Kisholoy is produced by members of Ananda Mandir. The articles or photographs of this magazine are copyrighted and should not be reproduced in any other forms without the consents of the owners.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions from the followings:
Sponsors: Anup Rakhit, Ashok Rakhit, Biswajit Sarkar and Girija Belavadi, Biswajyoti Nayak, Debajyoti and Sikha Chatterji, Dipak K. Sarkar, Indrani Dhar, Jai Prakash Biswas, Phalguni Ghosh, Pronoy Chatterjee, Santosh Mukherjee, Utpal Sengupta,
Drawing and Photographs: Anirudh Sarkar, Rishab Das, Sophie Sarkar, Biswajit Sarkar, Girija Belavadi, Shirley Sanderson.
Editorial: Dipak K. Sarkar, Utpal Sengupta
Printing : Debajyoti Chatterji
Magazine Composer: Dipak K. Sarkar
For information about the Kisholoy – contact Dipak K. Sarkar via email (Dipakksarkar@hotmail.com).
KisholoymembersParticipate inVariousActivities
Heritage Day Celebration
Preparation of Kisholoy Wall Magazine Ratha Jatra Celebration
Kisholoy members Parama Das, Shreya Chooudhury, Aniketh Sarkar, Anirudh Sarkar with an instructor.
Adventure on Airboat
By Anshini Ghoshal Biswas (age 8)
It was a fine sunny morning in Florida when my parents told me that we were going on an airboat tour around the Florida swamp. For better look we booked a smaller private boat. I was so excited I changed to my best clothes and hopped on the car. It took one hour to get there. But that one hour passed by quickly. When we got there, I kind of lost my dad but then I found him at the dock after a minute or two. The tour guide asked me if I wanted to sit in the top row, the bottom row or the middle row. I chose the top row because the view is better from there. My mom sat in the top row with me. And my dad sat in the front row. Then the boat started to move. The water was very shiny. The boat started to go fast. It went faster every second! Luckily I didn’t get seasick. Then the boat stopped. The tour guide grabbed a leaf from a small tree and said, “This leaf is called a Red velvet leaf. And it is super soft.” I felt the leaf. It was so soft. Then we started moving again. I still couldn’t believe how fast we went. Then our tour guide stopped the boat next to an alligator. This alligator was very big. I couldn’t see its face because it was half in the water. Then the alligator started trying to climb our boat. I was happy because I was on the top row and it would be harder to climb up there, but still
very scared. The tour guide started the boat very fast as usual and then the alligator started to slip off and then it dropped. I was relieved! And excited! We were starting to get closer to the swamp. I could tell because the more we went, the more trees I saw. We kept on going and going. I saw some spiders on the trees. Our tour guide said if we come in the night there eyes will glow. Up ahead our tour guide also showed us hollow trees where bats sleep in the day. But then a stick might have
jabbed the propeller because the next thing I know the boat just stopped. And it didn’t move again. The guide tried and tried, but no luck. And then, I saw in the water, the alligators started coming to the surface. Since the boat stopped, it was all silent all around us and the alligators might have thought we have gone away. So they started coming out on the surface. One, two, three … more and more alligators started surfacing all around us! Now I started getting scared again. What if they all try to get our boat? I started feeling very hot too. Luckily our tour guide had some Ice cold water which he handed out to us. I was so hot I drank the whole bottle. The tour guide finally started calling his friends for help, to come and get us. After almost one hour, which actually felt like forever, one of his friends showed up and rescued us! And we were finally moving again.
This airboat tour was just a life time experience!!!
Monthly Kisholoy Wall Magazine
My M emorable India Visit
By Auroni Sen (age 8)
Last Year I went to India for a very special purpose. That was my uncle's marriage. I attended a lot of marriages in America. But this was totally different.
I will give a very brief description of the marriage.
The first day of the marriage ceremony was "AI BURO BHAT". We all came to my uncle's house and chatted. Then he was served lots of food in a decorative manner. And all of us, we sat next to uncle and enjoyed our lunch. And in the evening we had a get together before dinner.
The next day’s ceremony was "ASHIRBAD"
We came in the morning to uncle's house and a lot of functions were done with my uncle. All the elders came one by one and blessed him.
The next day was the actual marriage of the marriage ceremony. It was the main day.
In the morning I went to uncle's house There were many ladies. They took my uncle to the Ganga river. They took the Ganga water and poured it on his head. This is called "GAYAHOLUD". People started throwing turmeric at each other. It was a lot of fun. Then we had a very delicious lunch. In the evening there were a big fleet of cars to take us to the marriage hall near the brides house.
The marriage took place in a palace. It was very old. We enjoyed a lot at the marriage hall. The next day the bride and my uncle came to my uncle’s house. And in the night we had a very beautiful function. We had dancing, singing and poems. I did a ballet to a Rabindra Sangeet song. The next day was a reception which was near my uncle’s house. Hundreds of people were there. It was super fun!
That was the end of the marriage ceremony.
Life
By Adwaitaa Goswami (age 13)
From the second that you’re in this world
They tell you what is “fair”. The questions you're allowed to ask,
And the ones you wouldn’t dare.
You’re placed on the path they’ve paved for you, Life pushes you along.
Without the chance to stop and think,
If it’s right where you belong.
But beyond your pathway’s edges, Is where living really starts.
