Quarterly Volume 9
Jan - Mar 2013
Women Empowerment Campaign In the digital age, where on the one hand science and technology are at the pinnacle and the entire world is connected via internet, on the other hand, women in most pockets of India are victim of oppression and exploitation. They have to struggle through the unequal opportunities carved for them by the mixed forces of religion, culture and society. Keeping this in mind, Radio Madhuban organized a 10 day “Women Empowerment Campaign” from 1st-10th March, 2013 on the occasion of International Women’s Day for the women of Abu Road. Several village outreach programs were organized to educate and inform women. On 1st March, the home-makers of Abu Road learnt about their legal rights, on 2nd March, the womenfolk of Morthala were involved in a discussion about ‘nurturing addiction-free families’. On 4th March, a program celebrating the ‘various roles of women in the society’ was organized in the NAB Pheroze & Noshir Merwanji Rehabilitation Centre for Blind, Mount Abu. Moreover, women in Morthala were informed about the multiple advantages of education and literacy on 8th March. Another highlight of this campaign was that, every evening women from the local community, were invited in the studio to share their stories and ideas. This show served as a source of great inspiration for all the listeners. Ward Panch, Navli Kumari, is the only educated girl in Kyariya village. Her vision for the village, shaped with dynamic ideas, illustrated her confidence. A college student,
Khushboo, said that girls should be brave and strong, while an assistant manager, Ms Salima floated the idea that spiritual empowerment plays a highly significant role in the overall progress of women. Expounding upon the importance of education in life, Ms Kranti, Principal of the Govt. Primary School, Mungthala, inspired all the listeners to not only learn and grow but also encourage and help others to prosper. Ms Laxmi, ward panch, Murthal and Ms. Sudha, Head of the “Mahila Sahayak Sansthan” brought forward the idea of creating a unique identity for every individual. They avowed that every woman must be aware of her rights and duties and must not leave any stone unturned to gain what rightfully belongs to her. Two actively involved members of the ‘Jan Chetna Sansthan’, Ms. Pushpa and Ms. Chandrakanta, shared their life stories to illustrate their struggle for success. They both had to suffer due to marriage at an early age but to awaken their
sisters & mothers they joined the organization to work for women empowerment. Their experience inspired others and also elucidated the ramifications of child marriage. Apart from this, an unparalleled duo of mother-in-law, Ms Manju, and daughter-in-law, Ms Anamika shared their interesting relationship through this show. They brought into light the fact that a woman is a woman’s best friend. Therefore harmony and cooperation are vital for a balanced relation. Jayanti Didi, Director, Brahma Kumaris centers in Europe, also expressed that women should be socially informed and spiritually awakened to walk on the path to progress. The campaign increased awareness about the presence and Social services of Radio Madhuban and its projects for community upliftment among the local people. Also, a lot of women gained courage and shared their opinions and ideas about their daily problems. The outreach programs were a success with good participation.
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013 management of waste with our Rethinking Waste listeners. Management
Radio Madhuban supports Disaster Management
Waste is something that nobody wants at a particular moment in time and that needs to be disposed of. Waste is not the same every time. It may be recyclable like glass, paper, and plastic to some extent or organic like vegetable waste. It may even be toxic like batteries or reusable waste like bottles etc.
Disasters of various types have become a common occurrence around the world today. It is therefore pertinent for every individual and organization to be aware of and equipped with a measure of disaster management skill, including the prevention, preparedness, rescue and rehabilitation measures.
The fact that in many rural areas of India, people live without basic services such as clean water, sanitation and solid waste management, jeopardises the entire community because of an amplified risk of environmental pollution leading to diseases like diarrhea, cholera, worm infestations which further escalate infant mortality and malnutrition. Even in urban areas, the improvements in sanitation have failed to keep pace with the growing population. The enormity of the waste situation in our country therefore the community to assess the problem and redouble efforts and view the whole issue from a new perspective. For a very long time, only collection of waste from homes and sweeping the locality were considered as managing the waste. As a result every other open space turns into a landfill where thousands of tons of waste are dumped. This compounds the environmental challenge and makes life miserable. Due to improper segregation of waste, landfills end up with toxic or recyclable materials which should be housed elsewhere. The target of providing basic sanitation facilities to even half the population is so daunting that it calls for a radical shift in the approach towards waste.
