Ganesh Charurthi Festivity In Mangalore

According to the ancient scriptures, Lord Ganesha is a God who brings happiness to all worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, and is supposed to be immortal, merciful, and all-forgiving. He is also believed to bestow all devotees with a well-disposed mind.

This time around in Mangalore, Ganesh Chaturthi which happens to be the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the God of wisdom and prosperity, is being celebrated in an unusual manner, not seen for the past several years. Every where in the city whether it is Ashok Nagar, Pratap Nagar, Car Street or Sanga Niketan we are seeing people carrying the idols of Lord Ganesha on their head. This is indeed a rare sight as for every Ganesh Chaturthi in Mangalore from the past 30 to 35 years the idols used to be placed on trucks and other vehicles, with devotees following, chanting bhajans and dancing and singing in merriment.

Here in Mangalore we are noticing in the case of smaller idols, processions of devotees carrying small idols of Lord Ganesha on their heads. These idols has been taken from the place where it is sculpted by the shilpakar (sculpture) as early as 5 o clock in the morning, and from there directly taken to the devotee’s homes after which the pooja ceremony or the puja archane is performed in a traditional manner. Once it reaches there and is placed on platform, different varieties of fruits, flowers and sweets are offered to Lord Ganesh in veneration, one of which is a sweet called Modak, a yellow flower shaped sweet which is believed to be a favorite of Lord Ganesha.

In some cases the devotees perform the regular Puja Archene (ceremony) till late evening and then immerse the idol in the local well itself, watched by few friends and close relativesWhile in case of some other devotees they prefer to keep Lord Ganesha in their homes and carry on the religious ceremonies which then goes on for either 3 or 5 or 7 days, before Lord Ganesha is taken for “Visarjhan” (immersion) most probably to Mahamayi temple at Car Street for his final journey. On this auspicious occasion all are duly wished a happy Ganesh Chaturthi, with a prayer to Lord Ganesha to bless all his devotees and bring peace and joy to our planet ‘Earth’.

Raksha Bandhan -Sibling Bond in Mangalore City

The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan depicting the love between a brother and sister always falls on the full moon day, in the month of Shravana, the holiest month for the Hindu community, as the rains are receding, sea is calming down and the weather is very pleasant. This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 28 which falls tommorrow.

This is indeed a special occasion, when a sister ties a scared thread called 'Rakhi' around her brother's wrist. She prays to God for the safety of her brother and to /st1:placelead him on a good path. The brother in return feeds her sweets and blesses her with good wishes and accepts the responsibility of protecting her. In Indian tradition the frail thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than an iron chain, as it binds brothers and sisters in an inseparable bond of love and trust. Raksha Bandhan is meant not just for siblings, but for protection of any loved one. 'Raksha' means protection and 'bandhan' means bond.

This year too like the previous year, the preparations for the Raksha Bandhan festival have begin much in advance all over the country. A few days ahead of the festival, one can see colourful Rakhis in the market. Girls have started shopping and looking around for fancy Rakhis. One can see all round rakhis in all shapes, sizes, colours and forms. The sweet shops, garment shops, fancy shops are all also flooded with fanciful things to attract people indicating the gaiety and joy of the occasion.

By and large one finds Raksha Bandhan being celebrated with much gusto all over North India, but this time around the festival fever has peaked here too among the Mangaloreans. Now with other Hindu festivities the rakhi tying ritual too has become an important festival for many families in Mangalore city in the recent years.Most Hindus of Mangalore prefer to celebrate this auspicious day privately in their homes. But there are places where it is celebrated as a public ceremony where girls who don't have a brother tie the sacred rakhi around the wrist of a good friend whom she trusts thus making him a brother.

In recent years Raksha Bhandan has become more popular among the younger generation in Mangalore. All around, due to the influx of northerners into Mangalore, one finds young girls in Mangalore all excited making preparations for the festival of Raksha Bandhan, by shopping around for colourful rakhis, sweets and gifts. They have already started buying rakhis and other items required for a traditional 'Aarti Thali’. The thali is a special plate on which the rakhi is placed alongside a lamp, rice grains, sweets and vermilion which are all necessary for the ceremony.

With the Raksha Bandhan just a day away, all round one find’s there is brisk business in the sale of Rakhis. Most of the customers seen buying them are children and students. Gift shops, fancy stores and malls are filled with fancy Raksha Bandhan cards, colourful Rakhis and gift items. A walk down the streets of Mangalore one can notice as a display everywhere, beautiful rakhis hanging outside every fancy store to attract customers. One can choose from a variety of rakhis ranging from simple threads, colourful beads to designer pieces. The cost of the rakhi ranges any where from Rs 3 to Rs 50. There are also several web portals offering mega deals during the season, and Rakhis and gifts can be ordered online and delivered at a short notice this festive season.

Events leading to Sunjay Dutt's conviction

Let’s go back in time, to a glimpse into the sequence of events culminating in Sanjay Dutt's conviction of six years rigorous imprisonment by the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act TADA Court, special judge P D Kode.

March 12, 1993 a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai city, killing 257 people and injuring around 713. Nearly a month after the blasts on, film producers/ video owners Sameer Hingora and Hanif Kadawala were arrested. They disclosed to the police that film star Sanjay Dutt also possessesed AK-56 rifles. After this revelation CBI filed a charge-sheet against Sanjay Dutt alleging that gangster Abu Salem and his men visited Dutt in January 1993.

