaan-1. It consists of a lunar orbiter, a lander, and the Pragyan rover, all of which were developed in India. The main scientific objective is to map and study the variations in lunar surface composition as well as the location and abundance of lunar water.
The spacecraft was launched from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh on July 22, 2019 at 09:13:12 UTC by a LVM3-M1 rocket. The craft reached the Moon’s orbit on August 20 and began orbital positioning manoeuvres for the landing of the Vikram lander. The lander and the rover were scheduled to land on the near side of the moon in the south polar region at a latitude of about 70° south on September 6, 2019.
However, the lander crashed when it deviated from its intended trajectory while attempting to land on September 6, 2019. According to a failure analysis report submitted to ISRO, the crash was caused by a software glitch.
Chandrayaan -3 (2023)
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability for safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It consists of Lander and Rover configurations. It was launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The propulsion module is carrying the lander and rover configuration to a 100-kilometre lunar orbit. The propulsion module has a Spectro-Polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.
Lander payloads: Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature; Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) to measure the seismicity around the landing site; Langmuir Probe (LP) to estimate the plasma density and its variations. A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is used for lunar laser ranging studies.
Rover payloads: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site.
Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous landing module (LM), a propulsion module (PM), and a Rover with the objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for interplanetary missions. The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover, which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility. The Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface. The main function of PM is to carry the LM from launch vehicle injection until the final lunar 100-km circular polar orbit and separate the LM from PM. Apart from this, the Propulsion Module also has one scientific payload as a value addition, which will be operated post-separation of the Lander Module. The launcher identified for Chandrayaan-3 is LVM3 M4, which will place the integrated module in an Elliptic Parking Orbit (EPO) of size 170 x 36500 km.
The mission objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are:
1.To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on the lunar surface
- To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and
- To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3_Details.html
Please down load Chandrayaan – 3 Brochure for details.
https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Missions/LVM3/LVM3M4_Chandrayaan3_brochure.pdf
Let’s wait until August 23, 2023, for a great achievement on the moon’s surface by India.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 162, Date: 9th July 2023
Theme: A simple Magic
I’m unable to prepare The Sunday Sharing today since I am suffering from a health issue. Let Japanese magician Kellchi Iwasaki’s amiable magical performances charm you. Children would love to watch this video, so please pass it along.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 160, Date: 2nd July 2023
Theme: Power of Steam Engines
Kory Anderson and his team took 16 months to recreate this iconic engine from scratch. They had to make it from scratch because none of the original nine 150-HP Case engines survived the test of time.
The 150-case steam engine was originally built in 1905 by The Case Company in USA. Only nine of these massive engines were made, and none survived. Then, in 2016, Kory Anderson and his team decided to bring the giant steam engine back to life.
The Largest steam-powered tractor in operation is the ‘150 HP Case, which weighs 34,000 kg (75,000 lb) and was reconstructed by Anderson Industries (USA) in Webster, South Dakota, USA, in 2018.
The Tractor is 7.62 m (25 ft) long, 4.3 m (14 ft) wide, and 4.3 m (14 ft) high, and it packs a 1.4 m (4 ft, 10 in) long firebox. All this size means this tractor packs a huge punch, producing 6800 Nm (5000 ft lb) of Torque. The tractor is capable of pulling 44 John Deere ploughs; that’s the same pulling power as 10 F1 cars.
The Case’s massive pulling power comes from a giant 14-inch bore and 14-inch stroke engine. It’s a lazy 200 RPM motor that delivers all its torque from the very beginning. With that kind of weight and torque, the 150 Case has a modest top speed of 5.69 mph.
It was registered in Guinness World Records as the world’s largest Steam Tractor.
Steam engines were essential to the Industrial Revolution, which was a period of rapid economic and social change that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world. Steam engines provided a reliable and efficient source of power that helped drive the growth of industry, transportation, and agriculture.
Steam engines were used in a variety of applications, including:
I. Powering pumps: Steam engines were first used to power pumps, which were used to drain mines and provide water for factories.
II. Providing motive power for ships: Steam engines were used to power ships, which revolutionised transportation and made it possible to travel long distances quickly and efficiently.
III. Providing motive power for locomotives: Steam locomotives were used to power trains, which made it possible to transport goods and people over long distances quickly and efficiently.
IV. Generating electricity: Steam engines were used to generate electricity, which was used to power homes, businesses, and factories.
V. Providing power for machinery: Steam engines were used to power a variety of machinery, including textile mills, sawmills, and printing presses.
VI. Providing power for agricultural equipment: Steam engines were used to power a variety of agricultural equipment, including threshers, ploughs, and harvesters.
A steam engine is a heat engine that uses steam as its working fluid. The steam engine uses the force produced by steam pressure to push a piston back and forth inside a cylinder. This pushing force can be transformed, by a connecting rod and crank, into rotational force for work.
The basic components of a steam engine are:
Boiler: The boiler is where the water is heated to produce steam. The boiler is typically made of steel or cast iron and has a firebox where fuel is burned.
Cylinder: The cylinder is where the steam expands and pushes the piston. The cylinder is typically made of cast iron or steel and has a piston that moves back and forth inside it.
Piston: The piston is a disk-shaped object that moves back and forth inside the cylinder. The piston is connected to a connecting rod, which converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion.
Connecting rod: The connecting rod is a long, slender rod that connects the piston to the crank. The connecting rod converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion.
Crank: The crank is a rotating arm that is connected to the connecting rod. The crank converts the rotational motion of the connecting rod into rotational motion of the output shaft.
The steam engine works in the following steps:
- Water is heated in the boiler until it boils and turns into steam.
- The steam is then admitted into the cylinder.
- The steam expands and pushes the piston back and forth.
- The connecting rod converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion.
- The crank converts the rotational motion of the connecting rod into rotational motion of the output shaft.
- The output shaft can then be used to power a machine or turn a wheel.
Steam engines can be categorized into two main types: reciprocating engines and turbine engines.
Reciprocating engines use pistons to convert the force of steam into rotational motion. Turbine engines use rotating blades to convert the force of steam into rotational motion.
Reciprocating engines were the most common type of steam engine used during the Industrial Revolution. They were used to power a variety of machines and vehicles, including locomotives, ships, and pumps. Turbine engines are more efficient than reciprocating engines, but they are also more complex and expensive. They are typically used in large power plants to generate electricity.
The steam engine was not invented by a single individual but rather evolved over time through the contributions of various inventors and engineers. However, one of the most significant figures associated with the development of the steam engine is James Watt.
James Watt, a Scottish engineer, is often credited with making substantial improvements to the design and efficiency of the steam engine. In the 18th century, Watt developed a separate condenser that prevented the loss of steam and greatly increased the engine’s efficiency. His innovations, including the rotary motion and the double-acting engine, played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of steam power during the Industrial Revolution.
It’s worth noting that the concept of using steam to produce mechanical work predates Watt’s contributions. Early steam engines and devices utilizing steam power were developed by inventors such as Thomas Savery and Thomas Newcomen. However, it was James Watt’s refinements and improvements that significantly advanced the technology and made steam engines more practical and efficient.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 159 Date: 25th June 2023
Theme: C R Rao: The man who revolutionized statistics
Can you believe one can get the International Prize in Statistics (equivalent to the Nobel Prize) at the age of 102 (one hundred and two)?
Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao (born on September 10, 1920) retired at the age of sixty and went to live with his daughter in America along with his grandchildren. At the age of 62, he became a professor of statistics at the University of Pittsburgh, and at the age of 70, he became the head of the department at the University of Pennsylvania. US citizenship at the age of 75. National Medal for Science at the age of 82, a White House honour. In India, the government has already honoured him with the Padma Bhushan (1968) and the Padma Vibhushan (2001). At the age of 102, in the year 2023, receiving an International Prize in Statistics while in good physical condition is probably the first example.
Prof. Rao, who is now 102 years old, is a ‘living legend’ whose work has influenced, in the words of the American Statistical Association, “not just statistics” but also “economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine”
The citation for his new award reads: “C.R. Rao, a professor whose work more than 75 years ago continues to exert a profound influence on science, has been awarded the 2023 International Prize in Statistics.”
Among his best-known discoveries are the Cramér-Rao bound and the Rao-Blackwell theorem, both related to the quality of estimators. Other areas he worked in include multivariate analysis, estimation theory, and differential geometry. His other contributions include the Fisher-Rao theorem, the Rao distance, and orthogonal arrays. He is the author of 14 books and has published over 400 journal articles.
Rao has received 38 honorary doctoral degrees from universities in 19 countries around the world and numerous awards and medals for his contributions to statistics and science. He is a member of eight National Academies in India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy.
C. R. Rao was born to a Telugu family in Hadagali, Bellary, Madras Presidency (now Karnataka), India. His schooling was completed in Gudur, Nuzvid, Nandigama, and Visakhapatnam, all in the present state of Andhra Pradesh. He received an MSc in mathematics from Andhra University and an MA in statistics from Calcutta University in 1943. He obtained a PhD degree at King’s College, Cambridge University, under R. A. Fisher in 1948, widely regarded as the father of modern statistics. to which he added a DSc degree, also from Cambridge, in 1965.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._R._Rao
Rao’s groundbreaking paper, ‘Information and accuracy attainable in the estimation of statistical parameters’, was published in 1945 in the Bulletin of the Calcutta Mathematical Society, a journal that is otherwise not well known to the statistics community. The paper was subsequently included in the book Breakthroughs in Statistics, 1890–1990.
The Cramér-Rao inequality is the first of the three results of the 1945 paper. When we are estimating the unknown value of a parameter, we must be aware of the estimator’s margin of error. Rao’s work provided a lower limit on the variance of an unbiased estimate for a finite sample. The result has since become a cornerstone of mathematical statistics; researchers have extended it in many different ways, with applications even in quantum physics, signal processing, spectroscopy, radar systems, multiple-image radiography, risk analysis, and probability theory, among other fields.
The American statistician Morris H. DeGroot provided an intriguing account of how Rao arrived at the lower limit in an article that appeared in the journal Statistical Science in 1987. Prof. Fisher had already established an asymptotic (i.e., when the sample size is very large) version of the inequality, and it seems a student had asked Rao, “Why don’t you prove it for finite samples?” in 1944. A then-24-year-old Rao did so in under 24 hours!
Given the magnitude and relevance of his contributions, it might seem surprising that Rao entered the field of statistics by chance.
Despite scoring first in mathematics at Andhra University, a 19-year-old Rao didn’t secure a scholarship there for administrative reasons. He was also rejected for a mathematician’s job at an army survey unit because he was judged to be too young.
When he was staying at a hotel in Calcutta, he met a man who was employed in Bombay and had been sent to Calcutta to be trained at the Indian Statistical Institute. He asked Rao to apply to the institute as well. Rao did so for a year-long training program in statistics, hoping the additional qualification would help him land a job.
P.C. Mahalanobis, then director of the institute, replied promptly, and Rao was enrolled. That marked the beginning of a four-decade-long stay at the institute. Rao retired in 1979 and afterwards settled in the U.S.
As Lehmann wrote, Rao was “the person who did the most to continue Mahalanobis’s work as a leader of statistics in India.”
“In statistics, there is nothing like a fixed set of knowledge, and all previous knowledge goes obsolete once a new set is developed,” says Prof. Rao.
Let’s draw inspiration from Prof. Rao’s life and work.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 158, Date: 18th June 2023
Theme: Food Preservation
Perhaps humans (Homo Sapiens) are the only creatures on earth who cook their food using fire and other means (sun rays, steam, heating by electrical induction, micro-waves, etc.). They also process, preserve, and store food for their own and others’ consumption at a later stage.
Foods are preserved for various reasons
Extended Shelf Life: Preservation methods help to extend the shelf life of perishable foods, allowing them to be stored and consumed over a longer period. This is particularly important for foods that have a short natural lifespan, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.
Seasonal Availability: Many foods have a specific growing season or are only available in certain regions. Preservation techniques enable us to enjoy these foods throughout the year by capturing them at their peak freshness and storing them for later use.
Food Security: Food preservation plays a critical role in ensuring food security, especially in regions or times when food supplies may be limited. By preserving food during times of abundance, we can create reserves that can be accessed during times of scarcity or emergencies.
Convenience: Preserved foods provide convenience and flexibility in meal planning and preparation. Canned, frozen, or dried foods offer quick and easy meal options that can be readily available, especially when fresh ingredients are not accessible or time is limited.
Reduced Food Waste: Food preservation helps to reduce food waste by preventing spoilage and extending the usability of food items. By preserving surplus or excess food, we can avoid unnecessary discarding and make efficient use of available resources.
Nutritional Value: Certain preservation methods help retain the nutritional value of foods. Freezing, for example, can help preserve vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, ensuring they remain nutritious even after storage.
Cost Savings: Preserving food at home or through commercial means can lead to cost savings. Buying food in bulk or during seasonal abundance and preserving it for later use can help reduce overall food costs.
Cultural and Traditional Significance: Preservation techniques often have deep cultural and traditional significance. They allow communities to preserve their traditional recipes, flavors, and food practices, maintaining their cultural identity across generations.
Various ways of food preservation:There are several methods used for food preservation.
Canning: Canning involves sealing food in airtight containers (such as jars or cans) and heating them to destroy microorganisms and enzymes that can cause spoilage. This method is commonly used for fruits, vegetables, meats, and soups. The two main canning methods are water bath canning (for acidic foods) and pressure canning (for low-acid foods).
Freezing: Freezing involves lowering the temperature of food to below freezing point to slow down microbial growth and enzymatic activity. Freezing helps preserve the quality and nutritional value of many foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and prepared meals. Proper packaging, such as airtight containers or freezer bags, is essential to prevent freezer burn.
Drying/Dehydration: Drying removes moisture from food, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. There are various drying methods, including sun drying, air drying, and using specialized food dehydrators or ovens. Drying is commonly used for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky.
