In the course of our daily lives, we meet so many people, each having his own unique qualities.Some people may be too serious in their interactions, while others may be very funny.It is often the company of funny people that we enjoy the most.
I have a neighbour called Mr. Sharma. He is the funniest man I have ever met.He always keeps cracking jokes and plays weird but harmless pranks on others.His has an endless list of jokes and funny one-liners up his sleeve.
The first time itself that I met Mr Sharma, he had me burst into laughter. He being our new neighbour, I went to his house with a packet of sweets to welcome him.When he opened the door, I greeted him saying,"Welcome to the new place,Mr. Sharma".He replied saying "Well, kid! I have been in this place ( meaning the earth) for the last 60 years.So how can I be new here?". This one remark surprised me but also had me in splits,and set the tone for a long lasting friendship with him.
One of his favourite remarks was " I take my wife to different parts of the world every year, but she still somehow manages to find her way back". This would be followed by a angry but loving stare from Mrs Sharma.
Mr. Sharma spreads cheer all around the place, whether it's the municipal park where he goes for his morning walk,or the temple premises where the colony residents hang out in the evening.His jokes are original and would send us into peals of laughter more often than not.Also his jokes and pranks are always in good taste,so that no one gets hurt or insulted. He never cracks jokes on anyone's religion,caste, skin colour, appearance or in any manner that would offend. If at all he does so, it would be a joke on himself.Some times he uses his sense of humour for social purposes or to send out a message.I vivdly remember the day he organized a dog show in front of the commissoners bungalow to protest the lack of action in taming the street dog menace.On another occassion, he wore a necklace made of onions as part of a protest against its price rise.
Mr. Sharma is 70 years old today, but still remains the same old funny guy, making people laugh and spreading happiness around. I feel so privileged to have known a person like him, as he has brought so much fun and laughter into my life.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Monday, December 20, 2010
Charity
Charity is one of the most noble tasks that a man can do in his life.According to different religious beliefs, our life on earth is just a transitory phase of an eternal journey towards salvation.So, this brief period that we are on earth, which we call life, has to be lived with a purpose.For some people the true meaning of life is the joy of giving.They realize this dream of theirs by engaging in acts of charity.
A charitable person loves his fellow-beings and likes to help them in distress.He is very sensitive to the feelings of others.The sight of pain or misery troubles him and he tries his level best to alleviate that misery.He is deeply moved at the sight of beggars, or victims of natural calamities such as floods,earthquakes etc.
Today , the world is in greater need of charity than ever before. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.While on one hand, we have the billionaire businessmen, sport stars and movie stars.While on the other hand we have millions of diseased and starving men,women and children dying for that one morsel of grain that would keep them alive.If all the rich people and even people who are reasonably well-off contribute something in terms of money,food,clothes or even empathy, then the world would definitely be better off.
There is no denying the fact that sections from the rich have always contributed towards the upliftment of the poor.Many big corporations ,charitable trusts and societies make good contributions in areas of poverty-alleviation,food supply,education and health.Recently the two richest men on the planet, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and investor Warren Buffet announced the donation of a lion's share of their wealth to charity.They also called upon fellow billionaires all over the world to emulate them.This has had a ripple effect whose benefits are being seen all over the world.But evidently, a lot more needs to be done.
But this does not necessarily mean that one has to be a billionaire to show charity.Even simple actions like feeding a poor man for a day, or teaching a poor kid are acts of charity. Every person can do his own bit , and it would make some difference to another person's life. Also, acts of charity should not be trumpeted.It should be done from the heart and not for publicity or other commercial purposes.The best form of charity is the one in which the identity of the donor remains hidden.
A charitable person loves his fellow-beings and likes to help them in distress.He is very sensitive to the feelings of others.The sight of pain or misery troubles him and he tries his level best to alleviate that misery.He is deeply moved at the sight of beggars, or victims of natural calamities such as floods,earthquakes etc.
Today , the world is in greater need of charity than ever before. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.While on one hand, we have the billionaire businessmen, sport stars and movie stars.While on the other hand we have millions of diseased and starving men,women and children dying for that one morsel of grain that would keep them alive.If all the rich people and even people who are reasonably well-off contribute something in terms of money,food,clothes or even empathy, then the world would definitely be better off.