A land of risks and dangers, A land of broken hearts.
They’ll tell you, you should fear this land, No good exists at all.
As they live their lives as they’ve been taught, Behind expectation’s walls.
But the best people you will ever meet,
Have wandered off their track.
They found themselves along the way, No need to wander back.
So forget about life’s road map, Follow your heart at any cost.
For you’ll never truly find yourself, If you’re too scared to get lost.
By Anirudh Sarkar (age 13)
“Mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” A quote coined by Plutarch, a philosopher, was also echoed in the ideals of philosopher Socrates and poet W. B Yeats.
The quote draws its ideals from the concept of education. Minds, of old and young alike, is not something where you can cram information and facts but it is a fire that needs to be ignited by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
When we force some hard facts into our minds, we memorize it inevitably but forget it as soon as the memorization serves its purpose. It has no proper purpose or value as forgotten knowledge is equivalent to a broken sword. You may try to use it but the results just won’t be the same.
However, learning anything by putting our heart and soul into it shall take more time but it will effectively assimilate, not only the given fact but ideas and visions of our own tool, in our minds! The knowledge exists forever and more in our hands. A knowledge that can never be stolen away. A power of immense strength.
A mind to whom education is forced shall not retain it for long. Education should thus not be forced but instead be taught in such a manner that it will readily accept whatever is taught, with each topic fully understood and not just memorized. Education should hence be a weapon, not just to be filled in a vessel but to ignite minds that shall spread a flame of innovations and development.
Education should be a quest for knowledge; an ability to think independently and create your own path to be followed and ideals to value. Education should not only provide the facts of the world but also help you find the ultimate truth.
Let me end my article with the story of Helen Keller, one of the greatest prodigies, whose teacher shaped her life in a unique way.
Helen Keller was a blind and deaf girl who was inflicted by this illness at an age of 19 months, leaving her doomed for the rest of her life. Her parents tried to get her illness cured but spent many years in vain.
Her life, however, changed when she met her guide, Anne Sullivan, who stayed with Helen for the rest of her life, guiding her through and helping her become a legend.
Anne taught Helen with extreme patience and care, not once forcing her to learn something but creating a burning, insatiable desire to learn about the things around her. She motivated Helen to go to school like all other girls, and helped her learn her lessons through Braille. Helen too never gave up and came out successful after crossing all the hurdles thrown in her way. Her life was never easy but with a teacher like Anne who knew what true education was, Helen rose to the top. Therefore, learn things not the way you want, but, the way you need. Education should be a sword you wield to achieve victory, and not a broken sword that might bring your downfall.
New Technological Marvel in Space
By Anirudh Sarkar (age 13)
A project worked on for the past decade by the John Hopkins University, will be launched into space by NASA. However, it’s not just another probe. It’s a probe, with a frisbee on top of it.
The probe being launched, called the Parker Solar Probe, will be taking 24 loops around the Sun, as it gets a 360 view of it, getting closer every time and helps scientists understand the characteristics of the Sun. However, as common knowledge, the Sun is extremely hot. Even the corona, which is the “outer sphere” of the Sun (Also what we see during a solar eclipse) can reach up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit And that’s where the 1.5 billion-dollar frisbee comes into play. This frisbee is developed to reflect as much heat and energy emanating from the Sun. It’s around 8 feet long and it took nearly 10 years to develop. It will be pointing towards the Sun at all times too. So, what’s the science behind all this? First off there’s crucial thermal protection tech worked in those 10 years as well. This keeps the frisbee from melting instantly, while reflecting the energy to protect the probe as a whole. However, behind the scenes is the real key towards protecting the probe. It relies on the difference between temperature and heat, as well as the density of space. All temperature is, is the speed of particles. The faster the particles, the more heat generated, thus determining the temperature.
The giant frisbee comprises a 4.5-inch carbon foam core, that actually is around 97 % air sandwiched between 2 panels of superheated carbon-carbon composite; however, the panel that is facing the sun, is a coat of brilliant ceramic paint to help deflect as much sunlight as possible. This allows temperatures into 2.5 K degrees F, affecting the heat shield and exposes the equipment inside to just 85 degrees. To put this into perspective, the predicted full force of the sun potentially blasting the probe with nearly 2 million watts of solar energy, the equipment inside would be subjected to just around 20 watts. Since the Sun is at an exponentially larger distance than all the other planets inside the diameter of the asteroid belt, communication would be delayed, through electromagnetic waves. Sure, they’re fast, but with that kind of distance, it would be delayed by a large amount of time. That’s why scientists gave another perk to the Parker Solar Probe. They gave the probe solar limb sensors, to tell the probe itself if it is going off balance and readjusts itself. This machine will truly be a remarkable project that will surely give the human race more knowledge of the final frontier.
Few Less Known Facts of Rabindranath Tagore
By Anirudh Sarkar (age 13)
Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi admired each other even though there were known disagreements between the two on a variety of issues including nationalism
Rabindranath Tagore with Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi in Shantiniketan
Rabindranath Tagore was knighted by the British Government in 1915, but he gave up the knighthood as a sign of protest against the British policies in colonial India.
Rabindranath attended several Indian National Congress sessions and sang during India’s freedom struggle. ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was the opening song for the second day of the Congress Session in 1911 and became our National Anthem. In 2011, India celebrated 100 years of our National Anthem.
Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize was stolen from VisvaBharati university's safety vault in 2004. Swedish Academy, as a replacement, offered two replicas of Tagore's Nobel Prize to the university
His last picture ( 1941)
Disillusioned by the typical classroom schooling, Tagore laid the foundation stone of Visva-Bharati University in 1918.
We are all aware of the great speech by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religion, but Rabindranath Tagore too addressed the same parliament twice, years later, in 1929 and 1937 .
Tagore performing the title role in Valmiki Pratibha (1881) with his niece Indira Devi
AI in Cyber Security
By Shivan Mukherjee (age 14)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is intelligence that is being demonstrated by machines rather than by humans. Things such as humming music or responding as according to what is said, is commonplace for most people but takes advanced AI and deep learning for a machine. As technology advances, AI is also reaching new thresholds in its capability. Cyber Security is what provides protection to operating systems in order to prevent theft or damage to information and software. AI has the ability to do things that humans cannot at astounding speeds.
Through the use of AI, a workforce can become more effective by taking advantage of its features. Mundane jobs such as crunching immense amounts of data can be done by a computer which does not get tired while the analysis of the results can be done by the analyst. What is unique to humans is the ability to consider what is known about the business vs what the technology is telling them. Currently, security professionals believe that AI can be used in incident detection, incident response, risk identification, and in security status/situational awareness. While all of these areas are crucial to a company, so far Artificial intelligence is working to provide analytics of information and relaying this information to already existing technologies. Machine learning also helps AI systems adapt to their task over time. This provides a much greater efficiency while also not creating a huge change in how things are done.
AI also has a future in safeguarding against malware attacks. The way things are now, conventional screening methods may not always be enough but with AI’s intelligent automation massive amounts of data can be sifted through and red flags can be raised that humans may not be able to find or are not even looking for. Right now, we have never faced more varied or farreaching cyber threats than we have today. What’s worse is that these attacks are becoming more common, more sophisticated, and more impactful. With the help of AI systems, these attacks can hopefully be identified and maybe give an advantage when facing them. While there is a long way to go, the future of AI in cyber security is indisputable.
Drones in Modern Day Life
By Shivan Mukherjee (age 14)
To many people drones are a deadly military weapon or a fun child’s toy; however the purposes that drones have are beginning to seem limitless. As technology advances, drones are beginning to integrate into not only the consumer world but into businesses as well. To help stimulate this, the FAA released rules, that helped clarifying and expanding the scope to what these drones could be applied. Instead of thinking of all drones as weapons or toys (although some of them may be used for that purpose), they should be thought of as tools that can help make the lives of businesses easier. Following is just but a few of many purposes that drones have already been applied to:
● Agriculture
○ Farmers are able to benefit from these drones in many aspects including identifying dying plants, taking inventory of crops, studying farmland and irrigation systems, monitoring animals and even spraying pesticides that saves loads of money and expediting the processes along the way
● Delivery
○ Drone-based delivery services are one of the most popular ideas going around. It may be restricted to a low weight of 55 pounds including the drone but it is very promising and will only become more feasible as time passes.
● Drones-as-a-Service
○ Drones-as-a-Service is a concept pioneered by the company Measure aiming to reduce the risks and costs associated with using drones for business by providing the drones themselves. This helps them avoid the costs and risks of establishing their own drone programs by purchasing and already operating drone fitting their operations.
● Engineering
○ Engineering firms are also utilizing drones on in-depth projects like oil pipelines, transmission cables, infrastructure projects and maintenance inspections as well as road construction and maintenance.
● Environmental monitoring and conservation
○ This technology can be utilized to keep tabs on ecological environments without disturbing them. This type of monitoring offers important insights into conservation efforts, migration tracking, habitat management and flood assessment.
● Media
○ Another popular use for drones is in media coverage. Previously, aerial footage was only available to those with expensive helicopters. With drones, this footage is now available to all types of media outlets with the added advantage of getting into tighter areas and areas much lower to the ground than a news helicopter could do.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Military
By Shivan Mukherjee (age 14)
Although the U.S. Military has reduced in size due to budget cuts, it still remains the largest and most powerful military superpower in the world. Despite budget cuts, the United States still spends over 601 billion dollars on the military every year. Included in its arsenal of military technology is its fleet of 10 aircraft carriers as well as new cutting-edge technologies such as the New Navy Rail Gun. It also has a large and well-trained human force not to mention its nuclear arsenal. Among the many innovations in the military field, one of the most promising is the new use of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is technology that gives machines the ability to learn from experience and perform human-like tasks based on them. While this may not be a weapon, artificial intelligence can improve the speed and accuracy of everything from logistics and battlefield planning to human decision making and because of this, it is driving not only the U.S. but countries all around the world to accelerate research and development. For the U.S. AI can give another avenue through which the United States can maintain military superiority while also reducing costs and ensuring the safety of more soldiers. To other countries, it gives them an opportunity to disrupt this military superiority and rise up the power rankings. However, because it is not simply a weapon, the use and areas in which a country chooses to apply artificial intelligence can determine its overall effectiveness
There are numerous areas in which artificial intelligence could prove useful to militaries. The first is data interpretation. Through the use of drones, surveillance has become an increasingly helpful tool in gaining information. RADARs and satellites surveying areas for attacks also provide life-saving data that can locate air-borne or submerged attacks on their territory. However, the massive amounts of data that these devices give out can take too much time to interpret. This problem of data interpretations is prevalent not only for the military but for companies and corporations as well. Artificial Intelligence provides the potential of speeding up these tasks and freeing humans for higher level jobs. Through algorithms that can interpret information fast and accurately, threats can be identified quicker and better military decisions can be made.