The charge-sheet states that Abu Salem was brought to Dutt's residence accompanied by Magnum video owner Sameer Hingora and motor-training school owner Ibrahim Musa on instructions of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's brother Annes to deliver the weapons.

The next morning the consignment arrived and they gave him three AK-56 rifles, 25 hand grenades, one 9 mm pistol and cartridges. Dutt however returned the AK-56 rifles, hand grenades and cartridges to Hanif and Samir but kept one AK-56 rifle with himself. The rifle and cartridges allegedly formed part of the consignment, which was smuggled into India at Dighi Port on 9 January, 1993.

On learning that Mumbai police were looking to question Sanjay Dutt, his father Sunil Dutt asked him to immediately return from Mauritius, where he was shooting for a film. As soon as Dutt arrived from Mauritius, police arrested him stating that the AK-56 found in his house, was from the consignment of arms smuggled into India before the blasts.

Dutt confessed to the police that while he was in Mauritius for shooting, he had instructed his friends to destroy the weapons. The rifle was then accordingly destroyed by his friends Yusuf Nullawalla, Kersi Adjenia, Rusi Mulla and Ajay Marwah. Sanjay Dutt however denied the charges that he was involved in the larger conspiracy. Although at first Dutt had admitted to the charges of owning the weapons but later he retracted the confession.

In May, 1993, Dutt was released on bail. In July 4, 1994, Dutt’s bail was cancelled and he was re-arrested on 19 April, 1993 (nearly a month after the Mumbai blasts). After spending nearly 16 months in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, Dutt was again released on bail on Oct 16, 1995. In the year 2001 Dutt faced several queries from the court spread over four days, on the subject of his possessing the AK-56 rifle. To which Dutt flatly denied having a connection with any such event and even denied having met Abu Salem and others.

However, in 2002, the Mumbai police tapped alleged Dutt's conversation with gangster Chhota Shakeel. The conversation had references to the actor having bought a T-shirt for him, from Dubai. In fact after this incident the Shiv Sena-BJP combine in Maharashtra created a furore in the State legislature over the Bollywood star's alleged taped conversation with underworld don Chhota Shakeel. In the year 2003, Dutt informed the court that he did not know about Pakistan-based gangster Chhota Shakeel. Court exempted Dutt from personal appearance till June-end, stating he had gone abroad for stage shows with the court's permission.

After this Dutt’s bail was extended a number of times. On 28 November 2006, the Special TADA court found actor Sanjay Dutt guilty under the Arms Act of possessing an illegal weapon. He was cleared, however, of the charges of terrorism and conspiracy by the Judge Kode who said in his ruling in the open court "During my reasoning I have not found him (Sanjay) to be a terrorist."

Finally on 31 July, 2007 Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to 6 years rigorous imprisonment by Judge Kode. His aide Rusi Mulla, was however, awarded probation and is under observation for one year. Sanjay Dutt was also fined Rs. 25,000 and his probation plea was rejected. The 16 months that Dutt has already served in jail will be deducted from the sentence.

Dutt’s plea for sometime for surrender was rejected by the judge. Sanjay Dutt’s lawyer, Mr Satish Maneshinde, however, said the actor would appeal against his sentence in the Supreme Court. On August 2, 2007, Sanjay Dutt was shifted from Arthur Road jail in Mumbai to the Yerwada Jail in Pune, where Dutt will carry out the rest of his sentence.

Home remedies for acne, blackheads & pimples

Where skin disorders are concerned, it is best to stick as much as possible to natural cure options; as these are less likely to have any adverse side-effects.

Acne, pimples and blackheads are basically skin dis-orders that cause eruptions and inflammation in human beings especially on the face. The most important thing to do if you suffer from any one of these is to drink at least four pints of water every day. Drinking a lot of water is very beneficial to your skin. Including fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables in your daily diet will also bring about a marked improvement in the quality of your complexion. Regular Yoga exercises will also help improve skin and overall health.

• Give below are 10 simple home remedies to counter act these skin eruptions:

1. Make a mixture of 1 tsp of mint powder, 1 tsp of oatmeal powder and 2-3 tsp of rose water. Mix well and apply on pimples. Wait till it dries up and wash off. Repeat daily for about a month to see a change in your complexion.

2. Before bathing, apply a mixture of tomato pulp – real tomato pulp, not packaged one – honey and rose-water to your face and keep for twenty minutes before washing off. And at night, before going to bed, apply a mix of cream, glycerin, and lemon juice to your face and again keep it on for a short while before washing.

3. Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water, apply to face with a cotton ball, and allow it to set for 30 minutes before rinsing. 15-20 days of this application helps cure pimples and also helps to remove blemishes and scars.

4. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash it off with warm water next morning.

5. For acne that does not seem to respond to anything, steep 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10-20 minutes, cool, and apply to affected area with a cotton ball.

6. Add curd to gram flour to make a paste and apply it on the face. Completely rub it off before it dries. Repeat every two days. This is also good for removing blemishes. Make curd out of skim milk for oily skin.

7. Take about 2-3 tsps of warm honey and mix it in about 1 tbsp of gram flour to a smooth consistency. Apply this paste to your face. Wash off the paste with warm water after it dries. This remedy will keep acne and pimples at bay.

