Festivities Around Us

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world when it comes to culture and religions. As a result, the celebration of holidays and festivals, whether traditional or religious, has always been an important part of Indian culture. Indians enjoy celebrating their differences and sharing their traditions with others and due to the variety of different groups in India, there is a festival celebrated most days out of the year in some part of the country. As diverse as India is, there are three national holidays that are celebrated everywhere and by everyone and several religious holidays that are celebrated by so many people they are considered to be public holidays. Employers are entitled to give their employees the day off on these days and children have the day off from school.

The Hindu celebrations of Diwali, Holi, Pongal and Dussehra are the most popular religious holidays in India and therefore are considered by the government to be public holidays.

Festivals are an intrinsic part of the Indian way of life, a golden thread that runs through its cultural fabric. Given the size of India, the vast diversity of its people, religions, cultures, languages and terrain, it is not surprising that there are a variety of festivals being celebrated all the year round.

Festivals all over the country celebrate the coming of the seasons and harvest time, aspects of fertility and renewal all are closely linked to many of these festivals. Festivals are the occasions when houses are cleaned and whitewashed. They occur at different times and vary in their celebrations. 

Students' Oxygen movement View
28/10/2012

The Epic Saga of Dusshera

India is the land of distinct culture and colorful festivals. Each festival in India has its own meaning and purpose of celebration. Dussehra is a very popular Hindu festival, which marks the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra also symbolises the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. 

According to the great Indian epic, Ramayana, Ravana was a great scholar but a demon. He was the king of Lanka. He was killed on this day by Rama. Bengalis believe that Durga came on the earth on this day the meaning of Durga is victory of good over evil. We celebrate Dussehra so that our evils are destroyed and goodness triumphs. It connotes ten evils, which man should conquer as ‘Duss’ means ten and ‘hara’ means defeat. 

The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.

The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.

In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.

The effigies of the demon kings, Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath are burnt. The play of Ramayana is staged and fairs are arranged all over the country. People feast and distribute sweets. The children wear new clothes and get toys and sweet.

In some communities on this day, sisters put a tilak on their brother’s forehead. They pray for their welfare.  Businessmen worship their account books on this day. Dussehra not only brings joy but also inspires us to win over our bad instincts by good deeds and pious thoughts.

Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami is a 10 day observance of ceremonies and rituals. It falls in the month Ashwin or Kartik as per Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated in the remembrance of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and also celebrated as the day when Goddess Durga killed the Demon Mahishasura. It is celebrated as a victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated throughout the country in various manners. The celebration starts with navratri and is concluded on the tenth day which is Dussehra. This festival is also considered as the end of summer season and beginning of winters.

Dussehra is an important festival for Hindus not only because of its religious significance but also to reminds us about the victory of good over evil. It reminds us of the good deeds of Lord Rama whose morality is an example for all mankind to lead life in an honorable way. He was obedient to his parents; hence even after being the most loved Price and deserving to be the king of Ayodhya he chose to fulfill the wish of his father and went away for 14 years of banishment. This festival teaches us to be patient and live life with a code. To be strong to withstand the right path and to do what is right. 

In Bengal this day is celebrated as Durga Pooja. Throughout Navratri celebrations take place and on the final day Goddess Durga is worshiped who killed the mighty Mahishasura and freed the mankind from his fear. The statues and idols of Durga are submerged into waters. It is believed that Begalis have embraced Durga as their daughter and once a year she visits their homes. Then on Vijayadashami she leaves for her husband’s home.

Dussehra Celebrations: Dussehra can also be understand as "Dasa-Hara", that means the cutting of the ten heads of Ravana.

Students' Oxygen movement View

14/10/2012

Proper Utilization & Conservation of Resources

Proper utilization and management of nature and its resources is termed as conservation. International Union for conservation of Natural and Natural Resources (IUCN) define conservation as rational use of environment to provide a high quality of living for the mankind. Conservation is essential for life support system like air, water, land, flora & fauna, biodiversity and ecosystems.

What are we doing to protect our surroundings? Garbage heaps are increasing and disposal of waste seems an alarming task. People are becoming insensitive towards plants and animals thereby harming our ecosystem.

As human beings, what have we done to protect our environment? Do you know why we need to conserve our wildlife?  We must make a conscious effort to conserve the world's plants and animals. Plants are essential for our own survival. Plants use the sun's energy to make food—a process called photosynthesis.

Therefore plants are the first important link in the food chain of which humans also form a part. During photosynthesis, oxygen is released and oxygen is vital for the existence of life itself.

Animals need plants in order to survive, but plants also need animals. Animals and plants are therefore delicately bound together. The removal of even one species of animal/plant can drastically alter the ecosystem. Isn't this frightening?

Natural resources are conserved due to economic as their natural beauty and importance to local culture. Preserving biodiversity is essential for ecosystems to respond flexibly to damage or change.

Our own survival may be threatened if we cause too much disruption to the natural processes that occur on this Earth.  A further reduction in rainfall will increase desert areas.

We need to preserve our wildlife as well. We use many plants and ani­mals to supply us with food, materials, chemicals, etc. If we continue to exploit these species to a point where they cannot replenish themselves, they will no longer be available to us.

The measures like proper drainage, storage, use, flood control can be taken for conservation of water. Energy conservation require the use of renewable energy resource and alternative energy resource and in household energy can be conserved by turning down thermostats, switching off unnecessary lights, insulating homes and using less hot water.

