INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER (IAD)

Computer users of modern world are developing cyber space addiction. This devolves from the simple logic that everyday act turning out to be a habit and then an addiction. Technological progress in cyber space has made people glued to computers for many good, bad as well as non specific reasons. Alarming internet addiction seems to have spread due to its  accessibility from comfort zone, easy and  cheap availability of internet connectivity, multitasking facility of computers, privacy factor etc.

 

CHAT & EMAIL: These interface applications of live communication are blessings if used within limits. Motive behind chat can be harmless like conversing to a friend or relative in long distance, corporate conferencing and even having acquaintance with unknown people in cyber space. But in most cases, chat addicts are those people who are facing a behavioral problem like shyness/introvertism, which prevents them from meeting and interacting with people in real world. Sometimes these people are dangerous, as their anti-social intentions can vary from cyber flirting, dating and sex to being heinous pedophiles and pornographers posing potential threat to kids and teenagers.

ONLINE GAMES: Some people are crazy for high end graphics and advanced multimedia techniques offered by online game providers. Along with children, youngsters are also vulnerable to this addiction which robs them of their natural creativity and physical sporty games and activities along with social interactions. Another threat of online gaming is that many games of interest are action packed and violent enough that it has proven evidence in negatively influencing player’s mindset.

SOCIAL NETWORKING & BLOGGING: Even though the focus of Facebook, Orkut, Myspace, Friendster and similar websites are to facilitate cyberspace for people to share common interests and activities and intends to nourish making and maintaining friendships, millions around the world consider networking and blogging as new forms of entertainment and communication measures. When regular online participation and interactions, with and without application of discretion and orientations, grows as a habit and gradually changes to addiction, many individuals don’t realize that their life is relying and revolving more around virtual relationships rather than real life ones. Internet addictions also includes continuous browsing, watching videos, online purchasing, gambling etc. on regular basis, believing it as an inevitable evil.

IDENTIFICATION OF INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER is simple. If the first thing you do in the morning, at home or at workplace, is to switch on your computer to check personal emails or to surf for topics of your interest and if you stay online much longer than you originally intended, if people around you complaints about the time you spend online, if online activities(whatsoever that might be) is affecting your normal life, if you become defensive or secretive to others when they mention about your exposure to internet for long hours, if you neglect your sleep and food for completing your activities on computer, if your mind is always preoccupied about your interactions online and offline and if you frequently log in and log out of a particular webpage, if you prefer to have and maintain online friends and company rather than real life friends and if you can’t just log off when you really want to and feels the urge to remain online for few more minutes, which in reality is never a few minutes away, then you are heading towards SERIOUS TROUBLE of Cyber addiction.

Manifestation and materialization of computer addiction depends on the mindset/motive of the user and hence differ from person to person.  Once you realize this addiction, understand that technology is supposed to be your servant and not your master. Organize yourself accordingly so that you don’t lose the life and time you are supposed to enjoy with your family, friends and society, today. Computer and internet are doors to vast information access and excellent means of entertainment, communication and networking. But that virtual medium should NEVER rip you off from the real world..Take Care!!

MYSTERY OF CROP CIRCLES

Since late 1970’s Crop Circles began to appear around the world and has gained attention with its modernity and even publicity, through the Movie ‘Signs’ starred by Mel Gibson and directed by M. Night Shyamalan in 2002. Large and complex crop pictures are appearing in Southern England near the ancient megalithic site like Stonehenge, between April and September every year, when field crops (oilseed rape, barley or wheat) are most suitable for patterning.

 

Normally, if the crop’s stalk is bent more than 45-degrees, it snaps apart. Yet, in authentic crop circle formations the stalks are often bent flat at 90-degrees and the crops appear to be pushed down by some gentle force so that this bent vegetation is not broken or damaged. Most mysterious crop pictures appeared mainly during the four to six-hour darkness of northern-hemisphere summer night and sometimes in broad daylight, that too quickly and quietly without any trace of origin.

 

 

 

 

 

Crop circle phenomenon, over years, have evolved from simple circular designs to complex ones like 150 ft dragon fly design, 350 ft Yin-yang symbol, 600 ft Jelly fish crop circle and 400 ft Phoenix in June 2009. Earlier many crop circles were identified as hoaxes, as it turned out to be pranks of few individuals for fame and fun. But later on, the unexplained accuracies, humanly impossible patterns within the time frame of its appearance at some crop lands made scientists and investigators believe that authentic crop circles are either creation of alien intervention on Earth or supernatural processes which carries some valuable message to humans on Earth.

 

 

Argumentative explanations as to this occurrence come from two ends: One hemisphere is occupied by Questors, Crop Circle theorists, Spiritualists and Paranormalists; the other by Circle makers, Tricksters and Artists. Scientifically it has been explained that authentic crop circles are the result of photon energy patterns hitting Earth’s surface causing the crops within the fields to become flattened and states that ‘making of intricate designs of over 350 ft in tougher and brittle crop land, in few minutes time, is humanly impossible’. Cynics claim that the crop circle patterns are creation of computer scientists and their volunteers, working overnight to create sensations.