8. Make a mixture of 1 tsp fullers earth, 1 tsp of fenugreek powder, 1 tsp mint powder, juice of 1/2 lime and 1 tsp of rose water. Apply this twice a day. Keep on the face till it dries up then wash off with cold water. This is an effective remedy for pimples and acne.

9. Even applying scrapped half apple softly all over the face does, do wonders for the blemished skin.

10. Another very effective pimple and black head banisher is this mixture. Take 1 tsp drumstick leaf juice mix with 1 tsp lime juice and apply on face let it remain for about 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.

Try any one of these above home remedies and you will definitely be the proud owner of a wonderful clean clear complexion that will be the envy of all.

De-Indoctrination on terrorism

• URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR

Friday morning, July 6, 2007 one read the blazing newspaper headline “Suicide Bomber is Bangalorean” To say that one was shaken to the core was just an understatement. Of course at that point in time one did have some inkling on the matter as there was news in bits and pieces that the suspects in the blotched terror plots in UK could be Indians. The two Indians said to be involved in crashing a blazing Jeep Cherokee into the Glasgow airport terminal building. But like any other citizen, one lives in hope and faith that our country men will not be involved in such dastardly attacks, where they not only massacre other human beings but are even prepared to die for the attainment of so called martyrdom. Now it has been confirmed that one of them is indeed an Indian, lying in a critical state with little hope of survival. So the unimaginable has happened. Now reality stares us starkly in the face, that from now onwards even our citizens are no longer immune from being in the vicious grip of invisible master minds of terror attacks.

According to newspaper reports the two Indian youths were Kafeel Ahmed, 28-year-old engineer and the other is his brother Sabeel Ahmed who is 26. Their cousin who is also alleged to be involved is Mohammed Haneef, 27. In all three of the eight suspects are from the same family from Bangalore, while the families of another two were old friends, in the Middle East. Several shared homes in Britain. The shocking point here is that except one, all are doctors working in NHS hospitals. This is ironical, as they have to take an oath before they receive their degree to save lives and today they are involved in an attempt to take human lives on a mass scale.

The purpose of this article here is not to discuss the details of the plot and whether our citizens caught are guilty or not. All these matters are being widely publicized and printed all over. And of course the law must take its own course and the guilty youth too have to face the legal outcome. Which again is terribly sad, considering the fact that the parents of the youths have to face so much of trauma and suffering for no fault of their own? They are respectable citizens and doctors to the core living honest simple lives, who have dedicated their lives to saving precious lives.

The concern here is what as ordinary citizens we are doing to prevent such incidents from happening. Are we indeed powerless to prevent our precious highly educated youth from falling prey to the masters of terrorists modules sitting somewhere at their head quarters, who plot and plan and target gullible youths in cities and towns. Then slowly start the process of brainwashing them, using various religious theologies and goading them into acts of revenge against alleged wrongs done. They are indoctrinating and manipulating them not only into committing terrorist attacks but shockingly even motivating them to give up their own lives in the name of martyrdom. And once the job is done, washing their hands off from the whole incident and hiding behind the clock of invisibility searching for more such soft targets to carry out their sinister agendas.

We too on our part may sit back and discuss these issues till the matter is hot and is a newspaper headline and the next day may just shrug off our shoulders and go on with our lives. Moreover as Indians we have got into the habit of locking the stables after the horses have bolted. But we cannot afford to do so this time, as we will have to pay a very heavy price for our complacency and laid back attitude. Earlier our reformers and founding fathers used to preach that education is the solution to most of the evils in society. That a thinking man, armed with degrees and knowledge will not fall prey to evil activities and commit inhuman acts.

All such theories need a complete overhaul in today’s changing scenario. Today we are noticing a new trend of highly educated youths who are being transformed into anti-socials. These are the youths, on whom the country’s exchequer has spent valuable resources and money in order to groom them to be valuable and useful members of society. To bring laurels to their country wherever they go and to represent their country in a proud light, just as our very own Mangalorean, actress Shilpa Shetty, who not only made her parents but all us Indians proud. Today in UK, if we Indians can hold our head up high it’s in no small measure to the way Shilpa conducted herself in the course of the British television show where she showed exemplary grace and dignity when racially attacked by her fellow contestants.

One suggestion is that just as there is slow process of doctrinarian and brainwashing of youths going on and cases of violence and hatred on the rise at the grass root level, the government along-with religious bodies, the NGO’s as well as we ordinary citizens can support a cause whereby special cells or modules are opened in colleges, government institutions and different religious places - whether a temple or a masjid or a gurudwara or a church where youths and teenagers are given counseling. General awareness and guidance program can be conducted on not falling prey to any kind of terrorist networks and modules. And also bringing some of those involved in small crimes back to mainstream society.

