Message of Christmas

With snow hailing in from the dark sky, I hear a baby’s cry ; the darkness is being dispelled by the growing light and I can sense the delight as Jesus is here with all his might.

With the tintinnabulations of the bells and the carols its time to celebrate Christmas. It is not just the time to have fun and frolic but also to live for others and share happiness and sorrows. Jesus was the son of god but he underwent lot of sufferings to bring peace, harmony and relief to people. The life of Jesus gives us the message that on this earth each one of us has to take pain to reach to our destination. We get real happiness in sharing love and living for others.Its also the time to retrospect oneself. Christmas also denotes that hard times come and go as they are the part and parcel of life. Beautiful spring arrives only after a dry and chilly winter. Life is a perfect amalgamation of all human emotions. Prosperity and adversity are like seasons that are not permanent and come with a pre-allotted time period. Love is the essence of life, this is what makes life beautiful and gives courage to survive in hard times. As the supreme being of this planet we must learn to love all living creatures present here. Love should also not be conditional, because if it's conditional then it's not love it's a deal/selfishness. Love should be immaculate and selfless, just as Jesus loved his fellow men selflessly. The joy is not in taking rather it is in giving.So let us all make this Christmas very special by enjoying the gift of 'sharing'. Let us all pray that everyone lives in peace and harmony & also thank God for all he has given and ask him to bestow us with perseverance, love and kindness.

Oxygen... a movement view

21/12/2008

Felo-de-se

Suicide.....crime, compulsion, cowardness or the last option. Different people may have different opinion about it. Most of us condemn suicide and are perhaps sure that we would never opt for it. The picture that emerges in our mind on hearing suicide is probably of a person with a cut vein or a person hanging from a ceiling fan but do we ever realize that there are numerous ways of virtual suicide. Intentionally or unintentionally we indulge ourselves in self-annihiliating activities. A person not eating on time, abstaining form a healthy routine and not following his heart & soul is gradually proceeding towards suicide. Do we sit in a ship that is bound to sink absolutely not, then why do we adhere to a system that will only lead to destruction and nothing else. Lets stop for a moment and retrospect that we do not find ourselves guilty of felo-de-se ie. deliberate act of self destruction. There are so many things that we accept blindly and follow them without giving it a second thought. We live in a system that considers suicide -a sin on one hand while on the other hand it forces people to jump into the well. If we consider it as an impiety then why do we not make provisions that no one resorts to such an act. On the contrary our constitution has grave loopholes in which a person trying to do something may get entangled. In this context, an incident is worth-mentioning. When Medha Patkar was on fast protesting against a government policy then she was arrested by the local police on account of attempt to suicide. What an irony is that we do not provide basic amenities to people, take away their rights and when they stand up for their rights then they are arrested or accused for multiple charges. Its disturbing that we are killing ourselves slowly with or without realizing and even though it strikes us , we think it to be the normal course of life. Life is precious and each one of us are here on this planet for a purpose , so lets not waste life by not thinking and acting prudently.

Oxygen... a movement view

14/12/2008

Moving from ‘me’ to ‘we’

It is very human to think for oneself. We all plan our lives, the food we want to relish , the clothes we want to wear, the subject we would like to study and the person we would become in our lives.But how often do we care to think about others or even in a collective manner. If we think for the good and betterment of others then we too will be benefitted. Modern lifestyle , the demands of our job and the gradually popping up of nuclear family-culture are few of the reasons that are causing drift between people. Whenever we think, it is ‘me’ that comes to our mind first and not ‘we’. This is quite obvious because we have been brought up in such a society that probably has failed to nurture in us the quality of doing things collectively. We see that the examination timings of various schools are different so children residing in the same colony are unable to meet each other or play together. This prevents mingling of children and the exchange of ideas between them. The examination pattern is also such that it is to test how much a child can memorize and not as to what extent the child understands or interprets a particular subject. Examinations should never be conducted under pressure because it will yield nothing in the long-run. In such a case the child just crams the lessons without understanding. Examinations should always be conducted at an ease without harassing or torturing children. The schools should not only aim at academic excellence but also look into the interests and requirements of the child. If we think only ‘me, me and me’ then one will be left alone in life. By thinking about oneself one only can achieve transient happiness but if we move ahead along with others then we will experience everlasting happiness. So lets direct our thoughts and actions from ‘me to we’.

Oxygen... a movement view

7/12/2008

Live and let live

Love and hatred are two very strong emotions that can blinden any person. Hatred can have violent manifestations which can be fatal for others and at the same time be self-destructive. In recent past, terrorism has emerged as the biggest threat to mankind and world peace. People have used this weapon to prove their might and dominance over others and in due course brought death and darkness to those who were absolutely innocent.Terrorism is not the problem of a single country, it is a global problem. It is the responsibility of the nations that they do not use terrorism for political gains. Rage, anguish and hatred may also be the reason behind such activities. People who get themselves entangled in such notorious deeds may be the ones who have faced injustice and inequality or they may be deprived of love & care which makes them indifferent to the grief and agony of others. People undergoing severe and prolonged unemployment may also be easily manipulated or misguided to commit such nuisance. But the unscrupulous people behind all these are certainly not poor and deprived ones, they are people who have harboured wrong notions and attitude towards others. They have made themselves impermeable towards all rationalism and emotions. Its high time that the world stands united against terrorism and takes drastic measures to put a check on it. At the same time the basic needs of people have to be fulfilled so that they are not compelled to resort to any inhumane act and make arrangements for the rehabilitation of those who want to get out of this menace. Uprooting terrorism is probably not possible but it indeed can be curbed. Let us all bring into practice the maxim ‘Live and let live’.