Salting: Salting involves applying salt to food to draw out moisture, making it inhospitable for microorganisms. This method is often used for preserving meats, fish, and some vegetables (e.g., pickles).
Smoking: Smoking exposes food to smoke from burning wood or other materials, imparting flavor and creating an acidic environment that inhibits bacterial growth. Smoking is commonly used for meats, fish, and cheeses.
Fermentation: Fermentation involves the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol, organic acids, or gases by microorganisms like yeast or bacteria. Fermentation can preserve and transform food, enhancing flavor and texture. Examples include fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi), fermented dairy products (e.g., yogurt, cheese), and fermented beverages (e.g., wine, beer).
Pickling: Pickling involves preserving food in an acidic solution, usually vinegar or brine. The acidity inhibits microbial growth. Pickling is commonly used for vegetables, fruits, and eggs.
Vacuum Packaging: Vacuum packaging removes air from around the food and seals it in airtight packaging. This method helps inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms and preserves the quality of the food. It is commonly used for meats, cheese, and other perishable items.
Pasteurization: Pasteurization involves heating food to a specific temperature to kill or inactivate pathogens and extend shelf life. It is commonly used for dairy products, juices, and some canned goods.
Each preservation method has its own advantages and is suitable for different types of foods. The choice of method depends on factors such as the type of food, desired shelf life, storage conditions, and personal preferences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_preservation
While food preservation using chemicals can be effective, there are potential health issues associated with the use of certain chemical preservatives. It’s significant to note that food safety authorities regulate the use of chemicals in food preservation to ensure that their use is within acceptable limits and doesn’t pose serious health risks.
Some concerns associated with the use of chemical preservatives
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain chemical preservatives. For example, sulfites, which are commonly used in dried fruits, wine, and processed foods, can trigger allergic reactions, including asthma attacks, in susceptible individuals.
Adverse Effects on Health: Certain chemical preservatives, such as nitrites and nitrates, are used in cured meats like bacon and hot dogs. These compounds can form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Prolonged and excessive consumption of foods containing nitrites and nitrates may increase the risk of certain cancers.
Sodium Intake: Some chemical preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and sodium nitrate, contain sodium. Excessive sodium intake is associated with various health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems. It is important to monitor overall sodium consumption and choose low-sodium alternatives when possible.
Additive Interactions: Some chemical preservatives may interact with other additives or ingredients in food, resulting in the formation of potentially harmful compounds. For example, the combination of nitrites and certain amines found in meat can produce nitrosamines, which are associated with increased cancer risk.
Development of Antibiotic Resistance: Antibiotics are sometimes used as preservatives in certain foods, such as poultry and seafood. Overuse or improper use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can pose significant health risks and make infections harder to treat.
To address these concerns, regulatory agencies set maximum allowable levels for chemical preservatives in food products. They also evaluate the safety of these additives based on scientific evidence and conduct risk assessments to ensure they are used within safe limits.
Consumers can make informed choices by reading food labels, being aware of potential allergens or additives they wish to avoid, and opting for fresh, minimally processed foods whenever possible. It’s important to follow dietary guidelines, maintain a balanced diet, and consult healthcare professionals if there are specific health concerns or sensitivities.
People living in urban areas will not be able to stop consuming processed and preserved foods completely due to their busy working schedules and other engagements.
One can minimize health damage by consuming home-made food and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 157, Date: 11th June 2023
Theme: It’s all AI from ELIZA to ChatGPT
Since its launch on November 30, 2022, by the USA-based company Open AI, ChatGPT has made sensations through information technology around the world. ChatGPT has become a WonderBot and is being applied to many fields, i.e., business, marketing, media, health care, education, entertainment, agriculture, defence, etc.
https://chat.openai.com/
I asked ChatGPT, “What is ChatGPT?” and the answer is below.
“ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot based on OpenAI’s GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture.
GPT is a state-of-the-art language model that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text based on the given input. OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 is one of the largest language models developed, trained on a massive amount of text data from the internet.
ChatGPT is designed to engage in natural language conversations with users, providing information, answering questions, and engaging in discussions on a wide range of topics. It can understand and generate text, making it capable of simulating human-like conversation. ChatGPT has been trained on a vast array of topics, enabling it to provide knowledgeable responses and assist users in various domains.
However, it’s important to note that ChatGPT is an AI model and its responses are generated based on patterns in the training data. While it strives to provide accurate and helpful information, there may be instances where its responses are incorrect or misleading. It’s always a good idea to verify information from reliable sources.”
What is Chatbot ?
A chatbot is a computer program or an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system designed to simulate human conversation through text or voice interactions. It uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to understand and respond to user queries or commands.
Chatbots can be found in various platforms, such as messaging applications, websites, or voice assistants. They are programmed to handle a range of tasks, including answering frequently asked questions, providing customer support, assisting with transactions, offering recommendations, and engaging in general conversation.
There are two main types of chatbots:
Rule-based chatbots: These chatbots follow predefined rules and patterns. They are programmed with a set of if-then statements that determine their responses based on specific keywords or patterns in the user’s input. Rule-based chatbots are relatively simple and can provide accurate responses within their predefined scope, but they may struggle with understanding complex or unexpected queries.
AI-powered chatbots: These chatbots utilize artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to understand and generate responses. They are trained on large datasets and can handle a broader range of user inputs. AI-powered chatbots can learn from interactions, improve their responses over time, and adapt to different contexts. They are more flexible and capable of engaging in more natural and dynamic conversations.
Both types of chatbots have their advantages and limitations, depending on the complexity of the task and the desired user experience. Chatbots have gained popularity due to their ability to automate customer interactions, provide 24/7 support, and enhance user experiences by offering quick and personalized responses.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) ?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It is a multidisciplinary field of computer science that aims to create intelligent systems capable of perceiving, reasoning, learning, and making decisions.
AI systems typically employ techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics to process and analyze large amounts of data, extract patterns and insights, and perform tasks that traditionally required human intelligence.
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms learn from examples and experiences to recognize patterns, make predictions, or take actions.
There are different levels of AI, including:
Narrow AI: Also known as weak AI, narrow AI is designed to perform specific tasks or solve particular problems. Examples include voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommendation systems, and image recognition algorithms.
General AI: Also referred to as strong AI or artificial general intelligence (AGI), general AI aims to possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks and domains. It represents human-level intelligence and is capable of performing any intellectual task that a human being can do.
Superintelligent AI: This refers to AI systems that surpass human intelligence across all domains. Superintelligent AI is hypothetical and represents a level of intelligence that exceeds human capabilities in virtually every aspect.
AI has numerous applications across various fields, including healthcare, finance, transportation, manufacturing, education, and more. It has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, and unlock new possibilities for innovation and problem-solving. However, the development of AI also raises important ethical, social, and economic considerations that need to be carefully addressed.
The Hindu Editorial (3rd June 2023) on AI
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is AI that can create new data. There are many instances of generative AI in the world today, most commonly used to generate text, images, and code in response to users’ requests, even if they are capable of more. Their widespread adoption really embellished their capabilities, leading to awe, then worry. OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot mimics intelligence very well; today, it has become synonymous with the abilities of generative AI at large. In the last few years, AI models backed by neural networks trained on very large datasets and with access to sufficient computing power have been used to do good, such as finding new antibiotics and alloys, for clever entertainment and cultural activities, and for many banal tasks, but it has caught attention most notably with its ability to falsify data. The world is past being able to reliably differentiate between data that faithfully reflects reality and data made to look that way by bad-faith actors using AI. This and other developments led a prominent group of AI pioneers to draft a single-sentence, and alarmist, statement: “Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.” Dishonest actors wielding AI are one of many threats, but the statement is too simple to admit the complexity of human society.
Bishnu 🙏
A Few Interesting Information:
# Google also launched its experimental Genrative AI chatbot, namely BARD, on February 3, 2023. https://bard.google.com/
# Joseph Weizenbaum of MIT created ELIZA in 1966, which was the first innovative chatbot. It was designed to mimic human conversation and interact with humans.
# Nearly 77 percent of all devices use AI technology in one form or another. The global AI market is booming and is predicted to reach 190 billion dollars by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 36 percent.
# Dall-E is an AI system developed by OpenAI creates art from virtually any natural language description using AI and ML.
# Kismet is a robot that can recognise emotions through human body language and voice tone.
# Sophia, the humanoid (robot) developed by Hanson Robotics, is the most advanced human like robot. She an excellent combination of science, engineering, and artistry with AI powered communication skills. Sophia became the world’s first robot citizen.
# SmarterChild is a chatbot running on the AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger networks.
# IBM created a chatbot named WATSON in 2006 as a conversational agent.
# StarCraft II, Chess Checkers, and Poker are some of the games where artificial intelligence has beaten human intelligence.
# There are several movies with serious AI-plots. The best examples include The Iron Man series, The Avengers and The Terminator.
# In the short story, The Sandman, written by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, there is an AI character that is so convincingly real that the protagonist falls in love with her. Only later did he realise that the creature was so smitten by was a machine.
No. – 156, Date: 4th June 2023
Theme: Tragic Train Accident in Odisha
One of the most horrific train accidents of the 21st century occurred on June 2, 2023 (Friday) at 6.55 p.m. in Odisha (Bahanaga, Balasore).
Shalimar, Chennai The Coromandel Express (12841), running at 128 km per hour, took the wrong track instead of the assigned main track and crashed into a goods train stationed there. 21 coaches of the Coromanel Express derailed, and three of them jumped into an adjacent track. At the same time (6.55 pm), the Yeshwantpur (Bengaluru)-Howrah Superfast Express (12864) arrived in the downline. Derailed Coromandel coaches hit the rear parts of this Howrah-bound Yeshwantpur express. Two coaches of the Yeshwantpur Express also derailed in the impact.
Approximately 288 train passengers lost their lives and more than 900 were injured in that three-train collision. Our deepest condolences to the family members who lost their loved ones.
A preliminary probe has indicated that a signalling failure may have caused the collision.
In its report for 2022, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) stated that Indian Railways, with its 17 zonal railways, works as a single system consisting of 65,956 route kilometres of track on which more than 21,648 trains run, carrying about 22.15 million passengers and hauling nearly 3.32 million metric tonnes of freight every day (published in The New Indian Express, Bhubaneswar, June 4, 2023).
The total number of cases of derailment-led consequential crashes since 2017-18 is 246. Year-wise derailments and crashes are 2017–18: 257 (55), 2018–19: 526 (48). 2019–20: 399 (45), 2020–21: 210 (15). 2021–22: 468 (35) and 2022–23: Derailment data is not available, but there were 48 crashes. (Published in The New Indian Express, Bhubaneswar, June 4, 2023).
The Indian Railway has indigenously developed an anti-collision system called KAVACH. Kavach works with the support of high-frequency radio communication and automatically activates the breaking system when it spots two trains coming on the same rail track from opposite directions. It warns the train pilots and takes control of breaking systems on trains. The covered system currently covers only 1,445 route kilometres. Sadly, neither the Coromandel Express nor the Yeshwantpur Express are covered under the KAVACH system.
The Indian Railway, the Government of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, the Govt. of India, and people are doing their best in rescue operations, treating injured people, and restoring the train line.
Let’s hope there are no such terrific train accidents in the future.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 155, Date: 28th May 2023
Theme: New Parliament Building of India
The Hon’ble Prime Minister today inaugurated the new Parliament Building, which is India’s new home of democracy.
The existing parliament building, which has been operational since 1927, will be converted into a “Museum of Democracy.“
The new parliamentary building has four floors and a triangular shape modelled after the lotus for the Rajya Sabha and the peacock for the Lok Sabha, which are India’s national symbols.
The three main entrances of the parliament building are given Indian names, i.e., Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar.
There are 888 seats in the Lok Sabha and 384 seats in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha premises can house 1,272 members in a joint session.
The new parliament building is being developed as an eco-friendly, modern communication and security structure with an energy-saving structure with Indian heritage and diversity to represent different aspects of our country. Teak wood from Nagpur (Maharashtra), carpets from Mirzapur (UP), bamboo from Tripura, and stone carvings from Rajsthan are used in the building.
The new building has a “People’s Wall” dedicated to different art forms of the country, i.e., Kohbar and Sohrai paintings from Jharkhand, Patochitro from West Bengal, Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, and many other tribal and local arts across states.
https://centralvista.gov.in/new-parliament-building.php
Our constitution entrusts Parliament with the power to pass laws. It is a responsibility that requires careful consideration of every aspect of the law before Parliament puts its stamp of approval on it.
Apart from making laws, the parliament is engaged in many functions, i.e., legislative function, financial function, debating function, constituent function, electoral function, judicial representation, representation, control of the executive and ensuring its accountability, etc.
Let’s hope members of Parliament (people’s representatives) uphold our constitution and fulfil people’s aspirations while working from the new Parliament building of India.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 154, Date: 21st May 2023
Theme: Life Beyond Work
Work plays a crucial role in our lives and holds several important aspects:
Economic Security: Work is essential for meeting our basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. It provides us with the means to support ourselves and our families, ensuring economic security and stability.
Personal Fulfillment: Engaging in meaningful work that aligns with our passions, interests, and values can bring a deep sense of personal fulfilment. It allows us to express our talents, skills, and creativity and provides a platform for personal growth and self-actualization.
Social Interaction: Work often involves collaboration and interaction with colleagues, clients, or customers. It provides opportunities to build relationships, foster social connections, and develop a sense of belonging. Meaningful connections at work can enhance our well-being and contribute to a positive work environment.
Sense of Purpose: Work can give us a sense of purpose and direction in life. Having goals to strive for and a sense of contributing to something larger than ourselves can provide a sense of meaning and fulfilment. It gives structure and direction to our lives and helps us find a sense of identity and achievement.