The readers are invited to give their own suggestions in this matter which will be whole heartedly welcome. One such valuable suggestion put forth was that counseling and watch-out on the whereabouts of the youth in all areas and from different back grounds should be done by a special state squad. It would also be very useful if the students of the NCC and NSS as also the Scouts and Guides are made to form together a particular organization, and trained thoroughly. The purpose is that the common youth is fore-armed from falling prey to evil ideologies. Concluding this article one may state that unless steps are taken now for some kind of de-indoctrination, we will in future too have many more exceptionally brilliant doctors like Kafeel and Sabeel falling prey to invisible terrorist master minds.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON TERRORISM FOR A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM:

Inter Subjective Dimensions of Terrorism and its Transcendence

Resolutions adopted at human rights & NCHRO Meeting

Press Release
Mumbai

The following are the resolutions adopted at the meeting of Human Rights and Civil Society Activists called by the National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), on the occasion of International Day of “Solidarity with Victims of Torture” held at the Mumbai Patrakar Sangh hall on June 26, 2007.

Encounter killings are part of a deliberate and conscious state administrative
practice for which the Indian government must bear responsibility. The successive political groups in power sanctified this de facto policy of extra-judicial killings by members of the police forces, the armed forces and para-military security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Manipur and Tripura and by state armed police in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat in the name of eliminating naxalites, terrorists or criminals.

The State has armed itself with draconian laws such as Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and derivative state legislations which are irrational, unjust and against the principles of natural justice. These laws justify preventive detention and encourage extraction of confessions by any method.

The United Nations Basic Principles emphasise that the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials should be in consonance with respect for human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides that “every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.” Extra-judicial killings clearly contravene the right to life.

India ratified ICCPR in 1979 and signed the convention against torture since 1997, but it has since betrayed its commitment to take effective measures to ensure that extra-judicial killings do not occur. It is yet to follow-up on that and have a ratification of the said convention. The rapid increase in the number of such killings flies in the face of the Right to Life as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. These antiquated laws are yet to be amended and brought in line with international practices. Infact there is no real investigation into such extra-judicial killings. It is no surprise therefore that the guilty in the police and security forces remain unpunished.

The hopes that a just civil society had in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), have been belied because of serious flaws in the Statutes. The NHRC and other National Commissions too have not been able to call the guilty to account for violence against religious minorities, women, dalits and tribals.

This “National Convention on Encounter Killings” organized by
National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO) in association with Amnesty International of India on this 26th day of June 2007, on the International Anti-torture day, notes gross violation of human rights, specially of torture and extra judicial deaths in many countries. The Convention condemns the assault on human dignity in the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay in the Cuban island, the military prisons in Iraq, and the situation in countries of South Asia and thereby demands the following:

We demand from the Government of India and State Governments, the following:

* Urgent and effective measures to stop fake encounters, disappearances, custodial violence, custodial death and extra judicial killings by police, special squads and security forces.

* Reform the criminal justice system and the Penal code, beginning the process by repealing all special legislation that enable a culture of torture and culture of impunity.

* Prevent cruel, inhuman or degrading punishments by authorities.
Stop discrimination and violence against women, indigenous peoples, dalits and minorities and ensure genuine safe guards.

* Strengthen the statutes of the NHRC, State Human Rights and Minorities Commission (SHRMC) and other statutory bodies.

* Protect and rehabilitate the victims and survivors of encounter killings and other police atrocities, and give them affirmative compensation.

* Ratify UN convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment (convention against torture) by making amendments in statutes.

* Establish a national register of the missing persons, and of the victims of torture, custodial deaths and encounter killings under the supervision of the NHRC.

* Establish public grievance and redressal mechanisms in the pattern of Lokayukta and Ombudsman to take cognisance of excesses committed by the police and armed personnel, and to enforce Command Responsibility..

* Maintain the sanctity of the ultimate power of Clemency now being exercised by the President of India and by State Governors from judicial and political aggression and encroachments.

Edited by Nina Rai in NRI website: Daijiworld.com
Check out the article below :

Govt. Must Bear Responsibility for Encounter Killings : NCHRO

National Seminar on encounter killings

Press Release
Mumbai
June, 2007

Different communities living in this country should join hands together to counter state terrorism, so that each and every individual is able to lead a dignified life.

Concerted efforts needs to be made by one and all to see that the unholy nexus between the politicians in power, the police and the media is exposed irrespective of the fact whether one is affected or not, directly or indirectly. The media too has played a major role in creating an image of all Naxalites as anti-nationals and all Muslims as terrorists.

Muslims all over are now being targeted in fake encounter killings in the name of terrorism while earlier other downtrodden masses were shot down in the guise of them being Naxalites. These were some the viewpoints expressed in a near unanimous voice by different speakers at the National Seminar on fake ‘Encounter Killings’ organized by the National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO) here today, in association with Amnesty International India.

The speakers stressed the need to develop a database of encounter killings in order to follow the cases to its final logical conclusion of bringing the culprits to book under the law of the land. This would give some degree of solace to the kith and kin of those killed in such encounter killings.


The Seminar was attended in large numbers by the delegates and relatives of the victims of encounter killings. The session was presided over by E.M.Abdurahman, General Secretary Popular Front of India, Adv. K.P.Mohammed Shareef; General Convener delivered the welcome address. Dr. John Dayal inaugurated the seminar. Justice Hosbet Suresh concluded the seminar. Prof. Nagari Babbaya (Bangalore), Prof. Shamsul Islam (New Delhi), Ms Gouri Lankesh (Bangalore), Adv Yousuf Hatim Muchala, Adv. Suresh Kumar, Latheef (Andhra Pradesh), Parvez Bari (Bhopal), Pattabi Somayaji, B.V Sitaram, Arshi Khan (Aligarh), Taeedul Islam (West Bengal), Subramaniam, Adv. Sunder Raj, T Sukumaran (Tamilnadu), M.A. Khalid (Mumbai) were the other attendees.