Another area where artificial intelligence can help is the speed of warfare. AI can take in and read a situation in a fast and accurate manner that a human could also do with more time. Systems with artificial intelligence can then respond to a situation without the worry of necessary reflexes or errors. Unmanned aircrafts can also be equipped with more types of technology that can speed up the aircraft and equip it with faculties that may not have been possible with a manned aircraft. This also provides added safety with the lives of humans no longer put in harm's way. With such promise in AI, it seems more likely than ever that AI will shape the future of militaries around the world
Antibiotic Apocalypse
By Rishab Das (age 16)
Some bacteria are becoming resistant to our best drugs (from www.smash.com)
Bacteria are one of the oldest living beings on Earth and have been around for a very long time. But even though most bacteria you need are good, there are some that are bad to invade your body and kill you quickly. The thing keeping us alive right now are antibiotics. They kill most of the bacteria and leave the rest to the immune system that can deal with it easily. Antibiotics kill bacteria by stopping them from producing more DNA or stopping their growth and metabolism. The problem is that of evolution. Eventually, though, everything will find a way to survive and get past those obstacles genetically. When one of the bacteria is able to reproduce there is a small chance that they will be immune to the antibodies. It is not that big deal because the immune system can deal with those few but it will become a bigger problem if they escape and share that immunity with other bacteria. Antibiotics nowadays, are used too much because of publicity via advertisements rather than when they should be used and this incidence led to the aforesaid problem. Antibiotics are also transferred through meat when the animals are developed in tight/congested spaces where disease can break out; the antibiotics that were given to the animal get transferred to us and create unforeseen problems.
There are different antibiotics that can kill super bugs but recently a superbug found in China appeared to be immune to Colistin. The latter is a last resort antibody and is rarely used since it has a side effect that does extreme damage to the liver. It is used only in hospitals. Since there is now a bacteria with this immunity, humanity needs to be much more careful so there isn’t an epidemic. However, there isn’t much to worry as antibiotics are being made every day that are unique to defend against this kind of substances. Hence, it can be concluded that the human race should be more careful about what they do, and survival and lives of humans should be the number one priority to us.
Pre-College Experience At Stevens
By Rohan Chatterjee (age 17)
From June 18th, 2017 till June 30th, 2017 I attended the summer program “Exploring Career Options in Engineering and Science (ECOES)” at Stevens Institute of Technology up in Hoboken, New Jersey. I thoroughly enjoyed this program as I felt so attached to the Stevens Campus and all of the classes that I attended. This program allowed me to learn more about the different disciplines of Engineering at Stevens. I was always confused between whether I would want to choose Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering if I got into Stevens. This program helped me make new friends, learn more about college life, and have increased faith in my own work as a student.
During this program we went to different classes where professors from Stevens gave us lectures and made us work on projects in labs. I loved the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Naval Engineering classes the most as these classes allowed me to work with hands on projects such as robots, ships, and circuits. I believe that I learn the best by working with materials. This is the reason that these 3 fields of Engineering are so appealing to me.
After our classes during the day, we had a 2-1/2 hour segment where we worked on our research project. I worked on the Robotics project where we used Lego’s to build a robot which would follow a white line track and deliver a care package to a survivor. This robot required two teams to work. One was the hardware side of building the physical robot that would deliver the package. The second was the software side of the robot. This group programmed the motors in the robot using the Lego NXT software to drive, turn, and deliver the package as close to the target as possible. After 8 days of hard work, my group and I were able to finally finish the project in first place as our robot finished the track and delivered the package to the survivor the fastest.
Along with a great academic program, the program took us to Coney Island Theme park and Board walk and the Yankees Old Timers game against the Texas Rangers. Both of these experiences allowed me to make great friends who I hope to see in the future. I also made great friends with my Room Advisor in my dorm and many of the counselors who would participate in activities with us.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to pursue a career in Engineering and know what college will most likely be like. The ECOES program has helped me learn more about the different Engineering disciplines and has helped me love engineering more and more.
By Shama D inesh (age 17)
Over thinking: thinking about (something) too much or for too long Over thinking.
Two words. Seems simple enough. But destroys someone’s life.
Overthinking is caused by overwhelming emotions like fear, insecurity, helplessness and lack of faith in one's self. It is caused by the lack of confidence someone has, leading to repeated processing of the same information, trying to find new perspective for the same scenario.
Overthinking something can cause severe damage in interpersonal relationships and selfconfidence. People tend to think over something repeatedly for they are unsure of the situation or their mental condition.
Overthinking, although beneficial at times, causes more harm than good. Simply saying, it is a double-edged sword. It can ruin relationships, trust, cause rifts between family and friends and ultimately push everyone away.
Overthinking can also lead to loss of faith in self and push an individual towards taking hasty decisions. It might force someone in depression to the brink of self harm and suicide.