Contribution to Society: Work plays a vital role in the functioning and progress of society. Whether through providing goods, services, innovations, or expertise, work allows individuals to contribute to the betterment of their communities and society as a whole. It enables social and economic development, fosters innovation, and improves the quality of life for individuals and communities.
While work can bring numerous benefits, it’s also important to recognize that certain negative impacts can arise.
Stress and Burnout: Excessive work demands, long hours, and high levels of pressure can lead to chronic stress and burnout. This can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, causing exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.
Strained Relationships: When work becomes all-consuming, it can strain relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Long hours and work-related stress can result in reduced quality time spent with loved ones, conflicts, and a lack of work-life balance, leading to relationship difficulties and social isolation.
Health Issues: Sedentary work environments, repetitive tasks, and poor ergonomics can contribute to physical health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, high stress levels and a lack of self-care due to work demands can lead to neglecting one’s health, including exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition.
Reduced Quality of Life: When work takes precedence over other important areas of life, such as personal interests, hobbies, and leisure activities, it can result in a diminished quality of life. Neglecting personal fulfilment and overall well-being in favour of work can lead to feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a lack of work-life balance.
Lack of Autonomy and Job Dissatisfaction: Work environments that lack autonomy, creativity, and opportunities for growth can lead to job dissatisfaction and disengagement. Feeling trapped in a monotonous or unfulfilling job can have negative effects on mental well-being and overall life satisfaction.
Workaholism and Overwork: A culture that glorifies overwork and encourages excessive dedication to work can contribute to workaholism and an imbalance between work and personal life. Constantly prioritising work over other aspects of life can lead to a sense of loss of control, reduced enjoyment of leisure time, and a lack of self-care.
Impact on Mental Health: In some cases, work-related stress, pressure, and toxic work environments can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even work-related psychological disorders. High levels of job demands, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of support can significantly impact mental well-being.
Creating a healthy work-life balance, setting boundaries, practising self-care, seeking support when needed, and cultivating a positive work environment are essential to mitigating these negative effects and promoting overall well-being. Fulfilment in both work and other areas of life is key to overall well-being.
The Wheel of Life
The Wheel of Life is an effective tool that enables one to see all the significant aspects of the way one lives in a single, comprehensive snapshot. It is a technique that life coaches frequently employ in order to provide their clients with a “bird’s-eye” view of their lives. The wheel enables one to have a better understanding of which aspects (i.e. work, health, finance, family, friends, community, recreation, spirituality etc.) of your life are thriving and which ones require the attention by providing a visual depiction of all the facets of your life at the same time, which you can view simultaneously.
The original idea behind the Wheel of Life came from industry pioneer Paul J. Meyer in the 1960s to help people realize their goals.
While the wheel today has many different forms and names, including the Life Balance Wheel, Coaching Wheel, and the Wheel of Success, they share a common purpose: transformation.
The Wheel of Life exercise is widely used in coaching and beyond and offers a practical and flexible tool for clients to assess their needs and set goals aligned with their core values.
https://positivepsychology.com/wheel-of-life-coaching/
https://www.mindtools.com/ak6jd6w/the-wheel-of-life
Everyone strives to combine their professional responsibilities with an enjoyable and well-balanced life for themselves. However, consistent daily practice and a persistent commitment are required.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 153, Date: 14th May 2023
Theme: Creative Advertisement Happy Sunday and Happy Mother’s Day
wishes to all
I am pre-occupied with certain works today. So I am unable to make notes on this video. There is no Gyan (advice), no reference, and no links to other videos today Just enjoy this small video clip.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 152, Date: 30th April 2023
Theme: The WhatsApp Story
WhatsApp has become a big part of our lives (personal, family, friends, office, social, learning, entertainment, relaxing, business, etc.). Up until some other apps take control of it or the government bans it, it will continue.
As of April 2023, WhatsApp had the highest number of monthly active users among messaging apps (Signal, Viber, WeChat, Telegram etc.) with over 2 billion (200 crore) users worldwide (180 countries in 60 languages) Other messaging apps with large user bases include Facebook Messenger with over 1.5 billion users, WeChat with over 1.2 billion users (mostly in China), and Telegram with over 700 million users.
Jan Koum is a computer programmer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging applications. Koum was born in Ukraine in 1976, and he moved to the United States with his family when he was 16 years old. He developed an interest in computers and programming and eventually landed a job at Yahoo as an infrastructure engineer.
The story of WhatsApp begins in 2009 when Jan Koum and Brian Acton, both former Yahoo employees, founded the company. The idea for the app came from Koum’s frustration with missing phone calls while he was at the gym as well as the high cost of SMS messaging which made it difficult to stay in touch with his friends and family in other countries.
Koum and Acton developed a messaging app that used the Internet to send messages, photos, and videos without any SMS charges The app was simple and easy to use, with a focus on privacy and security. They launched WhatsApp on the App Store in 2009, and it quickly gained popularity, especially in countries with high SMS charges or limited Internet access.
In 2014, Facebook (META) acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion one of the largest tech acquisitions in history. Koum and Acton continued to lead the company under Facebook’s ownership, but both eventually resigned in 2018 amid reported disagreements with Facebook over data privacy and encryption.
Over the years, WhatsApp continued to add features, including voice and video calls, group messaging, and end-to-end encryption, which ensured that only the sender and recipient could read messages.
Unique features of WhatsApp
End-to-end encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the sender and recipient of a message can read it. This means that even WhatsApp itself cannot read the messages.
Voice and video calls: In addition to text messaging, WhatsApp also offers voice and video calling, which can be used to make free calls to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world.
Group messaging: WhatsApp allows users to create groups with up to 256 members, making it easy to communicate with multiple people at once. Group admins can also set group rules and restrict who can send messages in the group.
Status updates: WhatsApp users can share status updates, which are similar to Instagram stories, with their contacts. These updates can include photos, videos, and text.
WhatsApp Web: WhatsApp Web is a feature that allows users to access their WhatsApp account on a desktop or laptop computer. This can be useful for people who prefer to type on a keyboard or who want to use WhatsApp while working on a computer.
File sharing: WhatsApp allows users to send and receive a variety of file types, including photos, videos, documents, and voice messages. This makes it easy to share files with friends and colleagues.
Some potential negative effects of using WhatsApp
Addiction and distraction: Like many social media and messaging apps, WhatsApp can be addictive and can distract users from other activities, such as work or study. Constant notifications and the need to check for new messages can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
Spread of misinformation: WhatsApp has been criticised for its role in spreading fake news and misinformation, which can have serious consequences, especially during times of crisis or elections. While the app has taken steps to combat this issue, it remains a concern.
Privacy concerns: While WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, which provides a high level of privacy and security, there have been concerns about the app’s data-sharing practises with its parent company, Facebook. Some users may also be uncomfortable with the app collecting data on their usage patterns and contacts.
Cybersecurity risks: Like all digital platforms, WhatsApp is vulnerable to cybersecurity risks, such as hacking and phishing. Malicious actors or scammers may also target users in an effort to steal their personal information or infect their devices with malware.
WhatsApp is a powerful communication tool that can help you stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues.
Use the following WhatsApp tips effectively and get the most out of its features.
Complete your profile: Set up your profile picture and status, and ensure that your name and phone number are correct. This helps people recognise you and know who they are chatting with.
Secure your account: Set up two-step verification to protect your account from unauthorised access. This adds an extra layer of security to your account and prevents others from accessing your messages and data.
Use WhatsApp Web: If you are working on your computer, you can use WhatsApp Web to access your chats on a bigger screen. This is especially useful when you want to type longer messages.
Organise your contacts: Create groups for your family, friends, colleagues, or any other categories that you want to keep separate. This helps you keep track of who you’re talking to and what you’re discussing.
Customise notifications: You can choose to receive notifications for all messages, only from specific people or groups, or turn off notifications completely This allows you to manage your notifications and avoid getting overwhelmed. You can mute an individual or group chat; you will not receive any notifications for new messages in that chat. However, you can still see the messages by opening the chat.
Use broadcast lists: You can send a message to multiple people at once without creating a group by using the broadcast list feature. This is useful when you want to send a message to multiple people who are not in the same group.
Pin important chats: You can pin important chats to the top of your chat list by long-pressing on the chat and selecting “Pin Chat”.
Format your messages: You can format your messages on WhatsApp by using certain symbols. For example, put an asterisk () before and after a word to make it *bold or use an underscore () before and after a word to make it _italic
Reply to a specific message: You can reply to a specific message in a conversation by long-pressing on it and tapping the reply icon or other icons for specific things.
Starred Messages: You can easily save and find important messages by tapping and holding on a message and selecting the star icon.
Backup your chats: It’s a good idea to backup your WhatsApp chats regularly in case you need to restore them later.
Create shortcuts: If you frequently message certain contacts, you can create shortcuts on your home screen for quick access.
Use WhatsApp for business: If you have a small business, you can use WhatsApp Business to connect with your customers. This allows you to send automated messages, provide customer support, and manage your business profile.
https://business.whatsapp.com/
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 151, Date: 30th April 2023
Theme: Solar Thermal Power Plant
“India One” is a 1 MW electrical Solar Thermal Power Plant with 16 hours thermal energy storage allowing for round the clock operation. This captive power plant supplies power to Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan with total capacity of 25,000 people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7FkBbSb-iI
(15 minutes full video of India One Solar Thermal Power Plant)
“India One” is a 1 MW electrical Solar Thermal Power Plant has been partly funded by Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), Government of Germany within the bilateral “ComSolar” initiative, executed for them through the German development agency, GIZ and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India under R&D Scheme.
https://india-one.net/
Energy from the Sun
The sun has produced energy for billions of years and is the ultimate source for all of the energy sources and fuels that we use. People have used the sun’s rays (solar radiation) for thousands of years for warmth and to dry clothes, fruits, nuts, grains etc. Over time, people developed technologies to collect solar energy for heat and to convert it into electricity.
Solar energy can be harvested and utilized in several ways, depending on the application and the amount of energy required.
Some of the most common methods of harvesting solar energy:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: Solar PV panels are the most widely used technology for harvesting solar energy. They convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials such as silicon.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) devices, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Small PV cells can power calculators, watches, and other small electronic devices. Larger solar cells are grouped in PV panels, and PV panels are connected in arrays that can produce electricity for a house, run irrigation pumps, machinery & equipment etc. Some PV power plants have large arrays that cover many acres to produce electricity for thousands of homes and other uses.
Solar Thermal Collectors: Solar thermal collectors use the energy from sunlight to heat a fluid, which can then be used to produce hot water, steam, or electricity. There are two main types of solar thermal collectors: flat-plate collectors and concentrating collectors.
A solar oven (a box for collecting and absorbing sunlight) is an example of a simple solar energy collection device. In the 1830s, British astronomer John Herschel used a solar oven to cook food during an expedition to Africa. People now use many different technologies for collecting and converting solar radiation into useful heat energy for a variety of purposes.
We use solar thermal energy systems to heat:
- Water for homes, buildings, etc.
- Air inside homes, greenhouses, and other buildings
- Fluids in solar thermal power plants
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Concentrated Solar Power systems use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, which generates heat that is used to produce electricity. This method is often used in large-scale power plants.
Solar thermal power/electric generation systems collect and concentrate sunlight to produce the high temperature heat needed to generate electricity. All solar thermal power systems have solar energy collectors with two main components: reflectors (mirrors) that capture and focus sunlight onto a receiver. In most types of systems, a heat-transfer fluid is heated and circulated in the receiver and used to produce steam. The steam is converted into mechanical energy in a turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity. Solar thermal power systems have tracking systems that keep sunlight focused onto the receiver throughout the day as the sun changes position in the sky. Solar thermal power plants usually have a large field or array of collectors that supply heat to a turbine and generator.
Passive Solar Design: Passive solar design uses the sun’s energy to heat and cool buildings without the use of mechanical systems. This can include designing buildings with large windows that face south to capture the sun’s warmth in the winter, or using natural ventilation to cool the building in the summer.
Solar Water Heating: Solar water heating systems use the sun’s energy to heat water for domestic or industrial use. This is achieved through the use of solar thermal collectors that heat a fluid, which in turn heats the water.
Solar energy has two main benefits
- Solar energy systems do not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.
- Solar energy systems on buildings have minimal effects on the environment.
Solar energy also has some limitations
- The availability and amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth’s surface varies depending on time of day, location, season of the year, and weather conditions.
- The amount of sunlight reaching a square foot of the earth’s surface is relatively small, so a large surface area is necessary to absorb or collect enough energy to be useful.
Information on various Solar Energy schemes of
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI
https://mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes/
http://akshayurja.gov.in/res/renw-all-india-cp
Bishnu🙏
No. – 150, Date: 23rd April 2023
Theme: Ramadan and Eid -ul- Fitr
Wishing Happy Eid -ul- Fitr to all 🙏
Ramadan (Ramzan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be the most sacred month for Muslims worldwide. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.
During this month, Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. After the sunset prayer (Magrib), Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with friends and extended family.
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and charitable acts. It is also a time when Muslims try to strengthen their relationships with God and with others in their community.
Ramadan (Ramzan) is special for Muslims for several reasons.
The fasting period of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj).
It is a time when Muslims believe that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), making it a month of great significance in the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to God. Muslims fast during the day and spend more time in prayer and reading the Quran, which is believed to bring them closer to God and strengthen their faith.
Ramadan is a time of community and solidarity as Muslims come together to break their fasts at sunset and share meals with family, friends, and neighbours.
Charitable acts and donations are also encouraged during this month, as Muslims are reminded of the importance of helping those in need.
Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Eid -ul-Fitr, which is a time of joy and festivity as Muslims gather to celebrate the end of the month-long fast and thank God for his blessings.
