The second Freedom Struggle/movement of India, 2011

When we Indians fought the first freedom struggle in the able leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the British Government became bound to render us Independence in the year 1947. Now, to avail the outcome of independence we the citizens of India gave ourselves The Constitution.

The Fundamental rights charter of the Constitution provided us the basic rights constituting the Right to Equality,  Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Out of these, Right to Freedom, which has been provided in Article 19 is our concern. It guarantees us the right to freedom of speech and expression. But practically we have attained a time when this freedom has been openly raped in broad daylight. And the root cause of this is corruption.

We beat the drum in the whole world that India is the world’s largest functioning democracy. But virtually the public servants are still masters and citizens are still servants. For every tiny cause, citizens of this great country have to flatter and bribe the politicians in power, the bureaucrats, the police and every other limb of the government. There may be some rare exemptions but in most cases this has become the accepted tradition.

When India is transient through such an ill-fated difficult time, the manifestation of a non-violentist crusader Anna Hazare has knocked the conscience door of every aware citizen who is victim of this autocracy. Hazare wants the Government to enact the Lokpal Bill.  He claims that it will effectively deter corruption and redress grievances of the citizens. If ratified, the bill would create an independent ombudsman body similar to the Election Commission of India called the Lokpal, the protector of people. The Lokpal would be empowered to register and investigate complaints of corruption against politicians and bureaucrats without prior government approval. This movement of Anna has gained countrywide support against the tyrannical central Govt and this struggle has been termed as the second freedom struggle.

May it be the recent struggle of Anna or any other massive agitation after Independence, a second freedom struggle is exceedingly desired to protect the innocent citizens from the wrath of the oppressive govt.

We need a second freedom struggle because although the first freedom struggle made us free from the shackles of the British rule, the real state of freedom has not been achieved.

65th Independence Day of India : 2011

The sovereign socialist secular democratic republic of India is celebrating its 65th Independence Day on 15th August 2011 to commemorate its independence from the British rule.

This is the time to pay tribute to the precious contribution and dedication of the gallant and glorious Indians who have lost their lives to achieve this cherished Independence and to celebrate the historic event to commemorate the rise (actually revival) of an Independent country, Bharat, the Mother India.

For we Indians, 15th of August 1947 is the inception of a new era. The Country expects the new generation to make independent-conscientious decisions for the vulnerable people of India, to enact sovereign rules of laws for the justice denied citizens and to establish historic examples of achievement in context of principles of science and technology, to convey the super existence of a noble state, to the modern earth.

History

The first war of Independence, the Great Rebellion popularly known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 had created a considerable warning to the East India Company in India.

Consequently during the Post World War II period the then ruling Government the Labour Party of UK  felt that further they cannot continue to rule India. The quit India movement and the principle of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi had spellbound them.

Not only Mahatma Gandhi but the remonstration by a number of top Indian Freedom Fighters along with the violent protest by legend freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Subash Bose and many more, forced the Company power to transfer the absolute authority of administration to an Independent State.

But as the fragrance of Independence started to come unfortunately the violence between the Hindus and Muslims erupted. As a result the thought of making a new country named Pakistan taken birth.

Finally, the predominated Hindu and Sikh areas were assigned to the new India and Muslim dominated areas to the new nation of Pakistan. On 14th of August 1947 Pakistan came into existence with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as its First Governor General in Karachi.

At the stroke of midnight of 15th August 1947 India became an Independent state. Jawaharlal Nehru sworn in as the Prime Minister of the free India and read out the famous “Tryst with destiny” speech announcing the Independence of India.

Since then every year the Independence Day is being celebrated throughout India by the Indians and across the world by the non resident Indians and this red lettered day is observed as a national holiday.

Celebration

In every school, college, Educational Institutions and Government/Private offices the celebration is observed with the hoisting of the Indian National Flag 'Tri-ranga'(the tri-color) by the chief Office bearer and singing of the Indian National anthem "Jana gana mana....", normally followed by a speech by the apex personality depicting the patriotic events and glorious moments of India to recall the attainment of Independence years back.