Oxygen... a movement view

30/11/2008

Role of Media

Media is an importance of mass communication. Television, radio and newspapers are the cheapest and most easily available sources of information. These not only bring various information about the day-to-day happenings of the our country and the entire world but also present the popular ideologies persisting in the society.Its been evident ever since renaissance that newspapers have been instruments of bringing change in the existing thought-process and social set-up.The power of media was well-realized during our freedom struggle when our national leaders used media as an effective tool to urge people to stand together for their nation. The used media with great dexterity to mobilize people and convey their demands to the then ruling British government. Irrespective of the era , media has played a vital role in any revolution. It has helped people to know about the various developments taking place which will affect them in one or more ways. The information served by the media helps us form our view regarding a particular matter. The saying “the pen is mightier than the sword” suggests the immense power vested in few pages of the newspaper that we get our doorsteps every morning. The people who are managing this media have a great responsibility to bring forth correct news and give food for thought to its readers/viewers. Despite of all these media too has its own limitations. But these limitations should not stop them from showing the true picture of any thing or matter because media the mirror of the society which is supposed to show the truth to people. Today our nation is looking for more such dynamic reporters, journalists and editors who can take up the responsibility of presenting the correct information in the correct way on the right time, to the vast majority that solely depends on media to get a know-how of important regional, national and international happenings. The role of media can be depicted in the form an increasing graph with a few depressions in between. It is media that can give proper coverage to events and activities that are relevant and of paramount importance to people. It should also bring into limelight small but novel ideas or efforts that can bring about a positive change in our social set-up.Let us thank media for all it has done , for helping our nation gain international fame and for being a constant source of information. In turn media should also seriously endeavor to bring justice and relief to all those who need it immediately.

Oxygen ... a movement view

23/11/2008

Discarding double standards

Barring a few people , the vast majority in our country experiences inequality and injustice. To stay in our race with time, we have devised new ways of dealing with different kinds of people. The most powerful of these tools is following double standards in our day-to-day life.Double standard in simple words means to have different set of rules to deal with different people pertaining to the same group. This can be easily understood with the help of a simple example. In a single family if there are two children- a girl and a boy and the family favours the education of the only the boy then it is following double standard in availing equal opportunities to them. If we wait and ponder then we will find that our vicinity is teeming with such examples. Be it school, college, office, home or social gatherings we have different masks for different people. In a single classroom the child who is tagged as topper seldom gets scolded by the teacher on not completing an assignment but on the contrary the child who is a mediocre is rebuked harshly for the same reason. People who vow of their integrity are found to follow double standards when there is disharmony in their preaching and their actions. After all what’s the reason that we so effortlessly use double standards in our day-to-day life. In my view there are two factors that persuade us to do so. The first one is greed that is inherent in us and the second one is our fear to stand alone if we follow the path of truth and righteousness. It takes courage to be true and fair in all our dealings. Double standards can satiate our greed and ego but they can never gratify us. Discarding off such differential approaches will surely lead to the establishment of a just society.

Oxygen ... a movement view

16/11/2008

'My voice: decisive intervention'

We are glad to inform you that Oxygen- a movement is starting a new scholarship programme - 'My voice: decisive intervention.' Every Sunday we raise a contemporary issue at our discussion hall and discuss comprehensively on it besides talking on the main topic. The points that come up during the discussion are summarized in the form of editorial of the newsletter of that week. This very editorial is also put on our website-www.oxygenamovement.org, so that it can reach to masses. Under this programme students will have to comment on all the editorials of that month (separately), on our website/blog. They will be required to leave their name, class, e-mail address, school and location below their comment. The comment should be in between 100-150 words. They will also be required to vote the comment which has been entered before their own comment and appeals them the most. Their vote should be in the last line of their write up. The last day of voting will be 20th of the concerned month.
Out of all the comments, the top ten comments having maximum votes will be short-listed. Out of these, three best comments will be chosen (after personally contacting each student through internet) and given scholarship. This scholarship will amount to the student's one month school fee.
Through their comments and votes children can constructively intervene in various problems/issues. The consensus drawn from the votes can prove decisive in making our system truly democratic. And an active participation of all the citizens is indispensable in shaping the future of the nation. Thoughts, viewpoints and logics given by others may modify, clarify or even add a new dimension to one's own viewpoint.
We believe that participatory role of young people is very important in a democratic nation like ours where the youth represents nearly half of the population. This programme will also inculcate responsiveness in students towards various social issues. And with this hope we will be implementing this scholarship programme from the month of November. We look forward with co-operation from you and an enthusiastic participation from your friends.

Sense of ownership: a must-be for everyone

We all have more or less joined the fray to be the owner of as many ‘material-possessions’ as we can. We always have it in our mind to acquire more and more. At one moment it seems that the world is ours but is it really so? If we really thought this world to be our family and had a sense of ownership for it then the world around us would be much happier than what it is now.We all take pride in owning a foreign bike or an expensive watch and take care that they remain in sound condition. Do we have a sense of ownership for our people? Why do we restrict our sense of ownership to few material manifestations? If we peep into our age-old culture then we will find that it is the land that propounded the theory of ‘Vasudhav Kutumbakam’. If this is our culture then why do we turn indifferent to our fellow beings? The reason is clear that the sense of ownership is fading within us with the passage of time. The missing of this very essential virtue is evident in the deepening rift between people, the burgeoning number of orphanages and old-age homes and the glaring hatred between various groups of people. If we really nurture this sense of ownership in ourselves then there would be less tension in our social set-up. Today when we see that we lack a sense of ownership and many of the grandparents are left alone to lead a melancholy life then having a sense of ownership for our country and people may sound funny. Its well said that home is the first and the best school any child. So it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to inculcate a sense of ownership in their children since the very beginning. We all live in a society and are inter-dependant on one another. If we lack this feeling of ownership then we will soon see this society fragmenting into small pieces each intriguing against the other.

Oxygen... a movement view

9/11/08

Student Forum : voicing the voiceless

There are many things regarding children which they themselves can understand better and hence can come up with the best probable solution. Children who so far have been considered as unproductive can turn into instruments of change. Children, who are not so very accustomized to the stereotyped ways of looking and understanding things can give new outlook to those things. Student forum came into existence today as an initiative of few students who believe that voicing the voiceless is their right and duty. Student representatives of about 15 schools attended the meeting and vowed that they will co-operate and work together for a better world. Though it has started with a small group of students , it is sure to get support of thousands of students across the nation.The many aspects of children and education which has been undermined so far will come to limelight with the efforts of members of the student forum. The forum also aims to act as a suggesting body, presenting new ideas and programmes for the all round development of students. The students would suggest their school management and also various other concerned authorities regarding various changes and modification that are immediately needed in our system. History is evident that when people have united and stood for a cause then they have achieved what was thought to be impossible. Now its time that students belonging to various schools join hands to solve the problems faced by them during their period of study. They will see that children are made aware of their rights and at no point their rights are denied to them. The forum will try to dissolve walls and create bridges between students making the environment conducive for building a better nation. They will also endeavour that the steps taken by them not only prove beneficial to them but benefit the society at large. Lets hope and work sincerely to transform this nebula of student forum into a water-ladened cloud that will bring relief to all of us.