Overthinking is like a deal with the devil. It doesn't give you the right way but gives you the easy way out. And there is a difference between what is right and what is easy. And what he chose was the easy path. No one said that life would be a walk in the park. You will have your rainy days and warm days. But that doesn't mean over analyzing something is going to help you take the right decision.
Overthinking is just trying to find a new way, an alternative way to do something. But our human minds naturally pick the easiest way out, without caring for the feelings of others, making us selfish.
Lastly, overthinking something just proves how weak we are. It shows how easily someone can get to us. It shows that we are not trustworthy. After all, how can someone else trust you when you can’t trust yourself?
The hardships felt, has turned anew Now all those left with is just a few Lost our dearest by doubting everyone Just don't let the clouds forever veil the sun
Poetry for the week – ABCD of Life
By Shama Dinesh (age 17)
A for abnegation
We must do for our nation.
B is bloom
Like flowers from gloom.
C is caring Which has lots of meaning
D is for daring And ready for anything
E is for exceptional Work not to be optional
F is for freaking fun Along with some pun
G is for great grandeur Which can lessen fear
H is for harmony Which is sweet as honey
I is for innocence And for natural intelligence
J is for jokes Which makes us laugh until it pokes
K is for kindness We ought to spend in the wilderness
L is for the twists of life Harsh as a trying knife
M for manners Without which life hampers
N for naughtiness Which fills our life with brightness
O for an open book To which we all should hook
P for passion And spreading compassion
Q is for questioning Which we do for everything
R is for rapport Never be a spoilsport
S is for being strong Which we must maintain even in a throng
T is for tackling Any situation beyond our liking
U is for unity
Which brings out our inner beauty
V is being victorious Which shall indeed be glorious
W is for weakness Which reduces our rashness
X-Y-Z says expect less
Then you can't make a mess Having zest is a bless
Emotion vs Logic
By Shama D inesh (age 17)
Quoted by Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the quote “A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it”, is an opportunity for us to reflect upon how logic and reasoning behave as a double edged sword; you cannot wield them without cutting yourself.
Logical minds tend to align decisions based on the evidence of sight and sound. Emotions tend to arrive at decisions based on criterion other than evident proof. And even if logic seems to be correct at all times, we come to see that it is not.
Thinking about it, just like how logic with no emotion involved leads to lack of creativity and colors in life, a knife which is not having its cutting edge balanced with a blunt handle cuts through the user.
While we chase after logic and reasoning to arrive at decisions, we might have to abandon humanity at times. The lack of humanity in us ends up bringing a monstrosity we have hidden for long deep within, making us no longer human.
Being logical tends to help us maintain clarity regarding our thoughts and be firm with our decisions. We are level headed and think the consequences of our actions multiple times before proceeding with any decision we take. This nature of our mind results in our success in this very competitive world where we cannot survive relying on our gut instincts alone.
Logical conclusions aren’t always bad. You need to follow your brain over your heart at times, but not at the cost of losing our identity as an individual along the way. Logic might tell us to lay down our self-respect and integrity, killing the emotions deep seeded within us that being the safest option at the moment, but sacrificing it all takes away the essence of our individuality.
You cease to live when you are no longer human. And emotions are what make us human. Hearts that are frozen over by the lack of emotions and the logic they live by tends to crack easily. Remember, frozen ice is what breaks the easiest. There are other ways to handle any situation without discarding your humanity for it.
Meanwhile a person with a kind soul has the warmest heart: they might make irrational decisions, but they do not sacrifice their individuality and kindness for it. They are the kind of people who would rather sacrifice themselves for the sake of seeing a smile on someone else’s face. As quoted by Edmund Husserl, “Logic that does not understand itself” is what leads to misunderstandings, broken relationships and deep seeded rivalry and hatred amongst people.
Mind tends to reason out often any situation by seeking out solutions that does more harm than good. This misconception leads to creating an illusion, bending reality to suit our tastes, making it easy to hastily arrive at decisions. This rips apart an individual’s life, cutting through relationships built on years of trust and responsibility in less than a minute, alike how a knife can cut through any surface regardless of how rigid it is.
Logic is technically defined as reasoning assessed according to strict principles of validity. And yet, this validity of circumstances is not always reasonable. When you have a choice between saving yourself or your loved one, logic aligns itself with an instinct for survival, but still we are ready to save our dear ones. Isn’t this the circumstance where emotions defy logic?
There will always be one exception to applying logic: love. Love for family. Love for friends. Love towards humanity. And this is where emotions come to play. This is where emotions triumph over logic.
While logic helps us survive, emotions keep us alive. Logic guides us to navigate this extremely stressful and competitive world while emotions help us survive life itself. We can’t expect every problem we encounter to be solved by logic alone. If that was indeed the case, then the word ‘miracle’ wouldn’t exist. Miracles help people survive. Miracles are keeping many of us alive. Miracles make our voices heard loud and bold. Miracles help us succeed. And miracles are driven by our strong emotions.
Hegemonism- Athens to Hannibal
By Aniketh Sarkar (age 17)
Throughout human history, various nations have exerted varying levels of dominance over their respective regions, continents, or even the world. From the city-states of ancient Greece to the nuclear-armed Soviet Union, the history of the rise and fall of the Great Powers managed to affect every other nation of their time.