 

 

Three different techniques have been understood to make the crop patterns, by its actual creators. First there is the traditional “swirled” crop design method, the second is the “retarded” growth method and the third is the “pixel technique”, which swirls some plants into standing pixels while adjoining plants are flattened to the ground so as to give two or three dimensional images.

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the genuine crop patterns appear close to sites of some historic importance and hence makes few enthusiasts believe that they carry a mystical meaning specially those crop patterns that appear near Stonehenge, the place considered to be a ‘secret window to the other world’ (Eg: Julia Set in 1996) and the ones that appeared in succession near Chilbolton Radio Telescope Observatory from 1999 till 2002, wherein the crop patterns included a complex Crop Glyph, an humanoid face and a code similar to the radio transmission message that SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) sent from the Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico to Messier 13 star cluster 23,000 light years from Earth in Nov 16, 1974. Crop pattern therein was a mirror image except for the DNA nucleotide structure. And finally the 2002 Crabwood formation at Winchester near the observatory displayed a “Grey Alien” image with a Code message within a circle, having 8 bit binary encoding in hexadecimal form, with English alphabet letters represented by ASCII character, which on decoding revealed the message: “Beware the bearers of false gifts and their broken promises. Much pain, but still time. Believe there is good out there. We oppose deception.”

 

In June 2008, crop pattern that appeared in Barbury Hills was surprisingly encoded to reveal the fundamental constant pi = 3.141592654 to ten digits of accuracy within the circle. Each individual digit from pi = 3.14….. was drawn in the field with 36 degrees of rotation, in order to specify a full ten-digit number over four spiral turns. For example, its first digit “3” was drawn with 3 x 36 = 108 degrees of rotation, while its second digit “1” was drawn with 1 x 36 = 36 degrees of rotation, then its third digit “4” was drawn with 4 x 36 = 144 degrees of rotation, and so on. There was even a small decimal point placed close to the centre between digits “3” and “1”, to tell where the fractional part of pi began.

 

 

For some observers, crop circles are a kind of grand Reiki signs given to planet Earth and are said to be formed from Energy vortex. Whatsoever be the source, these spectacular designs often display very clear symbolism (scientific, esoteric and astronomical) and demonstrates some extraordinary unexplained effects. For those who believe that logic and science constitute the sum of reality, these formations provoke feelings of annoyance, disbelief, fear and a deeply rooted sense of frustration at the lack of a ready, rational explanation. For those whose belief systems extend beyond the boundaries, crop circles take on mystical meanings and offer a sense of communication with an intelligence or consciousness beyond three-dimensional reality.

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Crop circles may be a sense of warning through crop pictograms by Mother Nature or Forces of Universe. World Nations are conducting useless wars for power & property, rather than focussing on social and environmental problems. We humans are recklessly depleting natural resources and have been contaminating air, water and soil using nuclear power, plastics and other exotic technologies. Intention of this article is to promote awareness about the phenomenon of crop circles and if the readers thinks over it, understands & become environmentally conscious, and does something to make a positive difference on Earth, then the mission of this write up is accomplished.

* Aerial Image Courtesy to Lucy Pringle, Steve Alexander & Jack Turner

 

References:

http://www.timstouse.com/ScienceNews/chilbolton.htm

http://www.lucypringle.co.uk/photos/2009/jun.shtml

http://www.pufoin.com/pufoin_perspective/contact.php

http://www.david-sadler.org/pages/bigQuestions/discIsOurs.htm

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dp5/cropcirc1.htm

http://cropcirclemeanings.blogspot.com/

http://www.phils.com.au/cropcircle.htm

http://toraor.net/index.php

 

Books:

The deepening complexity of crop circles By Eltjo Haselhoff

Crop circles By Colin Andrews, Stephen J. Spignesi

Crop circles By Werner Anderhub, Hans Peter Roth

Crop Circles By Carolyn North, Busty Taylor

 

 

HELP ORPHAN & NEEDY CHILDREN BCZ….

                        WHAT ORPHAN & NEEDY CHILDREN HAVE………

 

 

Many of the orphan, needy & destitute children in streets and mismanaged orphanages/ temporary camps hardly receive proper food, a safe shelter away from mental, physical/sexual abuse, medical aid or proper elementary education, let alone the blessings of love, care, affection, freedom & family, which we all enjoyed during our childhood days. With no fault of theirs, they live the life of seclusion & misery and at other people’s mercy.

WHAT DO THESE KIDS EXPECT FROM THE WORLD.…..??!!!

What can a helpless child under the age of 12, expect from his lonesome world, other than food, proper sleep, non ragged cloths and quest for knowledge…?? Also when the night is colder, or when a nightmare strikes or when they see the world of lucky children with parents and families, they do long for someone who could love them, speak a few good words and pass a hearty smile….. More than this, these children don’t demand anything, though they deserve far better life, like each one of us…….

WHAT CAN WE DO……….????!!

Making a direct help to orphans and needy is the best way of assuring that your aid in the form of money and material reaches those in actual need. Slow down from your busy schedules and think for a while about the blessings you have and the ones who terribly needs your helping hand and a smile…..