Oxygen ... a movement view

2/11/2008

Deepawali for everyone

When lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with goddess Sita after defeating the wicked Ravana then the people of the kingdom lit diyas to welcome their lord and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Since then the people of this great nation have been celebrating this festival of light with great enthusiasm.
Deepawali is not just about lighting the lamps, decorating our homes, playing with firecrackers and relishing sweets. Rather this is a festival to forget all rivalries, befriending others and celebrating the victory of good over evil with the warmth of togetherness. In today’s scenario when so many people around us a aggrieved with something or the other then it becomes a collective responsibility to alleviate their pain. How can we feel happy and contented when our brethren are dying with hunger, ailing with diseases, fighting misery and living in hopelessness? Happiness multiplies and sorrow lessens by sharing, so let’s promote sharing. There are multiple problems persisting in our society which have to be disposed forever.
Let us lit the kindle of love and brotherhood this diwali and spread the message of goodness everywhere. If we are celebrating this festivity lavishly then lets not forget the neighbour next door.
Its not so that we will lose something by sharing, one certainly gets immense pleasure by spreading happiness. The meaning of sharing has been modified in modern context. Today ‘sharing’ means sharing with those from whom we can draw benefit. The meaning of sharing can be truly realized only when extend our help to a person in real need or someone is crestfallen. The very essence of any festival is to keep the goodness alive. Lets make a sincere concerted effort to combat all evils and make this place a better place to live in.
Oxygen… a movement view

26/10/2008

My Voice : Decisive Intervention

Every Sunday besides discussing on the main topic i.e. ‘Our expectations from the educated people and the educated system’ , we also raise a contemporary issue in our discussion hall and discuss comprehensively on that. The same theme comes out in the newsletter in the form of editorial. Besides on paper this subject matter is also put on our website- http://www.oxygenamovement.org/ .People can comment on the editorial on the blog.We are glad to announce a new scholarship scheme– ‘My voice: decisive intervention’. Under this scheme students have to comment on all the editorials of that month. They will be required to leave their name, class, e-mail address, school and location below their comment. They will also be required to vote the comment which they feel is the best. The comment should not exceed 100 words. The last date of filing your entry will be 20th of the concerned month. Their vote should be the last in the last line of the their write up.Out of all the comments, the top ten comments having maximum votes will be short-listed. Out of these, three best comments will be chosen (after personally contacting each student through internet) and given scholarship. This scholarship will amount to the student’s one month school fee. The votings would be clear and transparent as everything will be on the website/blog.This voting will be a good means to exercise your freedom of speech and thought. You can also know as to what others of your age-group feel on various contemporary issues.Through your comments and votes you can intervene in various problems/issues.The consensus drawn from the votes can prove decisive in making our system truly democratic as it entails an active participation of the populace. And an active participation of all the citizens is indispensable in shaping the future of the nation.

Thoughts, viewpoints and logics given by others may modify , clarify or even add a new dimension to your own viewpoint. Participatory role of young people is very important in a democratic nation like ours where the youth represents nearly half the population.

Oxygen... a movement view

19/10/2008

Ensuring good future to all children

It is rightly said that child is the father of man. As the fate of a seed depends on many extrinsic and intrinsic factors, so does the fate of a child depend on multiple factors.
To survive on this planet there are few` basic requirements. With the gradually sky rising prices and less avenues of development, upbringing of a child is becoming more and more difficult .Children need proper care and attention all the time. First of all there has to be security of nutritious food for children so that no child remains undernourished. If they are not given proper nutrition from the very beginning then they will not develop a proper immunity to fight diseases and infections. Since a good majority of our population does not belong to the affluent class so provisions have to be made to insure an efficient public distribution system. The state has to see that its people are getting at least the basic facilities. If the public distribution system is sound then there will be no child who goes to sleep with an empty stomach.
However if children suffer from any ailment despite of proper nutrition then there must be a strong infrastructure for healthcare. A lot more has been done but a great deal is still to be done in providing public health facilities. There has to be an extensive free vaccination programme. There is also dearth of such hospitals where treatment and medicines are free or available at a subsidized rate.
The next most important requirement for children is - quality education. Each child should rightfully get admitted to school where he/she can get education. Education should be such that each child becomes skilled and self-reliant. Education should aim at molding each child into a lamp that lightens his/her home and also the world outside. So we need to provide these three things to children to ensure them a good future.
Oxygen… a movement view

12/10/2008

Victory of good over evil

Indian culture is an amalgamation of many diverse cultures be it in terms of faith, food, dress, rituals, language or customs. It is a colourful land celebrating numerous festivities round the year. Though these festivals are many in number but each of them has its own relevance. The Durga Puja that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and ferver gives the message of the victory of good over evil. The deity who is worshiped during this festival is lordless Durga and her numerous incarnations. She represents all divine forces united against evil. It is believed that lordless durga killed various devils thus ending their reign of terror. This mythological event reveals that unjust actions against mankind can not be forgiven and are liable to punishment.

The devils who were killed by the goddess were symbols of evil, sin and darkness while the goddess represents goodness, justice and humility. The Goddess brought relief to all those who were oppressed and stuck to the path of righteousness and dharma. The festival also teaches us that truth always triumphs.

Many mythological events are associated to dussera which occured in different eras. According to Ramayan, lord Rama invoked the blessings of goddess Durga to kill the then reigning wicked-Ravana. Lord Ram killed Ravana on vijayadashmi. According to the epic Mahabharat, the pandavas returned from their exile on Vijayadashmi and revealed their true identity to the world. Hence Vijayadashmi or the day of dassera is significant in ways more than one.
Various rituals are performed during dassera which may seem irrelevant at a glance but they do have a logic behind which is for the benefit of mankind. For example the practice of being on fast partly or wholly helps in detoxicification of the body which otherwise consumes all kind of food. The burning of diya and incense sticks or performance of havan generates a positive energy around besides building a holistic aura in which one can meditate or concentrate on god. Through various incidences mentioned in our scriptures or epics we get the message that wrongdoings done to others are definitely bounced back and we reap as we sow. One who follows the path of righteousness is loved by god and the almighty himself will come to the rescue of such people. Truth may remain hidden at times but it never dies. The most important message that dassera unveils is that we all should respect women for she is vested with great power by nature and moreover she is the harbinger of life. We all must remember that the essence of dassera is not in just worshiping the mud idol but to respect the living soul that resides in all women. Therefore it is rightly said that “yatra nariyestu pujyente ramente tatra devta”.
Oxygen… a movement view

