Flashlight magazine

Editorial

May-June - 2021

Abhishek Shukla

Flash Light Bimonthly Magazine Editor-in-Chief: Abhishek Shukla Managing Editor: Manasa Gowda Printed: Eureka Publications Published: Eureka Publications Cover Models: Yang, DevDeep Fashion Photographer: Soram Sony Contact No: +91-9826601628 E-mail Id: editor@eurekajournals.com Website: eurekajournals.com The contents of the magazine do not have any material which is against the national interest or which may create any sort of hatred amongst the different sections of society. Articles and manuscripts published in this magazine are own opinions of all individual contributor authors. The consent of the editor is not irrelevant for all published material and hence the editor or any member from the publication group would not be responsible for any future dispute.

Managing Director & Chief Editor Eureka Group of Journals Dear Readers, We are happy to announce the May-June 2021 issue of Flash Light.

It is indeed my privilege to officially launch the latest issue of, “Flash Light”, which is an attempt of Eureka Publication, to absorb the thoughts, views, and assumptions created in our pluralistic society. The aim of the Flash Light is to develop an enlightened opinion on the basic social, cultural, economic, and political issues related to society. The effort of the magazine is to raise a new direction to national as well as international discussions by rising above the narrow thinking and mutual confrontation.

The political, financial, and social issues of the world's policy-oriented and value-added issues and their affiliations are its subject matter. Our editorial policy is based on the feeling of moderate, modern, progressive and secular.

Looking forward to your active contribution to upcoming issues of Flash Light.

With Best Wishes

The moral right of the authors has been asserted.

While every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and obtain permission, this has not been possible in all cases. Any omissions brought to our attention will be remedied in future editions.

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CONTENTS 04 08 10 15 17 20 23 25 27 28 30

Sex Workers in India (Cover Page Story) -

Child Labour Social Evil -

Bhakthi

Elder Abuse -

Sreenisha

Drug Abuse -

Disha Holla

Dead Heart of Africa – Chad Nizar Djema

The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Cote D'Ivoire -

Sarah (Narrated By: Manasa Gowda)

Parents Day -

Ruth Krupa

Growing with Single Parent Struggle and Social Impact -

Swathi Koira

Absence of presence–Online Education -

Priyanka Sharma

Heritage Village Aranmula -

Dora Grace Sam

Global Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (June fourth)-History and Importance -

33 35 40 46

Manasa Gowda

Baby Zeba

Radhe Movie Review: For Bhai fans only -

Pulipathi Yashwanth Sona

Journey towards Land of Festivals- Nagaland -

Nagachanso and Akum

Land of the Morning Child of the Sun Returning- Philippines -

Devyani

Nei Appam-Karthigai Deepam Recipe (Cooking Time) -

Vijaya Shree

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47 49 52 53

Society, System, and Women -

The Pearl of Indian Ocean-Sri Lanka -

-

Sameer Tigga

Journey of Steve Jobs is an Inspiration for anyone who is Clueless or Confused in Life Baby Zeba

Tawang -

Jyothi Harpal

Culture of Turkmenistan -

Garrybayeva Leyla (Narrated by: Manasa Gowda)

Now it's a time to Zodiac Spa -

Reena Raj

A Day of Shopping at Brigade Road with our List of Things to Do (Shopping and Lifestyle) -

63 72 73

Sameer Tigga

Sports and Games

-

56 58 60 61

Sanjay

Sneha

Land of the 'Ascending Dragon' VIETNAM -

Sanjay

‘Chanu’ Manipuri entrepreneur goes green with eco-friendly products -

Koshlengam Jangvei Lamkang

Merchant Navy Career Exploration -

Balasubramanya A P

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Cover Page Story

Sex Workers in India - Manasa Gowda

P

rostitution is a contentious issue in India. Although, prostitution (exchanging sex for money) is not illegal, but the surrounding activities (operating brothels, pimping, soliciting sex etc.) are illegal.

In fact the worst part is that the people in India forget that in series of insulting this profession, they put a question mark on the life of that person of that girl who had possibly been just another victim of unexpected and unwanted assault of bad times.

It is being heard often, rather always from people that call girls are like this, they are not good, it is not preferred for decent people to be friend with them or to be in contact with them though they forget that it is this crowd who exploits the helplessness of these girls.

It is easy to make out from outside that they are themselves indulging in these activities but nobody bothers to take charge to rebuild them.

Once these innocent souls of 11 or 12 years are forced into the hell like brothels a word called 'LIFE' goes away from their ruined being and self respect.

In 2017, the Ministry of women and child development reported presence of 2.8 million sex workers in India, with 35.47 percent of them entering the trade before the age of 18 years.

The number of prostitutes has also doubled in the recent decades. It itself is a proof of one thing that India's male dominated want this, do this. That is why prostitution is augmenting at such a pace.

Sonagachi in Kolkata, Kamathipura in Mumbai, G.B Road in New Delhi, Reshampura in Gwalior and Budhwarpeth in Pune host thousands of sex workers.

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These are also known as red light areas in the country, where everyday thousands of girls are browbeaten.

Ones who are considered to be so called lucky get freed from this cage because of intervention of police or NGOs but being rescued from a brothel is not always the end of a dark tunnel.

Rather, it could be the beginning of a more traumatic life.

A number of sex workers rescued and repatriated show higherlevels of traumatic disorders than those living in brothels, according to an all-India study.

The study conducted by Swanchetan, an NGO, from October 2007 to March 2008, used the five-point Likert scale to map the relative intensity with which each victim experienced and demonstrated trauma.

Human trafficking is illegal but prostitution is not the difference of which people rarely understand. Films made on the life of sex workers or bar girls like Chameli, Chandni bar, Mandi show the true picture of our society where the situation and their family members themselves do not think twice to make life of those girls a deal for them.

According to a Human Rights Watch report, Indian anti-trafficking laws are designed to combat commercialized vice; prostitution, as such, is not illegal.

A sex worker can be punished for soliciting or seducing in public while clients can be punished for sexual activity close to a public place, and the organization puts the figure of sex workers in India to be around 15 million, with Mumbai alone being home to one hundred thousand sex workers, the largest sex industry centre in Asia.

Over the years, India has seen a growing mandate to legalize prostitution, to avoid exploitation of sex workers and their children by middlemen and also in the wake of growing HIV/ AIDS menace.

Many NGOs are working towards it but still a considerable change has not been brought in the lives of these girls or women.

So the need of the hour is to enlighten ourselves, our spirit and our unconscious soul to rein in the chances of innocent girls getting exploited by the animals in disguise of men in our society.

Human Trafficking Albeit illicit under Indian law, illegal exploitation stays a huge issue in this nation-and ladies and young ladies address the greatest expense.

Illegal exploitation Despite the fact that India is the world's biggest popularity based republic, the nation is tormented with basic liberties infringement, particularly against ladies and young ladies-photograph of outline, permit: CC As per gauges, illegal exploitation in India may influence somewhere in the range of 20 and 65 million individuals. Ladies and young ladies are dealt inside the country for the reasons for business sexual misuse and constrained marriage, particularly in those spaces where the sex proportion is exceptionally slanted for men.

Countless youngsters are exposed to constrained work as assembly line laborers, home grown workers, vs, and farming specialists, while others have been utilized as kid warriors by extremist or psychological oppressor gatherings.

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India is likewise an objective for ladies and young ladies from adjoining nations, pirated for sexual abuse. Indian ladies are likewise dealt to the Middle East for a similar reason. Indian transients who make a trip readily to the Middle East and Europe for function as home grown workers and low-gifted workers may likewise wind up in the country's illegal exploitation industry and into circumstances of constrained work or obligation servitude.

Despite the fact that India is the world's biggest vote based republic, the nation is tormented with far and wide destitution and absence of appropriate schooling, bringing about a heap of basic liberties infringement, particularly against ladies and young ladies.

This socially endorsed corruption of ladies is generally because of the commonness of odd notion, the male centric culture and the power of Hindu legends.

The World's Most Dangerous Country for Women?

A year ago, India has been authored 'the world's most hazardous country for ladies', in front of Afghanistan, Syria and Saudi Arabia, as indicated by a survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, which studied 548 specialists on six distinctive files, including medical services, separation, social customs, sexual and non-sexual brutality, and illegal exploitation. This review has been broadly censured in India, with many addressing how nations like Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, which award far less rights to ladies, figured out how to perform better. The country's National Commission for Women dismissed it out and out, calling attention to that assault, badgering, illegal exploitation and different types of brutality against ladies seem to have ascended in India since more cases are being accounted for, driven by open shock.

Understudies Protest Understudies fight the rising brutality against ladies in Delhi-photograph: Nilroy (Nilanjana Roy), permit: CC No different either way, the facts demonstrate that segregation and savagery against ladies are instilled in the Indian culture. Segregation begins upon entering the world, where numerous individuals think bringing forth a young lady kid is a revile. Accordingly female child murders and sex-particular early terminations are broadactivists have assessed that 8,000,000 female babies may have been cut short in the previous decade.

Segregation proceeds in adolescence, where Indian young ladies, country young ladies particularly, are denied their privileges to training-despite the fact that education rates are expanding, the female proficiency rate actually falls behind (65% contrasted with 82%).

Segregation is as yet wild in adulthood, adding to sex wage differentials, with Indian female specialists procuring on normal 64% of what their male partners acquire for a similar occupation and capability level.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the dad of the Indian Constitution, voiced against the forswearing of instruction to ladies. Notwithstanding, regardless of their sacred rights to instruction, individuals keep on regarding ladies as sub-people.