There is no denying the fact that sections from the rich have always contributed towards the upliftment of the poor.Many big corporations ,charitable trusts and societies make good contributions in areas of poverty-alleviation,food supply,education and health.Recently the two richest men on the planet, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and investor Warren Buffet announced the donation of a lion's share of their wealth to charity.They also called upon fellow billionaires all over the world to emulate them.This has had a ripple effect whose benefits are being seen all over the world.But evidently, a lot more needs to be done.
But this does not necessarily mean that one has to be a billionaire to show charity.Even simple actions like feeding a poor man for a day, or teaching a poor kid are acts of charity. Every person can do his own bit , and it would make some difference to another person's life. Also, acts of charity should not be trumpeted.It should be done from the heart and not for publicity or other commercial purposes.The best form of charity is the one in which the identity of the donor remains hidden.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Apartheid ( Racism)
For centuries of human existence, we have believed or rather taught to believe that humanity has by nature, been divided into races or castes and that certain races are superior to others in terms of physical or intellectual endowments.The discrimination that follows this belief is called racism or apartheid.
Since time immemorial, society has been divided into various classes and communities. In countries like India, there was a caste system.It was believed that God had created people of a particular caste only to do one kind of job.So the castes were developed along occupational lines.The people who performed low-key jobs were treated were badly.This attitudee has been so strongly ingrained in the Indian psyche that it continues to exist even today, to some measure.
In the western world apartheid is mostly based on the colour of the skin.The white races consider that they are the true builders of civilization and the 'lesser people' like the Africans and Asians are destined to serve under them.It all started around 600 years ago, during the age of colonization, when European explorers discovered new lands of Africa and Asia.Even as they colonized the African territories, they enslaved their people. The Black people of U.S.A are actually descendants of Africans who were brought to America only to be sold as slaves.
However, in the modern world, racism has got no place. Our ancestors could be pardoned for all the crimes they committed in the name of race,as they were not properly informed or educated at that time.But today , given the advances we have made in science and technology, we are much more informed . We know very well that all people are equal before God, and that there should be no feeling of superiority or inferiority among any race.Any form of racism if practised, is against the law and will not be tolerated.The Journey has not been easy. It required exemplary efforts from great men to bring about this change in attitude.
While in India ,it was Mahatma Gandhi who led the movement to eliminate caste based discrimination, in the United States there was the young Martin Luther King who fought for equal rights for blacks.In South Africa , Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail to get equal rights for the blacks of his nation.
Even though the efforts of these great men have been fruitful in bringing changes to the laws of the land,the ghost of racism still lies in the minds of many people. Only when we are able to educate and cleanse the minds of people,we can truly believe to have won the battle against this evil..
Since time immemorial, society has been divided into various classes and communities. In countries like India, there was a caste system.It was believed that God had created people of a particular caste only to do one kind of job.So the castes were developed along occupational lines.The people who performed low-key jobs were treated were badly.This attitudee has been so strongly ingrained in the Indian psyche that it continues to exist even today, to some measure.
In the western world apartheid is mostly based on the colour of the skin.The white races consider that they are the true builders of civilization and the 'lesser people' like the Africans and Asians are destined to serve under them.It all started around 600 years ago, during the age of colonization, when European explorers discovered new lands of Africa and Asia.Even as they colonized the African territories, they enslaved their people. The Black people of U.S.A are actually descendants of Africans who were brought to America only to be sold as slaves.
However, in the modern world, racism has got no place. Our ancestors could be pardoned for all the crimes they committed in the name of race,as they were not properly informed or educated at that time.But today , given the advances we have made in science and technology, we are much more informed . We know very well that all people are equal before God, and that there should be no feeling of superiority or inferiority among any race.Any form of racism if practised, is against the law and will not be tolerated.The Journey has not been easy. It required exemplary efforts from great men to bring about this change in attitude.
While in India ,it was Mahatma Gandhi who led the movement to eliminate caste based discrimination, in the United States there was the young Martin Luther King who fought for equal rights for blacks.In South Africa , Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail to get equal rights for the blacks of his nation.
Even though the efforts of these great men have been fruitful in bringing changes to the laws of the land,the ghost of racism still lies in the minds of many people. Only when we are able to educate and cleanse the minds of people,we can truly believe to have won the battle against this evil..