Although several civilizations came before them, such as the Mesopotamians, the first regional hegemony was the city-state of Athens. At the time, Greece was divided into several city-states isolated by surrounding mountain ranges. Through careful diplomacy and trade, Athens established an alliance of the most powerful city-states of Greece, opposing the Peloponnesian League led by the militaristic Sparta. Unlike Sparta, Athens was primarily focused on science and culture. During the Persian invasion of Greece, Athens managed to forge a temporary alliance with Sparta to repel invaders, memorialized in the movie “300”. In the following years, however, a series of plagues and military setbacks caused Athens to be overrun by Sparta.
Although having finally emerged victorious over its longtime enemy, Sparta was in a precarious position. They were overstretched and vulnerable to rebellions. Over the course of a century, the various city-states under Spartan rule either rebelled or defected, banding together under the newlyresurgent Athenian leadership. The two sides met at the Battle of Mantinea, meant to decide once and for all whether Greece would be dominated by Athens or Sparta. The Spartans were decisively defeated, but the leader of Thebes (ally of Athens) as well as a huge number of Athenian troops were killed, resulting in merely a Pyrrhic victory for the Athenians. The end result of the battle was that neither side was able to gain enough power due to the widespread devastation, to end the hegemony of ancient Greece and pave the way for someone else to fill the vacuum of power.
The next power to fill this void was the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great. Upon his father’s death, he seized power and swept down into Greece and occupied it. Next, he carved a path, down the Levant to Egypt, seizing it and renaming its capital as Alexandria, after himself. His next target was the Persian Empire, stretching from India to Turkey. Within the next few years, not only did he destroy the Persian Empire, he was able to march past the Indus River, occupying northwestern India. His troops, homesick after twelve years of constant military campaigns, convinced him to return to Macedon, from where he planned to launch an invasion of the rising powers of Carthage and Rome. However, during a stopover in Babylon, he caught the flu and died. Soon after, his empire crumbled.
Although his empire was short-lived, Alexander the Great (the only general to ever hold that title) was arguably the best general in human history, rallying an outnumbered group of soldiers to take down the most powerful empire of the time and without losing a single battle. His death allowed for the rise of an empire that was supposed to be his next victim: Carthage.
Founded by refugees from the Phoenician city of Tyre, Carthage became the dominant maritime trading power of the Mediterranean, until crossing swords with the rising Romans. The series of wars between the Carthaginian Empire and the Roman Republic were known as the Punic Wars.
The First Punic War, fought between a navally dominant Carthage and a terrestrially dominant Rome, initially played out in Carthage’s favor. The Romans later developed a technique of boarding Carthaginian ships to make use of their superior infantry, and thus winning the war. In reality, the war was a long-term victory for Carthage, as the war spurred their government into action. Carthage expanded rapidly along the coast of North Africa, obliterating any kingdoms that stood in their way with the use of their signature war elephants. They used North African forest elephants, which are now extinct. In addition, they seized control of Hispaniola, now known as the Iberian Peninsula.
At the beginning of the Second Punic War, Carthage unleashed upon Rome and Hannibal Barca, one of the greatest generals of history. Gathering his army in Hispaniola, Hannibal decided to invade
Rome through an unorthodox method. Instead of launching an amphibious assault over the Mediterranean and onto the Italian Peninsula as the Romans expected, Hannibal atop his massive war elephant Surus, and his army crossed the Alps to invade Rome. In warfare up to the advent of airplanes, and even somewhat after that, mountains were the ultimate defense against invading armies. The invaders would have to put up with severe cold, no food, no water, very little light, avalanches, steep cliffs, and a host of other hazards, which would take a massive toll on any army. Somehow, Hannibal managed to cross the mountains (with his elephants), and emerged onto the land of Northern Italy.
Kisholoy members participating in various activities at Ananda Mandir Drawing
Fundraising
Alpana Competition
Performing Kathak Dance
Cyber-crime
By Rishi Roy (age 18)
Cyber-crime is a new kind of crime which is related to using computers and internet systems. In the modern world we depend on computers, and other smart devices. Cyber-crime has affected our daily lives because everything runs on computers and sensitive information are stored there and outside servers.
Most industries like banking, telecom, nuclear power plants, health care, education, etc. depend on software. Information Technology (IT) has brought about changes in our lives and crime too, has changed with time.
Cyber-crime is the theft of information, telecommunications piracy, electronic money laundering, and investment funds. With the advancement of information technology cloud computing system has emerged and everything from generic word processing software to customized computer programs designed for a specific company can work on a cloud computing system. Web- based e-mail service like Hotmail, or Gmail do not run an e-mail program on one’s computer and login to a Web e-mail account is done remotely. The software and storage for the account is not on personal computer but on the service company's computer cloud.
While the benefits of cloud computing are many, security and privacy are the biggest concerns. The idea of handing over important data to another company is worrisome. Most companies hesitate to take advantage of a cloud computing system because it would not allow them to keep their company's information under their own control. Data would not be confined to a hard drive on one user's computer or even a company's internal network.
Cloud computing companies are finding ways to protect client privacy. One way is to use authentication techniques such as user names and passwords. Another is to have an authorization format which is encrypted and each user can access only the data and applications specific to him.
In conclusion Cyber-crime has emerged in a big way and everybody needs to be cautious to protect their identity and information from being stolen or misused by hackers.