Overall, Ramadan is a month of spiritual renewal, community building, and increased devotion to God for Muslims around the world.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid -ul- Fitr, which is a festival that marks the end of the month-long fast. Special prayers, feasting, and gift-giving are all part of the festive celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Prophet Muhammad has observed that “Eid -ul- Fitr is a day of divine reward for fasting during Ramzan“. Thus, the day of Eid becomes a day of joy when Muslims thank God for his blessings.
The Prophet once said, “The believer befriends. There is no good in those who do not befriend or be befriended, said Musnad al-Bazzar”. 8919.
The Prophet observed that an exchange of gifts promotes love in society.
Real happiness lies in sharing the bounty that God has given us with others. One of the main reasons for celebrating Eid is to spread joy and greetings among all.
By sharing happiness, we can make this world a better place.
Bishnu 🙏
PS :The five pillars of Islam are the fundamental religious obligations that are central to the practice of Islam.
I. Shahada: The declaration of faith, which is the affirmation that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah.
II. Salah: The obligatory daily prayers, which are performed five times a day.
III. Zakat is the giving of alms to the poor and needy, which is an obligation on Muslims who are financially able to do so. i.e., 2.5% of Muslim total savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as Nisab
IV. Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
V. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey.
No. – 149, Date: 16th April 2023
Theme: The Bystander Effect
People are less likely to help in a situation of crisis / urgent requirement if others are around, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. People are less likely to take action when there are many others around because they anticipate that someone else will step in and manage the situation instead of them.
This phenomenon was initially examined following the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, where it was discovered that despite the presence of several witnesses, no one stepped in to help.
Negative outcomes may occur when people in need do not get the help they require due to the bystander effect.
The Bystander Effect in Organizations
The bystander effect can also be seen in organisations, where employees may be less likely to act or take responsibility when they think others know about a problem / issue.
The bystander effect can show up in different ways in the workplace. For example, employees may be less likely to report unethical or unsafe behaviour if they think their peers have seen / known the same thing. They may also be less likely to help or take responsibility in an occurrence if they think that other people will do the same.
This can be bad for organisations because it can lead to people not taking responsibility, a culture of silence, and a higher chance that accidents or unethical behaviour will go unnoticed.
How to overcome bystander effect
Realizing the problem and doing something about it are effective methods to overcome the bystander effect.
Recognize: In emergency situations, the bystander effect is a real possibility.
Recognize that you are accountable for your actions and that others may not share that responsibility.
Get moving As Soon As Possible: Don’t sit on your hands and do nothing. It becomes less likely that anyone else will step in the longer you wait.
Provide details: Be specific when you call for aid in an emergency. Call for aid or have that individual do anything by pointing at them.
Make it seem urgent by insisting that something be done right away if at all possible.
Involve other individuals; if others are nearby, ask for their assistance.
When in doubt, it’s best to phone the right people / authorities / emergency nos and get some support from a skilled professional.
Leaders / Managers can adopt training and policies that encourage employees to speak up, take responsibility, and act quickly in situations of crisis to stop the “bystander effect” in their organisations.
Creating a culture of accountability and open communication can also help people to feel that they have the power to act and report problems.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 148, Date: 9th April 2023
Theme: Easter Sunday
⛪ Happy Easter wishes to All ☦️ 🙏
Easter Sunday is a special day for Christians all over the world. It commemorates the central event of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Easter is a significant festival because it commemorates the ultimate redemption of humankind & victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death.
Christians celebrate Easter with great jubilation and optimism because it is a day that reminds them that death is not the end but the beginning of something new. On this day, Christians around the world commemorate and rejoice over Jesus’s triumph over sin and death via his death on the cross.
Christians use Easter Sunday to recommit themselves to living according to Jesus’s example. Easter is a time for Christians to reflect on God and His love for the Human race “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (The Holy Bible)
Easter Sunday is also a great occasion for social gatherings with loved ones. On Easter, many Christians celebrate with worship, egg hunts, and family feasts.
Easter Sunday is a significant day for Christians because it is the fulfillment of their religion, a time of renewed hope and joy, and a chance to contemplate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Though the festival is mostly celebrated by Christians, God’s invitation is for the entire human race, for everyone.
The Holy Bible tells that Whosoever believes in the finished work of Jesus and His Name , will have Salvation (triumph over sin, self, fleshly desires, world & death) and Eternal Life. Book of Romans 10:13 (The Holy Bible)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 147, Date: 2nd April 2023
Theme: Biomimicry: Nature as a Teacher
Yesterday (1st April 2023) I participated in an online workshop of IIT Madras (through NPTEL) on “Learning Innovations from Nature” got basis orientation on Biomimicry. Thanks to Shiva Subramaniam, Co – founder of Biomimicry Compass https://biomimicrycompass.com/ (An IIT Madras incubated company) and my co-learner of Inner Development Goals (Global Leadership program of IDG, Sweden). https://www.innerdevelopmentgoals.org/
BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry is the practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges and found find hope.
Biomimicry is about valuing nature for what we can learn, not what we can extract, harvest, or domesticate. In the process, we learn about ourselves, our purpose, and our connection to each other and our home on earth.
Biomimicry is a way to come up with new ideas and solve problems by looking at how nature designs, works, and solves problems. It means looking at how nature solves problems and copying them so that they can be used to solve human problems in a sustainable and effective way.
Biomimicry is used in a wide range of fields, from architecture and engineering to medicine and material science. For example, the streamlined shapes of birds and fish were used to design high-speed trains, and the way burrs stick to fur was used to make Velcro.
Biomimicry tells us to look at nature not just as a place to get things but also as a place to learn, get advice, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Biomimicry is the study of how nature works to make designs and technologies that are more resilient and long-lasting.
“Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature. In a society accustomed to dominating or ‘improving’ nature, this respectful imitation is a radically new approach, a revolution really. Unlike the Industrial Revolution, the Biomimicry Revolution introduces an era based not on what we can extract from nature, but on what we can learn from her.” – Janine Benyus, co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute
Due to the many negative effects of human activity on our planet, on the environment and on ecosystems across the world, earth’s natural life-support systems are rapidly declining and humanity’s survival is under threat. Business as usual with small adjustments will not be enough. A drastic change is needed in all realms of human activity, and the usual short-term solutions will not suffice.
Biomimicry offers a path towards sustainability. For all the challenges we face, nature has a solution. When it comes to innovation, nature offers 3.8 billion years’ worth of insights and clever adaptations. If we learn how to imitate nature’s genius, we give ourselves a“new way” to reinvent ourselves. Biomimicry is the “new way”.
Biomimicry has several important benefits and advantages:
Sustainability Biomimicry can lead to more sustainable designs and technologies that are in harmony with nature and do not deplete or harm the environment.
Efficiency Nature has already found efficient ways to deal with many problems, and by copying these solutions, we can often make products and processes that work better and are more efficient.
Innovation Biomimicry can help people think of new and creative ways to solve problems that may not have been thought of before.
Resilience Nature has evolved to be strong and able to adapt to changing conditions. By studying how it does this, we can make systems and designs that are more resilient.
Inspiration Biomimicry can help us learn more about and appreciate the natural world and see it as a source of ideas and knowledge.
There are numerous examples of biomimicry in various fields.
- The nose cone of the bullet train mimics the shape of the kingfisher’s beak to cut down on the noise generated when it emerges from tunnels.
- George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, was the one who came up with Velcro after observing how burrs adhered to fur and clothing. He used the burrs as a model for a hook-and-loop fastening system and used it to make Velcro.
- Sharkskin-inspired swimsuits: To make faster, more streamlined swimsuits, swimsuit makers have made a material that looks and feels like sharkskin.
- Wind turbine blades: The shape of humpback whale fins, which have small bumps that reduce drag and increase lift, has been used as a model for wind turbine blades.
5.Self-healing materials: Scientists have made self-healing materials that work like some plants and animals that can fix themselves when they get hurt.
- Passive cooling systems: Architects have made buildings with cooling and ventilation systems that work like termite mounds and keep the same temperature no matter what the weather is like outside. (The Eastgate Centre building in Harare, Zimbabwe)
There is a difference: Learning about Nature and Learning from Nature
Biomimicry is different from
BIOPHILA: Love or liking of Nature, desire to remain close to Nature
BIOMORPHISM: Artistic design elements on naturally occurring patterns or shapes reminiscent of nature and living organisms.
BIOUTILIZATION: acquiring or harvesting a product or producer, such as gathering medicinal plants to obtain the medications they produce, or growing algae to make biofuels.
Biomimicry is from WOW to HOW about nature. Considering nature as a Teacher and learn from nature.
One can learn Biomimicry (Resource materials)
Books:
I. Biomimicry by Janine M Benyus
II. The Shark’s Paintbrush by Jay Harman
III. Biomimicry and Business by Margo Farnsworth
IV. ISHMAEL by Daniel Quinn
Websites
https://biomimicry.org/
https://asknature.org/
https://biomimicrycompass.com/
We can use Biomimicry to not only learn from nature’s wisdom, but also heal ourselves and our planet in the process.
Let’s strive to be better ancestors for the generation that will come after us.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 146, Date: 26th March 2023
Theme: Dr. Lawrence Anthony – The Elephant Whisperer
Dr. Lawrence Anthony (17 September 1950 – 2 March 2012) was an international conservationist, environmentalist, explorer and bestselling author. He was the long-standing head of conservation at the Thula Thula animal reserve in Zululand, South Africa.
Anthony had a reputation for bold conservation initiatives, including the rescue of the Baghdad Zoo at the height of the US-led Coalition invasion of Iraq in 2003, and negotiations with the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army rebel army in Southern Sudan, to raise awareness of the environment and protect endangered species, including the last of the Northern White Rhinoceros.
In 1999 a turning point in career came when he was called by a conservation group to rescue a group of nine elephants who had escaped their enclosure and were wreaking havoc across Northern Mpumalanga, and were about to be shot. He tried to communicate with the matriarch of the herd through the tone of his voice and body language, eventually rescued them and brought to the reserve, and in time came to be known as “Elephant-whisperer“
After his death, a group of wild elephants which he had helped rescue and rehabilitate walked up to his home on their own, and stood around in an apparent vigil for two days, before dispersing.
Anthony’s second book, The Elephant Whisperer, published by Pan Macmillan, tells the story of his adventures and relationship with a rescued herd of African elephants.
He was the founder of The Earth Organization.
https://www.earthorganization.org/
The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization is an international non-profit conservation organization that seeks to reverse the decline of the plant and animal kingdoms and our environment through education and action. It is committed to the creative and responsible rehabilitation of Planet Earth and bring new solutions to this field.
“Our inability to think beyond ourselves or to be able to cohabit with other life forms in what is patently a massive collaborative quest for survival is surely a malady that pervades the human soul.” Dr. Lawrence Anthony
Cooperative = performed together for shared benefit
Ecology = the study of interactions between living creatures
Cooperative Ecology (CoEco) = the study of the mutual interdependency and cooperation of all life forms.
The term Cooperative Ecology was created by Dr. Lawrence Anthony to describe when all parts of an ecosystem, including people, work well together and cooperate toward the mutual benefit of all. To the degree that any one life form, including an individual person, makes decisions or takes actions that are more constructive than destructive towards the world, it helps to bring things into natural balance and alignment, and, as a result, that person or life form’s own potential to live a long and healthy life is enhanced.
The CoEco message underpins all we do and the importance of it cannot be overstated. It is what humankind must achieve if we are to ensure the survival and health of our planet and ourselves, individually and as a species.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 145, Date: 12th March 2023
Theme: The Elephant Whisperers
This year, 2023, India was awarded two OSCARs. One for Naatu Naatu, a song in RRR, and another for the documentary short film The Elephant Whispers. Most of us watched the Naatu Naatu song several times, but very few might have watched The Elephant Whispers.
The Elephant Whispers unfolds almost like a children’s tale. We see a forest, a couple, an orphaned young elephant and their lives. When another baby elephant enters the household, the earlier one throws a jealous tantrum.
But the documentary film reveals to us a great deal more than that.
Threats to wildlife due to reckless and unsustainable development and climate change, human-animal conflict, love among them, the prospect of peaceful coexistence, etc.
The Elephant Whisperers tells the story of an indigenous couple named Bomman and Bellie who are entrusted with an orphaned baby Indian elephant named Raghu. They take great pains to ensure that the fragile, injured infant survives and grows to be a healthy juvenile. A strong bond develops between the couple and the elephant. Set in the Mudumalai National Park in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, the documentary also highlights the natural beauty of the location. It explores the life of the tribal people in harmony with nature.
The director Kartiki Gonsalves spent five years following human-elephant blended family belonging to Kattunayakan tribe to make this documentary. As she stated, “I met Raghu [the baby elephant] when he was exactly three months old,” she added, “I spent about a year and a half with him when he was a tiny baby before this became a documentary.”
The film is not just a heart-touching story of a bond between animal and human and co-existence, but also showcases Indian culture and tradition of environment conservation
The film whispers and doesn’t shout, but it conveys a deeper message to us.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 144, Date: 12th March 2023
Theme: Linsay Pollak: The unique Musical Personality
Linsey Pollak is an Australian musician, instrument maker, composer, musical director, and community music facilitator.
Pollak has recorded 31 albums. He toured his solo shows extensively in Europe, North America and Asia as well as performing at most major festivals around Australia. He has devised many large festival pieces such as BimBamBoo and Sound Forest as well as collaborating on many music and theatre projects around Australia.
https://www.linseypollak.com/instruments/
Linsay’s Project Dangerous Song is a performance piece that combines the human voice with the sounds of endangered and extinct animals to create an intriguing and moving musical performance. This musical collaboration between Linsey and Lizzie has created a new musical language. It takes us to a world of sound where the human and the animal combine. Linsey plays animal calls using a midi wind controller where breath, lip pressure and fingering control real animal call samples. He uses live looping technology to instantaneously record layers of music as he plays. Lizzie joins him weaving her voice in and out of the musical landscape of animal sounds.
https://dangeroussong.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-emzara
Linsey makes music by live-looping self-invented instruments such as a paper clarinet, a drinking straw oboe, a Cylisax, a rubber glove bagpipe and “Mr Curly” (a contra-bass clarinet made from hose sounding like a 70’s synth). Using these instruments, he creates layers of music which will have audiences either spellbound or bopping in their seats.