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Path back throughout the entire existence of India, disavowal of schooling to ladies, the act of constrained prostitution, youngster marriage, sati (the act of consuming the widow alongside her expired spouse) and selling away the girls in the business sectors were boundless standard activities, every one of them bringing about the present common freedoms infringement.

Babies are being taken for beggary and ladies tried out constrained prostitution; around 70,000 kids are filling in as limited worker in private mines while others are being utilized as home-grown workers in the wake of acquiring their folks' obligation; some of them are in any event, being offered to organ dealers.

Until late years, the issue of illegal exploitation had stayed undetected because of the great pervasiveness of country neediness. Youngsters from ancestral territories are at more serious danger of illegal exploitation, including the Kuki individuals from Manipur just as the Nagas from the Northeast, while the Jharkhand state and the Anantapur and Prakasam locales of the Andhra Pradesh State are a few zones inclined to illegal exploitation.

A Culture of Violence against Women Ladies in India are likewise damaged in more subtle manners. Their mistreatment begins undetectably. It happens in their homes, inside families, with young ladies being secured up their own homes, ladies being beaten by their spouses, by their dads, by their siblings. This viciousness is the result of a culture that presents all force on men and denies ladies' most fundamental rights. Among men, many are the individuals who peer down on ladies and young ladies; young ladies are prepared peacefully; they are advised to have no suppositions, no contentions, no struggles. Their lone decision is to carry on with an existence of quietness that gradually dissolves their ability to be self aware.

The Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act that forestall business sexual abuse, the Bonded Labor Abolition Act, the Child Labor Act and the Juvenile Justice Acts are in power in India however without any result. Since tt takes more than laws to change a culture which fills in as a favorable place for viciousness against ladies, destitution, and illegal exploitation. What we need is to recover our humankind and open a public discussion about this harmful man centric culture and its repercussions.

"For to be free isn't to pushed off one's chains however to live such that regards and upgrades the opportunity of others”

-Nelson Mandela.

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Child Labour Social Evil - Bhakthi

C

hild labour is a term you might have heard about in news or movies. It refers to a crime where children are forced to work from a very early age. It is like expecting kids to perform responsibilities like working and fending for themselves.

There are certain policies which have put restrictions and limitations on children working.

The average age for a child to be appropriate to work is considered fifteen years and more. Children falling below this age limit won't be allowed to indulge in any type of work forcefully. Why is that so?

Because child labour takes away the kids opportunity of having a normal childhood, a proper education, and physical and mental well-being. In some countries, it is illegal but still, it's a far way from being completely eradicated.

Causes of Child Labour Child Labour happens due to a number of reasons. While some of the reasons may be common in some countries, there are some reasons which are specific in particular areas and regions. When we look at what is causing child labour, we will be able to fight it better.

Firstly, it happens in countries that have a lot of poverty and unemployment. When the families won't have enough earning, they put the children of the family to work so they can have enough money to survive. Similarly, if the adults of the family are unemployed, the younger ones have to work in their place.

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Moreover, when people do not have access to the education they will ultimately put their children to work. The uneducated only care about a short term result which is why they put children to work so they can survive their present.

Furthermore, the money-saving attitude of various industries is a major cause of child labour. They hire children because they pay them lesser for the same work as an adult. As children work more than adults and also at fewer wages, they prefer children. They can easily influence and manipulate them. They only see their profit and this is why they engage children in factories.

Eradication of Child Labour If we wish to eradicate child labour, we need to formulate some very effective solutions which will save our children. It will also enhance the future of any country dealing with these social issues. To begin with, one can create a number of unions that solely work to prevent child labour. It should help the children indulging in this work and punishing those who make them do it.

Furthermore, we need to keep the parents in the loop so as to teach them the importance of education. If we make education free and the people aware, we will be able to educate more and more children who won't have to do child labour. Moreover, making people aware of the harmful consequences of child labour is a must.

In addition, family control measures must also be taken. This will reduce the family's burden so when you have lesser mouths to feed, the parents will be enough to work for them, instead of the children. In fact, every family must be promised a minimum income by the government to survive.

In short, the government and people must come together. Employment opportunities must be given to people in abundance so they can earn their livelihood instead of putting their kids to work. The children are the future of our country; we cannot expect them to maintain the economic conditions of their families instead of having a normal childhood.

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Elder Abuse - Sreenisha

E

lder abuse is any form of neglect or abuse towards an older adult. The person is usually aged 60 or older It takes many forms, and anyone can be the perpetrator of it. Typically, elder abuse is perpetrated by a caregiver or someone who has some type of relationship with the elder The elder usually trusts the individual who in return threatens his or her safety and Health.

In approximately 90% of cases, family members are the abuser This is surprising that family members are typically the one's causing pain on the elder in their life.

Elder abuse can also be self-inflicted (Hildreth, Burke, & Golub, 2011). It can be self-inflicted through self-neglect, which will be further discussed throughout this paper.

The mistreatment of elders is becoming more recognized as a global concern for public health and social problem (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019).

Elder abuse is largely impacting the older community. Though, the prevalence of elder abuse is difficult to determine because cases are typically underreported.

There were about 1 million to 2 million cases of elder abuse in the United States each year according to a 2003 National Research Council report (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009). This is a significant number of individuals being impacted by abuse.

It was then indicated in 2010 that about 14.1% of older people who were not institutionalized experienced some form of elder abuse (Mitka, 2011).

It is shocking that elder abuse is occurring at higher rates for those not institutionalized than those in a nursing home.

Elder abuse is expected to grow even though it is already occurring quite frequently. Countries are having quickly aging populations so the number of people who are impacted by elder abuse is going to expand (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). It is predicted that by 2030, over 20% US residents are likely to be over the age 65, which in turn enables a more susceptible population for mistreatment (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Elder abuse is significantly underreported, though it is occurring frequently.

The many forms elder abuse can take is physical, emotional, sexual, caregiver neglect, and financial exploitation (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009).

Physical abuse is the obvious type. It involves the cause of pain or injury. This could be by physical or druginduced restraint (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009).

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Physical abuse can cause many problems for an individual. It can cause injuries such as bruising, sprains, cuts, hair loss, loss of teeth, fractures, burns, etc. (Marshall & Hale, 2018). It is a very serious form of abuse.

It can lead to death or serious physical impairments. A study indicated that the United States has the lowest prevalence of physical elder abuse (1.4%) and Nigeria reported the highest rate of physical elder abuse with 14.6% (Pillemer, Burnes, Riffin, &Lachs, 2016). Nigeria has a very high rate of physical abuse and it is concerning. Physical elder abuse is possibly the most obvious predicator for abuse since it is noticeable whether it be bruising, burns, or injuries.

Emotional abuse includes the source of any type of mental distress put on an individual (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009). Those who have been emotionally abused can feel humiliated and intimidated.

This could occur through threatening, ridicule and yelling. The abuser may try to cause fear and blame them for the abuse they are receiving. They may try to isolate them by withholding social contact.

Usually, they are denied basic rights, or the abuser may be overprotective. This can discourage the victim and cause depression and withdrawal. They also may feel indifferent, hopeless, and confused around their abuser (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009). This can impact the way they think and behave.

Being in this state of mind could affect a person's work or social life. They can experience loss of appetite, agitation, fear, and paranoia (Marshall & Hale, 2018). The most common risk factor for abuse is social isolation.

An example of emotional elder abuse could be forcing them into a nursing home (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019).

The prevalence of emotional elder abuse is somewhat high. It is most prevalence in India (10.8%) and the United States had a low rate with 1.5% (Pillemer, Burnes, Riffin, &Lachs, 2016). Emotional elder abuse although not quite visible, can significantly affect an elder's life making them extremely vulnerable.

Sexual abuse can be any sexual contact that does receive consent (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009).

An example of sexual abuse would be rape (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Sexual abuse can be detrimental to an individual. Those who have been affected by it could deal with trauma to the vagina, breasts, around the rectum, and the mouth (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Sexual abuse can be physical and nonphysical.

Physical signs can be the presence of pelvic injuries, anal or genital bleeding, or bruising within the inner thighs (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). They often are affected by sexually transmitted infections (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Nonphysical signs are more difficult to point out.

They can include new onset of posttraumatic stress disorder and panic attacks (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019).

These are very serious disorders that can impact one for the rest of their life. Some other signs may include social isolation and/or fear (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019).

Trauma is definitely most common for this type of abuse.

A research study found that older adults living in nursing homes who were victims of sexual abuse are usually women and the perpetrators are typically men (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019).

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(Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). It is horrifying that people would take advantage of an elder.

Sexual abuse is typically lower for elders compared to other types.

The United States reported the second to the lowest rate of sexual elder abuse (0.5%) with Nigeria being the lowest with 0.04% (Pillemer, Burnes, Riffin, &Lachs, 2016). Sexual elder abuse can affect one physically and emotionally. It can even end one's life if the damage from the abuse is severe.

Caregiver neglect involves an individual supposed to be taking care of an elder refusing or failing to meet the obligation to give them basic needs (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Neglect can can be failing to get an elder the medical treatment that they need. Also, it could be depriving them from basic needs such as food or water (Marshall & Hale, 2018). A person will have a difficult time surviving without basic needs. Some signs of neglect include dehydration, malnutrition, lack of clothing or grooming, and inadequate hygiene (Marshall & Hale, 2018). For caregiver neglect, Canada had the lowest rate of caregiver neglect (0.4%) and the United States was fairly low with 1.1%. India had the highest rate of caregiver neglect with 4.3% (Pillemer, Burnes, Riffin, &Lachs, 2016). Caregiver neglect is very dangerous, and the prevalence could be highest in India due to cultural values they may be installed. Their culture may think it is acceptable to mistreat their elders and the elders may be afraid to put their family business out there.