If possible, DO SOMETHING for the innocent children in need, if not as charity, then on humanitarian considerations like providing food/ means for food, books, dress, medical aid or camps for recreation or anything that YOU CAN in your locality or through any trustworthy social workers or organisations. Your simple act of kindness & concern, few words of love & smile can brighten a lonely child’s face and life.

Helping these children to have some basic amenities or sharing few expressions of love and care with them will not only be a blessing, but also an insight into human life & existence…….

MAKE A TRY; IT WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE…TO US & TO THEM…

FOOTNOTE: Make A Direct Help: A Voice of Aid & Mercy

CRIMES AGAINST WOMAN: NAKED REALITIES

Ancient writings reveals that status of woman was that of a Goddess, in different parts of the world before conquer and conquest conceptualized. When civilizations flourished and male dominance emerged through war and conflicts, woman, out of distress, seems to have become more dependant and dormant in her roles of life. But it is astonishing to know that many woman of 21^st century, though being educated and enlightened, suffers and sacrifices her ‘self’ and ‘substance’ for others around her. This is not from a feminists view. This is reality. Subordination of woman to men in society has been a phenomenon that has been deeply rooted in our social and cultural setup. But when a woman’s love, purity and tolerance are misunderstood as weakness and is exploited in disguise of dominance & authority, it is lethal and prejudicial. Setting aside all brutal instances of female infanticide, child rape and abuses and stepping on to the phase when a female enters womanhood, we see that she faces the evil eyes of society. Starting off with dirty looks, filthy comments, physical encroachments and harassments, woman are being subject to crimes every day right in front of our eyes & this isn’t a wild story.

Crimes of Honour and Crimes of Passion are mainly the categories of crimes against woman, either with premeditation (dolus premeditates) or without intention (dolus repentinus). “Honour crimes” are those which directly and indirectly interfere with a woman’s integrity, individuality and self respect. It includes Assaults, Harassments, Mental Abuses, Physical Torture, Kidnapping and Abduction, Forced prostitution, Abetment to Suicide, Dowry Demands, Discrimination and Inequality, Denial of Educational Rights, Molestation, Rape, Battering, Defamation, Virginity Testing, Forced Marriages, Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, the compulsions and threats in the name of relationships to uphold the status of family, taboos as to the right to choose her spouse, seek divorce from an unsuccessful marriage, restrictions as to freedom of movement, ethos as to sexual conducts, etc.  

“Crimes of passion” are crimes, which are linked to a ‘love-relationship’ between the perpetrator and the victim, for example between an (ex) husband and (ex)wife or between (ex) lovers and the crime is not perpetrated to defend the family honour, but the “conjugal honour” or the honour of an individual man, or for reasons related to jealousy and frustration.  ‘Perpetrators’ of injustice against woman need not always be strangers, it can be brothers, sons, father, uncles, nephews, husband, neighbor, colleague, boy friend or ex-lovers, which even includes mother, sister and sister in laws of a woman. If you consider that this topic is alien to you, then check out the statistic reports published by media, which would reveal that over 32,000 murders, 19,000 rapes, 7500 dowry deaths and 36500 molestation cases were reported as crimes against woman in India in just one year. Unreported instances of domestic violence and sexual harassments run on multiple folds.  If you can identify and help someone whom you feel is a victim of such violence, with your words & support as a friend, it would SAVE a life and would be a noble deed. And if you are a perpetrator yourself, STOP doing it, because you have NO RIGHT to take away someone’s life & liberty.

 

Sexual harassment and rape are two sides of the same coin. Both showcase the power of man to dominate a woman. Both have one victim- ‘women’. Both are barbaric in nature; but many people extenuate sexual harassment to rape, just because the victims are not physically harmed, whereas in rape, the victim is ravished like an animal for the fulfillment of desire and lust of a man. Both have the same object and impact- undermine the integrity of the victim, physically as well as mentally. As observed by Justice Arjit Pasayat (Supreme Court of India): “While a murderer destroys the physical frame of the victim, a rapist degrades and defiles the soul of a helpless female.”

Trafficking in woman continues over years because they are many times considered as ‘commodities that can be essentially used and reused’ by the perpetrators of various crimes. Many females in our society are lured, deceived, kidnapped or tricked into prostitution irrespective of rural and metro geographic barriers. Trafficker’s takes advantage of poverty levels and innocence of many rural women and recruits them to sex trade, debt bondage, forced labour etc. In urban society, shockingly, educated girl’s fall into traps of sex rackets of fake movie/video makers, virtual defrauders etc. in their desire to become celebrities and to have better life; but finally ending up life in brothels as destitute. Sex trafficking is fueling the HIV/AIDS epidemic and continues to decimate the female population. The economic benefit provided by sex trade is not only to many of the so called perpetrators, but also to various corrupted officials and in promotion of businesses sectors like hotels, airliners, tour operations, porn movie making and website publicity.