He demystifies the process of musical instrument design and music itself.
https://www.linseypollak.com/current-projects/paper-scissors-rock/
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 143 Date: 5th March 2023
Theme: The Legendary Kalinga Veer Tall Man Biju Patnaik
Odisha is commemorating the 107th birthday of its great and brave son, Biju Patnaik, today, March 5, 2023.
The late Biju Patnaik was a tall man in many ways, not just height.
He was a daring and skilled pilot, a patriot freedom fighter, and nationalist, a great statesman and Member of Parliament, a Union minister, a loving Chief Minister of Odisha, and an inspirational leader to all.
He was a visionary industrialist who founded Kalinga Airline, Kalinga Tubes, and OTM in Choudwar, as well as OUAT, NALCO, the Talcher Thermal Power Plant, and the Paradip Port.
For his brave rescue mission and support to Indonesia’s freedom struggle, he was awarded the highest honours and affectionately known as the Bhumi Putra.
He established the international Kalinga Prize for popularising science and technology and entrusted it to UNESCO.
A Few Books on Biju Patnaik: I. Anil Dhir’s Biju Patnaik: India’s Last Buccaneer II. Sundar Ganesan’s The Tall Man: Biju Patnaik III. Debdas Chhotray’s Biju Babu IV. K.P. Mohanty’s Legendary Biju: The Man and the Mission
The famous Dakota (DC-3) plane flown by the late ace pilot Biju Patnaik is now on display at Bhubaneswar Airport in Odisha.
Humble Tribute to a great leader, visionary statesman, and architect of modern Odisha, who loved and cared for his people.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 142, Date: 26th Feb. 2023
Theme: Padma Awardee of 2023
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affair, science, medicine, literature and education, sports, etc. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
The 2023 year list comprises 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1893797
Work and contribution of few Padma awardees
Dr Dilip Mahalanabis, who saved millions of lives by promoting the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Distinguished educator, author, and philanthropist Sudha Murty was awarded the Padma Bhushan
Dr. Janum Singh Soy (retired from Kolhan University, Jharkhand) received the Padma Shri for his work in preserving and promoting the “Ho” language through six books on the tribe’s culture and lifestyle.
Odisha’s master puppeteer Maguni Charan Kuanr was treated as a social outcast when he took up the profession of puppetry decades ago,.
Rani Machaiah, 79, has strived hard to promote and preserve Kodava culture by teaching the ‘Ummathat’ folk dance to over 10,000 children awarded Padma Shri award.
Billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who died at the age of 62 on last year, has been conferred the Padma Shri posthumously. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was awarded the Padma Shri in the field of trade and industry.
K Sanathoiba Sharma is a well-known instructor of Thang-Ta, the indigenous martial art (art of the sword and spear) of Manipur awarded Padma Shri.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 141, Date: 19th Feb. 2023
Theme: Mr. Hamad, from Abu Dhabi, is a car lover, collector, and “redesigner.”
Mr. Hamad, from Abu Dhabi, is a car lover, collector, and “redesigner.” He has a car museum” with 3,000 cars (of various shapes and designs) in working condition. Few people have unique interests and hobbies.
Philatelist : A person who collects postal stamps
Numismatist : A person who collects coins, paper currency, and tokens
Bibliophile : A person who collects books, magazines, newspapers, and printed materials
Vintage clothing collector : a person who collects clothing items from a particular era or time period, including dresses, suits, hats, shoes, and other related items.
Antiquarian : A person who collects and studies artefacts for a variety of reasons, i.e., their rarity, aesthetic appeal, or association with a particular culture or historical event.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 140, Date: 12th Feb. 2023
Theme: ❤️A Symbol of Love 🏨
On February 14, 2023, individuals from all over the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day in their respective, unique ways. St. Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in the 3rd century, is honoured with this day of love and romance. People display their love 💕for one another on this day by giving and receiving cards, flowers, and presents. 💌🌹🎁 Sir Dorabji Tata and Lady Meherbai were married on February 14, 1898. After Meherbai died of leukaemia in 1931 after being treated for it abroad, Sir Dorabji Tata was determined to set up similar cancer treatment centres in India.
The Tata Memorial Hospital was initially commissioned by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust on 28 February 1941.
Let’s pay tribute to Sir Dorabji and Lady Meherbai, for their love and contribution to the society in helping thousands of people. https://tmc.gov.in/tmh/index.php/en/about-us-2/history-2
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 139, Date: 5th Feb. 2023
Theme: Behind One’s Success
Most of us know the main story of the great epic Mahabharata. But there are many episodes and incidents unknown to us.
The burning of Arjun’s chariot at the end of the Mahabharata’s battle field in Kurukhetra, as well as the insights shared by Lord Srikrishna, are unique.
“Ego is the biggest enemy of humans” – Rig Veda
The ego is like a tragic hero. It is delusional. A leader caught in the whirlpool of ego fails to see the world beyond power, privilege and pretty perquisites that come from occupying a position.
“He whose mind is not shaken by adversity; who does not hanker after happiness, who has become free from affection, fear and wrath, is indeed the Muni of steady wisdom.”
“He who is everywhere unattached, not pleased at receiving good, nor vexed at evil, his wisdom is fixed.”
– Bhagavad Gita,
Bishnu 🙏
P.S. : Rishad Tobaccowala has mentioned in his Blog
Your success has to with many factors and most of them are not you.
First, it is the talent (family, friends and team members) around you. Second, it is the organization you are working for, Third it is the prestige of the Clients you get work with and finally a lot of it is chance, luck and timing.
No. – 138 Date: 29th Jan. 2023
Theme: John Wooden – The Great Coach and Teacher
John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was an American basketball coach and player. Nicknamed the Wizard of Westwood, he won ten National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven in a row.
Wooden won the prestigious Henry Iba Award as national coach of the year a record seven times and won the AP award five times.
In 2009, Wooden was named The Sporting News “Greatest Coach of All Time”
Wooden along with others, published several books. Some of these are 1. Practical Modern Basketball, 2. Be Quick – But Don’t Hurry: Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime 3. They Call Me Coach 4. Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success Playbook 5. Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization 6. A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring,
According to Wooden “Success is peace of mind which is direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
Wooden’s 12 lessons in Leadership
- Good Values Attract Good People
- Love Is The Most Powerful Four-Letter Word
- Call Yourself A Teacher
- Emotion Is Your Enemy
- It Takes 10 Hands To Make A Basket
- Little Things Make Big Things Happen
- Make Each Day Your Masterpiece
- The Carrot Is Mightier Than A Stick
- Make Greatness Attainable By All
- Seek Significant Change
- Don’t Look At The Scoreboard
- Adversity Is Your Asset
Wooden’s Success Pyramid (15 Building – Blocks) “Industriousness, Friendship, Loyalty, Cooperation, Enthusiasm, Self-control, Alertness, Initiative, Intentness, Condition, Skill, Team Spirit, Poise, Confidence, Competitive Greatness”
Some of inspiring quotes of Wooden
– Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
– Flexibility is the key to stability
– Be quick, but don’t hurry.
– Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference
Bishnu 🙏
Full 17 minutes video with subtitles
https://youtu.be/0MM-psvqiG8
No. – 137 Date: 22nd Jan. 2023
Theme: India’s Desert School
Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School in Rajasthan was conceptualised by CITTA founder Michael Daube, and designed by US-based architect Diana Kellogg
The school is providing quality education, transportation, and nutrition to girls from poor families at no cost.
https://www.cittaindia.org/rajkumari-Ratnavati.aspx
An architectural marvel, located just a six-minute drive away from Jaisalmer’s famous Sam Dunes, has taken shape in Kanoi village, with an aim to educate girls and empower them. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School is made of yellow sandstone, and surprisingly, has no air conditioners. Here, students can study and even play in the protected courtyard without worrying about the extreme weather.
This is a Ripple in the Desert.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 136 Date: 15th Jan. 2023
Theme: Ganga Vilas – River Cruise
On 13th Jan. 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India flagged off the world’s longest river cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka. The Ganga Vilas is a luxurious river cruise that started in Ganga River. Tourists will enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings, in addition to the rich cultural and spiritual aspects of the region. It will stop at heritage sites.
There will be cultural programs, yoga and meditation throughout this journey. It will travel 3,200 Kms in 51 days crossing 27 rivers covering 5 states ((UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB & Assam) two countries (India & Bangladesh) 50 tourist sites. 32 Swiss tourists are on their first trip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ik_mQbOlJE
Amazing cost of approx. Rs.50 Lakh per tourist (to be verified)
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 135 Date: 08th Jan. 2023
Theme: Happiness Many people talked about happiness.
Many people talked about happiness. I like Naval Ravikant’s view on Happiness
# The three big ones in life are Wealth, Health and Happiness. We pursue them in that order, but their important is reverse.
# Happiness is a highly personal skill and a choice that can be learned like fitness or nutrition.
# Happiness is what’s there when you remove the sense that something is missing in your life.
# Peace and happiness are related to each other.
# Envy is the enemy of happiness.
# When working, surround yourself with people more successful than you. When playing, surround yourself with people happier than you.
# A happy person is not someone who is happy all the time.
# Happiness is being satisfied with what you have. Success comes from dissatisfaction. Choose
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 134 Date: 1st Jan. 2023
Theme: Happy New Year – 2023
Wishing Happy New Year – 2023 to you and your family members. I hope that 2023 brings you all the best in terms of health, happiness, harmony, and success. 💐👍🤝🙏
“Life is an Adventure… Dare it. Life is a Beauty … Praise it. Life is Challenge … Meet it. Life is a Duty … Perform it. Life is a Love … Enjoy it.” – Bhagavad Gita “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
In this year “Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give them yours.” – Zig Ziglar
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 133 Date: 25th Dec. 2022
Theme: Merry Christmas – 2022
Wishing Merry Christmas to one and all 🎄🎅🏻💒🎂🎁
Please accept my warmest holiday greetings. Thanks to God, we have family and friends like you, and Christmas is the best time to express our gratitude. At this time of year when we remember the birth of Christ, may his light shine brightly in your mind and heart. We wish you joy, hope, and love as we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Messiah. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-c2lSpsjDs
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 132 Date: 18th Dec. 2022
Theme: Mr. Bean
The majority of us know (from seeing him on TV and in movies) the humorous character Mr. Bean, who has gained international fame. Few people recognize the actor by his real name (Rowan Atkinson, England). My daughter Shubhra and I have enjoyed watching numerous Mr. Bean episodes together. The film Mr. Bean’s Holiday https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453451/ recently featured on Sony TV, and I found it to be entertaining and interesting Rowan Atkinson, M.Sc. & PhD in Electrical Engineering from Oxford University, had a tough time. His passion for acting, helped him become a successful actor and screenwriter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Bean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan_Atkinson
“You don’t need a model’s face and a superhuman physique to be successful.” To succeed, “a skilled mind and the ability to perform are essential.”-Mr. Bean.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 131 Date: 11th Dec. 2022
Theme: Kolkata : The City of Joy
On December 4th, 2022, we lost the renowned French author and Padma Bhushan awardee Dominique Lapierre, who wrote the novel The City of Joy about Kolkata. His greatest work in India, City of Joy, followed the life of a poor rickshaw puller named Hasari Pal in the slums of Howrah, West Bengal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Lapierre
Lapierre set up the City of Joy Foundation and donated a significant portion of his royalties to it so that it could help with humanitarian projects in West Bengal. These projects included schools, clinics and care centres for poor people, Lapierre spoke Bengali fluently
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Joy
True to its reputation, Kolkata is a city unlike any other. Whether you adore it or despise it, you simply cannot ignore it. https://www.kmcgov.in/KMCPortal/jsp/KMCAboutKolkataHome.jsp
Bishnu 🙏
Date: 27th Nov. 2022
Theme: Kashi – Tamil Sangamam – 2022
The Kashi – Tamil Sangamam is an ideal platform to understand the unity in India’s civilizational assets through two historic centers of knowledge and culture.
Tamil Nadu and Kashi are the oldest and most popular cultural and religious destinations. Both centers have fostered intellectual, cultural, spiritual, and artisanal knowledge. Varanasi, known as Kashi in Tamil Nadu.
The ancient connection between the two centers of knowledge is evident in many walks of life like similar themes in literature. Bharatiya way of life is a continuous exploration and understanding of the unique manifestation of common civilizational treasure among the citizens in the country.
It is the pathway to experiencing the rich and proud heritage of India that no other country in the world can showcase. https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in/
Bishnu 🙏
128 Date: 20th Nov. 2022
Theme: You can still start something.
Human life is a journey from birth to death, with some relative material or spiritual achievements along the way, like a few good relationships, a discovery, an innovation, or a contribution to the country, society, or all of humanity.
Few people are successful early in life, and some are successful later in life. But the journey never ends for any individual who wants to learn or try something new, no matter how old they are.
There are thousands of examples of people who started their second innings late but still got what they wanted.
The key is to stay healthy and curious enough to keep learning and trying new things, even if one has suffered setbacks or failed earlier.
Bishnu 🙏
127 Date: 13th Nov. 2022
Theme: Tips and Tricks
A few years ago, this video was shared in a group. I’ve been considering sharing this with people for the past few months. However, I felt uncertain or apprehensive. In the name of health advice, beauty tips, and skin care, there are many crafted fake messages, videos, and posts now available on the internet, on WhatsApp, Social media, and even in magazines and newspapers.