The chief official celebration of 15th August takes place in Delhi, the capital of India. The Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. This is followed by a spectacular speech by the Prime Minister addressing the nation.

Parade by Military, Para Military troops and students of schools and colleges, Mass drill by school children, singing, acting and dancing of patriotic song and events are also parts of the Independence Day celebration.

Have we got real Freedom?

This topic is the most argued topic even after long 65 years since independence. The answer is east and west for different citizens. Macro analysis of the existing political scenario although points towards a positive angle, the micro analysis of the process of administration, execution ( of rules, laws and plannings) and implementation exhibits a transparent image of free India. Unfortunately the said image speaks the utter truth “we are not free". Let us analyze.

Economic

Firstly the high profile corruption scandals have weighed down the current Government. The scandals of the Telecom Industry and the Commonwealth Games are the burning examples. The fast-climbing interest rates and the highest inflation rate have ruined the fiscal market. The result is prices of the goods and services are almost uncontrollable.

These factors have led the Asia's third largest economy as a "wild card". Mr. Manmohan Singh, a globally esteemed economist who was also the former finance minister and central bank governor, has somehow failed to control the inflation rate emerging a budding economic crisis.

Political

The Maoist furor is a development of the decade. Day by day the crisis is becoming more critical. Every morning is bringing a bunch of thrilling red news. Although the Govt. is claiming of its utmost endeavor still the result is discouraging.

Infringements of fundamental rights have become an accepted feature by the deprived citizens. Practically, the freedom of speech is restricted, which can be clear from the Baba Ramdev's Ramlila Maidan incident, where the police took aggressive action against a peaceful gathering in the midst of midnight. There are many more events to cite.

Social

The social situation is worst of all. Lack of Education and improper distribution of facilities and privileges provided by the Government and other funding agencies has resulted in the development of a strange situation. The aware people are eager to take all the benefits and the rest are at the receiving end.

Positive thought

The most successful achievement in today's India is technology. We are proud to be the global leader in communication technology. The representation of India in NASA, the worldwide demand for Indian IT professionals and the business achievement by the Indian Companies have brought this country real glory and honor.

It is also equally true that Bollywood, the fascinating film Industry of India has become the second best and big entertainment Industry after Hollywood and bringing a lot of business and talent haunt opportunity to India.

Last but not least if we are to answer the direct question ' Are we free?' in the 65th Indian Independence context, we would like to go for a fifty fifty opinion. More clearly, although India is now passing through a relatively complex condition still the achievement of a complete, peaceful and satisfactory environment is not far.

News and Features would not like to bypass this 65th Independence day just as a routine celebration, rather would like to  appeal the Government of India, the State Governments and above all the responsible citizens of this free nation to do their best in building a real free India,

Bande Mataram!

Dengue Fever - Prevention and Information

Dengue or Dengue fever is an infectious tropical disease. It is caused by the dengue virus. Dengue virus is a mosquito borne single positive stranded RNA virus from the family Flaviviridae. 

This virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquito bite. Aedes mosquito is scietifically known as Aedes aegypti. It is also called yellow fever mosquito. It can be recognized by white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a Greek stringed musical instrument called 'lyre' on its throax. 

Humans are the primary host of this virus. A single bite of the aforesaid mosquito is sufficient to harvest the dengue fever in a human body. Dengue can be life threatening in people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

Dengue is a Spanish word. It means careful. 

The disease is also known as Break bone Fever.

The Process of attack

When a mosquito carrying the dengue virus bites a person, the virus enters the human body through the mosquito's saliva. It enters the white Blood cells and reproduces itself. White Blood Cells which are also known as Leukocytes, are cells of the immune system. Immune system basically works to defend the body from infectious disease and foreign materials. Now due to the presence of the virus, which is pathogens for the body, the White Blood Cells (WBC) release proteins, like 'Interferons' and spreads to cells of the whole body. This process results in fever and severe pain.