Being a Woman is a challenge. Females are considered to be the weaker sex and so most of the times they are subjected to exploitation and oppression. Many females who live on Earth lead downtrodden, suppressed, subjugated, unhappy and compromised life. A real woman is the one who raises her voice against the injustice that is being done to her person and property. Women have the right to physical and mental integrity, the right to life and liberty as that of men. If you are a Woman in distress, please do understand that if you don’t speak for yourself, nobody will do it for you. And it is your primarily responsibility to take care of your health, education and individuality to keep up your self-respect and integrity. Never compromise on your existence. If ever you feel suffocated and under threat of life, trust your instincts and walk out of the place and/or relationship. A woman’s inner self never betrays her. Trust yourself. Keep your mind alert and be willing to accept changes with a strong will-power. Seek help from family, friends, police and courts without hesitation. There are ample laws, simple procedures and strong jurisprudence which protect a woman from perpetrators of any crime that affects her mental and physical well being. After all, family as well as law & order are meant to protect social well being. If no one helps, HELP YOURSELF AND BE BOLD TO FACE LIFE.

FOOTNOTE: Never consider loss of a woman’s life as an insignificant loss to society; because any family/ society/ country which disrespect womanhood hardly survive in peace & prosperity. To bring some change in attitude and approach towards woman in the contemporary and future society, it is YOU who have to take the first move. In ANY relationship, there is NOTHING that can be gained out of VIOLENCE & CRUELTY. Let that be Men or Women, be Humane & behave like civilized rational human beings and not animals; after all there is only ONE LIFE about which we are GURANTEED.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Again a British EXPLORES & EXPOSES India??!!

The movie that has been made for USD $15 million, presently running over 1700 theaters, has already earned around $90 million and has grabbed  8 Oscars, 7  BAFTA, 5 Critic’s Choice Awards,  after its worldwide release in January 2009. Movie tell the rags-to-riches story of a youngster, who answers all the questions correctly, from and with his life experiences in a “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” reality show. Anyone who has seen the movie can recall the affective visuals of slum land and slum life in its miserable state and texture. This film which has a pure Indian plot has terrifically hit the nerve of the world, and is being crowned with the title of ‘world’s first globalized masterpiece’ movie. The direction, music and script of the movie sound wonderful and hence the outcome is a good entertainer, portraying a social backdrop in realism. But still, it’s being said that the film has lauded applause, popularity and awards because a westerner is at the helm (Danny Boyle, British Director) and hence distributed worldwide.

The theme of this movie develops through the following plots which are realistic and pragmatic:

1.      Depicts Hindu-Muslim riots of 1992-93 in Mumbai after the Babri Masjid-Ram Janam Bhoomi  issues;

2.      Shows the life of poverty struck slum children’s education standards, their working over piles of wastages and they dwelling in unhygienic & insecure conditions in slums;

3.      Illustrates with a disgusting ecstasy, how glimpse of cine-celebrities becomes a celebration of lowly life;

4.      Demonstrate how orphan children are being lured and thereafter harassed, mutilated and exploited by the beggar mafias;

5.      Highlights forced prostitution of under aged girls and streets of soliciting sex workers;

6.      Narrates life of children selling food articles and toys in Indian trains;

7.      Shows the life, language, attitude and attribute of children who roam around as guides in tourist spots;

8.      Refilling of tap water in distillery/mineral water bottles and sealing with adhesives for resale;

9.      Pick pocketing and day light theft committed by children on street;

10.  The handling of deadly weapons like revolvers by youngsters who are brought up on streets;

11.  Organised crimes and underground mafia wars;

12.  Call centre jobs and its influence on Indian youth’s language accent and perception;

13.  The cricket craze of an average Indian;

14.  Impact  and influence of reality shows on Indian families;

15. Police Brutality and versions of notorious interrogation methods;

16. Mumbai Road Traffic blocks, Local train’s rush and the list goes on…..

 LIGHTING LAMP OF CONTROVERSIES:

1.      Starting off with the title of movie, “slum‘dog’ millionaire”; Let it be in any country, culture OR kind of creativity, labeling/cataloging someone as a ‘dog’ is offensive. The derogatory title has punctured the sentiments of people who value/respect humanity, especially the social activists & the slum dwellers, as it is invariably a direct insult on their existence.

2.      Criticism has also been raised that the Western media and people has many times depicted India as a wasteland, filled with horror stories of exploitation, misery and degradation without ever turning leaves onto the brighter side of the country. Though the director of the movie said he was trying to capture “Mumbai’s Lust for life”, world could see India once again as a Poverty Porn Nation.

3.   Though the movie is basically a redemptive love story of a poor guy in a brutal and blighted society, many Indian, English & American viewers were highly uncomfortable with the devastating depiction of the slum land, the deliberate maiming of children and the scenes of police torture.

4.  Some criticizers opine that the movie crew has made a mockery of India and its resources, used smart references from various Hindi movies and has marketed it effectively for personal gains.

5.    After converting every scent and stench of the city into a liquid asset, the cast and the crew and few reviewers proclaimed that “Slumdog Millionaire would do wonders for Mumbai’s tourism industry” and that really jingle ironic expression. But it’s an undisputable fact that film production houses, herein after has a good opportunity to carve a niche market for Indian films with its newly acquired universal audience.