There are many tempting suggestions to increase skin beauty, healing, etc. by using readily accessible materials like petroleum jelly, glue, tooth paste, deodorant, etc. These may cause more harm. Before applying any health or beauty advice or tips, please verify twice and seek the opinion of qualified medical professionals.
Bishnu 🙏
126 Date: 6th Nov. 2022
Theme: Tribute to Ela Bhatt – Messiah of Self-Employed Women
India grieved the death of Elaben, the Gandhian social crusader and founder of SEWA (Self-employed Women’s Association), on November 2, 2022. She fought tirelessly throughout her life to ensure women’s rights and increase their social and economic power. She established SEWA in 1972, long before the current era of so-called development interventions, and paved the road for women’s empowerment through mutual cooperation, and self-reliance. She was honoured with many distinctions and prizes, such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Raman Magsaysay, Right Livelihood,The Niwano Peace Prize, The Radcliffe Medal, etc.
More information https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ela_Bhatt https://www.sewa.org/
Our deepest condolences and a tribute to Ela Bhatt, from whom the current generation can draw inspiration and important lessons.
Bishnu 🙏
Invitation for contribution to a new book, The Sunday Sharing
Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Well-wishers,
Greetings 🙏
Thank you so much for your love and appreciation for The Sunday Sharing Videos and write-ups.
The Sunday Sharing has now completed 123 episodes (weeks).
I and my daughter Shubhra started it in March 2020, during the 1st phase of the COVID–19 pandemic.
In the initial phase, most of the videos were about the Corona Virus and the COVID-19 pandemic.
At that time, we had no good videos. We used to do screen recordings of videos from the internet.
Over the period, we received many inspiring videos from different WhatsApp groups and individuals and continued sharing every Sunday.
Our heartfelt thanks to all those people who are sharing videos.
A few videos are available on my personal website
http://www.bishnucparida.in/sunday-sharing/
My heartfelt thanks to Rajendra Mahto, the IT professional who created my website and putting videos of The Sunday Sharing regularly and taking care it.
Over time, we may lose these videos and write-ups due to change of mobile phones, website issues, etc. It has already occurred. We do not have a few videos shared in 2020.
To take one step forward, we are planning to bring out a book on it in the month of Dec. 2022.
The book will be available on the Amazon website with the publisher and me.
The name of the book is The Sunday Sharing – 52 episodes of information and inspiration.
There will be five (5) sections in the book.
I. Covid – 19 pandemic
II. Environment
III. Festivals
IV. Great and Unique Personalities
V. Miscellaneous
This book will be based on 52 videos already shared as The Sunday Sharing Links will be provided in the book for the respective videos on my website to watch these 52 videos.
Amarjeet Raushan, alumnus of IIFM, Bhopal has designed the cover page My JSLPS colleague, Partha Guha has agreed to edit the book. An eminent person will write the foreword for the book.
We are cordially inviting you to contribute to the book in the following ways
I. Write an article (chapter) on any of the shared videos in approximately 300 to 500 words. Give proper reference if you are taking information from the internet, books, magazines, etc.
Incentive: Your name will be published in the book along with your article. You will get Two (2) free paperback books of The Sunday Sharing and two (2) E- Books (Pdf version) The Buddha for All and The Sunday Sharing.
25 best articles will be selected by the authors and editor.
Copy rights will be with the authors.
II. Appreciation/praise for the book/The Sunday Sharing in approximately 30 to 40 words.
Incentive: Your name will be published in the book.
You will get one (1) free paperback book of The Sunday Sharing, Two (2) E- Books (Pdf version) The Buddha for All and The Sunday Sharing.
10 appreciations will be published in the book.
Please mention your full name, designation (present/past) / occupation to be published in the book 📕
III. Pre-order a minimum of 5 paperback books (gift the book to your family members and friends over the period on different occasions, i.e. birthdays, marriage anniversaries etc.).
There is no need to send any money now.
Incentives 25% discount on MPR of the book -free courier/speed post to your home.
Free Two (2) E- Books (Pdf version) The Buddha for All and The Sunday Sharing.
Articles and Appreciation can be mailed to E-mail: learning.leading.living@gmail.com
or WhatsApp on 9939221549 latest by 30th Sept. 2022 (Friday)
For any clarification, please call or message me.
Bishnu: M / W – 9939221549
Thanking you for partnering with us on the upcoming book: The Sunday Sharing👍🙏
The Sunday Sharing (TSS) No. – 124
Theme: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On Sept. 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96, ending her 70-year reign as the United Kingdom’s ruler. Queen Elizabeth II was born as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926 in London. She had the title of UK’s longest-serving female monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presided over the 56 Commonwealth countries that are members of the international community. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II
Few important global events that have occurred during Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign
She worked with 15 nos. of Prime ministers of the UK, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, and observed a variety of events, including World War II and the COVID-19 epidemic. Her oversized persona in public life will live on as a long-lasting historical phenomenon.
No. – 122, Date: 11th Sept. 2022
Theme: Contribution of Teachers to Society
On September 5th, Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India. It is the birthday of the great teacher and the second president of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Teaching is a noble profession. Teachers have contributed immensely to the growth of the society. Teachers develop ordinary students into doctors, engineers, scientists, managers, administrators, etc. In my view, teachers do the following things for students and learners not only for their theoretical studies but also to enhance life skills.
TEACHER: T – Training (Skilling) | E – Enabling |
A – Activating | C – Creating interest
H – Helping | E – Energizing | R – Rightly aligning
Students and people respect teachers, but many things still need to be done for teachers and the teaching profession. Teachers can prefix their names with Tr, just like doctors and engineers use Dr and Er.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 122, Date: 4th Sept. 2022
Theme: Lessons from Ants 🐜🐜🐜
Ant is a tiny creature of our earth but has many unique abilities and qualities. In our childhood, most of us must read the story of Ant 🐜 and the Grasshopper 🦗 Ants work hard in the summer season and store food for the painful winter days.
Another story is about how a small ant 🐜defeats a mighty elephant 🦣 and taught a lesson.
They carry food grains, insects or objects much bigger than them. They seldom remain idle… always doing something. Human beings can learn many things from the behaviour and work of ants.
Keep Trying and Keep Working like Ants 🐜 Bishnu🙏
No. – 121, Date: 28th Aug. 2022
Theme: Col. Harland Sanders – The Celebrity Chef and promoter of KFC
Colonel Harland Sanders of America made Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) worldwide famous: It is a story of From Humble Beginnings to a Legacy In 1950s’
At age 65, Colonel Harland Sanders began franchising his chicken business using his $105 monthly Social Security check. Today, KFC operates more than 15,000 units worldwide.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Sanders
From the Book: The Autobiography of the Original Celebrity Chef “The Colonel is not ‘ordinary people.’ A man has to have drive and ambition and initiative to do what he did. Anybody who gets up at 5 a.m. every morning and drives himself until 9 p.m., any man who feels that no task is too big or too small – that is no ordinary person. ” – Brown Never Give up
Bishnu🙏
Special Sharing on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav
Happy Independence Day of India
Jai Hind 🙏
No. – 119, Date: 14th Aug. 2022
Theme: Har Ghar Tiranga (The Tricolour)
Celebrating the Independent Day of our mother India is always a proud moment for us. When it is our 75th Independence Day (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) then, the joy and ecstasy multiplies.
India @75 # In Triranga top band is Saffron, the Middle is White and the last is Green with a Chakra in Blue colour in the middle white band.
Saffron signifies strength and courage; White is for peace and truth, Green – fertility and Prosperous. Chakra depicted the “wheel of the law” – life in movement – Growth.
https://knowindia.india.gov.in/my-india-my-pride/indian-tricolor.php
Let’s fly/show our national flag in our homes from 13 – 15th Aug. 2022 as pride, dignity and respect to our motherland India.
Proud to be an Indian !
Jai Hind
Bishnu🙏
No. – 118, Date: 7th Aug. 2022
Theme: Srikanth Bolla
The blind CEO par excellence “World looks at me and says, Srikanth, you can do nothing, I look back at the world and say I can do anything. Denied to take science as a subject in school and admission to IIT, the determined Srikanth studied engineering at MIT, USA as the first international blind student.
After returning to India he becomes an entrepreneur and young CEO of a company of Rs.50 crores employing 450 people mostly physically challenged persons.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srikanth_Bolla
In the year 2017, he was on 30 under 30 Forbes list. I was made blind by the perception of people Success does not need eyes… it needs Vision – Srikanth
We the normal people can learn, lots of things from the indomitable and visionary Srikanth.
Bishnu 🙏
115, Date: 17th July 2022
Theme: Mentality of Honey Bee and Fly
One learns through different ways Action > Reflection > Action Reading – Writing, Listening – Watching, from own and others’ success and failures.
Observing the events of nature and the activities of various creatures can inspire some valuable learnings. Banyan Tree, Ant and Eagle teach us many things.
In this video, Radhanath Swami has explained the leanings from Honey Bee and Fly.
One can acquire positive aspects by ignoring negative things from others and circumstances.
No effort is required to find fault and blame others. Anyone can do it quickly. However, keen observation, patient listening and mindfulness are needed to assimilate positive things from others.
It is up to us – what we pick … Positivity or Negativity.
Bishnu 🙏
No. 114, Date: 10th July 2022
Theme: An Innovative way to reduce the use of Plastic Bags
After the ban on Single-Use-Plastic (SUP), it has become challenging to manage shopping, eating outside, packing and related things for the common people.
Small shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and food sellers on the street are going to be hit due to the ban. There should be alternatives to SUP.
Those materials should be cheap and readily available everywhere. Dr Rubi Makhija, has initiated the circulation of cloth bags with IT application and collaborated with stakeholders of Delhi. https://www.whywastewednesdays.com/vikalp
Her work on Borrow a Bag instead of Buying a Bag through the VIKALP store is praiseworthy. Let’s follow Dr Rubi’s message Reuse -Recycle- Repair Many such innovations and initiatives are required to reduce SUP.
Bishnu🙏
No. 113, Date: 3rd July 2022
Theme: Theme: Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic (SUP)
Starting from 1st July 2022, ban on SUP items has been declared by the MoEFCC, GoI.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1837518
A few examples of SUP are earbuds, plastic sticks, candy sticks, plastic flags, plates, cups, glasses, trays and plastic cutleries like forks, spoons, Certain Plastics are hazardous to the environment and our health. But it is difficult to avoid the use of plastic due to its cheap and easy availability.
Salute to Mr. Narayana Peesapathy, pioneer of making edible cutlery. Similar innovations are required now. We should use biodegradable materials like jute, paper, cloth, leaf, bamboo, wood, etc. as alternatives to SUP.
It will promote thousands of micro-enterprises and livelihoods. Behavioural change, public participation and Law enforcement are essential for the campaign against SUP
Bishnu 🙏
No. 112, Date: 26th June 2022
Theme: Needs, Possessions and Choices in Life
A human being has certain needs. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which is classified as I. Physiological Needs (Food, Water, Clothing, Shelter)
II. Safety Needs (security aspects)
III. Love Needs (relate to others – Family and Friends)
IV. Esteem Needs (Status, recognition) and
V. Self-actualization (achieving one’s potential, creativity)
There are various things one wants to possess and achieve in life. Higher Education, Job, Wealth, Assets, Vehicles, Health, Family, Friends, positions in organizations, social and political circles etc. Some of these can be co-possessed, but few are non-inclusive and contradictory. Conflicting interests make one’s life complex and painful.
One needs to be selective, make a choice and give priority to some over others. Values play an important role here in making life happy.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 111, Date: 19th June 2022
Theme: Grit and Glory of Maj.
Gen. (Retd.) IAN CARDOZO, AVSM SM, who had chopped his own leg on the battlefield In the backdrop of the controversy of AGNIPATH, a scheme for the recruitment of youth for the Indian Armed Forces, let’s know our War Hero & an Agniveer with a Kukri (Gorkha Battalion) IAN CARDOZO. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Cardozo
Even after his amputation, he maintained his physical fitness levels, beat many non-disabled officers in battle physical fitness tests, and commanded a battalion again.
He authored several books on the military history of India. His message to all ”To do what you love, love what you do” and ”To never be afraid and to never give up”
Bishnu🙏
No. – 110, Date: 12th June 2022
Theme: Co-existence of all Human beings in the Societies
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (Sanskrit: वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम. From “vasudha” the earth; “iva” is ; and “kutumbakam” family) is a Sanskrit phrase that means that the whole world is one single family. Vedic sages of India say that the entire world is just one family.
“This is mine, that is his say the small-minded, the wise believe that the entire world is a family” – Maha Upanishad The peaceful co-existence of all human beings in society is as important as biological diversity in nature.
A symbiotic relationship, trust, mutual support, acceptance of different views/opinions, tolerance, compassion, cooperation and forgiving etc. are required in all societies. Unity in Diversity
Bishnu 🙏
Spirituality – connecting with Universe and all humans beings may bring peace to the earth
No. – 109, Date : 5th June 2022
Theme: Happy World Environment Day – 2022
Happy World Environment Day – 2022
Wishes to all 🙏
No. – 108, Date: 29th May 2022
Theme: Loving couple…unconditional Love
Wishes for Savitri Brata tomorrow (Savitri – Satyavan epic story of Mahabharat)
https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/the-story-of-savitri-satyavan-from-the-mahabharata
Marriages are made in Heaven – means very good and successful marriages. Many couples make marriage joyful on earth through mutual understanding, caring and living together.
Each person has both strengths and weaknesses. A couple is there to complement each other’s skills and works. They operate on the MINIMAX principle, i.e. minimizing weaknesses and maximizing strengths for a common goal and sharing responsibilities.
Loving, Caring, Sharing, Engaging, Listening, Ignoring the small stuff, and Forgiving may bring joy, peace and productivity in married life.