In fatal cases (which can cause death) the virus production inside the body takes place rapidly which results in the infection of the vital organs. The dengue virus causes the blood vessels to swell and leak, creating small purple colored spots on the skin, called 'petechiae'. The damaged blood vessels eventually become so large that they are unable to supply the needed blood flow and the oxygen it carries to the body's tissues. This causes the body to go into shock and can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and in this way the patient dies.

Symptoms

1. Fever - The incubation period is 3 to 14 days.

2. Head ache 

3. Muscle pain 

4. Joint pain 

5. Skin rash - similar to measles - It is the change in the color, appearence or texture of the skin.

6. Common cold 

7. Vomiting 

8. Diarrhea 

9. Abdominal pain - in severe case.

10. Mucosal bleeding - in severe case.

11. Low blood pressure - Extreme low blood pressure leads to death.

12. Turning of the eyes to red 

13. Swollen glands in the neck

14. Chills - Chills are feelings of coldness accompanied by shivering.

Preventions

         There is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever. Hence the only way is to reduce the habitat and the number of mosquitoes and following measures to minimizing the exposure to bites. This can be achieved through these steps –

1.   Keeping clean man-made containers like earthenware jars, metal drums and concrete cisterns used for domestic   water   storage, discarded plastic food containers, used automobile tyres and other items that collect rainwater so as to discourage the mosquitoes from breeding eggs at these places.

 2.   Applying insecticides or biological control agents in the area. (However, this can be   done cautiously, as it  can lead to other related problems)

 3.   By wearing clothing that fully covers the skin.

 4.   By using mosquito netting in the house.

 5.   By Eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes. 

 6.   By Regularly changing the water in the containers.  

 7.   Avoiding mosquito bite even during day time. 

         The Dengue virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway. 

         Today Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) affects most of the Asian countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the region. 

         Two vaccines have advanced to evaluation for human application in the countries with endemic disease and several potential vaccines are in earlier stages of development. 

         The World Health Organization (WHO) provides technical advice and guidance to countries and private partners to support vaccine research and evaluation.

Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima-Nagasaki in 1945: The Biggest Tragedy in Modern History

Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 can be accounted as the largest tragedy in modern human history. Fortunately this is the only event of nuclear attack in war till date. Otherwise the repetition of nuclear bombings could have brought a tragic state of complete extinction of human race from the earth.

The United States executed two atomic bombings against the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the first on August 6 with the bomb named "Little Boy" and the second one named "Fat man" on August 9, 1945.

The event - At 8:15 A.M. of Hiroshima time the weapon, containing 60 kilograms of Uranium-235 was dropped from a height of about 1,900 feet from a 393d Bombardment Squadron B-29 aircraft named ‘Enola Gay’, piloted and commanded by 509th Composite Group commander Colonel Paul Tibbets.

The “Little Boy” took 43 seconds to reach the ground. Since then ‘The Enola Gay’ had already traveled 18.5 kms where it could observe the shock waves of the blast. The actual target was the Aioi Bridge .But it was missed almost by 800 feet and so the bomb gets dropped directly over Shima Surgical Clinic creating a blast equivalent to about 13 kilotons of Trinitrotoluene.

The effect - The radius of total devastation was about 1.6 km with resulting combustions across 11 kms. Japanese officials determined that 69% of Hiroshima's buildings were destroyed and another 6 to 7% damaged.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy approximately 70,000 people in Hiroshima were killed immediately. However, estimates of total deaths from burns, radiations and related diseases range from 90,000 to 166,000 by the end of 1945. Though, the attack was basically targeted for military fatalities, the majority of the casualties were borne by the innocent civilians.

"Practically all living things, human and animal, were literally seared to death", Japanese radio announcers said in a broadcast received by Allied sources soon after the accident.