Being the Only One
By Parama Das (age 19)
For the last 12 years in my school system I was the only Indian girl in my grade; I still remain to be so as high school graduation is approaching. When I was younger, it was not really an issue as I didn’t expose my classmates to the fact of my being Indian. But as I grew older, I felt more comfortable when I had to miss a soccer game each year because I had an “Indian thing”; this was in fact the Durga Puja. At my “sweet sixteen” gathering, my classmates got a taste of what it was like being Indian. All of my friends who came, really enjoyed the Indian music and food that was catered at the party. To them it was something different and a new experience but for me it was just like any other regular Indian party.
Since social media is such a big aspect of many lives today, we are able to connect with celebrities in ways that were not possible before. Now you can see celebrities like Kendall, Kylie, and Selena Gomez all wearing headpieces and nose rings which are typical Indian aesthetics. This creates the issue of cultural appropriation which is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture. As an Indian girl growing up, it is kind of strange to witness how culture is evolving : things that are Indian have now become exotic and popular, while back then I tried to look as an American as much as possible.
As the generation who has immigrant parents, it may be difficult to find the balance between being an American and an Indian. But I now feel more confident in who I am as I realized that it is important to be proud of your heritage. Inevitably, I still receive comments about being ‘Indian’ and something about ‘curry’ but it is important to not let these comments bother you and that the people who make these comments just want to get a reaction out of you. The best advice that you should follow is to be yourself because someone will learn to appreciate that.
Cultural Appropriation
By Parama Das (age 19)
The United States is referred to as a melting pot but more recently as a salad bowl. The term melting pot means that society which previously was heterogeneous is now becoming homogenous; the different aspects of culture are blending together to form one common culture. The term salad bowl is different than the term melting pot because the cultures do not blend together; a salad contains different components. Therefore, the society of the United States is made up of people who come from different backgrounds. People are beginning to appreciate and recognize other cultures. Americans grow up in diverse communities, and as a result some may pick up dialect, customs, and religious traditions from the cultural groups that surround them. But some are going to the extreme of taking aspects of culture that they enjoy and using them for their own personal benefit which is known as cultural appropriation. Using someone else’s cultural symbols to satisfy a personal need for self-expression is an exercise in privilege. Cultural appropriation typically involves members of a dominant group “borrowing” from the cultural of minority groups.
The idea of cultural appropriation is a concept that remains difficult for people to grasp. According to Susan Scafidi, a law professor at Fordham University, and the author of “Who Owns Culture? Appropriation and Authenticity in American Law”, defines cultural appropriation as “Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited and when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. sacred objects.” Those who appropriate other cultures typically don’t know that they are doing it. There is a difference between cultural appropriation and cultural inspiration or appreciation.
It is important for people to be aware of the significance and source of that part of that culture. Cultural appropriation reinforces negative stereotypes about a culture and ingrains an image of what people of that culture look like which isn’t necessary true. It is important to recognize that cultural appropriation is a problem today as people wear culturally affiliated items without knowing the meaning of that item. Bindis, Dreadlocks, Native American Accessories and Arabic Scriptures are items that are culturally appropriated and are turned into mainstream fashion trends. People should educate themselves about other cultures so that they know not to offend other people through cultural appropriation. By learning about other cultures we are embracing all different types of people and hopefully one day we can all live in harmony.
Looking Back: Feminism and its Achievements in 2013
By Priya Mukherjee (age 19)
As young girls, growing up is difficult. Different influences and different worlds collide to shape everything we know and believe. As a teenage girl in America, these influences range very widely, from Miley Cyrus and the fad of ‘twerking’ to Wendy Davis and her much publicized filibuster. But as a young Indian girl, I am lucky to have a wider set of influences than the average American. This includes the learning of our Indian mythology, culture and religion.
Throughout our Indian culture, we see the idea of female power. We see it in Maa Durga and her composure and ferocity; we see it in Maa Kali and he rage and remorse. As a young Indian girl, these divine figures are important in our perspective of our place in society. Yet in this very society, many things happen that do not reflect the ideas represented by our religion. For example, just earlier this year, much controversy surrounded a particular rape case in India of a young girl in a bus. This case garnered much attention from the media and was an immediate target for feminist activists. In our Indian culture, this concept of feminism is apparent. The idea that women are actually human beings is something that shouldn’t even have to be a concept, a movement. It should be inherent and obvious. And yet from this case and many others, we see the dehumanization of and violence toward women.
Another major debate regarding women is the Pro-Life/Pro-Choice debate. While abortion is a very touchy topic among many cultures and communities, it has been heavily debated in the United States particularly in Texas and Florida. Here, Senator Wendy Davis led an inspiring filibuster against a Texas Bill that would close five abortion clinics in the state. She successfully continued for eleven hours in her debate and was not allowed to sit, drink, eat, use the bathroom or even rest against any furniture for the duration of this period. She showed immense dedication to the cause: keeping the clinics open and allowing women to choose whether they will continue a pregnancy or not, instead of having that choice taken away from them by a group of old white men.
All negativity has been channeled in positive directions. 2013 has been a progressive year for feminism. With different movements and organizations working tirelessly to change perspectives and enforce new regulations, women have shown their strength in India, the US, and across the world. Through numbers, determination, and major perseverance, big steps are being taken and the role of the female is changing drastically around the world. It is a tragedy that some countries still refuse their women even the right to education, but it is also a challenge to fight for and another reason to realize that this feminist movement is an ongoing battle. Yet, it has come far and will only go further in future.