5/10/2008

Remembering Gandhi each day

As soon as we hear the word Gandhi, the picture of a person with round spectales on his face and wrapped in a dhoti appears in our mind.Though this person was cladded in the minimum but nevertheless he had unbeatable principles and undaunted courage. He was one man of this modern age who believed that truth always triumphs.He was a staunch believer of ahimsa and satyagrah. He with his vision played an eminent role in liberating our nation from the shackles of slavery.
He not only was a political leader but also a social reformer. He condemned the practise of untouchability and worked for the upliftment ofthe harijans.He preached no theory for according to his life itself was a message to people. This lean and thin had concentrated all the power in himself to change what was wrong and unjust. He adopted simple methods to convey and convince people of his thoughts and ideas.
He popularized khadi to weave the entire nation into a fabric of onenesss and unity.Khadi according to him was not only a symbol of simplicity but also a means of bread to the millions who form an integral part of our country.
Besides this he also propounded the theory of nayee taalim. According to this primary education should be free and compulsory. he proposed that children should be taught in their mother tongue and they should be given haath ki taalim that not only enhances their creativity but also give them a means of livlihood when required.
This great leader lovingly called bapu strived all his life to establih peace and harmony in addition to working for social justice and equality.
Today it sems that the essence gan dhian thought has faded.We have forgotten on what principles our freedom was attained. Bapu had dreamt of aprosperous and happy nation but unfortunately it has tsill ot been realized.His dreams can never be realized unless we don’t stop neglecting masses for the benefit of only a handful of people. Let’s not restrict Gandhian thoughts to one our two days but rather incorporate his values in our lives. An honest endeavour from our side will certainly bring drastic social and political reforms. Let’s imbibe ‘Simple Living and High Thiking’ in our lives and make our country the best place to live in.
Oxygen… a movement view

Child Rights

Every individual is born with some basic, inalienable rights that he/she shll not be deprived of. The UN convention on rights of child declared everyone below the age of 18 as a child.Like adults children too have some rights that are usually neglected by we adults who think that a child has got no right and should do as directed by parents or society. It’s pathetic that millions of children are exploited or harassed thinking them to be voiceless and a commodity of use. Most children are unaware of their rights which makes them susceptible to abuse and exploitation.
The major child rights include-
(1)Right to survival- life,health,nutrition, name & nationality.(2)Right to protection-against neglect, exploitation & abuse.(3)Right to participation- ie. right to expression, information, thought & religion.(4)Right to development- that includes right to education,care,lisure and gowth. Let us all create awareness about child rights among both youth & adults for a happier childhood.
Oxygen… a movement view

Fighting Flood Fury

Nature is powerful, it has the role of a generator, observator and destroyer. Each action has a consequence which we usually tend to forget. The disaster that Bihar is presently facing is flood.. There are thousands who have been rendered hunger-stricken , homeless and helplesss striving hard to survive the hostile surrounding.Its true that we can not stop any calamity or catastrophe but we certainly can abate the miseries caused by it. The first and foremost requirement for this is a planning , management and effective execution.

With time things become old and obsolete and it calls for a change . Had the ‘bundh’ built on river Kosi be maintained in proper condition or rebuilt when it was dying out it wouldn’t have led to destitution of masses. Nature is mysterious , it has its own unique way of executing its plan . Today when we have no time for one another and are indifferent to each other’s grief . In this case nature adopted a way to convey its messsge.In the mass of flood- inflected people there is no rich no poor , no upper class no lower class , they are all the same, waiting for help. Nature has motive behind this lest we interpret it and learn from it. The present situation demands a generous and concerted effort from our side to comfort those ho are in great trouble. We all must extend a helping hand to our fellow people. We must also take care that in future any such mishappening does not make due to human carelessness. One callous action of any person can prove fatal to many people. We should remember Bapu’s word that one must think before acting that his action shall not harm anyone. We should also be mindful that next time such a incidences of mass destruction does not occur. Lets pray to the almighty to relieve people from their grief. Lets not hamper nature for our petty needs because nature too has a limit of tolerance after which it will turn furious .

Oxygen... a movement view

गुरुः देवोः भवः|

I was hesitant and full of fear when I just left my mother’s had and entered in a sea of new faces. I was so apprehensive as to what would happen next, just then I saw a face that bore the same familiar smile as that of my mother. She approached me and made me feel comfortable in my school...she was my first teacher. I still cherish the moments spent with my lovely teacher.Besides introducing us to the world of knowledge teachers have greater task of shaping the young minds. In our life we come across many teachers but there are only few make a difference in our lives. A good teacher is not that one who only has expertise in his subject but who can read the minds of his students, calm there fears and bring out the best in them. It is the active interaction of the teacher, his innovative teaching techniques and unbiased behaviour that attracts students to the classroom.Unfortunately, there has been a marked deterioration in the student-teacher relationship. This can be attributed to the extensive commercialization that has crept into the education system. Despite of this teachers are not given the share that they ought to get. This has significantly reduced the number of teachers who have become teachers by choice and not by compromise.We can not expect the education system to be productive when either of the two groups viz teachers and students is discontent. Let us all endeavour to bring life to the saying - ‘Guru devo bhava’.Let each child say that from doubts to determination,from mistakes to prefectionism and from ignorance to knowledge,my teacher always stood by my side.

Oxygen... a movement view

Developing Spirituality

The spirit can be defined as the non-physical part of a person that is the seat of emotion and character. It is this spirit that is present in each of us and acts as a guiding light within. Spiritualism is a rational way to realize this very unseen, immaterial spirit. As the sunflower turns its face to the light of sun ,spiritualism turns the face of humanity to truth.Spiritualism connects one to divinity and touch of divinity will lead to sanctity and what is pure is the always right. Even a slight inclination towards spiritualism refrains one from indulgence in malified thoughts or actions. Most of us believe in the existence of a super power who is directing everything in the universe and those who do not believe in the unseen can certainly cannot deny the gushing water of the stream, the breeze that at the mountain top and every new born leaf. If they do not believe in a super power outside they have to believe in the power within. Our soul is a part of that great source of ultimate energy who is the master of the universe. Our society would not have so many anti-social elements that pose threat to mankind and life if only they had a tinge of spirituality in them. If one is entrained to be spiritually rich from the very beginning then he can realize his immense potential and can channelize the same for the betterment of society. This training can be begun in school in the form of yoga classes, daily meditation even for ten minutes or between periods. Each school must small prayer hall and students should be encouraged to read their scriptures so that they remain in touch with divinity. Schools should be actual temples where the ambience is pure and the same promotes eternal growth. To conquer the world it is inevitable to conquer the mind within and this cannot be done in a day , it requires hard and constant practice. Development of spiritualism will lead to self-actualization which in turn will make one empowered.