6.   The ‘underpaid’ remuneration and future welfare of child artists in the movie, which was a booming issue for a while, seems to subside with the declaration of Trust funds for their education and flats worth £20,000 in Mumbai.

7.  Does ANYONE think India is the only country in world with slum-dwellers, street children and unhygienic livelihood? If so, have a look at how people live in hush and poverty in the Kibera district of Nairobi, the favelas slums in Rio de Janerio, the Orangi district of Karachi, slums in Mexico City etc. No NATION is PERFECT.

BUT the question remains……

Despite its recent economic growth, India still has the largest number of malnourished children younger than 5 in the world, along with one of the largest slums in world, especially in Mumbai, where a vast stretch of low-lying tin roofs is the first thing visitors see from airplanes on arrival into Mumbai, the country’s entertainment and financial capital. 

Isnt it true that about half a million people who live and work in Dharavi, the slum in Mumbai, as recyclers, tailors, leather tanners, laundrymen, potters, cloth dyers and shopkeepers, and all of them are jammed into a single square mile of narrow alleys and rickety buildings made from corrugated metal sheets? Another interesting fact is that these slum dwellers also works in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum region, that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic goods and most of these products are sold in domestic as well as international markets making an estimated turnover of more than £350m every year. In November 2008, Dharavi Redevelopment Project was estimated to cost 15,000 crores and the plan of State government to transform the region into a modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals and schools has been delayed time after time since 1995.

 

FOOTNOTE: To what extent are filmmakers and artists responsible for improving the lives and fixing the societal dysfunction that made their movies possible? Or does that responsibility ultimately rest with a society or government, once its conscience has been pricked? INDIA is not a “Third World dirty under belly developing nation”. BUT isn’t it time for a healthy, practical and reliable review & reference for rehabilitation action over EXISTING SCENARIO?

REFERENCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Principaux_Bidonvilles.png

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/5078654.stm

HUMOUR SENSE & SOCIAL REALITIES

Taking life lightly is one of the best ways of ENJOYING LIFE. A healthy sense of humour is the ability to laugh at oneself and about life. Good humour sense and its acceptance is an acquirable skill which makes us laugh, then think and thereafter appreciate the concept. Dedicating this issue of Sentinel Leader to India’s most famous Cartoonist R K Laxman, aged 84, who still tickles the funny bones of readers through The Times of India by converting common man’s rage into sensible humour.

 

 

 

 

 

The cartoon of R K Laxman that follows this note, was published on 14th December 1958 in The Times of India and surprisingly it still holds relevance after Fifty years. The only difference is that in those days it brought a smile on the face of Patriots, but today it’s a shame. Because our National Language is losing its prominence with the passing of years, as English language & culture has become the trend and necessity of modern India.

TEENAGE SEX – SHOCKING REALITIES

In London on 9^th Feb 2009, 13 yrs old, Alfie Patten became the father of a baby girl named Maisie Roxanne, reports The Sun Tabloid, giving a shock wave to ‘Broken Britain’ culture. Alfie was just 12 when he is said to have impregnated Chantelle Steadman, the new mom, who is now 15. The story runs thus: The kids were ‘dating’ for a while, which ended up one night in unprotected sex. When pregnancy was confirmed, it was kept secret by the ‘young couple’ due to fear of parental scolding.  Later on, when this secret of the kids was discovered, seemingly late for an abortion, the kids decided to proceed with  parenting the child to-be-born, with the support of their parents, the solution to which the social workers and the police has consented before the delivery.

The new family made media appearance with the new born baby, who weighed about 3.27 kilos on 14^th Feb 2009 and the young Dad vowed to be a good father, though when asked by the media: “What will you do financially?” his reply question was “What is financially???” On an explanatory query: “What will you do for money and how will you afford the expenses on baby?” Alfie mumbled: “I didn’t think about how we would afford it. I don’t really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me 10 pounds”. This cover story is not only a scoop but also points to the reality of Teenage sex which is nowadays universal, irrespective of rural and urban culture. Usually many stories of this kind don’t surface to public attention because of abortions done by teenage kids, before the balloon blows up. Dating and premarital sex among teenagers is no longer a taboo even in India. Walking hand in hand, kissing & caressing in public places and having sex in nooks and corners of schools and colleges are no longer something shocking for the new generation. Parental disapproval and society’s contempt are overthrown by means of secrecy and smartness. Availability & accessibility of finger tip technologies like mobile phones and internet dissolves barriers of information, communication and exposure.

In Alfie-Chantelle’s case, delay in identifying pregnancy, fear of revealing the fact of conception to parents at early stages, feeling of shame/ insult(may be) and unrealistic picture of parenthood could have lead to decisions of giving birth. But in many hundreds of similar cases, no one is entirely certain why this is happening and how to stop this natural instinct. In America and European countries planned teenage pregnancies are recorded to have increased in number, year after year. But in developed and developing countries including India, vast majority of teen pregnancies are accidental and unplanned which infact leads to abortions, sexually transmitted diseases, mental and physical traumas and even suicides. Responsibility for Teenage Sex can be attributed mainly to Parents, Media, Law enforcement authorities and the upcoming KGOY concept.