The Background - Since 1940, the United States had been working on developing an atomic weapon, after having been warned by Albert Einstein that Nazi Germany was already conducting research into nuclear weapons. President Harry S. Truman, the then President of U.S.A., also had been warned by some of his advisers that any attempt to invade Japan would result in horrific American casualties.

On July 26, Truman and other Allied leaders issued the Potsdam Declaration outlining terms of surrender for Japan. It was presented as an ultimatum and stated that without surrender, the Allies would attack Japan, resulting in "the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitably the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland".

The atomic bomb was not mentioned in the communique. On July 28, Japanese papers reported that the declaration had been rejected by the Japanese government. Also Emperor Hirohito, who was waiting for a Soviet reply to noncommittal Japanese peace feelers, made no move to change the government position.

In this way finally Truman made the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan. His intention in ordering the bombings was to bring about a quick resolution of the war by inflicting destruction and creating fear of further destruction to force Japan to surrender.

Whether the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were an avoidable circumstance or a reasonable military decision is a debate. Those who made the decision, as well as most of the survivors, have already passed away long ago.

The tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was although practically borne by Japan; the whole world got a lesson of the ghastly consequence of nuclear attack. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all the nations to prevent the world from another nuclear disaster for the safety and well-being of all.

The article is nothing but a humble appeal to the people of all the countries of this world, including terrorists, Maoists and the decision makers irrespective of caste, race, origin and religion, to establish peace and international fraternity through constructive positive efforts to save the earth. 

Miraculous rare herbs recognized at Gandhamardhan Hills of Odisha

Gandhamardan Hills is located in between Balangir and Bargarh district of Odisha which is well known for its medicinal plants. According to mythology, this is a portion of the giant Hill that Lord Hanuman carried on his shoulders to save the life of Lakshman during ramayan war. 

At northern and southern sides of this hill, the famous Nrusinghanath and Harishankar are situated respectively.

Researcher Rambhakta Mishra of the Parvati Banausadhi Research Centre claims that three medicines were applied to Laxmana while he fell unconseous in the war with the spear of Meghanada (eldest son of Ravana) piercing his navel. The first one is Bisalya, scientifically known as Gloriosa superba, which bears therapeutic outcome to remove weapons from living body. The second one is Karani, which is accomplished of curing up wounds by regenerating fresh tissues instantaneously. And the last one is Sanjivani, the Selaginella Bryopteris which revives one from coma or unconsciousness in a minute.

Gloriosa superba or Bisalya is a persistent climbing plant that jostles over other plants with the aid of utilizing its leaf end as tendrils. The herb is locally known in the names like 'Pura-fula', 'Meriakanda' and ' Lahalangali'.

The second one is Karani. However until now research is still awaited as no solid findings have been obtained.

The third one is Sanjivani. Sanjivani herb, scientifically known as Selaginella Bryopteris is believed to have the unbelievable medicinal effect of even reviving one from death. 'Sanjivani means 'one (the medication) that inculcates life’.

The herb is also known in the names of Sanjivini booti and Mrutyusanjivani. It belongs to the Kingdom Plantae, Division Lycopodiophyta, Class Isoetopsida, Order Selaginellales, Family selaginellaceae, Genus Selaginella and Species Selaginella bryopteris and is a lithophytic plant. The herb has a startling nature of coming back to life if submerged in water for a minimum of 15 mins, even from year old dry stage.

According to the great epic Ramayana, the famous epic of the Hindu Mythology, during war in Lanka, Lakshmana was struck by a spear thrown by Meghanada or Indrajit (eldest son of Ravana, the king of Lanka) which passed through his navel driving him to coma. To restore his life Hanuman was requested to fetch these rare herbs from the Gandhamardana without delay. However, unable to identify the particular herb Hanuman uprooted the entire mountain and took it to the spot. Subsequently the herb was applied to Laxmana's abrasion and he refurbished from the lethal injury and coma.