Financial exploitation is when a person misuses the resources or funds of an elder (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009).

Signs of this could be missing material property or material goods. More serious signs of this is a change of will and testament, turning over property, or missing funds (Hildreth, Burke, & Glass, 2009).

Usually, this is identified when older adults are left with no resources to pay for bills or buy things they need to survive (Marshall & Hale, 2018). This is the fastest growing type of elder abuse with many people taking from the older population.

It can be especially devastating since it can take away from all their hard time and sacrifice by a person taking their assets. It was estimated that each year 5.4% of elders are victims of financial fraud (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Financial exploitation can make a person very vulnerable and it is upsetting to have to go through.

There is also a type of abuse that an elder can impose on themselves. This type of abuse is self-neglect. This is when an elder is incapable of taking care of their own needs. These needs can include food, hygiene, and housing. Self-neglect is usually due to serious problems such as cognitive, physical, or emotional deficiencies (Hildreth, Burke, & Golub, 2011). This type of abuse is sad since it is one inflicting harm on themselves. This one may also be hard to detect since they may not show how they are feeling or doing to others.

There are some risk factors that make individuals more disposed to elder abuse. Factors that make those more vulnerable has to do with socioeconomic status and sociodemographic characteristics (Marshall & Hale, 2018).

Elders who are living in a community are impacted more by abuse. Those who have physical or cognitive 12 Flash Light

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impairments are also more susceptible (Marshall & Hale, 2018). They may be more vulnerable to abuse because they are unable to express or be aware of what is going on. Also, they may be more vulnerable because their physical impairments do not allow them to act back or may be weak to specifically physical abuse. It is actually acknowledged that those with Alzheimer's diseases are 4.8 times more likely to be impacted by elder abuse than individuals who do not (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Individuals who struggle with psychosocial distress also are more likely to be abused (Marshall & Hale, 2018).

Psychosocial distress can affect one's ability to deal with certain situations, so this will make them less likely to call for help.

Additionally, family dynamics can impact the risk of elder abuse (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Elders who have a family who does not get along can lead to abuse, such as a family member (child or grandchild) abusing them.

Abuse can even occur at a nursing home and the family does not notice because they are not involved in their care.

Also, the stress of caregiving can lead to them abusing the elder (Marshall & Hale, 2018).

Cultural factors can even impact the risk of abuse occurring. Some families may have the cultural belief that abuse is acceptable.

There may be beliefs that what going on in the home or behind closed doors is a family matter and should be kept private. Cultural beliefs may also include an attitude that elders are insignificant which leads to them being disrespected.

These beliefs could lead to the older adult feeling embarrassed. This could make it hard for them to ask for help.

They could feel ashamed to reveal their family's business. The elder may be afraid to lose where they live and being unable to be financially and emotionally stable on their own (Marshall & Hale, 2018). This definitely can contribute to why elder abuse is often underreported.

Gender can also be a factor that impacts one's likelihood of being abused. It was shown that being female is a potential risk factor for abuse. For various populations that are abused, women are often the victim. In a study, it was indicated that women were 17% more likely to be abused than men with 10.9% (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). It was assumed that women are more susceptible to abuse because they live longer (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Cultural factors may impact this. Certain cultures have the mindset that women are socially taught to be abused (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). It was found that when it comes to financial and emotional elder abuse, women are more likely to be impacted by it (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Being an elder who is female is possibly affecting a person's likelihood of being abused.

Elder abuse has many negative health outcomes. It can lead to an individual dying. The morbidity and the premature mortality rate have increased due to elder abuse (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Older victims of elder abuse experience various adverse health effects. They may not be seen right away and occur long before the abuse has ended. Those who are abused may experience new or worsening health problems. They also may be institutionalized earlier than expected (Van Den Bruele, Dimachk, & Crandall, 2019). Not only can abuse affect elder's physically, but also psychologically. The effects may include anxiety and depression (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). If a person's health is impaired, it can then impact their welfare. They will be less likely to be 13 Flash Light

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happy and often feel uncomfortable talking to others about it (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). The psychological abuse elders may face can make them less likely to report the abuse.

Preventing elder abuse is complex. Many parts of society need to be involved. Educating health care professionals and the public about elder abuse is definitely important (Daly & Butcher, 2018). There are no many specific interventions for the prevention of elder abuse. Elder abuse interventions have rarely been studied. To appropriately intervene, there would need to be legislation and education (Daly & Butcher, 2018). There would need to be corporation from caregivers as well as social support. Batterer interventions and money management programs are important for elder abuse (Daly & Butcher, 2018). They are important since many of the times elders are being abused physically and financially. The help from multidisciplinary teams and a circle of friends during interventions is helpful (Daly & Butcher, 2018). Research has indicated that inter professional teams working together is the best approach to helping victims (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). These teams involve physicians, social workers, attorneys, law-enforcement personnel, and other community participants (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). They meet together often to discuss cases in the local community and organize a response that is effective (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). There are not many programs for intervention, but one is APS (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). It is a federal program that receives reports of suspected abuse and they are usually at the middle of case investigations (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015).

Those who take care of elders are especially important in the prevention of elder abuse. Home healthcare clinicians are responsible for assessing and identifying risk factors of abuse while doing routine visits (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Mandatory reporting for healthcare professionals for suspicion of abuse is usually required in most states (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Detecting elder abuse can lead to intervention which can then prevent elder abuse. This can happen through having support services and managing underlying problems and stressors (Marshall & Hale, 2018). They are also responsible for taking steps to educate caregiver, parents, and families about elder abuse and providing support for them (Marshall & Hale, 2018). Caregivers showing signs of distress should be referred to counseling to avoid potential abuse and get their stress down (Marshall & Hale, 2018).

Physicians play a large role also since the prevalence of cognitive impairment from dementia is high. They need to see whether or not the elder is able to make decisions and is able to accept or reject intervention. This typically requires a psychiatrist or geriatrician (Lachs&Pillemer, 2015). Those who reject intervention and lack decisionmaking need someone present with them such as a guardian (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015). All healthcare providers are responsible for knowing the signs of elder abuse and reporting it especially home health clinicians and physicians since they are usually working closely with elders.

To conclude, elder abuse is occurring frequently and is expected to increase with the older population growing.

Elder abuse is not being recognized quite often due to the lack of research on it and the fact that many elders are cognitively impaired or have certain cultural beliefs. There are many forms of elder abuse, though financial exploitation is the fastest growing type and emotional abuse is occurring at the highest rates, especially in India. Gender, cultural beliefs, physical or cognitive impairments, and family dynamics can impact the risk of elder abuse. Elder abuse can largely impact one's life since it can lead to death and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. It can affect one's overall well-being. To prevent elder abuse, more needs to be done. But, what seems to be the best approach is for healthcare providers to work together to help those dealing with elder abuse. It is important to detect elder abuse before it takes a turn for the worst. Elder abuse is a very complex issue and takes a team to prevent it.

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Drug Abuse - Disha Holla

D

rugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven'. This statement defines the meaning of drugs accurately in one single line. You might think that not everyone takes drugs, but surprisingly this has become a lifestyle of some people. You might believe that this happens only in movies or with movie stars, but that is just a far-fetched reality.

Drugs are very much a part of people who were normal once upon a time, due to many different reasons.

What exactly are drugs? Drugs are substances or a combination of substances that can alter the state of your mind in a way that you cease to see the reality about what is happening with your life. This is the most common reason for taking drugs most of the youngsters today.

What drugs do is change the basic way of your body or mind. As mentioned above, there are many different reasons why a person could want to take drugs. One of the frequent reasons is the curiosity to see what happens. The peer pressure makes you do things just to see how they work, and before you know you are hooked up.

The effects of drugs on the body and mind like the sudden boost of energy or the relaxed calmness is also why drugs are popular.

Drugs are known to disguise realities and this helps them cope up with certain situations. Of course, this is just a way of running away from one's self but people who are prone to drugs would never understand that. At last, there comes a stage when a person who takes drugs becomes dependent on them and has to keep on taking them due to avoid the pain of withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of drugs can vary in numerous situations as well. First and foremost being the mental wellbeing. A person, to cope up with situations tries drugs and due to the addicting effects doesn't recognize reality. Drugs completely change the way they think and behave. This, in turn, affects whatever relationships they have in their life and the impact is mostly always negative.

Financial situations take a rough blow under the influence of drugs as they are not found easily and are expensive.

If you had no criminal record, you surely will after taking drugs. Most of the addictive drugs are not found legally, and under a drug offense, it becomes hard to gain a job or even a minor loan.

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Thus, Drug Abuse is a very well recognized problem for the new generation but still, it would take a lot of knowledge to steer clear of it. Taking Drugs can be overwhelming and indecisive, but it is a work of sheer will to overcome that disastrous addiction. 11.8 million deaths are the result of drug abuse each year. The will to not fall prey to such addictions in life is the only way to save ourselves from being prematurely dead.

Drugs are nothing but certain substances that make you addicted to them and change your lifestyle. The change that comes within your lifestyle is mostly negative. It is known to alter reality in such a way that you forget your roots and become prone to succumbing to your bad habits. The main change comes into your mental and physical wellbeing. This gives way to financial problems and negative effects on family and even professional relationships.

Drugs are not to be taken lightly as a problem. They are something that is often taken lightly and are taken within but is soon found to be irreparable mistakes. Drug use is mostly opted for when you are trying to cope up in a situation where you are emotionally tired and you feel that taking drugs would free you of the pain. This is the reason why most of the young generation falls prey to this demon.