Earlier in the day during the interactive session of the human right activists, Justice Hosbet Suresh said that these types of extra judicial killings will put an end to law abiding society.

Justice Suresh during his address before the human rights activists held at Mumbai observed that criminalization and extra judicial powers given to the police force is the main reason for the fake encounter killings. According to him under the existing system, police can book anyone and kill them at any time, in fake encounter in the guise of extremism and terrorism. This is he stated is a violation of person’s rights and right to live. The program was part of a “National Seminar on Encounter Killings” organized by the National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO) in association with Amnesty International India on 26 June 2007 and Anti-Torture Day held at the Marathi Patrakar Sangh Hall, Mumbai.

Relatives of encounter victims Gopinatha Pillai (father of Pranesh Kumar alias Javed who was killed in Ahmedabad), Sajida (wife of Pranesh Kumar alias Javed), Muthu Lakshmi (widow of Veerappan killed by STF), Philomina (mother of Sudheer killed by the Mangalore police) Noori (widow of Abdul Raoof who killed by Bangalore police) all shared their personal experiences.

Edited by: Nina Rai in NRI website Daijiworld.com dated June 28, 2007

Press here to read it in Daijiworld.com
Govt Responsibile for Encounter Killings - NCHRO

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SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007
Nina Rai's Blog About Advertising

Exploring the net has always been my hobby. And while surfing you get to see so many good websites. Recently, I came across Nina Rai's website. On this web site, apart from detailed explanation about the advertising concepts, you can find write-ups on women's issues, areas of social concern, astrology, herbal beauty products , topics on history and religion and spirituality, and also short humorous articles, day-to-day incidents, personal in nature etc.

One of the post on this blog, which I found most interesting is 'GOLDEN THUMB RULES FOR INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS', where she talks about rules to follow in order to provide a safety cover to kids and teenagers from the growing threats in the cyber world. Overall a good site to visit.

Way to go Nina...

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I am basically a freelance copywriter and journalist, but a newbie as far as blogging is concerned. There are so many queries on blogging whirring in my head, as to how I am going to go about promoting my blog site. Most websites are inundated with so much information that one feels lost and unable to find proper answers to one's queries.

Accidentally however, I found this fabulous website: Info4BeingRich.com. And it's truly amazing. In simple and lucid language it gives one all information on blogging and much more. A website which I will definitely recommend to all my friends as a must see and visit. Please do check this out at the link given below:

Golden thumb rules for internet safety for children and teenagers

According to various surveys conducted with regard to internet security recently in US, almost 100% of children in the age group 11-17, use the Internet for email, over 70% use social networking sites, about 60% of children ages 3+, use the Internet,43% of teenagers have been contacted by online strangers when using a social networking site. And most parents are concerned about predatory behavior as well as pornography exposure.

There is an urgent need to educate ourselves as well as our children, in order to keep our children safer online. While some things may be disturbing or difficult to discuss with our children, but by not communicating honestly and in a direct manner, we are putting them at a grave risk.

Here are some of the pertinent things which parents need to know and take relevant action:

1. Find out your childs user name, email address and password.

2. Never allow children to have computers in their own bedrooms. Keep it in an open space at home, so that it is visible when they are browsing and will not be able to access any pornographic sites.

3. Do not allow them to have a webcam on their computer, if they insist keep the pass word with you and allow it to be accessed when you are around.

4. Instruct them, educate them constantly, not to give out or post personal information, such as their full name, social security number, home address, location, email address, school name, phone number, date of birth, or real age.

5. Firmly insist to your children that personal information must remain PRIVATE and that they use non-descript gender neutral screen or user name such as Table10 or Internet 2.

6. Guide them that when using social networking site to restrict access to their profile by using privacy settings. Ask them to talk only to people known in real life. Explain to them the pitfalls of dealing with strangers.

7. Warn them never to accept unsolicited emails, files, photographs, videos or attachments from online strangers.

8. Google your children and go online with your children.

9. Register for your own account on Friendster or My Space or Orkut or any other social networking sites, so that you too get an accurate idea of the sites your children visit.

10. Learn your children’s passwords. And also advise them not to share their pass- words with anyone including friends.

11. Tell your children that what is published or said online today, may come back to haunt them tomorrow. If your child insists and chooses to use a picture, then either blur or morph it before posting.

12. One Golden Rule of language to be used online is “netiquette” or online etiquette.

13. Advise them not to say things on the Internet which they would not say to some one in person.

14. Insist firmly that when it comes to questionnaires or surveys, their permission as parents must be taken first.

15. In case your child is a victim of cyber bullying or stalking, or knows someone who has been targeted. Stress to your children to TELL an adult.

16. Insist to your children that if something online makes them feel scared un-comfortable or worried they should immediately inform a trusted adult.

17. Not to rely solely on parental control but to also TALK and LISTEN attentively to your children.

18. Speak to the school principal and insist on your childs school or college to have a regular Internet Safety curriculum in place. Alongwith an an anti-cyber bullying policy in place.

As it has been wisely told by someone, its always better to be safe rather than sorry later. The safety and well being of your child or teenager is in your hand. Follow the above thumb rules and you can rest assured that all will be fine in your childs cyber world tyrst.

