Fair is Lovely?

Of late, I have seen an interesting interview of Kangna Ranaut, in one of the Bollywood news channels. When the host asked the reason she dropped a famous brand endorsement in an era where we see celebrities endorsing whatever possible products in the market, she replied indisputably that it’s her conscious. Interestingly, she pointed out the craze of fairness cream, lotion, face wash, etc among Indians, how they get mesmerized by the fairness quotient. Our so called superstars support the fact that being fair means attractive, beautiful and confident & being loved. So a fairness product can change your life. Kangna pointed that “Indian skin tone is brown or wheatish & we should be proud of it but what are we teaching the next generation?” She stated rejecting the endorsement didn’t affect anyone at large but she is happy with her self- consciousness & not supporting a wrong notion.

These fairness product companies promises the consumer that within few days you will become fair & lovely and the madness goes shopping. Not only ladies but men are also following the trend of becoming fair. Have you heard the phrase “Tall, dark & handsome” since when we changed it to Fair & handsome?

Are we not doing racial discrimination? Hundreds of products are flooded in the market & the business is booming. I believe we should be content & proud of how we are; though staying healthy is important but colourism is a form of discrimination in which dark-skinned people are seen as inferior, less beautiful, less competent, less intelligent and less accomplished than light-skinned people. Personally, I get upset when I see people preferring light skin & try anything & everything to get the look. It is not important to have a fair tone but to have a pleasing & beautiful personality.

I can inscribe on & on in this topic as I too have faced such bias during a dance function at school. Friends don’t pay any heed to skin colour but look for true colour in you & in the people around you. You may be fair, wheatish or dark, it doesn’t matter. Love the way you are.

 

Plight of Mango Man

     Today, while I was watching the movie named ”Chala Mussaddi – Office Office”  directed by Rajiv Mehra & Pankaj Kapoor as Mussaddi Lal Tripathi, I just felt that some day or the other we all have faced Mussaddi Lal’s situation.  India today is among the most corrupt nations of the world, after fighting for more two hundred years, is our independence worth earning this title.  Why should the common man always bear the cost of economic meltdown?  After all it is the hard earned money from our blood & sweat which is drilled out from our pockets in various forms. “paise ped pe nahi lagte” At one time, bribe was paid for getting wrong things done but now bribe is paid for getting right things done at right time.

     Corruption, in its simplest sense, may be defined as an act of bribery or misuse of public position or power for the fulfillment of selfish motives or to gain personal indulgence. May it be a simple autowala to elite officials everyone is in a chance to squeeze the juice out of the mango man.  Corruption is a cancer of society, which every Indian must strive to cure. Why should the common man always be tormented in the name of development, competition & economic crisis? Every now and then new scams are coming up, economy is dwindling in the few hands, but there is lack of transparency to the people, so whose democracy is it?

     The important causes of corruption in India are poor regulatory structure, irrational process of decision making, official secrecy, lack of empathy, rigid bureaucratic structures and processes and absence of effective internal control mechanism. Social acceptability, tolerance for corruption and absence of a formal system of inculcating the values of ethics and integrity further propagates corruption.

     My purpose of writing this article is not just to lecture about corruption but I want you to ponder upon common man’s plight (as we are one of them) & work upon some innovative ideas to improve the scenario, say no to ill practices. Please take out some time from your busy weekend schedule to watch the movie, Chala Mussaddi – Office Office. I am sure, at some point of the movie you will feel yourself or your loved ones in the shoes of Mussaddi Lal.  What were the circumstances & how did you tackle the situation?  I welcome you to share your experiences in this post.

     “Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today” by Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation)

      Jaago Mango Man Jaago! 

Power Failure or System Failure

The world’s biggest blackout affecting one-tenth of the global population & India is the great country making this record. On 31^st July 2012, the northern, eastern & north eastern regions were doomed to darkness with successive grid failure. 684 million people in 21 states & union territories were affected. The power collapse disrupted normal life, rail & air services, schools, colleges, business, hospitals as well as industrial production in various sectors.

Why more than half of India population was plunged powerless? Who is to be blamed? The problems are familiar, higher losses due to petty power theft, inability of firms to pass on the burden of higher coal & gas prices & failure of the government to clear the subsidy. As per the planning commission, the state regulators often succumb to political pressures on the issue of tariff adjustments.  Sushil Kumar Shinde was taken out of the power ministry; he managed to emerge out of the darkness India has plunged into to land in the home ministry. What’s going on? For two days in a row, Monday & Tuesday, the grid has collapsed & India is in the midst of clueless power crisis & Shinde is rewarded with a promotion. Bringing a new minister in charge of the power ministry will hardly make a difference at this point & it only indicates an escape for the government.  The Electricity Act has to be implemented properly & firmly by the government.