1.      Even today one of the most difficult moments of Parenthood involves the fumbling attempts and embarrassing moments trying discussion on sex with their adolescent children. By being an open, honest and good listener one can make kids understand the difference between friendship, love, sex and the space between them at early ages, which will makes children equipped and informed. It’s far better for them to learn the correct and complete facts of life from parents rather than some exaggerated and unfactual stuff from any friends of their age or learn through a bitter sexual experience. The lack of closeness and belonging towards the family often pushes teenagers into the warmth of sexual relationships including teenage sex.

2.      Sexualized media culture which is a complete bombardment of sexual images, plays a huge role in molding the lifestyle of kids in their growing ages. Media’s negative societal influences, including disturbing and confusing images, violence, and age-inappropriate messages, tempts teens to imitate and experiment things,  without thinking of consequences. There should be an enforcement authority that executes laws as to restriction on media’s sexual taints and publicities, including internet and magazine, so that repairing can be implemented from grassroot level.

3.      Going by the Letters of law, almost all countries round the world presumes that sexual intercourse with an under-aged girl is illegal and amounts to ‘statutory rape’. But there are grey areas which provide loopholes. In any case, there need to have a law enforcement authority making parents have some responsibility for crimes committed by their children.

4.      KGOY concept stands for “Kids Getting Older Younger” which was infact a marketing mechanization for age compression; a plot whereby robbing the kids out of their childhood and making them think and behave like adults. Instead of allowing children to develop and learn things at their own pace, kids are exposed to wider options, technologies and ideas, which inturn makes them try experiments on themselves & others.

Who all can help? Parents, Teachers, Doctors, Counselors, Religious Preachers, Media and other adults associated with kids can help the new generation understand that, though sex is an inevitable part of adolescent development, adult and loving relationship should be the basis of a sexual relationship. On one side experts says that, if teenage pregnancy rates are to be reduced, there must be an open and accepting attitude towards teenage sexuality, appropriate sex and relationships education, information availability and easy access to confidential contraceptive services. On the other hand it is also observed that emphasis on sex education and making contraception freely available to young people is creating a climate in which teenagers think it is normal to be sexually active before the age of majority. Without degrading the perception of sex as a casual recreational activity, society need to uphold the moral bondage between a man and a woman, which is an expression of the total self-giving on the basis on understanding love for a lifetime.

FOOTNOTE: WE CREATE THE SOCIETY, ITS CULTURE AND ITS ETHOS; SOCIAL ENGINEERING IS NOTHING BUT WILL OF PUBLIC!!

SOURCES:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2238252.ece;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q_bib2j8_w

PUB CULTURE: HUE & CRY, PROTEST & PERMANENCE

Politicians, social activists and people with (non)vested interests have been raving and ranting, fretting and fuming for and against the ‘Pub Culture’, after the unsavory incident in Mangalore on Jan. 24, 2009 where women customers were beaten up and molested in a very outrageous manner for being in a pub and consuming alcohol. Before blowing the issue out of proportion, have a glimpse at social reality: Press Photos of Patiala incident on 25 August 2008, where seriously drunken girls were dragged by police in front of the watching public after a messy & shocking scene.

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaushikbiswas/3101284599/in/photostream  (Photos uploaded by Kaushik on 11^th Dec 2008) 

Beyond the issues of taking up the responsibility or wriggling out of it, by acknowledging or contradicting  the incident, what has to be considered with paramount  priority is understanding whether pub culture is good for personality development of ANY gender; whether  physical manhandling, either in public or in private, a solution for anything and finally, is revolting by means of “Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women- sending across pink innerwear’s & appealing females to go to pubs and raise a toast to Indian Woman “, an actual decent and non provocative means of protest with good intent?

 If you are a Female with a lifestyle of pub and party culture, who supports the “Pub-Going, Loose & Forward Women” Concept and upholds that drinks and dance floor at pubs are safe & sound to declare ‘freedom’ and advocates that it is inevitable to have fun, friends and icon identity without alcoholism and pub going, then you need to have a second thought. Over 18 years, you are an adult citizen in the eyes of law and society, having the ability to behave yourself in a mature and independent manner. Our freedom   should never be to ruin our future. You are your own judge. The concern is more about health and safety of existence rather than culture meddling or restrictions on woman. Clubbing, alcoholism and feminism isn’t what makes a woman modern & feminine, but it’s her abilities, character and identity that makes her sensible, smart and respectable in a crowd. A modern woman is the one who has the insight of Relationship, Etiquettes, Self dependency, Elegance and Attitude.