ULTIMATELY THE BEST PARENTAL CONTROL, IS YOU !!

Please check the link below to read this article in Daijiworld.com:

Internet Safety for Children and Teenagers:

Five secrets to a great looking skin

Five basic secrets for an acne free great looking skin:

Basic Secret #1:

While washing your face always try and use Neutrogena or Sorbitol based soap or face wash, as it cleans yours face thoroughly without causing dryness or give a waxy feeling to your skin. Using all-natural glycerin based soaps are also very effective for cleaning the face. These soaps also balance the pH of the skin, creating a hostile environment for bacteria. This will definitely work wonders for your skin and clear the path for a smooth skin.

Besides washing your face regularly, there are three other steps you can take to help get a clear skin. The first step would be using a facial toner, while the second step would be using a good moisturizer especially for dry to normal skin. It would not be recommended for use for oily or even combination skin. In fact in some cases using facial toner for oily or combination skin is also useless. Whether you follow either of the above steps mentioned is going to depend on your skin type and personal results. However, the third step is a critical one everyone should be following.

It does not matter what skin type you have, you should always follow this basic secret to clearing your skin.

Basic Secret #2:
Most people with oily or combination skins lack consistent exfoliation of skins. Exfoliation is the natural process of flaking away of the outer skin cells, revealing a new layer of skin that exposes and protects skin from the outside elements. As we get older, the exfoliation process tends to slow down.

This can lead to an abnormal buildup of dry skin on the surface that blocks pores and causes break outs, or contributes to the wrinkling of skin. Some people are more genetically inclined in the slowing of their natural exfoliation, and often have serious issues with blocked pores and acne. The key here is to speed up the exfoliation process so that the skin renews itself much quicker.

This can be accomplished by the following methods:

1. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: These are widely available over-the-counter and are the mildest form of fruit acids used to create a peeling of the skin. They work slowly over time to speed up the exfoliation process. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are usually pretty inexpensive and give good results in about 6 weeks. They range in strength from 5% up to 20% generally. The stronger ranges (20% and higher) are reserved for more intensive peeling.

2. Dermabrasion: This process is much like a sanding of the skin, a method to remove the outer layers of the dermis – usually up to 4 layers. For severe acne scarring, the dermabrasion is done by a docter. This is of course more expensive, requiring a long recovery period, but it will remove much of the outer layers of skin. There are also middle type dermabrasion processes like aluminum oxide crystals. These are performed in salons and require several treatments and can be quite expensive - though they are effective. However this treatment creates a shine on the skin that is hard to cover up. There is very little downtime with using a process like aluminum oxide crystals although it is costly.

3. Peels: There are several types of peels available and the word "peel" is so over-used. So let us stick to real peels. A real peel will remove several layers of outer skin revealing the healthy new skin underneath. If you have ever had sunburn and then peeled - you will know exactly what is meant by "new skin."


The following 3 type of peels work in a similar fashion:

1. Glycolic Acid Peel - is a very strong version of the alpha hydroxy fruit acid mixture. It works by loosening the dead and ready to shed skin cells. It does not damage or burn any live cells and removes only the outermost layers. It leaves the skin softer and more even toned and usually takes 2-3 treatments over a period of a month to be noticeable.


2. TCA Peel - This is a true acid peel usually performed by a dermatologist or certified salon esthetician.

This treatment does burn the outer layers of skin and carries with it some discomfort and risk of infection. It all but removes the outer layers of skin and there is a healing time of about one and a half to two weeks. It has varying strengths and time frames to be used on the skin and should only be performed by a certified professional. These peels can give good results but are painful and can be costly. You will, however, get almost immediate results...as soon as the old skin peels off you have very even skin tone and reduction of spots and wrinkles.

3. Phenol Peel- These peels act in much the same way as the TCA peels but are very strong and are required to be performed by medical professionals. Use of phenol peels is not recommended, as they have been replaced by the milder glycolic and TCA peels in the dermatological profession.

4. Skin Culture Peel - This is a natural mixture that has been in use since the 1930's. It provides the same results as the stronger phenol and TCA peels, but without burning the skin or risk of infection. These peels indeed produce great results. Its a remarkable product and it does wonders in removing the old scarring left by acne. This is indeed a highly recommended form of treatment for anyone wishing to have clearer skin or wanting to reduce wrinkles and photoaging in a dramatic way. Moreover this is reasonable in cost and very effective.

Diet and great Skin:

Is there a link between diet and acne. Nowadays we hear constantly about diet in relation to the skin. Does diet play any role at all in skin health? You bet it does!

Acne is primarily a 20th Century disease as it was not found in ancient times. The pollution levels, poor eating habits, and overuse of antibiotics have allowed yeast (Candida Albicans) to get out of control. The result is…acne. Earlier it was fairly limited to the western civilization but is now fast becoming more of a problem as other cultures incorporate processed foods into their eating habits. In US alone there are over 17 million chronic acne sufferers...and 1 out of every 3 will have to deal with some form of it in their lifetime.

So absolutely diet affects one’s skin. Todays youth who down a regular Coca Cola will definitely find their acne beginning to redden and intensify in less than five minutes! This is due to reaction of sugar in the cola.