Bishnu 🙏
Life Lesson: One should be a good spouse before expecting their spouse a good
No. – 107, Date: 22nd May 2022
Theme: International Biodiversity Day 🌎 (22nd May)
Biodiversity or Biological diversity is the combination of all forms of life (flora, fauna including micro-organisms) on the earth, their varieties, habitats and interactions.
https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day
Anyone, irrespective of race, faith or religious orientation, can benefit from the life and teaching of Buddha.
Anyone, irrespective of race, faith or religious orientation, can benefit from the life and teaching of Buddha.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem services provide us food, fodder, fuel, water, medicine, timber and also help in Soil fertility, climate regulation and carbon storage which are essential for Human well-being.
Unfortunately Biodiversity is being eroded and ecosystem services degraded
due to overexploitation by humans, deforestation, agriculture, land use for urban settlement, pollution, alien species, climate change etc.
Biodiversity can be conserved by People -Govt- Pvt. effort, local communities with indigenous knowledge, application of technology and data-driven action, global partnership etc.
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 106 Date: 15th May 2022
Theme: The Buddha for All
Happy Buddha Purnima wishes to all in advance.
Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha has been a beacon of enlightenment to the entire world. His teachings are universal and practical
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha
Anyone, irrespective of race, faith or religious orientation, can benefit from the life and teaching of Buddha.
Anyone, irrespective of race, faith or religious orientation, can benefit from the life and teaching of Buddha.
Please read my first book The Buddha for All
https://www.amazon.in/Buddha-All-Bishnu-C-Parida/dp/9391374182/
Paperback of the book in just Rs.200/– (available in my home and JSLPS office).
E-Book (Pdf version) is just Rs.100/– (by WhatsApp / E-mail after Google pay @ 9939221549)
Sales proceeds of the book will be donated to NGOs
Bishnu🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 105, Date: 8th May 2022
Theme: The Mother of orphans – Padmashree Sindhutai Sapkal
Happy Mother’s Day wishes to all.
On this occasion, a tribute to Padmashree Sindhutai, The Mother of Orphan. Her struggle to survive under challenging conditions like a beggar and then become the mother of 1,500 orphans is a real heart-touching inspiring story for all of us.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindhutai_Sapkal
God has created mothers because he may not be everywhere to take care of all children.
A mother loves her child unconditionally, and sacrifices her time, comport, job and wealth for her child.
Mothers are the most creative beings on the earth.
We call mother – MAA The word MAA is one of the sweetest words. A child or even a grown-up spontaneously utters the word MAA.
Family, Organizations and society should recognise the contributions of Mothers and make them proud
Bishnu🙏
No. – 104 Date: 1st May 2022
Theme: Message of Ramzan
Ramzan is a month-long festival of love, kindness and spirituality for Muslims all over the world. This is a holy month of connecting with Allah, fasting, purification, mercy and forgiveness.
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam along with Salah, prayer, Haj, visitation to Mecca; and Zakat, charity. Perhaps, the most visible manifestation of the month of Ramazan is abstinence from food, water etc. for the period of fast, which extends from dawn to sunset.
The Quran says, “O Believers! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was for those before you, so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah. ” 2:183
Happy Eid – Ul- Fitr wishes to all in advance
Bishnu🙏
Reference: Ramzan, The Month of Fasting and Forgiveness by Zeeshan Ahmed, The Speaking Tree, ToI, April 20, 2022
No. – 103 Date: 24th April 2022
Theme: Happy for Money
There is no doubt that the modern man/woman needs money for many things – basic needs (Food, clothes, House), education, entertainment, travel, good health, relationship etc.
But seeking happiness from money has its consequences. A certain amount of money is required for threshold level happiness. Beyond that, more money may/mayn’t bring different and continuous happiness (varies from person to person).
Happiness is an emotion. Its sub-categories are Thankful, Trusting, Comfortable, Content, Excited, Relaxed, Relieved, Overjoyed, Confident etc.
Like other emotions, Happiness comes and goes (means we experience it for specific periods) daily. Unhappiness is not a bad thing. It is necessary for innovation.
By practising Mindfulness and making others Happy we may be Happy.
Bishnu 🙏
PS: Life Lesson – “To be happy, one should make his / her spouse happy.”
No. – 102 Date: 17th April 2022.
Theme: Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar – The Champion of Justice and Dalit Rights
We celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti on the 14th of April every year. Most of us know him as the Chief Architect of our Indian Constitution
He was the first Indian trained Economist (PhD from Columbia University and DSc from London School of Economics), famous Lawyer, Statesman, Social reformer, Philosopher, prolific writer and defender of the rights of underprivileged and oppressed castes of India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._R._Ambedkar
Once denied access to water in school due to untouchability, he eventually played a crucial role in developing multi-purpose Water resources and policies, including Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in Bengal and Bihar. (Ref. – HT Sunday, 17th April 2022).
Let’s follow his struggles for Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all in the true spirit.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 101, Date: 10th April 2022.
Theme: Lord Shree Ram – The Transformative Leader
Wishing Happy Shree Ram Navami to All. 🙏
In his incarnation as Shree Ram, Bhagwan Shree Vishnu (God) in Treta Yuga had led a real-human life that was inspiring and an example not only during that time but also for generations beyond.
He was a great charismatic and transformative leader who had shaped many ordinary people into successful leaders and achievers. Moreover, he had many leadership qualities which present-day leaders should emulate.
Some of his leadership qualities are Character (integrity), Courage, Commitment, Dedication, Empathy, Empowering, Equanimity (Emotional stability), Loving, Patience, Sacrifice and Teamwork.
Jai Shree Ram🙏
Bishnu
PS: This is the repetition of TSS No. – 71, dated: 12th Sept. 2021 on today’s occasion of Shree Ram Navami
No. – 100, Date: 3rd April 2022.
Theme: 100th Episode of The Sunday Sharing
It is a glimpse of 14 nos. of videos shared earlier.
Thanks to Amarjeet, IIFM, Bhopal for compiling it randomly.
Shubhra and I had started it in Feb./March 2020 (2 years back) during the 1st wave of Covid – 19 pandemic. We used to screen record, trim (to make < 17 MB) and send to few friends.
Now we are sharing a video in 30 WhatsApp groups and two broadcast lists on every Sunday, reaching more than 4,000 viewers, on my website & Facebook.
Sunday Sharing
Heartfelt thanks to Well-wishers who are sharing videos with us.
Please support us to continue.
Bishnu🙏
PS : My 2nd Book The Sunday Sharing 52 episodes of Information and Inspiration will be published by Oct. 2022.
No. – 99, Date: 27th March 2022.
Theme: Sam – The young Billionaire and Philanthropist
Sam, i.e. Samuel Bankman – Fried is an American entrepreneur and CEO of FTX (crypto Currency Exchange).
He is also a philanthropist and donates his earnings for various global causes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Bankman-Fried
Bishnu🙏
PS : This video is from NAS Daily https://www.facebook.com/nasdaily
No. – 98, Date: 20th March 2022.
Theme: Significance of Colours
Colours are everywhere. Colourful flora and fauna of nature, Dazzling shades of Sky, Galaxies, Twilights of stars and Planetary objects in the universe, Creatures and Corals in the sea are fascinating.
We all enjoy colourful foods and clothes.
But colours have cultural connotations. Its significance varies from country to country and people to people.
Black colour is mourning in the west where white is in the east. Red represents good luck in China but love in India.
Psychological and Biological conditioning determine our choice of colours.
In India, we associate Green to Prosperity, Orange to Courage, Pink to Happiness and White to Peace.
May God fill colours in everyone’s lives
Bishnu🙏
PS: The above dance performance has Choreographed by renewed Italian composer “Giovani Marradi”
No. – 97 , Date: 13th March 2022.
Theme: Remembering 8th March, Women’s Day promises
We all celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2022 and deliberated on the contribution of women to society.
It is the time to keep the promises and act on. provided with choice and opportunities, women can do anything like men.
Women are now running shops to Spaceships, managing the media to military stations, performing the role of Caregiving to top administrative jobs like the opening of gates of National Defence Academy for female candidates, corporate leadership and political space should be given to women.
Men should accept women as bosses, managers and leaders rather than just showing sympathy and blaming societal norms.
Happy and safe HOLI wishes to All.
Bishnu🙏
No. – 96, Date: 6th March 2022.
Theme: Women’s Contribution to Society
Advance wishes of Happy International Women’s Day to all women (8th March 2022)
A girl child is an angel who brings cheers to the family. She does domestic work more in comparison to a male child. She even earns money for the family before her marriage, by doing job and taking care of the family too.
After marriage, she contributes as a wife, daughter-in-law, mother and in many other avtars.
The working woman plays dual role of managing home and work, taking care of family members, and bringing income.
A working woman’s work and responsibility increase after she becomes a mother.
Just recall the Covid – 19 pandemic situation and women’s contribution in managing the trouble with love and care.
It is the responsibility of family and society to recognise women’s contributions and give them their due rights and recognition.
Women’s progress will make the nation progressive
Bishnu🙏
No. – 95 Date: 27th Feb. 2022
Theme: HOPE in the VUCA world
The world is becoming VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) Many undesirable things, i.e. war, conflict, crisis, pandemic, calamities, human displacement, corruptions, hyper-competition, the negative impact of globalization etc.
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. For example, a member brings misery to the family under the influence of in-laws/neighbours; employees make financial, market and reputational losses to the company colluding with vendors and competitors. Vested interests spread ill-will in society.
Often, loss of trust, faith, peace, and relationships happens in the family, group, organization, and society. It brings pain and misery to all.
The human spirit moves on HOPE. When other options are not foreknown, HOPE can bring positivity and new energy to address a crisis and bounce back.
Developing resilience, collaboration, learning and application may help
Bishnu🙏
No. – 94 Date: 20th Feb. 2022
Theme: Failure is a stepping stone to Success
Human achievements are often preceded by repeated attempts that fail.
One research finding – people who experience early failures often become more accomplished than counterparts who achieve early successes. Another insight is that the pace of failure is an indicator of the tipping point between stagnation and eventual success (Dashun Wang, 2019)
Failure is not a bad thing. It makes one humble, helps to control arrogance and motivates to move on with rigour
Quotes on failure by Thomas A Edison
I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work Many of life ‘s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
One should overcome the Fear of Failure and accept failures as part of the process of life.
Bishnu🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 93 Date: 13th Feb. 2022
Theme: Lata Mangeshkar – The Daughter, Nightingale and Bharat Ratna of India
Tribute to late Lata Mangeshkar Ji who passed away on 6th Feb’22.
Great people need no introduction; just a name is enough. So it is appropriate for late Lata Mangeshkar Ji – her voice is her identity So anyone who listens to Bollywood songs must be heard about the great singer Lata Ji.
From the 1950s to 2010s, she was the versatile melody queen of Bollywood – lovely called Lata Didi.
More info on the Life and work of Lata Ji
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lata_Mangeshkar
Lata Ji will always be in our hearts
I will share a short video of Bollywood songs of Lata Ji directly to those who acknowledge the watching of this TSS post also add them to my broadcast list of TSS
Bishnu🙏
My Book
No. – 92 Date: 6th Feb. 2022
Theme: Investing in Girls’ Education
Covid – 19 pandemic has impacted our education system severely for the last two years. Schools were closed. Children and Students are deprived of proper learning.
Online teaching and learning has its limitation in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability particularly to the remote areas and poor section of our society.
It is a good thing that schools are opening up now. Parents, teachers and others should support students to learn and grow.
If you educate a woman, you educate a family; if you educate a girl, you educate the future. – Queen Rania of Jordan
Studies have shown that educated girls who manage things invest around 90% of their income into their families and communities, thus reducing poverty and improving health, safety, and education for everyone.
Let’s join hands and strengthen Girls’ education
Bishnu 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 91 Date: 30th Jan. 2022
Theme: Israel: The country of many advancements and controversies
Israel is a small country in the Middle East but more advanced than many western countries.
It is famous for its Agri-tech, i.e. Drip Irrigation Defense Technologies, i.e. Iron Dome Missile defence system, Digital and Mobile technologies, including controversial Spyware Pegasus of NSO group.
There are controversies with Palestine and neighbouring Arab countries with places associated, i.e. West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem etc. Its’ spy agency, Mossad is famous for its covert operations.
People of Israel (Jewish) are progressive with scientific knowledge, compulsory military training, and health aspects …. fully Covid – 19 vaccinated.
https://embassies.gov.il/UnGeneva/AboutIsrael/Pages/AboutIsraelgeneralinfo.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel
The Story of Israel: From the Birth of a Nation to the Present Day: by Martin Gilbert
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 88, Date: 9th Jan. 2022
Theme: Omicron – the Virus
According to WHO, Omicron is a new SARS-CoV – 2 variant (B.1.1.529), virus that causes Coronavirus disease (Covid – 19). Omicron is rapidly spreading across the world.
Info on Omicron
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO), mentioned in her tweet on 8th Jan. 2022 … https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya
“The next few weeks will be critical as Omicron surges. Need to manage without panic as the majority of cases likely to be mild. Test, isolate, avoid unnecessary medicine, mask up, work from home if possible, avoid crowds, get vaccinated if not already and follow Govt. advice.”
Let’s be careful and responsible!
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 87, Date: 2nd Jan. 2022
Theme: IKIGAI – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Wishing Happy New Year – 2022 to all.
IKIGAI is a Japanese concept that means The Happiness of always being busy It is the combination of (Passion + Profession + Vocation + Mission) for the reason being living in the world.
The Book – IKIGAI by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
The Ten Rules of IKIGAI
- Stay active; don’t retire
- Take it slow
- Don’t fill your stomack (eat little less than needed)
- Surround yourself with good friends
- Get in shape – your body
- Smile
- Reconnect with nature
- Give thanks
- Live in the moment
- Follow your ikigai
If you don’t know what your ikigai is yet, as Viktor Frankl says, your mission is to discover it
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 86, Date: 26th Dec. 2021
Theme: Christmas Sprit – Christmas Truce on the war front
I wish Merry Christmas – 2021 and Happy New Year – 2022 to all.