A unit saved is one unit generated. Save now or else there will be nothing to save in future.

Here are some tips to save electricity-

• Whenever you move out of a room do switch off lights and all the machines as well eg. TV, computer, video games etc. In case you’re going out of town unplug these very machines for they have stand-by functions which consume electricity even when turned off. If you turn off your monitor for a minute, a bulb can be lit in some remote part of India for about 2 minutes. 

• Use the washing machine only when you have a full load of clothes and not just 2-3 clothes,  that would be a sure waste of power.
• Open shades instead of turning on lights.

• Close the doors and windows when air conditioning is on and put off the AC half an hour before you leave the room.

• If possible try shading your AC unit, if under bright sun it can use upto 5% more energy.

• Always better to use fluorescent light bulbs as they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

• Decide what you need from the fridge before opening it so that you don’t needlessly waste electricity standing with the door open while you look inside.

Let’s make individual contribution before expecting any major change.

Jai Hind!

Some facts about our very own Mehendi (henna)

          The history and origin of mehendi or henna is difficult to track, with centuries of migration and cultural interaction it's hard to find where particular traditions began. There is some historical evidence that henna originated in ancient India as a ceremonial art form. Others believe that Henna was introduced to India in the 12th century by Mughals. It's been used for at least 5000 years as a cosmetic and for it's natural healing properties. In 13th and 14th century Persian art women and dancers were displayed with henna painted hands. Arabian countries used mehndi for its cooling properties. Muslims used mehndi since the beginning of Islam. Even Prophet Muhammad colored his beard and hair with mehndi.

There's also documentation that henna was used in ancient Egypt to stain the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs prior to mummification. In the 17th century India, the barber’s wife usually applied henna on women.  Henna designs are used to celebrate any special occasion - /an initiation, a birth of an baby/ and remains a sacred practice intended not just to beautify the body but to invite grace and good fortune into one’s home, one’s marriage, and one’s family. It’s kind of talisman, a blessing upon the skin, believed by many. 

Most women from that time, in India, are depicted with their hands and feet adorned with henna, regardless of their social class and marital status. Marriages and henna in India have had a long relationship and the tradition can be traced back to centuries. There are special mehendi ceremonies held prior to weddings where the bride-to-be is adorned with mehendi designs. The mehendi ceremonies are considered to be auspicious and, it is deemed, strengthens the bond between the husband and wife. Henna was also used in religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt and Greece.

Black Henna or the popular mehendi among tourist: Facts And Risks

• Black henna is not the natural henna as it is generally made from other plants and artificial substances. Black henna is mostly used in popular tourist destinations and people get tattooed with it without knowing what harm it can cause. The reason why it is considered injurious is because of its Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) content, which not only stains the color of the skin to black instantly but can also trigger several allergic reactions. Sometimes, black henna can even lead to permanent scarring.
• Some people even develop rashes, red sores, itching all over the stained area. The toxic chemical is also linked to severe edema, difficulty in breathing, renal failure, asthma, cancer, etc.  Natural henna when made into a paste appears green while PPD based henna paste appears jet black. Checking the ingredients of the henna packet will also give you a fair idea whether it is pure or adulterated with chemical dyes.

Being Natural is always the best. Untill my next post stay safe & enjoy this Ramzaan with fasting, namaaz, dua, charity, special food, shopping & applying mehendi.

Some important facts about Moharram

Dear Friends, I have made a small effort to compile some important facts about Moharram, from different sources.

The first month in the Islamic calendar-Muharram

Contrary to popular belief, Muharram is not a particular day, but the name of a month that marks the beginning of the year according to the Islamic calendar. Muharram is one of four months that have been designated as holy according to the Islamic calendar, the other three being - Dhul-Qa'adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab.

Fasting in the month of Muharram

Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. The Prophet is believed to have said: "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram." Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, called Ashura, is particularly important, as it supposed to lead to great rewards. A person does not have to fast for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

Here are some activities that are recommended for the day of Ashurah:

1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan's head.
7. To give generously to one's relatives.
8. To put surma in one's eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one's nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one's enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Muharram - an auspicious time

The month of Muharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He give His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah created Hazrat Adam in this month and pardoned him of his mistake. Hazrat Noah's Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this time centuries ago. God is also said to have saved Hazrat Ibrahim from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa from the Pharaoh during the month of Muharram.

You must be wondering what there is to mourn about then? The tenth day of Muharram or Ashura is of supreme importance for Shia Muslims as they celebrate the death anniversary of Hussain, the grandson of the ProphetMuhammad.

The tragedy at Karbala

In the month of Muharram many centuries ago, (approximately October 20th 680 A.D.), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Karbala on the bank of the river Euphrates.