Drug abuse is the most problematic cause of death in the world. Around 350,000 die from overdoses of smoking, drugs, and drinking as well. It is high time that we understand the seriousness of drug abuse and stay as far as possible from it.

10 Lines on Drug Abuse

® Drugs are substances that change the way a person acts, feels, and behaves. ® When drugs are taken in a form of overdose, the term drug abuse is applicable. ® Drugs are both legal and illegal. ® Most people use drugs illegally due to different reasons. ® Drugs are taken due to peer pressure, coping situations, or just for fun as well. ® Many times, taking drugs becomes out of control and this ruins the complete life. ® People are affected financially and legally as well. ® They tend to ruin relationships in life whether they are personal or professional. ® The most common reason to take drugs is to escape from reality.

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Dead Heart of Africa – Chad - Nizar Djema

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had officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa It is bordered

by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the south went (at Lake Chad), and Niger to the west.

Chad has sveral regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the center and a more fertile Savanna zone in the south. Lake Chad, after which the country is named, is the second-largest wetland in Africa. The capital N'Djamena is the largest city.

Chad's official languages are Arabic and French. It is home to over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups.

Islam (51.8%) and Christianity (44.1%) are the main Beginning in the 7th millennium BC, human populations moved into the Chadian basin in great numbers. By the end of the 1st millennium AD, a series of states and empires had risen and fallen in Chad's Sahelian strip, each focused on controlling the trans-Saharan trade routes that passed through the region. France conquered the territory by 1920 and incorporated it as part of French Equatorial Africa. In 1960, Chad obtained independence in august 1960.

Climate of Chad Each year a tropical weather system known as the intertropical front crosses Chad from south to north, bringing a wet season that lasts from May to October in the south, and from June to September in the Sahel.]Variations in local rainfall create three major geographical zones. The Sahara lies in the country's northern third. Yearly precipitations throughout this belt are under 50 millimeters; only occasional spontaneous palm groves survive, all of them south of the Tropic of Cancer The Sahara gives way to a Sahelian belt in Chad's Centre; precipitation there varies from 300 to 600 mm (11.8 to 23.6 in) per year. In the Sahel, a steppe of thorny bushes (mostly acacias) Gradually gives way to the south to East Sudanian savanna in Chad's Sudanese zone. Yearly rainfall in this belt is over 900 mm (35.4 in).

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Population Chad's national statistical agency projected the country's 2015 population between 13,630,252 and 13,679,203, with 13,670,084 as its medium projection; based on the medium projection, 3,212,470 people lived in urban areas and 10,457,614 people lived in rural areas.]The country's population is young: an estimated 47% is under 15. The birth rate is estimated at 42.35 births per 1,000 people, the mortality rate at 16.69. The life expectancy is 52 years.

Chad's population is unevenly distributed. Density is 0.1/km2 (0.26/sqmi) in the Saharan Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti Region but 52.4/km2 (136/sq mi) in the Logone Occidental Region. In the capital, it is even higher. About half of the nation's population lives in the southern fifth of its territory, making this the most densely populated region.

Urban life is concentrated in the capital, whose population is mostly engaged in commerce. The other major towns are Sarh, Moundou, Abéchéand Doba, which are considerably smaller but growing rapidly in population and economic activity. Since 2003, 230,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad from war-ridden Darfur. With the 172,600 Chadians displaced by the civil war in the east, this has generated increased tensions among the region's communities.

Languages Chad's official languages are Arabic and French, but over 100 languages and dialects are spoken. Due to the important role played by itinerant Arab traders and settled merchants in local communities, Chadian Arabic has become a lingua franca Culture Because of its great variety of peoples and languages, Chad possesses a rich cultural heritage. The Chadian government has actively promoted Chadian culture and national traditions by opening the Chad National Museum and the Chad Cultural Centre. Six national holidays are observed throughout the year, and movable holidays include the Christian holiday of Easter Monday and the Muslim holidays of Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Eid Milad Nnabi

Chadian woman from arab ethnic dancing during festivity

Women from toubou ethnic dancing during festivities

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The music of Chad includes a number of instruments such as the kinde, a type of bow harp; the kakaki, a long tin horn; and the hu hu, a stringed instrument that uses calabashes as loudspeakers. Other instruments and their combinations are more linked to specific ethnic groups: the Sara prefer whistles, balafones, harps and kodjo drums; and the Kanembucombine the sounds of drums with those of flute-like instrument Wildfe Chad's animal and plant life correspond to the three climatic zones. In the Saharan region, the only flora is the date-palm groves of the oasis. Palms and acacia trees grow in the Sahelian region. The southern, or Sudanic, zone consists of broad grasslands or prairies suitable for grazing. As of 2002, there were at least 134 species of mammals, 509 species of birds (354 species of residents and 155 migrants), and over 1,600 species of plants throughout the country.

Elephants, lions, buffalo, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, giraffes, antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many species of snakes are found here, although most large carnivore populations have been drastically reduced since the early 20th century.

Elephant poaching, particularly in the south of the country in areas such as Zakouma National Park, is a severe problem. The small group of surviving West African crocodiles in the Ennedi Plateau represents one of the last colonies known in the Sahara today.

Chad had a 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.18/10, ranking it 83rd globally out of 172 countries. Extensive deforestation has resulted in loss of trees such as acacias, baobab, dates and palm trees. This has also caused loss of natural habitat for wild animals; one of the main reasons for this is also hunting and livestock farming by increasing human settlements.

Populations of animals like lions, leopards and rhino have fallen significantly.

Efforts have been made by the Food and Agriculture Organization to improve relations between farmers, agropastoralists and pastoralists in the Zakouma National Park, Siniaka-Minia, and Aouk reserve in southeastern Chad to promote sustainable development. As part of the national conservation effort, more than 1.2 million trees have been replanted to check the advancement of the desert, which incidentally also helps the local economy by way of financial return from acacia trees, which produce gum arabic, and also, from fruit trees.

Poaching is a serious problem in the country, particularly of elephants for the profitable ivory industry and a threat to lives of rangers even in the national parks such as Zakouma. Elephants are often massacred in herds in and around the parks by organized poaching. The problem is worsened by the fact that the parks are understaffed and that a number of wardens have been murdered by poachers.

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The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Cote D'Ivoire - Sarah (Narrated By: Manasa Gowda)

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vory Coast additionally alluded to as Côte d'Ivoire, and formally known as the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is a free country arranged in West Africa. The country's political capital city is Yamoussoukro, while its biggest and monetary capital city is the port city of Abidjan. Ivory Coast is lined by Liberia and Guinea toward the west, Ghana toward the east, and Mali and Burkina Faso toward the north. The Atlantic Ocean (The Gulf of Guinea) is arranged south of the country.

Culture of Ivory Coast The nation's way of life is represented by the various ethnic gatherings, celebrations, occasions, workmanship, and music. A portion of these social angles will be talked about in a nutshell beneath.

Religion of Ivory Coast A mother and kid heading back home, SourceRoughly 12% of the country's populace rehearses the Christian confidence. Another 25% practices Islam, while 63% hold fast to conventional convictions. A large portion of the populace rehearses customary religions which include the loving of predecessors. Local people accept that the dead change into spirits and that they are in touch consistently with the living. The living complete various ceremonies so as look for the insurance and favors of the dead.

Wizardry is extremely regular in Ivory Coast, and great sorcery is utilized to ward off insidious spirits.

There are juju clerics or medication men, who offer out charms and guidance on the most proficient method to avoid threat and tell fortunes. These medication men likewise favor grisgris, neckbands containing charms that pursuit away explicit wrongs.

Food of Ivory Coast In Ivory Coast, tubers, for example, cassava and sweet potatoes and grains like rice, maize (corn), and millet make up most of suppers. These staple food sources are joined by vegetables like peanuts, beans, or peas, and more modest parts of flavors, oils, vegetables, and proteins – particularly meat or fish. The grains are set up by the ones who pound them in enormous wooden dishes with long wooden pestles. Family suppers are for the most part set up outside in metal or earthenware pots on stone hearths.

The food sources are typically extremely zesty are one eats utilizing their hands. Basic dishes are comprised of rice joined by a pepper-seasoned nut cause which is discovered generally in northern savannah, and seared plantains and fish arranged in the seaside districts. Foutou, additionally spellt as futu is the public dish, and it is a thick weighty glue arranged from squashed sweet potatoes or plantains and is eaten with stew made of meat or fish, or with a zesty sauce. Gari, dried, ground cassava is 20 Flash Light

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additionally a famous food in the country. Maquis is Ivory Coast's most regular culinary treat and it is comprised of fish and chicken bosom in tomatoes and onions.

Local people likewise have an extremely delectable road distributed food alluded to as aloko. This is basically ready banana in palm oil and it spiced with bean stew and steamed onions and can be eaten with barbecued fish or alone. Home-blended lager and palm wine are the most loved beverages among local people.

Food likewise assumes a critical part in the strict and stylized merriments of the nearby individuals. Drinking and devouring are ordinarily utilized in strict functions, transitioning services, and remembrance/memorial service administrations. The main celebration among a portion of the neighborhood networks, for example, the Akan public, is the sweet potato celebration, which is a period of thanksgiving for great gather and a memorable opportunity the uncovering of the sweet potato. The most well-known celebration including food is the Festival of Masks and it happens yearly. Food is additionally a typical factor in Muslim Holidays, for example, the blessed month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Interest ministers likewise use food to make talismans or sorcery divides. Local people additionally accept that the future can be fathomed by tossing a few grains of rice into a container. Local people likewise offer familial spirits food and drink prior to counseling them.