Mr Subramaniayar, an expert in holistic waste management, has been working on several projects for proper management of waste. He shared his views on holistic
Smart sanitation
It is an end-to-end management of waste that perceives liquid waste and solid waste through a prism of overall sustainability and examines it as part of a cycle of productionconsumption-recovery,thus considerably decreasing hazardous effects caused by the traditional methods of collection, storage and handling of waste. Mr. Iyar added “It promotes cleaner production and calls for a global trend to prioritise reduction of waste, followed by reuse, rework, recycle and recover. Waste disposal is the last resort in this hierarchy”. Many items like paper, food waste, green waste, metals, textiles, wood and glass that currently go to a landfill should be collected separately to capture their energy value. He also pointed that it is pertinent to change the attitude of people towards waste. Thus holistic waste management means sustainable consumption and production and turning waste into a resource. Zero waste
yet another value-added policy, said Mr Iyar, calls for no waste at all. It means complete treatment of solid, liquid and gaseous waste so that there is no need for disposal. It imposes an extended responsibility on the manufacturer so that finished products are designed in a way that they can be easily demanufactured and dismantled for material recovery and recycling. Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM has taken an initiative to bring sustainable solutions to its listeners in the forthcoming quarter. The team hopes that these ideas will effectively address the overwhelming challenge faced by the world today.
‘Radio is a highly useful medium of communication in cases of disasters and serves to spread information to the masses in all times’, said Mr Jitender Kumar Soni, SDM, Mt. Abu while commending Radio Madhuban for its community service, during a program on disaster management held on 26th February, 2013. Mr Yashwant Patil, Station incharge, Radio Madhuban who was also present during the program, reassured the gathering that Radio Madhuban will continue to broadcast information about disaster management, to equip the local community to tackle any disaster situation. RJ Ramesh also added that the government officials can contact Radio Madhuban for awakening people about their positive role at the time of any disaster by giving news and updates about disasters in the region. The officials present also recorded precautionary and preparedness measures to be played on the radio during such crisis. Mr Soni, also suggested them that a list of disaster management centers including Radio Madhuban, should be included in the directory so that they can be contacted for assistance and aid in any undesirable situation.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” Mahatma Gandhi 2
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Health is Wealth Dr Anand Kumar Tripathi, a medical practitioner of more than 30 years narrated his experience to Radio Madhuban I have been serving the community as a doctor for the past 30 years now. During this long time, I have come across several cases of oppression and exploitation of common people, leave alone diseases and ailments. I am dejected by the improper system and unhygienic conditions of the government hospitals in Orissa. I feel sad when I see injustice being done to the poor and needy. In most cases, the prescribed medicines are either unavailable or expensive, patients have to wait for days for proper treatment and very often, the instruments and machines are not in functioning condition. And this, I feel, is the main reason why more people want to consult private doctors. It is not only patients who prefer private clinics, but intellegent doctors also go for higher pay and better facilities offered by the private hospitals. Also the villages in Orissa lack basic amenities like safe drinking water. Hundreds of people die of malaria, typhoid, jaundice, etc. due to lack of proper sanitation facilities and water. Having left behind ethics and values, this life-saving gift has become a source of minting money for many. To our question of essential care for health Dr. Tripathi said: Adults must avoid drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Parents must ensure that children stay clean and healthy. They should check for lice in hair, dirty nails, clean teeth, neat and tidy clothes etc. Also, complete vaccination and immunization should be given to all children.
Towards Development In conversation with Mr Awdesh Singh Yadav, Additional Secretary Madhya Pradesh Legislature.