Forests are one of the most important natural resources that have been gifted to mankind for their sustained existence on earth. They provide us with huge amounts of tangible and intangible benefits, without which indeed, all life, less to say human life, would fall under the risk of extinction. Hence, it is vital for us to realize this importance of forest cover, conserve them, and ultimately work towards a sustainable way to maintain our forests and meet our needs at the same time.

Gradually if we manage to destroy most of the world's animals and plants, the Earth will become barren. For a moment, let us stop being selfish. Do we have the right to destroy animals and plants which have as much right as us, humans, to share this planet?

All life on Earth, be it humans, animals or plants, is the product of millions of years of evolution. This tiny planet is the only one we know of on which life exists. Therefore, we need to learn to co-exist with the species which have evolved with us, and take active steps to ensure their survival.

Caring for natural resources and promoting their sustainable use is an essential response of world community to ensure its own survival and well being". Think and do the eco friendly exercises in life. 

Students' Oxygen movement View

07/10/2012

Gandhi- Father of our nation

The Father of our nation,Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He is called 'Mahatma', meaning Great Soul because of his greatness.

Gandhi Ji helped free the Indian people from British rule through nonviolent resistance, therefore he is honored by Indians as the father of the  Nation.

More than once Gandhi used fasting to impress upon others the need to be nonviolent. India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned into India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed. Gandhiji had been an advocate for a united India where Hindus and Muslims lived together in peace.

When he attempted to claim his rights as a British subject he was abused, and soon saw that all Indians suffered similar treatment. Gandhi stayed in South Africa for 21 years attempting to secure rights for Indian people.

On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, he began a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed. After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhiji broke his fast. Twelve days later a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse who opposed his program of tolerance for all creeds and religion assassinated him.

Mahatma Gandhi’s life is a monument to the triumph of spirit over flesh, a living witness to the victory of the divine over the base nature of man. A continuous exercise of self-restraint and discipline, along with deep prayer and an invincible faith in the Divine, enabled him to successfully resist all kinds of temptations, overcome all obstacles and gain full mastery over himself.

Gandhiji’s life was dedicated to the ideals of Truth, Non-violence and Love. 'The Bhagavad Gita is my mother,' he once said; and the name of Sri Rama was his shield. He was the architect of India's freedom and one of the greatest men of this century. 

There are 6 principles that Gandhi followed:

Truth: fight your own inner demons, fear and insecurities. Everyone is unique in this world and therefore, one should not compare with others. Be honest with yourself of who you are and what you want. If you think there is something to fix, then fix it.

Nonviolence: control your temper and also your thoughts. What we think, we become and therefore if you always are thinking of hurting someone or feeling extremely angry at someone, those are the vibes you'll be giving to others. Best way to be nonviolent is to think positive and believe that whatever happens, it is for a good reason.

Vegetarianism: not everyone can resist meat, but you can control your consumption. For health reasons, avoiding eating a lot of red meat is a good idea.

Brahmacharya: many of us want to get married and have children or be intimate with someone. Therefore, becoming a brahmacharya might not be possible. However, you could reduce thinking of the opposite sex as an object. You could also wait to be intimate with someone till after marriage.

Simplicity: life in the western countries tends to be quite fast. Do you need the latest fashion clothing or can you wear the clothes you already have?  Simplicity doesn't mean foregoing all your desires, but not buying something right away or something you don't really need. Simplicity also means being happy with what you are given and have.

Faith: believing that there is someone or something higher than you. You don't need to believe in God, but believing that everyone is equal and you are no less or more than someone else. It is knowing your values, ethics and morals. Faith is not following others blindly especially when someone else is doing something that your heart says is not right. 

May the Mahatma’s light of love illuminate the hearts of nations and individuals! May his spirit bless us all with the vision and strength to realize in our everyday life all his lofty ideals of truth, purity, non-violence and faith in the Divine! 

Students' Oxygen Movement View

30/09/2012

Life is full of challenges

 Life is full of challenges and more we live more we face new events. Some pass easily and others not. Therefore people are divided into groups: one works hard and exerts great efforts and the other one gives up rapidly.              The world we live in is not perfect, and we will never ever find a world such as the perfect state which the philosopher Plato talked about.

 Every day there will be things that make us cry or feel sad about our selves. So people who will stand in front of the difficulties which they face, they will be able to improve them selves and let their dreams come true. Such people have been known during history, like prophet Mohammad peace be upon him, who tolerated a lot to spread the Islamic religion, and the Virgin Mary. In addition to that we can also mention Fat people in the biggest loser. The efforts which they exert are up normal and super.

This proverb also signifies many lessons, if one read between the lines. It emphasizes that nothing is permanent and only changes are constant, etc. Thus, this proverb teaches all great morals like a dew drop that reveals a big tree adjacent to it!

Many great leaders had a sad past. And they managed to climb die steps to glory. It is one’s hope that keeps one towards reaching the goal post. India’s non-stop stir against the British imperialism at last fetched independence.

When their is a low spot, the high spot is sure to follow. When there is bright side, it is likely to take a different turn. This cycle of life style will continue to everyone, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated. 

Just believe in this..... 

Life is a challenge - meet it Life is a gift - accept it Life is a sorrow - over come it

Life is a tragedy - face it

Life is a mystery - unfold it Life is a opportunity - take it

Life is a promise - complete it

Life is a struggle - fight it

Life is a goal - achieve it

Life is love - love it

Life is adventurous- have fun Life is a duty - perform it Life is a game - out smart it

Life is a beauty - praise it

Life is great- make something good of it

So life is a celebration –eat, laugh and do meditation. 

Students' Oxygen movement view

23/09/2012