Oxygen... a movement view

Empowering Youth in Young India

India is a young nation where a good majority of the population comprises of young people. Youth represents a time or age that is full of enthusiasm and is vibrant with tremendous energy If the youth of the nation join there hands and swear to take the country to the pinnacle of success then no power can stop them from doing so.For this purpose they need to be organized and oriented to the right path. Their immense power should be channelized in a way that yields maximum output. They need to be empowered which can be done only through a sound education. Education will provide them with knowledge, traditions will bind them with their culture and patriotism will make them serve the nation. If they are well acquainted with their culture and history then they will understand how the various socio-economic problems will be solved. We need to make them realize the strength that lies in unity. They need to equip themselves morally and intellectually. Strong youth will make a strong nation It is our duty to inculcate in them a sense of responsibility towards their nation and mankind at large. We should train our youth in such a manner that they become capable of comprehending any situation and tackling it with utmost dexterity and sincerity.Students should be inspired to join defense services, administrative services and politics. There should be a compulsory two-year recruitment of all students in NCC so that they not only become physically and mentally alert but also responsive. Young India cannot afford to be weak or meek it ought to be strong and vocal. Lets make our youth self-reliant by teaching them fish and not giving them fish occasionally.

Oxygen ... a movement view

The Struggle is still on...

15 August is the time not only to celebrate our independence but also to thank our martyrs for its because of them that we are breathing in free air. India has had a glorious past ,it had made great cultural, spiritual and scientific advancements when most part of the world was still developing in its cradle. During the British rule, India and Indians suffered a great setback but like a true warrior it has emerged as an incredible nation. Since independence we have made great improvement in the field of science and technology, mass media, agricultural yield, space research , defence services ,national economy, medicine etc.While we boast of the attainment of independence we fail to realize that the struggle for independence is still not over. We are still bound in shackles of poverty, hunger, unemployment, uneducation, corruption ,regionalism, communalism ,nepotism and many such virtual dictators. The benefit of independence has not reached a good majority for whom this independence makes no sense when they are hunger-stricken ,striving hard to get a time’s meal and still being exploited by the ones who are better than them. Very few of us actually understand the meaning of national freedom for if we really understood then power and resources wouldn’t have been concentrated in the hands of a few people. Today we all have a greater responsibility of maintaining our independence and availing it to everyone. We have to free our motherland from the numerous problems it is facing today and this can be done only when we take pride in being an Indian. So lets pledge solmenly that we will relief our motherland from her grief.
Oxygen... a movement view

...Cherishing Friendship

"हमने सारे रिश्ते विरासत में पाई, फिर भी हमने दोस्ती बनाई क्योकि दोस्ती है ख़ुद खुदा की परछाई"
We all have friends whom we care for, share our emotions, apprehensions and happiness. A word of encouragement from a friend can dispel all gloominess when we are crest-fallen. Love and support of friends can help one to surmount the tides in life. A friend is the one who sees tears in our eyes when all others see the smile on our face. And for all these reason friends hold a very special place in our lives.
A friend is not only a companion in the fun and frolic and mischiefs but has a versatile role of a prudent guide, a critic and a staunch supporter. Hence, this instils in one a sense of responsibility with regard to being a friend.
Friendship should not restricted to peer groups, fine blend of friendship in all relationships can make life beautiful.
If parents and teachers are friendly with children then they can be closer to them and reason out all their thoughts and activities.
We should respect friends and friendship and with this attitude & Bon Homie many of the social problems like casteism, communalism, regoinalism and untouchability can be eradicated.
The essence of friendship can reduce trans-border tensions। If everyone revers friendship then there will be an improvement in international relationships, countries would not turn hostile to one another and bloody wars can be avoided which bring nothing but misery। A local and global approach to friendship will be instrumental in bringing peace and prosperity to all। Today is the time to celebrate friendship and to tell your friend that he/she is, special for you but let us be global in our approach so that friendship can pupetuate today and always.

Oxygen… a movement view

TIME TO WAKE UP AND RESPOND

Past week the nation went through a phase of political turmoil। The UPA government won the trust vote but the nation witnessed the snatch-and-dash to the finish line। All socio-economic activities were greatly affected in this political turbulence. This entire deal , no-deal process and the behaviour of our parlimentarians has not only tainted the political set-up but revealed the hollowness of the greatest democracy of the world. The picture that has come up is that democracy is not serving the people but the handful of those sitting in the Parliament. It has become very clear that Indian politics has dwindled beyond the level one could imagine. When one has got the task of leading the nation then he should rise above all pettiness and serve the country. The opposition should also play a healthy role rather than just leg-pulling and presenting wrong picture in front of the people. The youth now needs to awaken and start questioning because whatever has happened is certainly not acceptable to we people. We need to come to the forefront, stand together and strive to strengthen the system । Our endeavours should be to make our democracy a paticipatory one which includes transparency and accountability। We also need to curtail the role of resources in the election contest and politics on the whole। The politicians should be the best amongst us , we should promote merit and not money. Youth which represents one-third of the population have an active and obligatory role to play to make our country ‘democratic’ in true sense.