RM: Do you believe that making new laws is a sufficient solution to the problems faced by the society today? AS: No, I think law and order is only a part of the solution. The declining level of moral values is the basic cause of most troubles in the society. Therefore I feel, the government must prioritise moral education and value based education to enhance life skills and instil basic characteristic values like cooperation, brotherhood, harmony and sharing nature amongst children. Prominent importance must be given to yoga and meditation because it helps in creating a positive outlook towards life, increases concentration power in children and makes them more focused.
AS: I agree with you. There are plenty of private institutions in various regions, but they either lack proper infrastructure or faculty. Therefore, the quality is compromised by the quantity. However, at this point of time, it is very difficult to moderate or control or channelize these private institutions. The UGC has set up some norms for centres of higher education in the country, but novel efforts are required to ensure an increase in literacy along with quality in education.
Meditation for Memory Management
Guinness Book of Records , India Book of Records holder, Mrs Aditi Singhal shared her secrets of memory training with our listeners.
AS: This imbalance has persisted for a very long time and the poor get poorer. The government should provide opportunities and facilities in the villages to curb urbanization and population explosion. Industrialization must be encouraged in rural areas to create employment avenues. Also the corporate social responsibility of the companies helps to develop the villages.
Numbers have fascinated Aditi since her childhood and Mathematics was her favorite subject. Building upon her interest, she developed several easy combinations of logic and mathematical concepts to make Maths an easy subject for students. Aided with Vedic Maths, she has made a record of teaching mathemetical tables up to 99 to 3,300 students from 39 schools in just 2 hours. She remarked that Rajyoga meditation is the key to enhance our concentration level and relax our mind, helping us gain total control over our brain. She also added that our brain easily associates with visual imagery and creates pathways, which make learning and memorizing easier and faster. Meditation empowers the mind to form such imagery.
RM: Where on one hand illiteracy is a pressing issue, the quality of education rather than the quantity is also a major concern. What is your opinion?
She also holds the record for memorizing 210 binary digits in 146 seconds and gives credit to Rajyoga Meditation for the remarkable success in her career and life.
RM: What must be done to settle the social and economic imbalance between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in the country?
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Mr. Chain Singh Raj Purohit, ASP, Sirohi
Mr. Prashant Jambolkar, IG, C.R.P, Mount Abu
Mr. Ashok Kumar, Principal, Govt. Sr. Sec School, Abu road
Mr. Tej Singh Devda, Ex. Sarpanch, Ore
Team of ATMA from Sirohi at Radio Madhuban
Mr. Babu Bhai Kashyap, Sr. Citizen Committee, Mt. Abu
Rajmataji Bhu Ratna Prabha, Devghar, Rajasthan
Mis. Parimila, Local Singer, Mount Abu
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Raveena Tondon, Bolly Wood Actress, Mumbai
Mrs. Lakshmi Gupta ,Congress Upadhyaksh, Indore
Pt. Pulkit Mishra, Kathak Dancer with his Student
Mr. Subramaniayar, Govt. Approved Valuer, Chennai
Mr. Ashok Mohili, Ex. MP, Pune
Mr. Suman, Famous Tolly Wood Actor, Hyderabad
Mr. N.T. Kasar, Education Oficer ‘C, Nehru Science Center
Dr. Babulal Yadav, Professor, Alwar law collage
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Mera Gaon Mera Anchal Sadak Suraksha hi Jeevan Raksha Hai An exhibition during the Road Safety Awareness Week was organized in the month of January 2013 in Abu Road to promote the safety of citizens and prevent fatalities. The police officials advised the drivers to take proper rest and follow traffic rules. They also laid emphasis on age limits for drivers, maintaining speed limits and special caution to be maintained during night. The representatives of Larsen & Tobru stressed on lane driving and use of helmets for safety. L&T had organized this campaign to educate and aware people about the consequences of road rage and irresponsible driving. Efforts were made to spread awaken about the various causes of unperceived accidents leading to death of many innocent people. RM team covered the entire event live for the benefit of our listeners, to enable them to understand and know about road safety.