Christmas spirit brought truce between the German army and British allies during World War – I in 1914 for a few days.
The Power of Peace in the time of War.
The Christmas spirit taught us that humanity could be shown in the darkest times.
More information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaBJhmkDKmc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce
Let Peace and Humanity prevail in the world 🌎
Bishhnu @ Ranchi 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 85, Date: 19th Dec. 2021
Theme: Courage and Wit during Crisis
A small movie clip shows how a son has saved his father and himself in an extreme crisis (life and death situation) by courage, wit, patience, and quick decision. Many times, we all face similar problems that may be lesser severe. One should display courage, patience, and presence of mind to overcome the crisis.
Thanks a lot to Mr B. Ranki Rao, former DFO of Vishakhapatnam and my MRM (M.Phil) classmate of IIFM, Bhopal, for sharing this video. 👍
Bishhnu 🙏
My Book
No. – 84, Date: 12th Dec. 2021
Theme: Grooming Children as Responsible Citizens in Japan
Japan is known as a country producer of innovative and high-quality technological machines i.e. Computers, TVs, Automobiles, Trains, Robots, Industrial and Medical equipment etc.
https://www.japan.go.jp/technology/innovation/index.html
Same time the Japanese are known for their good manners, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and dedication to nation-building, sense of quality and service orientations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan
Japan grooms its children as responsible citizens in-home, schools and society through group work, cultural values and developing a sense of ownership for their action towards nation, society and environment.
Bishhnu @ Ranchi 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 83, Date: 5th Dec. 2021
Theme: Innovative Tricks of Mr. Vinoy … The Timing Wizard of the Internet
Just watch and enjoy the creative and innovative tricks of Vinoy Alexander
Bishhnu @ Sambalpur 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 82, Date: 28th Nov. 2021
Theme: Climate Champians – Creating Wealth from Waste while reducing Pollution and Protecting Climate
Know Aditya, a student and entrepreuneur from Rajathan. His company Trash to Treasure was launched in January 2021, and every day the company recycles up to 10 tonnes of plastic to make fabric.
As the lifestyle of people has changed, so the generation of plastics in huge quantities. However, we may not stop using plastics but can convert these into valuable things through Innovation and Technology.
Know the Plastic Man of India Padma Sri Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan and
Use of Plastic Waste in building Green and Sustainable Roads
https://youtu.be/0QtXfSmmz3Y
https://youtu.be/ZFXxxtF_At4
https://youtu.be/KZUrc4xAXyY
Bishhnu @ Ranchi 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No.- 81, Date: 21st Nov. 2021
Theme: Climate Disaster – The case of Aral Sea of Uzbekistan
From 1960 to 1998, the Aral Sea’s surface area shrank by 60%, and its volume by 80%.
In 1960, the Aral Sea had been the world’s fourth-largest lake with an area of 68,000 km2. By 1998, it had dropped to 28,687 km2,. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Sea
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/AralSea
Fishes vanished, so did the fishing and shipping industries. The livelihoods of thousands of people were affected. Dust and Salt are continuously harming the Health of all.
It happened due to a human intervention …. Diverting rivers (Amu Darya and Syr Darya) for Industrial and agricultural use during Soviet era (USSR) in 1960s.
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/indepth/will-the-aral-sea-ever-come-back-28923
The North Aral Sea in Kazakhstan is improving
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180719-how-kazakhstan-brought-the-aral-sea-back-to-life
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No.- 80, Date: 14th Nov. 2021
Theme: SoS call from creatures of Earth to Human beings
We are vulnerable creatures of earth.
Our survival now depend upon Human beings
We hope
It’s not too late
You will protect the coral reefs and all the colourful fishes.
stop poisoning the bees.
defend the forests for the animals and people living there.
Will use the sun and the wind to power everything.
keep the forests and oceans full of animals.
stop polluting the air and damaging our lungs.
make a happier world for animals and people.
Hope comes from action, not from words.
Act now – Stop extinction.
Animals, plants and marine species etc. are as important as human beings on earth. But unfortunately, many creatures (Plants, Animals, Birds, Fishes etc.) extinct & endangered.
https://www.iucn.org/resources/conservation-tools/iucn-red-list-threatened-species
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No.-79, 7th Nov. 2021
Theme – Climate Change & COP26
Human activities, i.e. burning of fossil fuels (coal & oil) for energy and changing land patterns (converting forest into agriculture, industrial use or urban settlement are prime responsible for the increase of Green House Gases (GHG), i.e. Carbon Dioxide CO2, Methane CH4, Nitrous Oxide N2O
GHGs make Green House Effect i.e. warm atmosphere by trapping/blocking heat radiation from Sun to earth to space. It causes Global Warming and brings Climate Change resulting in Heat waves, Drought, melting of Glaciers
More information
https://unfccc.int/
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
UN Climate Change Conference COP26 (Conference of Parties) Glasgow, UK (31st Oct. – 12th Nov. 2021)
Khan Sir (Patna)’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HlI0NZSXO0
Ways – Clean Energy (Solar, Wind, Tide, Bio, Geo-Thermal, Nuclear) Afforestation, Adaptation & Innovation
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 78, Date: 31st Oct. 2021
Theme: Happy Diwali – Let’s Lighten someone’s candle (life) this year
Wishes of Happy Diwali (Shubha Deepawali) – 2021 to all in advance. 👏👍🙏
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
One should be generous and do good work for others. When a group of people (a team) become generous, they do wonders in the society. Generosity and helping each other can create significantly positive changes in the world. Empathy has its reward and in-built benefits to the practitioner.
“The Charitable man is loved by all, his friendship is prized highly” – Buddha
My First Book: The Buddha for All
https://www.amazon.in/Buddha-All-Bishnu-C-Parida/dp/9391374182/
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 77, Date: 24th Oct. 2021
Theme: The Buddha for All – Lessons for All
My first book: The Buddha for All – Life Skills and Management Mantras from the Life and Teachings of Gautam Buddha
You can also buy this book from following link:
https://www.amazon.in/Buddha-All-Bishnu-C-Parida/dp/9391374182/
The Buddha had taught many things to humanity. Anyone irrespective of Gender, Education, faith, or religious orientation can benefit from Buddha’s life and teachings.
All can learn Mindfulness, Compassion, Non-violence, Truthfulness, Self-discipline, Middle path, Patience etc. from the Buddha.
The credit of this video goes to Amarjeet (IIFM), Prof. ORS Rao (IUJ), Hem Raj (JSLPS) and Shubhra
This book is dedicated to Corona warriors of Covid – 19 pandemic. Sale proceeds (up to next one year) of this book will be donated to a few NGOs. Please read it
Paperback of the book will be available next week.
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
http://www.bishnucparida.in/my-book/
No. – 76 Date: 17th Oct. 2021
Theme: Life Lessons from The Buddha
Gautam Buddha lived on the earth 2,600 years ago and founded Buddhism.
Buddha was a spiritual teacher with deep compassion for all. He self-Enlightened by practising Mindfulness meditation.
Never had the Buddha claimed Divine status nor the son or messenger of God. He did not profess to be a personal saviour He called himself as a Guide & Teacher
His famous quotation is The Mind is everything. What we think we become His last words were Strive on with Diligence – No emancipation or purification can be gained without personal striving
Please see next week posting for My first book : The Buddha for All – Life Skills and Management Mantras from the Life and Teachings of Gautam Buddha.
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 75, Date: 10th Oct. 2021
Theme: 10 Curious Facts about Mahatma Gandhi
Bharat Ratna, 2nd Prime minister of India, shared his Birthday with Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd Oct. He was an unsung hero of India.
Google search shows 4, 65, 00, 000 results for Mahatma Gandhi in 0.80 seconds, but for Lal Bahdhur Shastri it is 1, 25, 00, 000 in 0.72 seconds.
On 2nd Oct. every year shadow of Gandhi Ji covers Shastri Ji. Comparatively, we celebrate less for Shastri ji.
Shastri Ji was the most honest, soft-spoken and principled statesman who contributed immensely for nation-building and inspired millions of Indians with the slogan of Jai Jawan – Jai Kisan
His life was lessons for everyone for simple living, strong will, respect for all and sacrifice for society.
Info on Shastri Ji
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal_Bahadur_Shastri
https://youtu.be/B-QS7mQ_UJ0
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 74, Date: 3rd Oct. 2021
Theme: 10 Curious Facts about Mahatma Gandhi
Exposure to three continents – Asia (born in India), Europe (studied in England) and Africa (early career as a Lawyer). Presently his statues are in more than 100 countries.
Man of the Year by The Time Magazine in 1930
Nominated five times for Noble Peace Prize
Wrote 1 crore words in 40 years of Freedom struggle (includes 35,000 letters / notes )
Walked 79,000 kms (from 1913 to 1948) for different campaigns
Helped to establish three Football clubs in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg
Longest fast 21 days
His funeral procession was 8 kms long
Information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi
Resources:
https://www.mkgandhi.org/main.htm
My article on Mahatma Gandhi
https://www.mkgandhi.org/main.htm
You must be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi 👏
Bishnu 🙏
No. – 73, Date: 26th Sept. 2021
Theme: Kamla Bhasin – The Feminist Activist, Poet & Author
Tribute to Kamla Bhasin, who left the world yesterday (25th Sept. 2021)
Daughters’ Day is being celebrated today.
Kamla Bhasin had contributed a lot to Gender Awareness, Human Rights, Social Justice, etc. She was associated with SANGAT & JAGORI and also the South Asia coordinator of One Billion Rising Her books are being used in awareness building on Gender and Social justice.
Wikipedia link & and videos on life and works of Kamla Bhasin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamla_Bhasin
Miles to go before you sleep >>>
https://youtu.be/_Ar0u0CvB0s
Patriarchy Dehumanises Men
https://youtu.be/TXXVfGAzcYw
The Transformers (PRADAN series on CSO leaders)
https://youtu.be/nzGbQsIRP_Y
When Masculinity harms men – Power of Love (Satyamev Jayate)
https://youtu.be/aOLYIzJnKT4
EDUCATION is one of the weapons through which parents should empower their daughters
Bishnu @ Ranchi🙏
No. – 72, Date: 19th Sept. 2021
Theme: Our Life is just like a Train Journey
We start our journey from the home station with our parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, etc., and new members join us regularly
As we pass through different stations, we meet many Friends, Classmates, Teachers, Guiders and others. Some met their life partners as co-passengers for a lifelong journey.
We expect persons who come into our Life to be with us always in the Journey of Life. But it is not the reality. People get down at different stations and go to their destinations. We remember their behaviour with us during the journey.
People will forget what you said and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
Life goes on >>>
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 71 Date: 12th Sept. 2021
Theme: Leadership Lessons from Lord Shree Ram
In his incarnation as Shree Ram, Bhagwan Shree Vishnu (God) in Treta Yuga had led a real-human life that was inspiring and an example not only during that time but also for generations beyond.
He was a great charismatic and transformative leader who had moulded many ordinary people into successful leaders and achievers. Moreover, he had many leadership qualities which present-day leaders should emulate.
Some of his leadership qualities are Character (integrity), Courage, Commitment, Dedication, Empathy, Empowering, Equanimity (Emotional stability), Loving, Patience, Sacrifice and Teamwork.
Debashis Chatterjee (Director IIM – Kozhikode) has well mentioned Leaders lead people to themselves, and Leadership is the liberation of the potential within ourselves.
Jai Shree Ram
Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 70, Date: 5th Sept. 2021
Theme: Happy Teachers’ Day – Remembering Inspiring Teacher and Philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Wishing Happy Teachers’ Day – 2021 to all Loving, Caring, Motivating, Inspiring Teachers, Mentors, Coaches and Guides.
We celebrate Teachers’ Day on 5th September every year in India. It is the birthday of our 1st Vice-President (1st Chairperson of Rajya Sabha), 2nd President Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He was a great scholar, inspiring teacher, excellent ambassador, noble statesman and extraordinary philosopher of India. He made India proud in the world during both the pre-independence and post-independence eras.
All children, students and even general persons should read books and watch videos of his life and works.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarvepalli_Radhakrishnan
Great Teachers encourage Hearts to Love, Minds to Think and Hands to Create Bishnu @ Ranchi 🙏
No. – 62 Date: 11th July 2021
Theme: Life becoming Complex
Life is easy but we are making it complex. The normal things are becoming difficult. We are disconnecting from ourselves, other human beings, and from nature. The basic needs of humans i.e. Food, House, Clothes and Medicine are becoming costlier and inaccessible for many. Who is responsible for it….. Individuals, society or so-called modern systems.
The Buddha’s teaching of Middle Path of moderation may help to have a better understanding on how to lead a richer life of peace and happiness.
It eliminates extremes like Being and Nonbeing, Birth and Death, coming and Going, same or different, Luxury or ascetic.
Middle way is the sustainable lifestyle that embraces the pleasure of existence …. Neither Luxury nor Poverty… Just Enough.
Bishnu @ Ranchi 😷💉🙏
No. – 61 Date: 4th July 2021:
Theme: Inspiration from Ratan Tata
The living Legend of the present era, Visionary, Industrialist, Corporate Leader, Philanthropist, Padma Vibushan awardee, honorary doctorates from several universities and above all a humble and nice human being Ratan Tata is a well-known figure in India and abroad.
He has inspired millions of students, youth and executives to study, work, live and contribute to society.
His presence and words are mesmerizing.
Just listen to his views in this video.
Let’s make innovation, collaboration and positive changes in society.
Many things are possible. Anyone can make a positive difference.
For more information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratan_Tata
https://www.tatatrusts.org/about-tatatrusts/ratan-n-tata
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ratan-Tata
Bishnu @ Ranchi 😷💉🙏