Basic Secret #3:
One major specific change one needs to make today for the long term, to have better overall health and rejuvenation of skin is a simple secret and that is to cut out the Sugars. Lowering sugar intake is one of the main keys of skin health. The result which will follow over a period of time, will be truly remarkable.Food does make a difference that can be dramatic. In fact certain foods can be healers as well. One can even use certain foods to eliminate acne permanently.

Basic Secret #4:
What is put into the mouth has a huge impact on the overall health of the skin the largest organ. An important food to take is that which contains plenty of Vitamin C and drinking plenty of water.
Vitamin C is responsible for the skins overall functioning and most importantly its ability to repair itself and produce and maintain collagen. One may take Vitamin C tablets easily enough. But it is best to add foods containing high levels of Vitamin C to ones diet. Some examples include spinach and broccoli (both also rich in Iron), citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes. One may add a slice in water too and even having potatoes which has 25 mgs of Vitamin C.

Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis helps to maintain the skin's elasticity, and is simply just essential to the health of one’s body and skin. One of the main activities of the body's self-healing system is to filter the blood, a job performed mostly by the kidneys, with help from the skin in the form of perspiration. This self-healing system removes the toxic wastes of metabolizing food and of other harmful substances that get into our bodies one way or another. This purification system operates efficiently only if the volume of water flowing through it's suffi-cient to carry away the wastes.Drinking atleast about 8 to 10 glasses (64 fluid ounces) of water a day is the recommendation.

Basic Secret #5:
By making use of a suitable sun block to protect one’s skin from the sun and harsh weather conditions can also to a great extent protect one’s skin.

Using the correct sunblock will help to protect one’s skin from the sun and wind. Toxins from radiation and drying of the outer layers of skin can greatly add to the breakout problems. The breakouts on skin are even more when there is too much of exposure to sun. One needs to always protect the exposed surface of the skin from the effects of the outside environment. The SPF the sun protection factor needs to be atleast 15 to 30 - no more unless one is spending the entire day out in the sun.

In case of combination or oily skin, then one needs to use an oil free sunblock.
If one has normal or dry skin one may use a moisturizer with sun block. But it is better to use Neutrogena products for sun blocks as they are usually non comedogenic ie not supposed to have any pore-clogging ingredients. Thus by using the correct SPF and type of medium for such skin type – one can not only get the proper sun block protection, but one will also be able to assist the skin in minimizing breakouts.

By applying the above five basic secrets anyone can achieve healthier and better looking skin. However these secrets should not be looked as the end of one’s skin education, but as a basic foundation to work on.

Raksha Bandhan: Iron Bond of Love

The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan depicting the love between a brother and sister It falls in the month of Shravana, the month when the rains are receding, sea is calming down and weather is pleasant. The month is important to the farmers, to the fishermen and to the voyagers and businessmen. And in India all such days and months are a matter of celebration. These celebrations are in other words a kind of thanks giving to the Gods and is celebrated with great fervour and excitement all over India, particularly North India.

On this day sister’s tie a scared thread called 'Rakhi' around her brother's wrist. She prays to God for the safety of her brother and to lead him on a good path. The brother in return feeds her sweets and blesses her with good wishes and accepts the responsibility of protecting her. In Indian tradition the frail thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than iron chains as it binds brothers and sisters in an inseparable bond of love and trust. Raksha Bandhan is meant not just for siblings, but for protection of any loved one. 'Raksha' means protection and 'bandhan' means bond.

However, today we find people are being led away from the true meaning of such occasion because they mindlessly follow traditions, instead of finding the true meaning and base of these traditions. Does any one really know why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated ? The roots of most of the Hindu festivals can be traced to Hindu Mythology.

The ancient treatise Bhavishya Purana narrates the story of Indra and Indrani. It states that once Lord Indra was facing reverses in battle against demons led by King Bruta. At this stage Indra sought the help of Guru Brihaspati. The Sage advised him to tie a sacred thread powered by mantras on the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima. Following the suggestion, Indra's consort Indrani tied the sacred thread on Indra’s wrist for protection and assurance on the decided time. The Rakhi helped Gods win the battle against the demons. Raksha Bandhan is also mentioned in our epics as a festival of Gods. It is said that Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the lord of Death used to tie rakhi to her brother on every Shravan Purnima. Yama was so impressed by the occasion that he declared that who ever got a Rakhi tied from his sister would become immortal. From that day onwards girls tie rakhi to their brothers wishing them a long life and while tying the rakhi, the girls chant "Yena baddho, Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala" meaning "I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter." The Brothers in turn bestow their blessings by promising to take care of the sisters through thick and thin.

The legend relates that the mighty Demon King Raja Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. When Lord Indra could not counter Bali in war, he went to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu pushed Bali to the neither world (Patala Lok). But Lord Vishnu promised King Bali immortality, till he had crowned Indra and also queitly decided to guard the kingdom of Patala leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Laxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, wished the Lord to be back at Vaikunth. Disguised as a Brahmin woman she went to Bali to seek refuge till her husband returned home, after finishing all his important tasks. On the Shravan Purnima Day Goddess tied the sacred thread to Bali and prayed for his well being. Bali was touched by this gesture. He accepted her as his sister and requested her to make a wish. At this she revealed herself and told him that it was Lord Vishnu himself guarding his Kingdom. King Bali immediately requested the Lord to return to his abode. Which the Lord did so. Thus due to the Rakhi came all happiness and wealth to Goddess Laxmi. All auspicious things happened. From that day onwards, girls tie rakhi to their brothers and seek their blessings.