Kishori Mela
The name itself creates excitement and joy amongst children. This Mela was organized on 11th Feb 2013 in the Kasturba Gandhi Aavasiya Vidyalay to spread awareness about the school and bring more children into schools. It had several activities and game stalls for the children aimed to test their intelligence and enhance their knowledge with entertainment. Various learning activities to test the abilities of the students were also conducted. All in all, it was a ‘learning with fun’ event that was liked by students and teachers alike. The whole mela was covered live by RM team.
Vivekanand Jayanti
Every year, Vivekanand Jayanti is celebrated on 12th Jan with joy and fervour for the teachings of one of the greatest saints of India. On the 150th anniversary, a huge program was organized in which various government officials and school children from different schools had participated. Smt. Leela Devi, Adhyaksh, Nagar Palika, Mr. Jitendra Kumar Soni, SDM, Mt. Abu expressed the society’s gratitude to the great man and congratulated all the participants. The speakers motivated the audience, of which youth constituted the major and the performances enthralled everyone. The event was covered live from Mt. Abu to broadcast the glimpses of this vibrant celebration to our listeners.
Radio Pari - Narrow Casting In its efforts towards a greener tomorrow, Radio Madhuban added a batteryoperated, 5 seater, vehicle which is completely eco-friendly and noise-free. It can run for 90 Km in one full charge at a speed of 30 Km per hour. BK Ramesh Shah, Managing Trustee,World Renewal Spiritual Trust dedicated the vehicle to community service on 23rd March, 2013. The vehicle has been named “Radio Pari”, owing to its cute design and great utility.
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Run we Must – Half Marathon The 2nd Mt Abu International Trial Half Marathon was organised by the Senior Citizen’s Club, Mt. Abu and the Brahma Kumaris on 17th Feb 2013. Radio Madhuban covered the entire event live for the benefit of its listeners. The Trail Half Marathon -21.097 Km, for age groups 18 - 45 and veteran runners was flagged off by Shri Babu Bhai Kashyap, President of Senior Citizen’s Club of Mt. Abu at 7:30 am and saw an overwhelming participation.
Samuhik Vivah
The public marriage of 85 couples, including 16 Muslim couples, was organized on 14th Feb 2013 in the Polo ground, Mt. Abu. Babu Bhai Kashyap Ji, Senior Citizen Group, congratulated everyone for their support and cooperation. It was the first such event of Hindu and Muslim marriage in accordance with their tradition and culture. The newly wedded received blessing and wishes of the public guests to start a new life. The parents and families of all the couples were thankful to the senior citizen group for bearing all the expenses of this ceremony. The event was covered live by RM team.
Teachers Training
Abu Road gets RTO Ofice
A 3 day teachers training workshop was organized under the “Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan” from 21st to 23rd Feb 2013 in which more than 200 teachers participated. The workshop took up various issues of key importance like the infrastructure of the school, discipline and rules to be followed, student - teacher relationship and academic curriculum. The need for a medical facility and properly lit-up class rooms was felt. Also the idea of daily prayers and cleanliness of classrooms was welcomed by all. It was concluded that teachers must be friends with the students and also remain in harmony with each other. The significance of teacher being a guide for life was appreciated by all the participants. Our team ensured a proper circulation of this idea in the society through the Radio Madhuban.
Sh. Virendra Beniwal Hon’ble Transport Minister Rajasthan Government inaugurated the RTO office in Abu Road on 25th Mar 2013. Earlier people had to go to far-off places for transport and automotive vehicle related work, but this new office will annul such need. It will not only save time but also help to curb corruption by invalidating the need of middle-men. People can also now fix prior appointments online and easily get registration papers from the office. Learner’s license can also be obtained through touch screen mechanism. Moreover, it is now compulsory to take the orientation course before renewal of license and commercial driver’s license holders have to undergo complete police verification before renewal. He ensured that all these new norms have been made to ensure safety and security of the citizens. 7
An hour later, the Dream Run-3Km, started for all enthusiastic runners. At the same time Senior Citizens’ Run for those who are over 60 years of age was also flagged off. Very excited by the choice of track, Mr. Jitendar Kumar Soni, SDM, Mount Abu commented that such runs create awareness and willingness among people to save the environment and preserve the beauty of Mt. Abu.