Style of Ivory Coast Very much like some other agricultural nation, local people wear both conventional and western garments. In any case, most ladies actually put on the customary brilliantly hued dresses alluded to as pagnes with coordinating with head scarves. These dresses are likewise worn with long bits of fabric that the ladies tie around themselves as skirts. Men, then again, put on shorts or fold short bits of material over their bodies. For formal events, men put on long wonderful robes.

Occasions and celebrations of Ivory Coast Basilique Notre Dame de la Paix in Yamusukro, Lacs, SourceThe Festival of Masks (Fêtes des Masques) is held each December in the Man locale. This is one of Ivory Coast's most popular and greatest celebrations. Rivalries between towns are coordinated to recognize the best artists, and to offer appreciation to the timberland spirits represented in the veils. Bouaké is another significant occasion. This is seven days in length fair and is ordinarily held each March. Another celebration is the Fête du Dipri which is done in Gomon, close to Abidjan each April.

The celebration starts near 12 PM when exposed ladies and youngsters escape their cottages and lead nighttime ceremonies to purge the town of any abhorrent spells. Before the sun rises, the town boss comes out, the drums pound, and every one of the locals go into dazes and this furor goes on until late evening the next day. There are strict celebrations held in the nation, for example, Ramadan where individuals of the Islam confidence quick from dawn to dusk for an entire month, according to the mainstays of Islam. This regularly reaches a conclusion with a gala alluded to as Eid al-Fitr where individuals implore together, give presents, and visit companions.

Music of Ivory Coast Music in the nation is comprised of music types from various ethnic networks and is described by a succession of tunes and rhythms that occur at the same time, without one dominating the other. The neighborhood music is likewise portrayed by the talking drums explicitly among the Nzema people group, the trademark poly-rhythms found in SubSaharan Africa beat, and by the vocal polyphony especially among the Baoulé. In Ivory Coast, music is utilized in various parts of culture. The Dan people group, for example, praise climate, rice, birth, marriage, and demise all with music.

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A portion of the instruments utilized in the nation incorporate blades, Akombe, Shekere (Youroo), Kpalogo, djembe, and the talking drum, and all are produced using neighborhood instruments like horns, creature skins, and gourds. The most widely recognized music sorts from Ivory Coast are CoupéDécalé, zouglou, and zoblazo.

Craft of Ivory Coast Veils are a typical type of craftsmanship in the country. The intricacy and assortment of the veils made by local people couldn't measure up to any. The veils fill various needs however they are for the most part utilized for delegate purposes; they can address cartoons of creatures, the spirits of the dead, and lesser gods.

The veils are accepted to be exceptionally consecrated and risky. Therefore, it is just explicit amazing people and their families who are permitted to have them. Uncommonly prepared individuals are the only ones permitted to put on the covers. Local people accept that it is risky for others to put on the veils since it is seen that each cover has a day to day existence power or soul and that when a person's face comes into contact with within the veil, the individual in question changes into the element addressed by the veil.

The Senoufo, the Dan (or Yacouba) and the Baoulé are known for their wooden carvings.

Marriage in Ivory Coast Yassa dish arranged with chicken or fish.Marriages in the nation center for the most part around the joining of two families and the improvement of another family is vital to wedding ceremonies. The lawful marriage age for young men is eighteen and that for young ladies is sixteen; these ages have been set by the nation's administration.

Polygamy is additionally an acknowledged lifestyle, particularly among the native ethnic gatherings.

The homegrown unit of Ivory Coast The more distant family is the essential social unit for the family, be it in the country or metropolitan setting. Men are for the most part seen as the top of the home and ladies, then again, tend to childrearing and other homegrown necessities. Ladies, in Baoule town, live with their spouses' families, yet around there, married couples independently; the husbands live in rectangular houses and the wives in cycle ones. At the point when young ladies get hitched and leave the home, the children are regularly entrusted with the obligation of dealing with the elderly folks of that family.

Legacy rehearses in Ivory Coast All the legacy rehearses in the customary networks are overwhelmed by men. Individuals of Senufo and Baoule have a place with their mom's family. This implies that land and force are passed down by means of a mother's family line to her sister's children. In Nyula and Bete, legacy is gone down through the dad's line to the children.

In most customary networks in the country, ladies don't reserve the privilege to acquire land; they just utilize that of their families or spouses.

Sexual orientation parts in Ivory Coast In the provincial districts, people partition the work. Men clear the land and reap cash crops like espresso and cocoa. Ladies, then again, perform family assignments and plant vegetables and different staples. Ladies additionally deal with their families, gather fuel and water, produce ceramics and handiworks to sell, and weave and twist. Conspicuous government and city positions, just as the part of clan leaders of towns, are held for the most part by men. The men additionally overwhelm strict jobs, from Muslim Imams to Catholic Priests to Shamans.

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Parents Day - Ruth Krupa

Introduction

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he purpose of celebrating parent's day every year is to make a person aware of the love, sacrifice & dedication of his parents and awaken the feeling of love towards them.

Parents' Day was first started in 1994, since then every year this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in countries around the world. Parents are our God and everyone's duty is to worship God. The biggest contribution to any human's life is by his or her parents.

History of Parents Day In the Indian tradition, the status of parents is considered to be higher than God, because while raising their child, parents also surrender their wishes and needs. The celebration of Parent's Day started in 1994. It's now been celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July every year.

Why Parent's Day is Celebrated?

Parents are those who spend their whole lives for their children. They work hard all their lives so that their children can live comfortably. The love and understanding between children and parents have to be strengthened by mutual understanding in the family.

By celebrating parents day children get to know the importance of their parents. Parents teach us something new every moment, so it is our ultimate duty to worship them. Children should do something wonderful for their parents on this day and make them feel special.

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Importance of Parents In this world, there is no one greater than the parents because the parents sacrifice all the happiness of their life for the happiness of their children. Whatever the circumstances, the parents never let their children get hurt.

Every parent of the world has only one dream that their children should touch new dimensions of success and progress continuously. Parents sacrifice their entire lives, regardless of their wishes, for the child's progress.

At the same time, children cannot even pay their parents to favor the whole life, so everyone should respect their parents, and obey their orders.

Parents Are Important There are many children in the world who do not get the love of their parents, who crave the love of mother and father all their lives and such children truly realize that parents are so much important in life.

Parents are given the status of God because they are the first to tell us the good and the bad, the right and the wrong in life, and having a parent is richer than any wealth in this world.

How is a Parent's Day Celebrated?

In various schools, play or other measures are taken to increase the coordination between children and parents.

On parents, day children's in school give a heartwarming speech for their parents to let know the importance of them in their life.

On this day, children give flowers, cards, gifts to their parents. Parent's day is the perfect day for children to thank their parents for giving them birth, love, affection, support, care and everything in life.

Conclusion In this world, only your parents can love you without selfishness. The love of our parents can't be measured nor can't we describe it in words.

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Growing with Single Parent Struggle and Social Impact - Swathi Koira Introduction

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or several years, children who grow up by a single parent have been seen as different. Compared to earlier days, a single-parent family system has become more common and prevalent in society.

With the increasing rate of divorce cases, more and more families are becoming nuclear.

Children are deprived of the affection of both the father and the mother. They have started to be raised in singleparent families. Ideally, it is good for a child to live with their dad and mom happily married, however, it has been seen that children who are brought up in single-parent households are still well- adjusted kids, teens, and adults.

Besides, a few exceptions, a majority of children who are raised by a single-parent are comparatively more mature, independent and realistic. Many children who have grown up by a single parent or by both father and mother seem successful and emotionally stable.

The difference is just in the method of upbringing them. Though the responsibility is the same, there is a difference in the method in which they are raised. Men and women have different ways to discipline and teaching styles. The way a child is molded depends on the parenting style. Along with the strictness, there is leniency and affection also needed for the right development of a child. To strike the right balance, both women and men are meant to up bring a child together. If any of these ingredients are lacking or not in the right proportion, then it adversely impacts the upbringing of a child.

The objective of a single parent is to provide a well-rounded and balanced development to a child. It is a challenging task to manage it all alone, but not difficult. There are several examples of single-parent families in our present society that has been an inspirational source to everyone.

Single parents are becoming very much common in the present world. Since 1990, the Indian family structure for children between the ages of 14 to 18 consists of 42% of them living with both parents in first marriage family, 22 % of them living in a second marriage stepfamily, 21 % of them living in a divorced, separated or single-parent family, 6% of them living in a singleparent family with no marriage and 3 % of them living in a single parent widowed family. Around 58% of children in the live in a single-parent family. This is an awful percentage that shows how single-parent family is becoming more and more in today's society.

For several years, children who grew up by a single parent have been viewed as divergent. Our present 25 Flash Light

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society has this belief that the only means for a child to get full behavioral and emotional skills is to be brought up by the mother as well as father. Due to lacking support of one of the parents, they are more likely to exhibit behavior issues as they tend to lack social and economic security. This is illogical.

Children of a single-parent family can be as liberal with social, behavioral and emotional skills the ones with two parents. Though it is needed that a single parent has to perform the responsibilities of both mother and father to ensure the best development of their child. A single-parent has to work full time to afford to provide the essentialities for themselves and their children.

They have to offer an enthusiastic and quality time for the child's welfare. A single parent has been seen successful in provide better conditioning to their child. Today a lot of children who hailed from a single-parent family have become emotionally successful and steady. It has been seen that such children are more mature, realistic, and responsible. They know how much effort it takes to sustain a living so they recognize the importance of money than the ones who are brought up in a two-parent family.