The discussed floras are used as a treatment to a number of human health problems including relief from heat stroke, menstruation predicaments and jaundice. The traditional people are prone to it. However, the efficacy has not been scientifically authenticated till now.

Of course, Researchers from the Madhav Institute of Technology and Sciences, Gwalior, and the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad have confirmed the astounding effects of the herb after practical experiments.

The Botanical Survey of India has accounted the availability of 220 plant species of medicinal significance in the hill. Local people, however, claim that there are more than 500 species of important medicinal plants in this Gandhamardan hills range.

Few words with Saswat - A talented Odishi Dancer from India

Saswat Joshi is an internationally acclaimed Odissi dancer, Choreographer and Dance Educator. Presently he is researching on Odissi Dance. He has performed at major dance festivals and venues across the world including Japan, UK, Canada, Europe and India. He has participated in many workshops on Odissi dance in South Korea, Europe, Italy, Japan. Saswat is known for expression and technical perfection in Odissi dance. Saswat Joshi performs in Mangalacharan, Batu, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Mokhya. He has the future prospect having determination & devotion to carry forward Odissi dance in its classical feature & traditional style.He is the senior member cum dancer in ART VISION, also working as a faculty & choreographer.He has received training from many senior disciple of Guruji like Mukti lata Pal, Leena Nanda, Kasturi Pattaink, Minati Pradhan, Shilalipi Parida, Sagarika Mohapatra, Nivedita Jena & Nihar nalini Das.Saswat holds Master's Degree in English Literature from Sambalpur University.

1. What made you to choose Odishi dance as your career ?

Ans... Being a guy hells from a traditional Brahmin family i never thought to take dance as a career still. When i joined in Odissi Research Centre in the year 2001.I had decided to take dance as a career. I felt their only, it can be a profession..

2. What are the differences between Classical and folk dances in Odisha's context?

Ans...Well there is a lot of difference between Classical Dance and Folk Dances. Specially, in Orissa in every District has their own Folk Dance Style. Whereas Classical is one style which is called Odissi. In Odissi Dance we can get a flavour or a fine blending of Folk Style. Basically, it’s emerging of Folk, Mahari (The temple dance style) & Martial Style of Mayurbhanj District. It also has Sambalpuri Dance Style.

3. What are the essential elements required to be a successful professional Odishi Dancer and what benefits one will get?  

Ans... Firstly, of all you need to be educated, well spoken, well groomed in dance style, dedication, determination, devinty, smart, and humble. For me these are really important factor. Dance itself is a great discipline specially, Classical Dance if one will enter then one can realise what’s the real benefits.

4. Do you have any planning to add your talent of dancing in films?

Ans... Yes i would love to if I’ll get a chance surely, I will make it.

5. Is there any special feature of Odishi dance in comparisons to other Classical forms?

Ans.. The torso movement i mean the upper part of the body moves like a wave in Odishi Style that is very unique which you don’t get it in other forms.

6. How many Gharana (style) is there in Odishi dance. You follow which one of that and why?

Ans....There are three Gharana in Odishi. One is AdiGuru Pankaj Charan Das Style, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Style and Guru Deba Prasad Das Style. But i practise Guru kelu charan mohapatra style as i told in our style we follow a grammer,a scientific foundation also the movement of the torso.....because when i had started my learning it became more easy for me also i had a strong folk base on my body....

7. Your experience during the foreign tours.

Ans...   ha ha ah ha ah ah...i ve been to so many places now so every places they ve their own story..and interesting as well...when i landed for the first time in Europe and it was Italy and it was Venice oh my god it was mind blowing....actually its paradise in earth..heavenly heaven....i m telling u after the performance next day i opened my mails and one of my friend had send me a link i clicked that and i couldn’t believe...somebody from the public of the performance had written so great about our odissi dance as well as abut me “especially SASWAT JOSHI IS PHENOMENAL AND HE WAS LOOKING LIKE AN INDIAN GOD UN STAGE” its really not less then a great award....