A large army, which had been mobilized by the Umayyad regime, besieged a group of persons numbering less than a hundred and put them under pressure to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The Caliph was a man much taken with earthly pleasures that deviated from the Islamic way of life. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all killed. The leader of the small band of men who were martyred in Karbala was none other than Hazrat Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).

Imam Husain's martyrdom at Karbala represents a conscious confrontation with anti-Islamic forces and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The tragedy was that the one who stood up to defend Islam was cut down in so cruel a manner. It is for this reason that the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) is mourned annually in the Muslim world.
Result: VICTORY OF TRUTH

“The tyrant dies and his rule ends, the martyr dies and his rule begins.”— Soren Kierkegard

Umayyad military gain victory physically but with in 3 years Yazid died and after a few decades the rule of Banu Umayya crumbled and came to an end. Being such a big king (of that time) there is no mark of his grave & not a single follower.

Some sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. The Shias, however, observe this festival in a different fashion. As Muharram, the first month of the Muslim year, approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (may Allaah be pleased with him) and his party in a great detail. On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (may Allaah be pleased with him) and his people, who fell at Karbala. They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which they scourge themselves. This is done in order to depict the sufferings of the martyrs. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", with loud wails of lamentation. Generally a white horse beautifully decorated for the occasion, is also included in the procession, to mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom.

During these first ten days of Muharram, drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge.

Mourning rites

On Ashura, the Muslims take out processions carrying colourfully decorated taziyas (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr's tomb) embellished with gilt and mica. Colourful replicas of Imam Husain's tomb at Kerbala are also carried in procession and buried at an imitation Karbala. The mourners walk barefoot to the beat of drums. In a frenzy of grief, they beat their chests and cry out the name of Husain. They sometimes even flagellate or whip themselves, drawing blood. Wrestlers and dancers enact scenes depicting the battle at Kerbala. While many Muslims take to the streets to mourn, there are some families that retain personal mourning houses.

Remember me in your prayers

Allah Hafiz

Fight Against Child Labour

Childhood is the most innocent phase of life, where a solid foundation is to be laid for a successful adulthood. But how many children are actually living according to their age in this world.

The World Day against Child Labour is celebrated on 12^th June across the Globe. After Africa, India accounts for the second highest number where children are employed and exploited. Recognizing the increasing problem of child labour in India, the Parliament passed ‘The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986’.

According to the United Nations and the International Labor Organization, child labour is to be considered if:

“...States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.”

The Meghalaya State legal Services Authority, Shillong in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Shillong organized the Child Labour’s Day . Students & Faculties of Sikkim Manipal University, Martin Luther Christian University & Lady Keane college participated in the seminar & discussed on the causes & measures against Child Labour. The chairman of the program was Shri Alexander S. Mukhim, EAC, followed by distinguished guests like Smti Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait , Dr. Soma Bhowmick & Smti R. R. Marak, MCS Addl. Deputy Commisioner, East Khasi Hills.

This social woe of child labour can be brought under control, if we, as responsible citizens take accountability of reporting about anyone employing a child below the age of fourteen-years. Also we can educate people about the law, providing awareness of family planning, child education & health. Charity begins at home so we can start from our maid to the neighbourhood & we need not of go out in the street with demonstrations. Many people avoid reporting about such incidents in their neighborhood, as they fear the number of times they would have to visit to make statements against the culprits. Or then, people just prefer to turn a blind eye towards such employers, as they do not wish to spoil relations with people.

Let us contribute as drops in the ocean & be a part in creating a healthy society free from Child Labour. Every child has the right to breathe the free air & live his childhood.

ANNA HAZARE’S CRUSADE WAS NOT FOR HIMSELF BUT FOR ALL THE INDIANS.

We, the Shillongites, stride on the 9^th of April for the righteous cause, various activists groups like the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya (GCCM), Art of Living, Central Puja Committee, Khasi Students Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Civil Society of Women Organisation (CSWO), Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Meghalaya Trade Union and others participated in the convention. A draft was circulated during the meeting for the signature campaign, to get the public opinion on the Right to information movement.

I am including few points mentioned in the draft for an effective Anti Corruption Commission below:

1. It has to be independent

2. The selection process of Commissioners has to be transparent & participatory,

3. It needs pro-active powers to investigate & charge sheet corruption in all aspects of governance & public life, from Chief Minister to office assistant.

4. A fast track court has to be associated with the commission, which shall have to give time bound judgments. Commission should have its own independent legal team to represent it.

5. It has to be accessible & people friendly like RTI & have a strong relationship to the RTI Act.

This gathering showed the public strength & keenness to eradicate corruption from the system. We look forward for the success & constant follow-up of the Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's Ombudsman Bill).

Its time, we, Indians must curb out corruption; neither participate nor allow others to veil dishonesty.

Jai Hind!

"Fight against corruption" not only 4 a Day but Everyday.

Raping against corruption