On the other hand if you are a Male member of modern society and if you have a sister, a girl friend or a wife in your heart & life, answer to yourself whether you will whole heartedly allow your beloved one to adopt a pub and party culture and watch her walking out in semi conscious state, time after time. If the thought by itself provokes you, then it’s not westernisation that you are concerned of; it’s the concern, love, safety and well being for your precious ones. When a mob in society intimidates on ANYBODY, as apostles of culture and ethos, it is nothing more than ‘Vandalism’ and ‘Goondaism’. But the solution to prevent it isn’t using mighty physical force. Nobody has the right to hurt the physical or mental existence of another human being, what so ever your relationship with the person might be. “Your right to throw your fist ends at the tip of my nose” is a common formulation in law and ordinary life.

Everybody has got the freedom of choice in personal matters. Pub culture seems to be a euphemism to criticize girls drinking at pubs and bars. When it has been questioned and intruded by outsiders in a very undesirable manner, as in Mangalore incident, the rage and spontaneous reaction of moral brigade is natural. But it is overwhelming to see the support gained by Campaign for “Consortium of Pub going, Loose & Forward Woman” in a very short span of time. IF THIS UNITY is showed by the youth and aged of our country for constructive long term changes, for curbing every known menace ranging from alcoholism to abuse, corruption to terrorism, we can have a productive social network. The voice of society should be for bringing about laws required for social change and its proper execution; for a capable government and a better society rather than to make frivolous and fanciful campaigns and propagandas.

The best way to get any message conveyed is through effective and widespread articles; awareness programs and live examples, which one can find all around.  Making youngsters  understand the difference between fun & faking, friends & foes, fantasy & fact, promoting cultural backing which is at par with social norms, developing more family oriented values and relationships etc. is what is required rather than physical violence or making protest that are misleading and misrepresentative. Acknowledgement of existing issue, making awareness of consequences and action to curb the flaws is what is required if we really intend to bring a change in society.

Footnote: NOBODY IS PERFECT, NEITHER ME NOR YOU; BUT WE LEARN FROM EXPERIENCES, OF OURS & OTHERS!!

Sources:www.businesstravellerindia.com/200310/rovingeye01.shtml;www.zeenews.com/video/showvideo1229.htm;      http://www.thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com;www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7880377.stm

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Art, Literature & Entertainment media are the main sources of a society’s reflection. A person with an extra ordinary blend of talent, aptitude, attitude and coverage usually becomes a celebrity ‘Artist’ as a painter, writer or performer. When an artist makes a public display of his artistic talent or put forth a literary work as an expression of insight, it should be a creative venture for a productive proposition.  Every creative person has a moral, social and legal responsibility towards his artistic work and its absorbers. But when artists step out of the fundamentally permissible limits to freedom of speech & expression, breaking the social barriers, even they are at the disposal of criticism, censorship and comments. In one’s own personal space and privacy, what-so-ever an artist narrates or depicts, it is his/her pleasure and freedom. But when it comes to exhibition of work to public, EVERY artist needs to be cautious about their expressions and exposures because consciousness of the society serves as the watch guard. From the light of controversies put forth by renowned artists, let us have a quick thought over the margin of the Freedom of Expression of celebrities in a multicultural society.

Mr. M.F. Hussain with the exhibition of his painting of naked “Bharath Mata” made himself courting controversy and censorship inquiry. Prior to that, paintings of “Hindu Goddesses”, as nude, vulnerably sensual & sexual had subjected him to the wrath of secularists, fundamentalists and general public. When the most respected concepts & symbolic representation for a Woman in India was depicted through objectionable paintings, it automatically led to diligent appraisal. But the point for review is that, an artist, whomsoever he/she might be, should have the sense of social responsibility not to provoke the religious sentiments or to disrupt the communal harmony through his artistic creations, exposed to public.

The controversies put forth by Taslima Nasreen with her objectionable writings & Salman Rushdie with irrelevant depictions in his work, disrupted social accord. When a writer, an amateur or a professional, either by means of words in writing or through visuals based on scripts, expresses a theme, he/she needs to have a check upon the concept, words, and offensive languages fed into it, before its publication/release. Because words carry power to influence, institutionalize and provide insight for young and old. There is a tolerable and adjustable limit to which any society can accept propensity toward insult & negativity. Right to Freedom of Speech & Expression has a margin beyond which it becomes a liability.

The cine celebrities and models are no exemptions from the category of artists. Many times we see that sadistic and masochistic pieces of sex & violence are flooded into movies and albums. These large chunks are infact offensive entertainments that make a mockery of Censorship Board. The exposure extents and gestures of many ‘Fashion Models’ and ‘Item Dancers’ are in clear terms falling within the category of pornographic, obscene and indecent public exposures. The influence and erosion is not only of ours, but also of our future generations. Predictably, we (un)knowingly enjoy/ ignore these exposures which are infact main reasons for increased incidence of 1) Rape 2) Premarital Pregnancy 3) Suicides 4) Sexual Abuses  5) Murders  6) Domestic Disharmony and various other heinous crimes. Remember, value becomes a vice, when repression of value is justified on the grounds of marginal utility.