Oxygen… a movement view

Blessings... the essence of life

‘Long live my child!’ “May all your dreams come true.” are few blessings that are seldom heard nowadays. Little words of appreciation, kinds words of encouragement and soul-touching blessings are probably fading out from our daily routine. Fast-moving life, hectic work-culture, cut-throat competition seen to leave no place for these beautiful words in our lives. Most of us believe that blessing do work and can cause wonders in life, all that is, required is sincere and earnest endeavourson our part. Words of encouragement from a teacher to this student can boost him to work harder and achieve his goal on the contrary if the same teacher discourages a child, it can shatter his confidence forever. Words from a doctor to his patient will for sure generate positive vibrations and help him to heal or recover from his illness quickly. Similarly ‘greetings, lovely words to show affection can create an aura of happiness around us. If we take into consideration the blessings and curses that will follow our actions then we certainly will not indulge ourselves into wrong deeds nor will we harm anyone All our deeds should have the sole aim of 'बहुजन हिताय, बहुजन सुखाय' then this world will become a paradise live in curse of words of discouragements can also be transformed into blessings if we take there as a challenge and prove our selves. On the centaury, in genuine praise or blessings can make us over confident which will only lead our deterioration.
Oxygen… a movement view

State of Environment

Environment is the home of all resources. It not only provides us with air to breath ,water to drink, food to eat and other resources which make our lives easier but also maintains a natural balance on earth. Recent years has witnessed great degradation in our environmental condition and this is certainly attributed to our unthought and mean actions. Industrialization, urbanization and modernization have lead to rampant deforestation, soil erosion, extinction of biological species, pollution and depletion of resources. New problems like ozone layer depletion, global warming, melting of polar ice caps, eutrophication of water bodies, drying up of rivers, erratic weather conditions
etc. have cropped up in recent years. If we go on with the present rate of destructing nature then nature too will turn furious which will be perceived by human minds as ‘catastrophe’. No deadly effect of mean anthropogenic action remains local rather it takes a global dimension. The need of the hour is to utilize our resources judiciously, resort to eco-friendly products and afforestation, minimize pollution, save water, recycle waste, develop and popularize alternatives for CFCs and above all STOP exploiting Mother Nature. To keep the earth ‘clean’ we need to think ‘green’.

Oxygen… a movement view

Rejoicing over Results

Time to rejoice over bigger successes. Congratulations to all those who made it this time. Sincere thanks to the Students, Teachers, Parents and Schools who together made it possible. Who could withstand the pressure of present Education System and yield vibrant results. It is for the intense competition which we are faced with in present day world that pushes us to get more every time. It is pushing us to every possible inch and demanding more everyday.
Some are driven in so to say positive way but there are yet some and unfortunately a greater lot of us who are becoming victims of this fierce mark-based judgement system. Tragically, some are even taking their lives. Shouldn’t we for a while stop and think over, do we really need a system like this?
For the ones who rejoice, the moment doesn’t last for long either, disappointment comes when one isn’t able to utilize the result for further studies. One can go on attaining zenith marks decided of course by market forces and still find the zenith pushed beyond. Where do we stop?
The point is not where we stop but at what percentage we still start afresh with new vigor and hope as we take on bigger challenges in life. And Education System must ensure that our children don’t land in hopelessness and dejection.
Oxygen… a movement view

Restoring Excitement in Summer Vacation

There was a time when Summer Vacation meant a complete break from the monotony of classes, books and exams. Unfortunately, today they are mere extension of the regular school days. Extra Classes, Crash courses, Assignments etc seemed to have rubbed of the very excitement associated with Summer vacation.
If we cannot utilize the number of working days to deliver the course, no matter how many extra days we are given, we will not be able to finish it up. Competition will go on increasing demanding better performance, that doesn’t mean we need more and more classes or homework for that matter.
We only need a right approach to the whole process of Education. If our Education system sends out this message that every creative learning can wait and focus should be given only on bookish knowledge, then one is really confused what is Education all about.
Summer vacation should be the time for unbound learning so that after two three months a child feels refreshed, more confident, and has enhanced his/her creative skills.
It is the time when one can come to terms with real life situations and learn accordingly. Community development, Ecological awareness, Social awareness, Skill Enhancement and Practical Learning should be the center around which all programs for these vacations should be based.
Oxygen… a movement view

Mothers, an Educational Institution

If one had to ever give a character sketch of Education, very likely one would end up describing Mother.
She is an Institution of Learning in her self. She is the one who introduces us to life. Our senses come alive through her endeavor and we identify our existence with her. Our first yearnings beckon for her very touch, very smell and very presence. She is the whole world to begin with. As one starts to grow, one sees the world through her eyes. We take refuge in her for our every success and failure. She selflessly becomes a part of every single event in life. She never judges, complains, punishes or rewards, she is just there all the while, a permanent support and guidance.
On third may 2008, around three hundred students from Patna dreamt of a school that would be very close to what mothers are and that really is what Education is all about. With all humility and prayer in their heart they beckoned mothers to be the source of motivation and blessing in achieving their dreams, our dreams.
If the system and society could draw inspiration from mothers, we could have an environment which is nurturing in every sense. Which does not differentiates, or discourages, but guides always. If our schools beckoned every child like mothers do, groomed them for life and its shortcomings then we could take the sigh of huge relief, what Education!!!
Oxygen… a movement view

Inadequate Policies and Commissions

India is home to the largest number of children in the world. Around 46 % of these children suffer from malnutrition. Over 6,000 children under the age of six die in our country everyday from hunger and malnutrition even though India claims to have the world's largest initiative for children under six but still ranks 94th out of 118 countries on the Global Hunger Index. More than 50 % of total population is employed in agriculture and allied activities and still its farmers can't afford a basic living and are forced to commit suicide. The line which separates beggars from casual poor is thinning in a country where one in every four goes to bed hungry every night and 78 % are homeless. Here a casual labour earns less than a beggar in a day.
When slapped with these abashing facts one starts to think in the direction of poverty reduction and devising mechanism to ensure fair returns to those producing goods and services at the lowest strata i.e the farmers and laborers.
Unfortunately, the policies of the Planning Commission are not directed towards any of these but largely speaking they are vote bank politics in disguise. The Sixth Pay Commission is one good example. Can we even afford to think on the lines of its recommendation when a huge number of our people are living in abject poverty not only because they are unemployed but because they aren't getting their fair share.
So, While the Prime Minister's announcement to set up the Sixth Pay Commission for Central government employees will bring cheer to well-paid employees, lakhs of citizens in India living below the poverty line without any hope of betterment in their living conditions will be disappointed and frustrated. They know that when the government liberally increases wages and perks to its already affluent employees, it inevitably results in a situation where the funds available for the betterment of the poor and downtrodden will be proportionately reduced. And so the poor become poorer.
Oxygen… a movement view