He was happy to see that so many people had gathered to enjoy the race and boost the morale of the participants. The event energized the people and stirred their enthusiasm for sports
Radio Data System Radio Madhuban is the first community radio station in India to use Radio Data System . It is a technology by which RDS enabled devices like mobile phones, Digital Radio sets, cars etc. can receive textual information containing details of the programmes broadcasted.
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Jan - Mar 2013
Anna in the studio Padma Shri Kisan Baburao Hazare, popularly known as Anna Hazare, was felicitated in the Shantivan complex, Abu Road on 22nd Mar 2013 He was with the RM to share his views with our listeners. A social activist who led movements to promote rural development and increase government transparency, Mr. Hazare was overwhelmed by the honour and regard he received in Shantivan. He even went on to comment that the joy and bliss that he was received here probably not experienced while receiving the Padma Shri or the Padma Bhushan, He felt that it was because of the purity of intention and serenity of the environment. Moved by their incredible work of crafting virtuous individuals, he congratulated the Brahma Kumaris for working towards creating a better world and a value-based
Yashwant Patil, Station Incharge and Mr. Hari lal, Godly Wood Studio honouring Anna Hazare with a Memento.
society. He also appreciated the rural development initiatives of the organization in Maharashtra and elsewhere and commended the volunteers for their astounding contribution to the society. His ideas, mostly coherent with the ideology of the organization, were based upon the belief that God Shiva is the Supreme Father. In times when everyone is working for self-interests, he was very pleased to find so many people devoted to the service of humanity in our mortal world.
Project ‘Shiksha’
Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM has started a new project titled “Project Shiksha” as a part of the Community Service Programs. The aim of the program is to improve the literacy level in the region and therefore help in the development and progress of the community. During a survey, our team realised that a major section of the people in the surrounding villages is uneducated and poor, unawakened and misled. Most households are a victim of social catastrophes resulting from
economic disasters, which are caused by the plague of illiteracy. On having recognised this vicious cycle, leading to the doom of the society, our team sought to break the chain by starting this project under which free education will be provided to the local people. Various inputs like the availability of funds for stationery, books, availability of teachers and monetary input for various other academic infrastructure remain a key hindrance to the project.
‘Pathshala’ gains Momentum With an aim to promote girl education in Sirohi, a program for lady teachers was organized under the aegis of Radio Madhuban and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Sirohi on 30th March, 2013 in Manmohini Complex. During the inaugural ceremony, BK Bhupal shared the importance of women in spreading the light of education around the world. Shielu Didi, H.Q. Coordinator of Education Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, highlighted the significance of women empowerment and encouraged the teachers present to be proud of the special responsibility entrusted with them. Pleased by the organization of such a workshop for teachers from 5 different Blocks, District Education Officer, Mr Sayid Ali, motivated the teachers to learn from each other’s experiences and strive for a higher and better girl education in the region. He expressed his hopes that teachers should make sure that girls, who are once enrolled, must complete their education. Radio Madhuban presented a written request to accommodate in the regular school time table its show, “Pathshala”, which is designed in accordance with the academic curriculum, for the benefit of students of Abu Road and Pindvada Block. Kantilal Kshatri, Pariyojana Adhikari applauded Radio Madhuban efforts in broadcasting this special show and supported the proposal by calling it a new technological intervention into education, that will not only assist teachers and students, but will also bring about a positive change in the society. More than 200 teachers, who participated in the workshop, expressed a strong and sincere desire to be instrumental in Radio Madhuban’s endeavour to improve the present trend in girl education. 8