Since their childhood, they have seen hardships in life from a very close angle. This makes them very realistic and independent too. Having faced drudgeries of life and how their single parent fought against it while raising them, they are more mentally prepared and strong facing any of the challenges that come in their way. Whatever be the emergency, they are capable of dealing with any circumstance successfully.

Children who are brought up in a single-parent family realize that marriage isn't a fairy tale and also not perfect always. It takes a lot of work from both sides to make it happen. Children see that their single parent has to perform both home and outside duties. He/she has to work a lot harder to earn money that is essential to take the best care of everyone's requirements.

They don't keep high expectations in terms of branded clothes, and other expensive accessories. They are seen to be more contented with what they have. With better knowledge of the real world, they learn the importance of responsibility and support from childhood. It is a struggle for both a single parent and their children, but these struggling times makes them mentally strong and capable children in the long run. Though it is a big responsibility and a challenge for a parent, but with inner strength, a fighting attitude, and courage, they can make any achievable.

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Absence of presence–Online Education - Priyanka Sharma

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lassroom teaching enhances students critical thinking skills.

Although online learning has become the preferred method for the most of students, Classroom teaching enhances students critical thinking skills.

It is important not to forget the benefits of offline education, with offline learning, it gets easier to ensure students are paying attention to the studies.

It is easier to retain the knowledge and skills they have learned through offline learning than they do with online learning. Classroom teaching is important to encourage and motivate collaborative learning. Collaborative learning increases student's self-awareness about how students learn, and it also enables them to learn more easily and effectively, transforming those skills and knowledge beyond the classroom.

Online education is not as easy as speaking into the microphone at one end and connecting a laptop or phone and listening in on the other end. There are other challenges with this form of education that are faced at both ends that's students as well as faculty. Substantial learning is lost when education goes online. Education is not just about classes. It is about interactions, ideas, open discussions, debates, and mentoring of each student, a lot this gets lost in online platform. We cannot engage in online classes as much as we do in offline. Viva, debates, and classroom discussions etc lose their flavour when done online; mentoring, debates, and casual conversations are better in traditional classrooms. The greatest advantage of face-to-face teaching is eye contact. It is easy to note if students are following what is been thought. There is excitement present in the real classroom. The biggest negative point of shifting courses online is absence of face-to-face contact with teachers and they are cutting off from the university library. Students often do not have access to online facilities, especially the underprivileged ones who live in places with poor connectivity.

On whether online education fails to incorporate mentoring, interpersonal relationships, and brainstorming, however the biggest drawback of offline education is knowledge about technology, it gets very difficult if the student or the teacher do not know how to use the technology. So, online education can only be a supplement and not the system of education.

Hence, offline learning is certainly a more effective option for students, rather than online.

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Heritage Village Aranmula - Dora Grace Sam

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n Aranmula, kerala it's a Heritage village on the banks of the Pamba river, a group of skilled, metal-casting artisans spend their days in hot and dusty workshops, crafting metal mirrors, a tradition that goes back 500 years.

For centuries, the craftsmen, who belong to the Vishwakarma community, have been working in the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. It is one of the oldest temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Originally, these artisans were known for creating exquisite bronze idols of deities. But around 500 years ago, they handcrafted a special mirror known as the Aranmulakannadi, which surpassed the idols as their most famous product. The mirror is made from a copper-tin alloy with trace elements. To this day, the composition remains a closely guarded secret, passed from one generation to the next.

It is believed that keeping an Aranmulakannadi in the house brings prosperity and luck to the owner. For this reason, it is given as a gift during weddings and housewarming ceremonies. People are typically intrigued that a mirror made of alloy has reflective properties like a plane glass mirror, and also surprised that the alloy is brittle.As historical information related to the origins of the mirror are sketchy and unreliable, the legends have become the story told about these unique artifacts.

According to the main legend, centuries ago, the high priest of the temple noticed a crack on the crown of the deity. The King ordered the craftsmen to make a new crown in three days. The craftsmen were worried, as they didn't have the requisite raw material. The head craftsman's wife prayed and had a dream, in which the deity appeared and gave her the secret proportion for creating an alloy that would shine like a mirror.

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surrendered their gold ornaments. The men sold them to buy the raw material and a crown was made. It shone bright, and when polished, showed reflective properties like a mirror. The crown was called the kannadibhimbom (mirror image).

The King was pleased. The artisans then created a vaalkannadi (hand-held mirror) using a similar composition, which was popular with Kerala's royalty and aristocracy. The King decreed that the mirror be part of the ashtamangalyam set, a brass plate featuring eight auspicious items that is used in religious rites.

The uniqueness of the Aranmulakannadi is that it is frontreflecting, unlike plane glass mirrors where reflection takes place on the back surface of the glass, where the reflective coating is applied. In plane mirrors, light travels through the glass and back, so it gets refracted and changes direction. This can cause aberration or distortion of the image, and this distortion can vary depending on the quality of the reflective coating. In the case of the Aranmulakannadi, the light does not penetrate into any refractive medium like glass: The reflection is on the top metal surface.

In a thatched-roof workshop, with the summer sun bearing down and the fire from the furnace raising the temperature several degrees, the artisans toil, focused on their tasks. The process of crafting the mirror starts with the making of the alloy. The next step is molding, then casting the mold with the alloy in the furnace stoked by a fire. The molds are cooled and then broken, to reveal the rudimentary mirror that is formed from the molten alloy.

This is then cut, filed, polished, and finally mounted on a brass frame. The entire process is time consuming and painstakingly done.

Creating the mirror is a relatively green process. The material used is eco-friendly and obtained locally. There is minimum waste and most of the material is recycled, as the mold bits can be ground again, and the alloy pieces remelted.

Not long ago, the craft was languishing. According to Pazhani Gopakumar, secretary of the Viswabrahmana Aranmula Metal Mirror Nirman Society, which is a society of artisans, there was no patronage and no promotion of the product. In the past 15 years, however, there has been a slow revival. The society is creating awareness of the product, in craft fairs and exhibitions outside Kerala.

Sheela Chandrachudan, an 81-year-old musician who is passionate about Indian crafts, owns a big kannadi, and has had it for the past 35 years. It occupies a place of pride in her home. Having moved several times over the years, she says, it is still in perfect condition. She laments the fact that many people from Kerala don't know about the mirror's cultural existence. She treasures her piece, now a family heirloom, and plans to pass the possession down to one of her daughters.

Aranmulakannadis are expensive. A small three-inch mirror costs, at a minimum, Rs. 3,000 (around $50). The price can go up to Rs. 100,000 (around $1,550) depending on the size of the mirror. Since they are expensive, cheaper fakes are flooding the market. These are made with tin sheets, and for a buyer, it can be difficult to discern if it is a genuine piece or a fake.

But like a plane glass mirror, this metal mirror does break. So for a non-expert, the only way of knowing if their mirror is genuine, and not a counterfeit tin version, is to drop it. If it breaks, well, it was a genuine mirror.

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Global Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (June fourth)History and Importance - Baby Zeba

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lobal Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: The International Day of Innocent Children casualties of Aggression falls on 4 June. It is woeful that kids who are the most weak citizenry are most influenced when war breaks out.

Savagery against youngsters in struggle zones has expanded with, up to 250 million kids universally being affected by clashes.

This day allows the worldwide public an opportunity to think about the enduring of children in struggle zones.

Kids being enrolled in wars or being oppressed to rape, snatching, and Being denied helpful access are a few kinds of normal infringement. As the United Nations (UN) is submitted mitted to securing the privileges of youngsters, the day recognizes, however there are mental, physical, and passionate sufferings of kids.

Worldwide Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression – June fourth (Every Year) On 19 August 1982, the UN General Assembly, being unnerved at the tremendous number of guiltless Palestinian and Lebanese kids survivors of Israel's demonstrations of Aggression, chosen to recognize 4 June of every year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Since kid misuse has expanded internationally, the United Nations (UN) is endeavoring to ensure kids and their privileges. The day additionally honors the casualties of the 1982 Lebanon War, where youngsters became survivors of famous killing. It is commended by getting sorted out open discourses, television shows, and discussions. This day likewise reaffirms the UN's objective of zero brutality against kids by 2030. The making of a reasonable and fair society is the essential thought process.

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Global Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Theme - 2020 The objective of solemnizing the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is to establish a climate of satisfaction, opportunity, and equity for youngsters. This day rouses the public authority to help out NGOs and advance approaches that decline viciousness against youngsters. At the point when power is submitted against kids, the practical development of the general public, just as the country, is upset.

As people, we should take drives for dispensing with the viciousness against our youngsters, and furthermore go without both purposefully and inadvertently submitting demonstrations of brutality. And furthermore request from governments and managerial units of the general public to take useful, just, and speedy activity against viciousness committers.

How we Celebrate International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression?

This occasion is commended every year on 4 June consistently. Workplaces and distinctive instructive organizations direct projects to teach individuals about different sorts of savagery looked by youngsters in the public arena. Countries all throughout the planet dispatch new drives and casing laws in a joint effort with the UN to kill and check viciousness against youngsters.

The Global Movement for Children, with initiative from Nelson Mandela, was a rousing power for change. It included common individuals around the world, named "Say Yes for Children" crusade. In excess of 94 million individuals, embraced the drive.

Social activists normally gather and bring up assets for youngsters who are casualties of misuse and brutality.

Individuals bring issues to light in their networks about the horrible results.