Illiteracy in India
More than six decades have passed since India achieved independence from the British.Still India remains a backward country because more than forty percent of India's population is illiterate.Illiteracy is today one of the main problems facing the country and remain a major obstacle to national growth and development.
Though there has been a considerable increase in the number of schools and colleges,it has not kept pace with the rapid increase in population.As a result, large numbers of our children are denied education and hence remain illiterate. Another major reason for the wide-spread illiteracy in our country is the unaffordability of education , especially in the private schools.
The reasons for illiteracy are mainly financial.Since a vast section of the population lives below below the poverty line or just marginally above it,they cannot afford to send their children to private schools.In the backward interiors of the country , the number of government -run schools is very less, thus leaving a big gap between demand and supply resulting in widespread illiteracy..In addition , the poor need more helping hands at work, and so put they children to work at any early age.
The ill-effects of illiteracy are manifold. A nation whose large number of population are uneducated can never aspire to become developed and prosperous. It is only through education that people acquire knowledge and skills.Only when the population becomes skilled and employable , the industries can grow and create more jobs.
A country like the United states of America , owes its super power status and prosperity to its excellent education system.Quality education empowers the masses and inspires them to achieve bigger things.
It is not that the government has been sleeping over the issue. Successive governments have introduced many schemes to improve the condition of literacy in India.In 1978,a nationwide adult-education programme was introduced to encourage adults to get themselves educated. . 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan' and 'Midday meal programme in schools have been other measures adopted by the governmants to bring girls and kids from poor families to school.These measures have started showing results , of late and the literacy rate of India has slowly started to climb.
But a lot more needs to be done, and the government, NGO's and people must put in combined efforts to make more and more people literate.Our aim should be to achieve 100% literacy by 2030, so that we do not remain left behind in the march to progress.
Though there has been a considerable increase in the number of schools and colleges,it has not kept pace with the rapid increase in population.As a result, large numbers of our children are denied education and hence remain illiterate. Another major reason for the wide-spread illiteracy in our country is the unaffordability of education , especially in the private schools.
The reasons for illiteracy are mainly financial.Since a vast section of the population lives below below the poverty line or just marginally above it,they cannot afford to send their children to private schools.In the backward interiors of the country , the number of government -run schools is very less, thus leaving a big gap between demand and supply resulting in widespread illiteracy..In addition , the poor need more helping hands at work, and so put they children to work at any early age.
The ill-effects of illiteracy are manifold. A nation whose large number of population are uneducated can never aspire to become developed and prosperous. It is only through education that people acquire knowledge and skills.Only when the population becomes skilled and employable , the industries can grow and create more jobs.
A country like the United states of America , owes its super power status and prosperity to its excellent education system.Quality education empowers the masses and inspires them to achieve bigger things.
It is not that the government has been sleeping over the issue. Successive governments have introduced many schemes to improve the condition of literacy in India.In 1978,a nationwide adult-education programme was introduced to encourage adults to get themselves educated. . 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan' and 'Midday meal programme in schools have been other measures adopted by the governmants to bring girls and kids from poor families to school.These measures have started showing results , of late and the literacy rate of India has slowly started to climb.
But a lot more needs to be done, and the government, NGO's and people must put in combined efforts to make more and more people literate.Our aim should be to achieve 100% literacy by 2030, so that we do not remain left behind in the march to progress.
My Pet Dog
Having a pet of your own is one of life's greatest pleasures.A pet gives us love and affection that we so deeply desire in our lives.Among pets the most popular is the dog.Dog has been man's best friend for ages and there is no animal which is as faithful and sincere as a dog.
I have a pet dog named Rocky.It belongs to the Dobermann Pinscher breed. It is black in colour with a shade of golden fur on its neck and chest.It was only 1 month old when Dad brought it home.The first time I saw it , I was just thrilled with joy.It looked like a soft black ball and was so cute.The bonding that developed there has since then,continued unbroken.
Slowly but steadily ,Rocky grew in confidence and came to be a part of our family.It plays with me and accompanies me in my morning walks.The very sight of it's bright eyes and wagging tail brightens up my day.Despite being playful and friendly , it is very obedient and takes my instructions without any complaints.I have taught it certain things and he has proved to be a quick learner.Also it is a very fierce customer when it comes to guarding the house.The sight of a stranger at night brings out the soldier in Rocky and he starts barking ferociously, to scare him away.