We are the ones to choose our role models and cheerleaders. Our voice has the power to uphold social realizations; at the same time our silence can withhold it. If ANYBODY tries to breed contempt, humility and chaos in society through despicable publicity and for luring monetary benefits, let us not allow them to make mockery of values and culture that exist in a country. Anything that is offensive, insulting or hurting the religious, social or personal feelings & freedom of a person/society, shall not be flattered, displayed or distributed. Instead, when you come across such issues, dare to report it as “Abuse” to concerned authorities, atleast as an ‘Anonymous’ citizen, because this is our fundamental duty & responsibility as observant public.

FOOTNOTE: Beware of your steps, selection and susceptibility when it comes to clutches of Art & Entertainment. Neither you, nor your dear ones are far from the negative impacts of obnoxious & toxic artistic productions. “When we step on the sleazy road of questioning the expressiveness of holiness and moral values, the fall is faster”.

Courtesy:  http://protestnudebharatmatha.blogspot.com/

2012 PREDICTIONS: HYPE / SCIENTIFIC REALITY?

Most of us are not archaeologists or astronomers, anthropologists or astrologers. But some writings and discussions about one of the most exciting and relevant subject sounds interesting. Ever heard of “DOOMSDAY PREDICTIONS” which says Earth will end on a particular year/ day? If yes, then you know that we, as well as our Planet Earth, still exist intact. Then what makes 2012 important? There are a number of striking coincidences about this special topic.

MAYAN CALENDER: The Temple of Kukulcan in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is a physical embodiment of the Mayan Calendar having 91 steps on each of the four sides of the pyramid (totaling 364) and the top platform making it 365, to match the days of a solar year. Mayan Calendar stops at 23/12/2012. Aztecs mythology speaks of the first age of mankind ending up with the animals devouring humans; second age finished by wind; the third by fire and the fourth by water. The present is the fifth epoch called Nahui-Olin (Sun of Earthquake), which began in 3113 B.C and will end on Sunday, December 23, 2012. It is said to be the last destruction of humans on Earth. After the fifth age, humanity is said to realize its destiny. In the sixth age, humans will realize God within themselves, and in the seventh, they will become extremely spiritual that telepathic communications will govern the world. The Mayan Calendar is not infact predicting the end of the world by 2012, but the start of a new era, a new cycle of life.

I CHING: The ancient Chinese oracle-calendar (“Book of Changes”) the I Ching, written in 2800 B.C, which is revered till date, has been analyzed using  a computer program by Terrence McKenna (a writer, philosopher, psychonaut and ethnobotanist). From the similarity pattern that emerged out of research, a time line graph was created. This “Time Wave Zero” showed enormous fluctuations over last 25,000 year and hit an asymptote on December 2012 which denotes a state without habituation.

EINSTEIN’S POLAR SHIFT THEORY: Albert Einstein in 1955 postulated a theory wherein reversal of Earth’s poles has been mentioned. Scientific discoveries reveal that in the center of our galaxy exists a black hole. In the year 2012, December, according to astronomical calculations, the Sun and the Earth will be in direct alignment with this black hole which will cause a magnetic shift, resulting in pole reversal. If so happens, the impact would be devastating and destructive according to scientists.

WEB BOT PROJECT: This is a software program developed in 1990’s to assist in stock market predictions. The technology uses a system of spiders to crawl into virtual space to locate key words. It takes a snap shot of text required from various websites and later on filters it. The projects concept is said to have aimed at tapping into the “collective unconsciousness” of the universe. But after the 9/11 Terrorist attack, it was noticed that this program could make forecast of commemorative events and this includes December 2012.

OTHER PROPHECIES: The Book of Revelations in Holy Bible also speaks of prophecies like prediction of Earth Occurrences, Submersions and Disasters. The oldest tribe in the United States, the Hopi Indian Tribe, believed that the world has been created and destroyed four times previously and we are on the brink of fifth. The event of the Great Celestial Conjunction encoded in the Tarot readings also coincides with Mayan Calendar’s Winter Solstice of 2012.  Merlin, Europe’s greatest oracle or “seer” predicted that the Planets will “run riot” through the constellations, completely off their normal paths of rotation, during the time when the “Talking Stones” (Quartz Technology) dominates the world.  A whole raft of forecast from Cayce, Nostradamus and Orion Prophecy of Egypt  point towards an event like ‘Doomsday’ happening in 2012 and now NASA has made supporting statements regarding “Sun Solar Storm” leading to  annihilation of existence on Earth. All together, this makes 2012 issue significant.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Standing at the cross roads of transformation, destiny gives humanity two options:  EITHER to continue on the path of ignorance and irrationality and face self destruction of our civilization OR change our ways and attitudes to be compassionate and humane and see the new age of reformation within ourselves & the world around us. Terrorism, Blood Shed, War, Riots, Pollution & Exploitation of Earth’s resources, Mortifying Personal Relationships through Betray, Abuse & Neglect – What are we upto? Expect a Doomsday or take a chance to redeem ourselves & mankind: CHOICE IS OURS.

Sources: http://www.greatdreams.com/2012. http://urbansurvival.com/simplebots.htm; The Mayan Prophecies for 2012 by Gerald Benedict; http://current.com/items/89704552/nasa_report_support_hopi_mayan_and_web_bot_2012_predictions.htm