It is prescribed to be the change-advance consideration and regard towards individuals of various foundations, religions, sexual orientation, standings, or various philosophies and exercise our privileges to consider workplaces of administration responsible.

Together we can give our youngsters a superior spot for them to, where there is no viciousness, and equity is given immediately.

History on International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression In 1997, a report by GraçaMachel had drawn worldwide consideration towards the shrinking effects of battles on kids. The UN General Assembly at that point receives a goal named the Rights of the Child; This flagged the start of another agreement among the Member States on the significance of giving crucial consideration, support, and composed exertion, in such manner.

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turn of events. It plans to accomplish zero savagery against youngsters by 2030. This worldwide technique points towards a superior future for youngsters. This time, it has a particular objective of 16.2 to diminish savagery against youngsters. Issues of disregard and abuse have additionally been remembered for this technique. As of late, savagery against kids has expanded at a fast rate, particularly in equipped struggle zones. In truth, very little has improved, and society stays as before. Legal frameworks have demonstrated to be the most awkward in such manner.

Notwithstanding, the UN recognizes that all the more should be done to secure the existences of 250 million youngsters influenced by savagery and to guarantee responsibility fOr infringement of the privileges of kids.

Significance of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression The festival of International Day of Innocent Children's Victims of Aggression is of tremendous importance, as it recognizes an issue as horrendous as brutality that is excessively dedicated against youngsters.

Because of worldwide contentions, innumerable youngsters have been slaughtered or disfigured. A large number of the individuals who have endure have lost their folks and their methods for food. Human Aggression has taken childhoods of an approx. 200 fifty million children, with their fantasies, annihilated.

In today's, a minor's passing brought about by savagery is like clockwork. 1 out of 10 kids faces sexual maltreatment before they turn a grown-up. 9 out of 10 youngsters don't have flogging totally restricted in their nations of origin. 700 32 million kids don't have the choice of getting lawful insurance in their individual nations.

Kids regularly are enslaved to online viciousness as well. 200 46 million youngsters are oppressed to class related brutality like harassing, each and every year. Subsequently, mindfulness should be made, and severe measures should be guaranteed to demolish brutality against youngsters.

10 Lines on the Topic of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression | Violence against kids can be of numerous structures like sexual maltreatment, home grown torment, passionate injury, carelessness, misuse, and so forth; | The impacts of viciousness in adolescence, regularly endure forever. | Children become sincerely helpless and unreliable about their ways of life as a result of various types of brutality. | The reason for having an International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is to recognize the psychological, physical and passionate sufferings of children, being enslaved to viciousness. | This occasion falls on 4 June, consistently. | 1985 was the year it was first celebrated. | The day was first seen by the United Nations (UN). | United Nations drives the festivals ever year. | The day additionally expects to set up suitable measures to clergyman the mischief brought about by savagery and give equity to casualties. | Discussions and mindfulness crusades are different ways this day is praised.

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Entertainment Bureau

Radhe Movie Review: For Bhai fans only - PulipathiYashwanth Sona Critic Rating: 3.0/5 Radhe Story

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s Mumbai's childhood are succumbing to widespread medication misuse, suspended cop Radhe (Salman Khan) is reviewed for a tidy up mission. Yet, Radhe is facing a risky new bandit Rana (Randeep Hooda), who will remain determined to run the city.

Radhe Review Set completely in Mumbai, 'Radhe Your Most Wanted Bhai' is a Salman Khan actioner that doesn't attempt to be whatever else, ever. Radhe is an experience expert with 97 experiences and 23 exchanges surprisingly, over the most recent 10 years. Presently, as the city is in the hold of a feared drug mafia, it's the ideal opportunity for Radhe to make a rebound and kick some butt. Be that as it may, between whipping the trouble makers and saving lives, Radhe likewise figures out how to play with his manager's sister Diya (Disha Patani).

For a particularly normal first-class Bollywood potboiler, a large portion of what Radhe highlights, is on anticipated lines. For such movies, the fight is consistently about finding some kind of harmony between succumbing to the platitudes and offering some oddity, while keeping the diversion remainder high.

Director Prabhudheva, obviously, surrenders to numerous such enticements that possibly wreck the story, yet on account of the constant activity and a considerable lowlife, the film stays watchable, in parts.

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While it starts with a scene where the miscreant is slamming up another convict, a progression of encounter scenes among Salman and Randeep that follow are activity stuffed. The activity movement (by Myeonghaeng and Anbariv) is crude, ruthless and with a considerable amount of gore.

In any case, there are an excessive number of interruptions en route. Driving among them is the film's champion Disha Patani.

She is the ideal beautiful sight and adds a lot of charm to the scenes, however her track is in a real sense counter-useful to the story.

The naivety of her character gives her little extension to perform and furthermore weakens the gravity of the current subject.

All desperation goes to a crushing stop when it is routine time. The melodies come at the most unfavorable time in the film. Among them, the title track (by Sajid-Wajid) and Dil De Diya highlighting Jacqueline Fernandez (by Himesh Reshammiya) stick out. The foundation score (by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara) is boisterous however adds to the effect where required.

Prabhudheva depends intensely on Salman's star-force, style and loot to drive the story and it works when our driving man is sneaking up all of a sudden. However, past the activity, we are left with dim discoursed, his dull science with Disha Patani and stuffy trades with Jackie Shroff, who plays Salman's boss as a senior cop. Randeep Hooda is smooth and savage in his demonstration and makes each moment on screen, check. There are numerous different scoundrels in this bunch of baddies, who simply wind up being uproarious and over-the-top. There is an endeavor to implant satire—through discoursed and circumstances—in this in-your-face activity film, yet it doesn't work. Scale-wise 'Radhe… 'is made remembering the big-screen experience however given the current COVID emergency, Bhai fans in India would need to manage with watching this EID discharge on a little screen.

This is unquestionably not the most needed Bhai film, but rather the stalwart Salman fans may very well discover motivation to root for him, once more.

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Journey towards Land of FestivalsNagaland - Nagachanso and Akum

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agaland is a northeastern state of India and is one of the smallest states also called “The Switzerland of the East”. It is bordered by Assam in the west and north, Myanmar in the east and Burma, Arunachal Pradesh in the north and Manipur in the south.

Nagaland is situated in a narrow strip of the mountainous area between the Brahmaputra Valley and Burma.

Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and the largest city is Dimapur. There are mountains of Barel and Jamphu in the state and among the mountain peaks are Saramati, Jaffu, and Kohima. Jhanjhi, Melak, Doyong, Dikhu, Teeju, Dhansiri rivers are prominent in the state. There is also Lechham Lake. About 68 percent of the people of Nagaland depends on agriculture. The principal crops grown here are potatoes, rice, pulses, corn, tobacco, millets, corn, sugarcane, oilseeds, and fibers. Jhumming cultivation is prevalent in the state which is now leading to the erosion of soil and loss of soil fertility.

Originally Nagas reside in Nagaland and the social structure of all Naga tribe groups is different from one to another. Nagaland is the only state whose population has declined between 2001 and 2011.

History Peace Monument There is very little information about the early history of the region that is Nagaland today, while the Ahom kingdom in the 12th and 13th centuries of neighboring Assam state referred to the Naga community, their economy, and customs.

When the Burmese of Myanmar invaded Assam in 1816, it resulted in the foundation of the oppressive Burman regime in 1819 and this rule lasted until the establishment of British rule in Assam in 1826 and the traditional practice of hand hunting was outlawed. During World War II in 1944, the British and Indian armies together defeated the Japanese forces in the “Battle of Kohima” After the independence of India in 1947, the Naga community settled in a small part of Assam. However, through a strong national campaign, a political association of the Naga community was also demanded. This campaign led to many violent activities and in 1955 the Indian Army was also ordered to restore order.

After forming an agreement between the Naga leader and the Government of India in 1957, the Nagas residing in the mountainous regions of Assam and the Nagas of the Tuensang Frontier Division were brought under one roof in the administration of the Government of India and came to be known as Naga Hills Twensang. Despite the agreement, the Indian government started getting intoxicating, refusing to pay taxes, sabotage and attacking the army.

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In 1960, a meeting of the Naga people was held that Nagaland should be a part of the Indian Union. Naga Hills Twensang was renamed Nagaland in 1961 and Nagaland was given statehood on 01 December 1963 and in 1964 the office was established democratically.

Insurgent activities continued, with the number of dacoit in the area also increased. The rebellion was stopped for some time by bargaining, and in March 1975, a direct presidential rule was imposed on the state.

A powerful pro-separatist extremist group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland was established in 1980.

Language As much linguistic diversity as there is in Nagaland, hardly any other diversity in India will be. Naga people use about 36 different languages and dialects. The major languages here are Angami, Aao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangmat and Sema. The majority of the people of Nagaland speak Indian English which is the official language of this state.

Religion Nagaland is known as “the only predominantly Baptist state in the world” and “the most Baptist state in the world”.

Christianity is the predominant religion in the state with about 98% of Naga people are Christian, while only 7.7% are Hindu and 0.5% are Muslims.

Nagaland Culture-Naga Tribes The ethnicity of Nagaland is a mixture of many tribes and sub-tribe groups, this community dates back to very ancient times. The social structure of all Naga tribe groups is different from one to another. The customs, festivals, and beliefs of all communities make them different from each other. The Naga community has a rich cultural heritage. They have been living harmoniously in the state for centuries, ethnic communities have developed a vibrant stage of cultural mobility here.