Rocky is allowed entry into our home, but it never jumps on the sofa, or destroy anything.It was wonderful toilet habits and loves to be bathed and groomed regularly.He normally eats vegetarian food but also loves fish. Once a week, I feed him meat.He also relishes bread , biscuits and cakes.He loves playing with the ball and the both of us spend a lot of time during the vacations, playing with my bat and ball.
Rocky's presence adds meaning to my life.It has not only given me a friend to be cared by and to care for, but also has made me a more responsible and mature individual.But I know that a dog's life span is very short, so very soon it would have to leave me .Yet I keep praying to God to let it be with me forever.
I have a pet dog named Rocky.It belongs to the Dobermann Pinscher breed. It is black in colour with a shade of golden fur on its neck and chest.It was only 1 month old when Dad brought it home.The first time I saw it , I was just thrilled with joy.It looked like a soft black ball and was so cute.The bonding that developed there has since then,continued unbroken.
Slowly but steadily ,Rocky grew in confidence and came to be a part of our family.It plays with me and accompanies me in my morning walks.The very sight of it's bright eyes and wagging tail brightens up my day.Despite being playful and friendly , it is very obedient and takes my instructions without any complaints.I have taught it certain things and he has proved to be a quick learner.Also it is a very fierce customer when it comes to guarding the house.The sight of a stranger at night brings out the soldier in Rocky and he starts barking ferociously, to scare him away.
Rocky is allowed entry into our home, but it never jumps on the sofa, or destroy anything.It was wonderful toilet habits and loves to be bathed and groomed regularly.He normally eats vegetarian food but also loves fish. Once a week, I feed him meat.He also relishes bread , biscuits and cakes.He loves playing with the ball and the both of us spend a lot of time during the vacations, playing with my bat and ball.
Rocky's presence adds meaning to my life.It has not only given me a friend to be cared by and to care for, but also has made me a more responsible and mature individual.But I know that a dog's life span is very short, so very soon it would have to leave me .Yet I keep praying to God to let it be with me forever.
Friday, December 17, 2010
My Hobby
A hobby can be defined as a pursuit which one undertakes in leisure for pleasure and not for profit.Most of us have some hobby or the other in our lives.Some of the popular hobbies are stamp or coin collection,reading fiction,fishing, photography,writing to pen friends,playing games like tennis,hockey etc.Hobbies are a reflection of one's personality, his likes and dislikes , his attitude and temperament.
My hobby is to learn and practise the ancient Japanese martial art of Karate.I have been learning Karate for the
last 5 years, and currently hold a brown black. It was a close friend of mine who introduced me to our neighbourhood karate class. Initially I was very sceptical and never thought I would continue with the class for long.The first thing I saw there was two people engaged in a bout of sparing.I was so fear stricken by that sight.
But gradually I realized that these fights were under the proper supervision of the Master and were held under certain rules of the game.I also got to know that karate is not all about just fighting.It also consists of different segments like combination exercises, breathing practise, flexibility , endurance etc.
Karate helps to develop various aspects of our mind and body.The combination exercises and shadow fighting help to improve concentration , reflexes, and imagination.The meditation exercises help to regulate our breathing .The endurance activities build stamina and mental as well as physical toughness, and improve build circulation.
Above all, each action in Karate strengthens the muscles joints and ligaments of some part of the body .
As my master says, Fighting comes last in the list of benefits of Karate.Because according to him, Karate suld be used only for self-defence and not to attack anyone .Having said that, today I have the confidence to knock down atleast two people my size together.
I attend Karate classes twice a week and also practise at home three days a week.It has helped me improve my focus and concentration in studies, and thus bring better grades.It have also helped me to remain calm, composed and happy all the time.
The true purpose of a life is to remain happy, and the role of a hobby is to make one happy.In this regard, my hobby of Karate has really helped me to lead a meaningful life.
My hobby is to learn and practise the ancient Japanese martial art of Karate.I have been learning Karate for the
last 5 years, and currently hold a brown black. It was a close friend of mine who introduced me to our neighbourhood karate class. Initially I was very sceptical and never thought I would continue with the class for long.The first thing I saw there was two people engaged in a bout of sparing.I was so fear stricken by that sight.