There is also an historical reason for this wonderful festival. During the invasion of Alexander the Great. It is said that Puru was a mighty king. Alexander had to face stiff resistance from him. Worried about her husband's fate, Alexander's wife seeked audience with King Puru. She requested him to accept her as his sister. Puru obliged her and promised not to harm Alexander. The Rakhi on Puru's hand is said to be the savior of Alexander.

In the medieval times, rakhi meant a call for help. The Rajput kingdoms were being attacked by the Muslim rulers. The Royal ladies solicited help from the fellow Rajput rulers sending them Rakhi. The Rajputs considered it their responsibility to respond to the request and help them. A famous incident relates how the widowed queen of Chittor, Rani Karnawati sent rakhi to Emperor Humayun to help her save the honor of the dependent Ladies. Humayun immediately followed the request and reached there with his troops. He despite all his efforts reached there late and the royal ladies had already performed the Jauhar.

All this signifies that Rakhi was not always only a brother sister festival. It has to fulfill the basic need of protection. It was an un- maligned prayer for good will and protection. It is said that at one time the Sages tied the sacred thread for protection to themselves and their followers.

In Pre-independence India, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Utsavas, a congregation signifying the harmonious relationship amongst the community. It was a vow for peaceful existence and commitment to all the members of society. This was Raksha Bandhan's universal outlook.

In today’s society Rakhi though celebrated, as a sibling's festival, if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective. The festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The day is all about “Raksha” or protection, not just for self but for the dear ones, for peaceful existence of the human race The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust.

Lets me conclude with this small ancient poetic verse :

"May all be happy
May all be free from ills
May all behold only the good
May none be in distress."

This has always been the idea of an ideal Hindu society, which is the need of the hour in today’s violent times.

Goddess Mariyamma and Mogaveera Samaja

The history of Goddess Shree Maariyamma can be traced back to nearly about 500 years. As per ancient folklore and the sayings of ancestors, a person from the ‘Dulli Gurikara’ family living in the Moghaveera village of ancient Karnataka, had gone to the ghat area on business visit. While returning home, his body started shaking and shivering as if in a trance known as ‘Avesha’ meaning Goddess entering a human body and speaking through him. The ‘Avesha’ soon spread to his family members too. This continued for several days without any respite for him or his family members with the Devi refusing to leave their bodies and releasing them from their agony. The Devi through them kept chanting “I am Goddess Shree Maaridevi. I am ordering you all to perform daily poojas to invoke my blessings and according to the strength of your belief and faith I will grant you the ‘phala’ (fruit).”

After several days of agony, as a last resort all the family members and the villagers held a Meeting. And together they decided to pray to the Goddess and did that saying that since they were poor, they could not be able to perform daily pooja. The Devi accepted their wish and then assured them with a Abhaya Lastha … “I have come here to show you all the way, for earning your livelihood. I will show you a suitable place to make the prathishatapana (temple memorial).”

Consequently all the members of the seven pattanas (villages) of the Moghaveera Samaj held a meeting from Kudroli to Hosabettu. As per the decision taken by all, the Gram Patela of Boloor was made their head and he narrated the proceedings of the meeting and he also suggested a suitable place for construction of temple for the Devi. It was a vacant plot of land. In those days the Pottu Kumbaras used to perform poojas to Lord Eishwara (Shiva) in the nearby katte or gudi (monuments). And thus villagers of Moghaveera Pattanas installed the idol of Goddess Shree Maaridevi and started worshipping the Devi in the adjacent plot next to Eishwara Gudi.

Despite their poverty, all the fishermen parted with one share of their income for the development of the Devi Temple. From then onwards, it became a custom to collect vanthiye (monetary offerings) from the villagers of the pattanas. As proof of their devotion, their money was then utilized to decorate the Goddess with different varieties of gold coins on her neck. All the women, children without any age bar, co-operated in the construction of the Maaridevi Temple, by joining hands in this noble cause. They even carried bricks, stones and other building materials on their heads and walked all the way for one and half kms from Boloor.

From the time immemorial, whenever they faced a scarcity of fishes in the sea or any crisis, all the villagers of the seven paraganas meet at Yogettu and prayed to the Devi for a whole day, and miraculously the very next day they would get a bumper crop of fishes in the seas. To support this belief, they have a lot of evidence too. For instance whenever the sea became wild and rough and they could not venture into it for fishing, they would pray to Goddess Maariamma and miraculously she would bless her devotees and the tidal waves would recede back into the sea and calm down the waters. Even during heavy rains lashing the seas, the fishermen without caring for their lives would jump into the seas with the belief that Goddess Maariamma would protect them by not allowing any accident to occur and thereby protecting the entire Moghaveera Samaja.

Hence from the ancient times to this day, the Moghaveera Samaja has sacrificied everything at the feet of Goddess Maariamma. As proof of this Sridevi Maariamma has ordered the “Dulli” family to participate and perform all the religious ceremonies and rituals of the temple even when they have any “Sutakas” (bad omens). All the religious ceremonies even today are being conducted by the Moghaveeras of the seven pattanas in sequence one after the other, annually.