Regionalism mocking Unity in Diversity

Regional Divide of India was enforced on the grounds of Diversity and its Preservation in its most native form. It aimed at and succeeded in conserving and promoting exclusive cultural heritage of different regions. Never had it implied that these regions start behaving like a different entity, almost like another country making free movement of people and resources in and out difficult or impossible.
Given the present scenario, we seemed to have drifted from its original reasoning, the other of course being easy governance.
We have to first understand here a very simple law of nature. Nature distributes resources not according to individual regions but over a large area very randomly. It may not at all endow one particular area with all the resources. And this very deficiency gave rise to the ‘inter’ trade concept i.e. exchange of goods and services of one for ones it lacks in.
Economics, the science created by humans itself assumes certain things like supply of labor, availability of resources etc to validate its laws. In spite of these irrefutable arguments, there are ignorant who don’t think even once how foolish they sound when they talk of welfare in the name of parochialism.
If there is a thing which can bind us all into one entity with versatile potentials, it is Education.
The cases of violence due to regionalism has been many in India. It is only Education that can free us of our regional, cultural, religion and caste biases. And our current Education system must ensure such an upbringing that we grow up with a feeling of love and compassion for our fellow human beings and respect for their cultural and social practices.
Oxygen… a movement view

Why Girl Education?

Today, over 60 million girls are not in school, accounting for more than half of all unschooled children worldwide. The situation is most dire in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 23 million girls are out of school, and in South Asia, where 66 percent of all unschooled children are girls. The majority of the world's one billion illiterate adults are women.
Without education, girls are consigned to a life of poverty and limited choices. Most likely their daughters will also grow up without education, and the cycle will continue.
For India – as for several other countries focusing on universalizing girls’ education is critical for progress. Girls’ education is a development imperative. There are several good reasons why this is so.
Fundamental Right – The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 makes elementary education a fundamental right of every child.
Individual Well-being – Basic education promotes the well-being of girls. More educated women tend to be better informed, enjoy better opportunities for employment, and seek out modern health care and advice more readily.
Social & Economic Progress – Education brings benefits to society as well. Educated women are more likely to work in the wage economy, earn higher wages and make better entrepreneurs. Educated women tend to marry late and have fewer children, contributing to improved child and maternal health in society.
Political Participation – As more and more young girls get educated and complete eight years of schooling, they will be able to participate more meaningfully in local governance.
Inter-generational Benefits – There is sufficient evidence to suggest that educated mothers give birth to healthier and better-nourished children than uneducated mothers. An educated mother is more likely to send her own children to school so that benefits are reinforced across generations.
Social Justice– Ensuring better schooling opportunities for girls is the right step towards ensuring social & gender justice.
Oxygen… a movement view

Budget For Children

“Education and health are the twin pillars on which rests the edifice of social sector reforms”, Mr. P. Chidambaram when presenting budget 2008-09. Given the Social, Economic and Political implications of Education, it only makes one wonder as to why not have a separate Education Budget like the Railways Budget! After all it is only Education on which an individuals’ Personality is based.
In the Budget, the total allocation for the Education sector including (NER) will be increased by 20 percent. One can only hope that all the Children in India are adequately covered. Certainty would have come, had the allocation been done after taking into account per head requirement and multiplying it by total number of target children.
The present methodology is not demand based but restricted by Supply side. One can go on increasing percentage share of Education in the GDP and still find it falling way short of the actual requirement.
As proposed in the Budget, the focus of SSA will shift from access and infrastructure at the primary level to enhancing retention, improving quality of learning and ensuring access to upper primary. Now if we don’t have the proper infrastructure and if it is not accessible then how do they propose to retain children in schools?
If Education that we are imparting remains diverged from the day to day requirements of a common man and doesn't help him pursue his aims, then no education policy will instigate people to send children to schools, or pull youth towards Higher studies.

Oxygen… a movement view

Corporate Social Responsibility

Businesses evolved to cater to the needs of people. Today it is the biggest source of Occupation as well as the biggest provider of goods and services for day to day needs. We see around us different economic activities on a daily basis. Occasionally do we think upon the passive effects of these businesses on our daily lives. How it is impacting our natural and social environment? How it is altering our habits and preferences?
In view of their growing influence on people’s lives as well as growing pressure from the government and legal environment, businesses and corporate have taken an initiative in the name of Corporate Social Responsibility. Herein, they try to study the social implications of the economic activity they are engaged in, its effects on the natural and social environment and take corrective measures if any.
There is another school of thought which strongly believes that when the top most objective of any business is profit making, it is not always possible to bring into it social welfare and conservation of nature.
This confusing state arises when we don’t approach life as a service to others and then in turn to ourselves. When we separate Humanity from our acts, problems are bound to occur
Humanity should be a way of life for each one of us. Otherwise, we will always encounter contradictory situations.

Oxygen… a movement view

India Poised?

The 9% growth story simply refuses to get old in our memories. We continue to take refuge in it for every little failure. We have simply drowned ourselves in this rosy picture of India surging ahead. So much so that we are actually making us believe that we are all set and ready to become an example for the world to follow. That we are all ready for the next stage of development and change; but are we really prepared for it? India Poised?
Let us first look at the so called Educated Class. What happened to us? Why do we still have cases like Amit Kumar, a stigma on his profession? A grave threat to the society, especially the uninformed lot. Have we forgotten integrity or humanity for that matter? Do we ever sit down and account for all our disloyal and indifferent acts? Or are we simply aware of the fact that we have made the society a living hell?
Who is supposed to take the responsibility? Our Education System, Parents or Society at large which again is a product of this very Education System? First we don't ensure Education for every child and then we refuse to take responsibility of the asocial acts of the ones already availing Education. The problem here has aggravated and extended to quality and what we are doing is still counting heads. It is like not treating the disease but ensuring the supply of pain killers. How long shall we expect to stay healthy like this?
Stay healthy physically, mentally and morally, fit enough to conduct ourselves on the norms of humanity.
We are all living in a morally bankrupt state and what we are only prepared for or poised, to put it fashionably is for more Corruption and Inhumanity, both actively and passively.
Oxygen… a movement view

All for Exams

Examination is a test of one’s preparedness for the next learning phase. Our present examination system presents a very distorted concept of tests. A test which judges ones cramming abilities. How far this rote-learning can take any child? Is it true learning at all? Till one reaches graduation, one already becomes unsure of the basics of various facilities of learning. Why? Can’t we see these MBA entrance training institutes all around us? What do they claim to train one at? The basics! Now why would a graduate need such a training on basics. This happens because in reality, over the time, we simply forget what we had memorised in the name of learning. It wasn’t understood as a concept on which various applications should be attempted to explore.
The teachers are grossly underplaying their roles and merely acting as conductors of this input-output process.
The very question asked in exams, expect answers picked up directly from the text. As a result teachers have no coercion in actually making students understand anything.
Ultimately, this kind of education is preparing us for what? Are we confident enough to take unforeseen challenges and to combat the shortcomings in life?
Amusingly enough, none of use in reality would then be able to complain that this did not form the part of our learning package. Ironically this will be an amusing situation too. Can we have real exams for a change?