But gradually I realized that these fights were under the proper supervision of the Master and were held under certain rules of the game.I also got to know that karate is not all about just fighting.It also consists of different segments like combination exercises, breathing practise, flexibility , endurance etc.
Karate helps to develop various aspects of our mind and body.The combination exercises and shadow fighting help to improve concentration , reflexes, and imagination.The meditation exercises help to regulate our breathing .The endurance activities build stamina and mental as well as physical toughness, and improve build circulation.
Above all, each action in Karate strengthens the muscles joints and ligaments of some part of the body .
As my master says, Fighting comes last in the list of benefits of Karate.Because according to him, Karate suld be used only for self-defence and not to attack anyone .Having said that, today I have the confidence to knock down atleast two people my size together.
I attend Karate classes twice a week and also practise at home three days a week.It has helped me improve my focus and concentration in studies, and thus bring better grades.It have also helped me to remain calm, composed and happy all the time.
The true purpose of a life is to remain happy, and the role of a hobby is to make one happy.In this regard, my hobby of Karate has really helped me to lead a meaningful life.
Population explosion
For centuries of human existence on this planet, our population has remained in proprtion to the natural resources available and the other species that have existed. But there has been a rapid increase in human population in the past century.This sudden spurt in human numbers is called population explosion .It is threatening the very existence of the earth.
Population explosion is defined as a huge growth in human population over a short period of time leading to shortage of available resources on the earth.Population explosion today is one of he most serious problems the world is facing.A few centuries ago, the world's population was less than 1 billion. Today two countries alone, India and China have more than billion each. The world population stands at more than 7 billion.
The main reason for population explosion is the lack of education and awareness among the poor in developing and underdeveloped countries.Most of the rural population have no information and awareness about population control mechanisms.Also for the poor man, an additional offspring means and additional helping hand to take him out of poverty in the future.
There are several reasons to rein in this monster called population explosion.The main factor however is the resultant shortage of natural resources.A countries natural resources like land,water and forests are limited.As population increases, these resources get depleted fast. Also the governments of respective countries cannot cope up with the ever-increasing demand for man-made resources like houses,electricity, services like transport ,health education etc.The result of this widening gap between demand and supply is clearly visible in most developing nations with excess population.The cities are crowded and filthy, the share of poor people is very high, and services are inadequate.The scramble for resources leads to disputes and wars.
However there is a ray of hope that humans would definitely be able to put a check on population growth in the coming years. Increased government and non-governmental efforts have led to more awareness among people about population control and in many places , these measures have yielded great success.Government measures like two-child policy,taxing people for an additional child, and rewarding people who adopt family planning measures, have really found favour with the poor. China's population has already shown signs of stabilization, and India too, appears to follow suit in the next couple of decades.Once we find our way through this mess, the world will be a better place to live.
Population explosion is defined as a huge growth in human population over a short period of time leading to shortage of available resources on the earth.Population explosion today is one of he most serious problems the world is facing.A few centuries ago, the world's population was less than 1 billion. Today two countries alone, India and China have more than billion each. The world population stands at more than 7 billion.
The main reason for population explosion is the lack of education and awareness among the poor in developing and underdeveloped countries.Most of the rural population have no information and awareness about population control mechanisms.Also for the poor man, an additional offspring means and additional helping hand to take him out of poverty in the future.
There are several reasons to rein in this monster called population explosion.The main factor however is the resultant shortage of natural resources.A countries natural resources like land,water and forests are limited.As population increases, these resources get depleted fast. Also the governments of respective countries cannot cope up with the ever-increasing demand for man-made resources like houses,electricity, services like transport ,health education etc.The result of this widening gap between demand and supply is clearly visible in most developing nations with excess population.The cities are crowded and filthy, the share of poor people is very high, and services are inadequate.The scramble for resources leads to disputes and wars.
However there is a ray of hope that humans would definitely be able to put a check on population growth in the coming years. Increased government and non-governmental efforts have led to more awareness among people about population control and in many places , these measures have yielded great success.Government measures like two-child policy,taxing people for an additional child, and rewarding people who adopt family planning measures, have really found favour with the poor. China's population has already shown signs of stabilization, and India too, appears to follow suit in the next couple of decades.Once we find our way through this mess, the world will be a better place to live.
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