8. Are you satisfied with the encouragement provided by Govt. of Odisha for development of Odishi dance?

Ans...yes very much satisfied that’s why it’s very easy for us to take dance as a career....tourism dept of Orissa is doing really a great job but at the same time culture dept is pretty slow to take initiative...it will take some time for a balance....now a day every things becoming computerised so need time for a change.....

9. Where do you want to see you after  five years?

Ans.in my own dance village u can say NRUTYAGRAM in odisha..

10. Please say something about your life partner.

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHH...great question from a great person....i believe in arrange marriage..so my parents had already chosen a girl for me from bolangir..she is doing her m.phil in Hindi literature

11. We would be happy to know something about the beginning days of your dance career in your hometown Titlagarh..

Ans..i tell u from the very beginning i had convinced myself that  dance is my life and  i ll take this as my career done.. well i couldn’t able to balance my studies because dance was so important i never thought that something is better than this ...completely PAGALA...mad for dance...real struggle actually started when i  came to Bhubaneswar...

12.  Something about your family.

Ans...very small a cute family my bapa, maa, rani and raja which is me...that’s all.

13.  Your love life?

Ans..AAPANA KANA MOTE JAIL PATHEIBARA BYABASTA KARICHHANTI KI........HA HA HA HA JUST KIDDING...my love is my dance up to now i have this in my mind lets see after my would be entry in my life i will surely let you know in future...

14.  Any unforgettable moment during dance concerts?

Ans....i remember once i had presented a piece un devi durga in bolangir mathakhai utsav and suddenly light got off  but my music was on strange and one person was dancing like mad un the public gallery as if he had got strong energy from my dance....i do and i follow so much discipline specially un the performance day....also i remember i was presenting india in Europe and i was performing with Carla fraccci<the numero uno ballerina of Europe> in theatre Massimo of pelermo and after the performance when we came out for the clapping suddenly so many flowers fall un from some where i was really shocked u know what was that all the public thrown flowers to us .....Great

15.  Can Odishi dance be composed for contemporary films? If yes in what way?

Ans..yes why not odishi has all that ability for contemporary films...look odissi has two style one is tandava which is the masculine part and another is the lasya  the feminine part also we have nava rasa the nine type of bhaba ex..srungara, hasya karuna roudra etc in normal odissi recital it has its own meaning but when u will design in contemporary style it has his own charm even  i have composed few pieces just for  experiments...

16.  What can make Odishi dance more popular in international level?

Ans..Because its more circular and complete.... with theatre,dance,drama with lot of energy also peaceful and spiritual...and these are the things attracts foreign origin....

17.  Names that you have inspired from?

Ans...There are couple of people like my parents, Mr. Jankai Ballbha Pattanaik, Padmashree Dr.ileana Citaristi, Sanjaya Leela Vansali, Anjolina Jolie, Peter Brooke,

18.  What is your final aim of life?

Ans....i can’t say now because i believe in present and if   i ll built of my present smoothly then my future is safe.....but i m very much optimistic......

19.  What awards you have got? Any dream you have for any special award.

Ans... i have got the sangeet ratna from rabindra varati university, Kolkata, gold medal from Chandigarh university in visharad, National award from ministry of culture govt of india, zee Asthitwa Award,..and also there is a dream which i shouldn’t express now...let me make it then whole world will know....but it will take time and  ill make it ....

20.  What message you would like to give to the boys and girls who are interested to learn Odishi?

Ans....please come forward and joins us....there is plenty of opportunities to take dance as a career so don’t hesitate and make it.....i will definitely help if somebody will take dance as a profession.....  

21.  Any thing breaking or special you want to reveal or inform to press?

Ans....press is just like a  mirror for me ...because till now whatever i am its my work but in other point i will give the credit to electronic media, print media and now a day internet media ....whenever i  do some thing or creat something always media helped me allot so it’s my heartfelt thanks to media....

Namaskar

Saswat Joshi