Oxygen… a movement view

Education for fuller growth

As per world Bank report, world economy will grow at a steady 2-3 %. Our country, India will be grouped under star performers for its 9% growth.
The story is everywhere! People trying to bring the growth saga in every public discussion possible and betting that its effects are going to be miraculous.
What we still have not accounted for is, where this growth has finally been absorbed?
Has it reduced the number of poor? Has it given infrastructure to the deprived millions who are striving to get in the mainstream of economy? Has it promised every child of the country a future to look forward to?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. But, why this is happening? Probably, the ones given the task of growth thought it to be only a matter of figures. A dry growth, devoid of general welfare.
If one thinks carefully, one can trace back this problem rooted in the Education system. The education that we receive makes us conscious merely of the money value rather than the real value. It does little to ensure that we learn to share what we have and care for those around us. This education fails in instilling in our leaders integrity, it fails in making the bureaucrats understand the seriousness of the responsibility they are shouldering. It fails to inspire our economists with a conviction that growth means welfare and not economic gains of few. It's a shame that we still want the trickle down hypothesis to work when we take pride in showing an insatiable appetite for luxuries.

Oxygen… a movement view

Children- Sufferers by Default

Children constitute around 40 percent of India’s population. And two out of every three children have faced abuse of some kind. We have all talked about evils in the society time and again. But what we have failed to see is their subtle and drastic influence on children. Yes, children have remained the soft targets of all malpractice in every society. They are kidnaped and killed when people want to settle their feudal differences or want to get rich over might. Political propagandists mindlessly call for bandhs, do chakka-jaams, burn buses without giving it a thought that children who have practically no say in these are getting severely affected. Today multi-national companies are targeting young kids for marketing their products. They are selling them goodies which easily lure young minds but doesn’t reveal the lurking danger. The society is full of crooks who are promising young students a great career but leading them no where. Our society is not educating kids about sensitive issues. In lack of information children are falling prey to unhealthy practices. They are falling prey to domestic violence and abuse. In free time the lack of creative engagements are making them dull and unenthusiastic towards life. And in the midst of this crisis is the present education system which is turning our children into rote-learners who are of no good to the society in general. If we don’t at once stop these and stop making children soft targets, it is frivolous that we are thinking of a tomorrow that will be better.
Oxygen… a movement view

Bridging the divide through Education

If we look back to our historical past, we find our society divided into water tight compartments of caste. It started as a mere division of labour but gradually became propaganda to differentiate people from people and it was all done for malicious interests of few groups of individuals.
In the scenario, the very idea of Education went contrary to the kind of belief people were practicing and forcing others to practice. Because Education meant a uniform process of training young minds for future, irrespective of caste background, less than one roof. But rich wanted exclusive schools for their children. Upper Caste didn't want their children to share schools with those belonging to the so called lower castes and untouchables.
And as it as happened in every culture, with a hush-hush and mutual consent of the majority section of the society, gradually developed a culture where there were distinct schools for specific sections of the society. Though law does not permit any such practice but through an automatic play of the cost factor, quality education remains beyond the reach of the majority poor & backward section of the society.
Today’s Education is dividing our society more dangerously and this time the results are going to be uncontrollable and permanent. Children from this deprived lot are growing with a sense of abject deprivation and paucity of opportunities. In their growing resentment they are finding solace in anti-social practices where they can snatch away from the well off. It is not surprising that the cases of juvenile theft, stabbing for loot etc are on a never before rise.
At this stage we don't have many choices what we can do is try bridging this haves and have-nots divide. And Education is the biggest platform to begin with.
Oxygen… a movement view

Bridging the divide through Education

If we look back to our historical past, we find our society divided into water tight compartments of caste. It started as a mere division of labour but gradually became propaganda to differentiate people from people and it was all done for malicious interests of few groups of individuals.
In the scenario, the very idea of Education went contrary to the kind of belief people were practicing and forcing others to practice. Because Education meant a uniform process of training young minds for future, irrespective of caste background, less than one roof. But rich wanted exclusive schools for their children. Upper Caste didn't want their children to share schools with those belonging to the so called lower castes and untouchables.
And as it as happened in every culture, with a hush-hush and mutual consent of the majority section of the society, gradually developed a culture where there were distinct schools for specific sections of the society. Though law does not permit any such practice but through an automatic play of the cost factor, quality education remains beyond the reach of the majority poor & backward section of the society.
Today’s Education is dividing our society more dangerously and this time the results are going to be uncontrollable and permanent. Children from this deprived lot are growing with a sense of abject deprivation and paucity of opportunities. In their growing resentment they are finding solace in anti-social practices where they can snatch away from the well off. It is not surprising that the cases of juvenile theft, stabbing for loot etc are on a never before rise.
At this stage we don't have many choices what we can do is try bridging this haves and have-nots divide. And Education is the biggest platform to begin with.
Oxygen… a movement view

LET US PROMOTE SHARING

Sharing is a very good quality of human beings as it spreads love and peace in the world and helps us grow. By sharing we get values and it instills in us the spirit of humanism. When exploitation exists, sharing is not seen. But when we share, we stop exploiting and hence, exploitation is slowly eradicated. Sharing is a beacon of light which spreads its flames every where and if diminished will make this world a dark place and not worth living. So, we shouldn’t let it get extinguished and try to make its flame glow brighter so that the light reaches every where. A very good example of sharing is- ‘Education’. Education is a very good medium of sharing, one of the way by which we can share our knowledge is by helping those children who are presently unable to receive education. We also share our study materials with our classmates. A better way of sharing is by rectifying the system and reforming it in such a way that it provides quality education to all. We need to raise our voices and share our views with everyone so that we are able to change our dream of rectifying the system into a reality.
Oxygen… a movement view