Mantras for Appeasing Goddess Saraswati
By-Sreya Mukherjee (age 20)
These 15 Mantras often believed to be appeasing Goddess Saraswati, are said to remove all obstacles that one will encounter during his or her career or education. Saraswati is known by different names, such as Vak Devi, the goddess of speech and Sakala Kaladhistatri, goddess bestowing all the arts. Here, are lists of mantras that are widely used by students to score high in exams. It is believed that students who after working hard failed to succeed in exams, will be helped by these mantras to attain their goal.
1. Bija Mantra of Saraswati - Aum Aing
Saraswathye Namah Aum
Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Saraswati
2. Vidya Mantra for students: - Saraswati Namasthubhyam Varade Kamarupini
Vidhyarambam Karishyami Siddhir Bavathume Sadha.
Meaning :This sloka is found to improve memory, power and concentration in studies.
Meaning: May the Goddess Saraswati protect me. She is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and her pure white garland is like frosty dewdrops. She is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus. She is surrounded and respected by the Gods. Please remove my weariness, sluggishness and ignorance.
4. Mahasaraswati Mantra - Om Aing Mahasaraswatyai Namah
Meaning: I plead to Goddess Saraswati who is fair in color, the first and foremost divine energy; who is present in the world in the form of knowledge; who wields a Veena, Vedas, Sfatik rosary in her hands; and one of whose hands is raised for blessing. She is the one who is capable of eliminating ignorance and bestow intelligence.
6. Maha Saraswati Mantra: - Om Aim Hrim Kleem Maha Saraswati Devaya Namaha. Meaning :This simple mantra is mainly used by students to make learning easy.
7. Saraswati Mantra to recite before study -Saraswathi Namasthubhyam, Varadey Kaamarupinee Vidhyarambham Karishyami, Sidhir bhavathu mey sada Meaning: O, Goddess Saraswati, my humble prostrations unto Thee. She is capable of fulfilling all my wishes. I request you to bestow thy blessings on me, before I start my studies.
8. Saraswati Mantra for Success in Education and Career -Om Vageeshwaryae Vidmahe Vagwadeenyae Dhimahe Tannah Saraswati Prachodayat
Meaning:This mantra is also known as Gayathri of Saraswati
Meaning: Oh great Goddess Saraswati, the lotus-eyed personified knowledge. Oh, I request you to shower me with the powers and glories of all knowledge that exist. She has large-eyes, taking the form of the whole universe.
10. Saraswati Mantra for Acquiring Knowledge -Vad Vad Vaagwaadinee Swaha
12. Saraswati Mantra for Wealth and Knowledge -Om Arham Mukha Kamal Vaasinee Paapaatma Kshayam Kaari Vad Vad Vaagwaadinee Saraswati
Aing Hreeng Namah Swaaha
13. Saraswati Ashtakshara Mantra - Pratham Bharti naam Dwitaya tu Saraswati Trutiya Sharda Devi Chaturth Hansavahini Pancham Jagatikhayata Shasth Maheshwari tatha Saptham tu Kaumari Astham Bhramacharini Navam Vidhyadhatrini l Dasham Vardayini Ekadasham Rudraghanta Dwadasham Bhuneshwari Atani Dwadsho Naamam Y Patcchrnuyaadpi Nach Vidhna Bhav Taysa Mantra Siddhiker Tatha
Meaning : This mantra comprises the 12 names of Goddess Saraswati and it is advised that all knowledge seekers practice it to gain high and pure knowledge.
14. Mantra for Knowledge: Om Namo Bhagwati Saraswati Parmeshwari Vaagvaadini Mam Vidhya Dehi Bhagwati Bhans Vaahini Hans Samarudha Buddhi Dehi Dehi Pragya Dehi Dehi Vidhya Parmeshwari Saraswati Swaha
Meaning : Reciting this mantra will increase mental capability and knowledge.
15. Mantra for illumination: Maho Arnah Saraswati Pracheyati
Meaning: This mantra is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati to illuminate the minds with knowledge.
Do You Like Chess?
Then check your chess skills by solving this chess tasks! You need to checkmate your opponent in the requested number of moves.
Taken from: https://gameknot.com/chess-puzzles.pl
A brief history of Chess
The history of chess can be traced back nearly 1500 years. The earliest predecessor of the game probably originated in India before the 6th century AD, although a minority of historians believe the game originated in China. The game spread to Persia when the Arabs conquered Persia, chess was taken up by the Muslim world and subsequently spread to Southern Europe. In Europe, chess evolved into roughly its current form in the 15th century. Chess remains a highly popular pastime among the general populace to this day (about 605 million adults play chess regularly). Chess is played at least once a year by 12% of British people, 15% of Americans, 23% of Germans, 43% of Russians, and 70% of Indian people (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
Composed by Girija Belavadi
Drawing and photographs by Members
of Kisholoy
Kisholoy group is the youth group of Ananda Mandir. Any youth member of Ananda Mandir can join this group. We meet every month on the first Sunday between 1 and 3 pm at Ananda Mandir to prepare Kisholoy wall magazine. If you are interested please attend this meeting or send your articles, drawing or photographs for the magazine via email (Dipakksarkar@hotmail.com).