Nagaland has 16 main tribes residing in Angami, Au, Chakseng, Chang, Dimasa Kachari, Khianyugam, Konyak, Lotha, Foam, Rengma, Sangatam, Sumi, Yimchunger Kuki, and Jeliang. The Konyak, Angami, Aos, Lothas, and Sumi are the largest Naga, tribes. The tribe living in the rural part of Nagaland has preserved the old customs and rituals. They are known for friendly behavior and hard work, Nagaland people have contributed significantly to the socio-cultural development of the state. The culture of Nagaland is reflected in the Hornibal festival.

Nagaland food- Cuisine Rice is the staple food of the Naga tribe eaten with meat or vegetables.

Naga people are very interested in eating chili and semus. Rice is the main carbohydrate in their food and they prefer boiled vegetable dishes and a meat dish with a chutney/pickle (Tathu) made using bamboo shoots and beans.

Dried/ smoked meat plays an important role in cuisine and has practical significance for sustenance farmers/foragers and hunters. The Nagas try the meats of almost a huge variety of animals and birds, some being pork, chicken, beef, fish, cats, dog, birds, crabs, spiders and many more.

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Fish rice, bamboo shoot fry, and roasted duck are some of the common food items. Their food is spicy as there are different varieties of chilies in Nagaland along with a lot of ginger and garlic used in cooking dishes. Sichuan pepper is also a popular spice used by the Nagas. Fermented bamboo shoot with pork and fish is a very common dish of Nagaland.

'Koat pitha' is a typical Naga sweet dish made with rice flour, bananas, and jaggery. The most common local drink of the Naga tribes is the rice beer, which is again of three categories, namely Zutho, Ruhi, and Dzutse.

Costume-Nagaland Costume The Nagas like rainbow designs and they give priority to their tradition and culture.

The traditional Nagaland costumes seem very attractive and colorful. The decorative shawls of Nagaland are very popular in their traditional dresses. It is one of the prominent and widely seen dresses of Nagaland which differs from tribes to tribes. The shawl design signifies the social status of the person. The ornate warrior-celebrating shawl, called 'Tsungkotepsu' is a characteristic of the Aos clan.

The common costume is a white cloth with six black bands at both ends. The costume of the Zemei women is restricted to white-colored clothes and skirts with a very narrow black and red border. The casual costume of a dress of Angami women includes a petticoat called 'Neikhro', a sleeveless top called 'Vatchi', a white skirt called 'Pfemhou'. The Ze-liangs-rong, a mixed group of Zemis, Liangmais, and Rongmei exhibit themselves in costumes, considerably the same as that of the Angami tribe.

Ao women wear a skirt which is one and a quarter meters long and about two-thirds of the meter is draped around the waist and the surface outer edge is implanted for the grip. Ao skirts involve 'Azu jangnup su', endowed with red and yellow-black stripes, the 'Ngami su' or fish tail skirt, and finally, the 'Yongzujangau' or cucumber seed skirt, woven in red on a black base.

Other than the shawl, the kilt is the dress worn by the males of the state which is generally black in color and is embroidered with cowries. Naga males wear a red headgear along with black hornbill, decorated with canine teeth of wild boar's and white feathers.

Dance and Music-Nagaland Festival Music and dance are fundamental parts of the life of the state. There are feast, dancing, and gaiety at every festival. Folk songs and folk songs that sing valor, beauty, love, and generosity have been passed down from generation to generation. The dance is usually performed in groups and is perfectly synchronized with music through various musical instruments such as Asem (drums), Tati, Mouth Organ, Bamboo Flute, etc.

The traditional dance practice becomes more colorful and vibrant with their unique jewelry and costumes. The folk songs tell the story of bravery, historic incidents, and romance. Their dance and songs will set your feet tapping which the tourist cherish and enjoy the most.

Fair and Festival-Hornball festival The festivals of Nagaland are mostly related to agriculture where people gather and celebrate the festivals with gaiety. All the people of the community enthusiastically participate in the festival and all the festivals of the state are celebrated with great fanfare.

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Important festivals of the state include Sekrenyi, Moatsu, Tokku Angoma, and Tulani. The Government of Nagaland has started organizing the Hornibal festival since 2000, which is held every year from 1 to 7 December.

Hornbill festival here is named after the bird Hornibal, which is the state bird of this place.

Hornbill festival is the best chance to view the wide assortment of Naga nourishment, painstaking work, tunes, moves, and traditions of Nagaland and, as the celebration is gone to by all the significant clans of Nagaland and society of Naga people.

Art and Craft-Nagaland craft The tribes of Nagaland experts in making handicraft products like bamboo work, woodcarving, blacksmithy, and pottery. Cottage industries like woodwork, weaving are also a source of revenue for the people.

Nagaland is famous for its shawls weaving with special patterns and motifs. You can see the excellent wood carving in Wanchoo, Konyak and Phom tribes which is also done in cane and bamboo carving. Pottery is done with sticky plastic light brown clay and is exclusively the art of woman. Blacksmithy crafts are also very popular in the area.

Famous People Neiphiu Rio, former CM of Nagaland Neidonuo Angami, Social Worker Melhupra Vero, Indian Politician P. Kilemsungla, Indian Educationist Tourism-The hills of Nagaland Nagaland is a beautiful place with high peaks, vast forest lands and is filled with aesthetic beauty, that's why it is often called-“The Switzerland of the East”. Places of interest in Nagaland reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state. Khonoma Gate is one such place that is a symbol of the bravery of Khonoma village. The people had built the gate to get protection from the Britishers and this is the reason that people all across the world come to see it.

Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, Tuli town Naganimora, Meluri, and Changtongya are other famous places of the state which have aesthetic beauty and a positive vibe to rejuvenate the visitors coming here.

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Kohima-Places to visit here are Kohima Museum, Ohima Village, Dozhu Koi Valley, Lung Dham Village, Mata Yimi Kyang, the coldest place in the state, Fftsero, etc. 15 km from Kohima is Jaffu Peak in the south. The tree named Rodo Dredon is found in the mountain ranges here. Their height is the highest in the world. Hence his name is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Apart from these, other tourist places of Kohima are Zukoye Valley, Shilloy Lake, State Museum, World War II Cemetery, Heritage Museum, Khonoma Village, Kohima Janthalaya, Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

Dimapur-Dimapur is the gateway and economic center of Nagaland. This place of nature lovers is like heaven where the mind gets fascinated by seeing the scenery. For the history lovers, here you can see a glimpse of the 10th century in the Kachari Khadon. Apart from this, Dimapur Wildlife Park, Green Park Rangafar Reserve Forest, Dezef Craft Village, Handloom and Handicraft Emporium and Bapist Church are the main attraction centers.

Mokokchuang-Mokokchuang can also be called the cultural capital of Nagaland, which is also an important district of Nagaland. The sweet sound of the springs covered with green hills will enchant you here. This traditional land blossoms at festivals. Although most of the tribes of this place have adopted Christianity, even here they can still see their tribal qualities in them. Among the main attraction centers of this place are Changkikong Range, Langpangkong Cave, Changtongya, Mokokchuang Park, Mokokchuang Museum, etc.

Wokha-You can feel the ethnic residence in Wokha, the abode of Lotha tribe. This place is full of flow where many fruits like pineapple, orange are planted. The special thing about this place is that the cultivation here is done in an organic way without using pesticides. Nature lovers can enjoy the roads passing through dense forests here. Here are the major tourist places of Mount Tiyi, Tehaurang Valley, Doyang River, Totsu Woju Lake, etc.

Mon-Located at an altitude of 897 meters above sea level, Mon is a breathtaking place in Nagaland that will give you a mysterious feeling. From here you can see the beautiful views of the plains of Assam. Apart from this, Longwa village, Chui village and Shanagyun village are places to see.

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Land of the Morning Child of the Sun Returning- Philippines - Devyani

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he name Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas, Spanish: Filipinas) derives from that of the 16th-century Spanish king Philip II. On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines and claimed it for the Spanish of Philippine Islands. The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas) is an archipelago in South-East Asia of more than seven thousand islands located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea at the very eastern edge of Asia.

Since Spanish colonial times, the country has been Asia's largest Catholic country. Over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino identity and the wonder that is the Philippines.

Many wonderful beaches are just part of one of the world's longest coastlines and it takes about 20 years to spend a day on every island.

The Philippines is an archipelago that consists of 7,641 islands with a total land area of 301,780 square kilometres (116,518 sq. mi).

The Philippine archipelago is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

History Several thousand years ago, the first settlers in the Philippines crossed seas and land from mainland Asia to arrive in this group of islands. These were the Negritos or Aetas related to Melanesians, Australian Aborigines and Papuans. Direct descendants of these people can still be found, especially in Negros Oriental.

Several thousand years later, Austronesian settlers travelled the same route as the Negritos - but this time over sea in their impressive Balangay boats. (This word is where the basic form of the political institution, the baranggay, came from.) The Austronesians are thought to have come from Taiwan and travelled south to the Philippines and then ever onwards, as far away as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Hawaii, Easter island, New Zealand and Madagascar.

Under Spanish Rule When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot through the island of Homonhon in 1521, the Philippines was, with Muslim and Hindu inhabitants mainly in the southern part of the country. Magellan was Portuguese but it was a Spanish Expedition which he led to the islands which were eventually claimed by Spain as its colony. LapuLapu a native chief of Mactan island was against the Christianization of the natives, he then fought a battle with Magellan where Lapu-Lapu won while Magellan was killed. The Philippines was later on named for Crown Prince Philip II of Spain and most of the natives converted to Catholicism.

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As of 2010, the Philippines has a population estimated at 93 million and growing very rapidly. its long history of Western influence, 377 years by the Spaniards and 49 years by the Americans, its people have evolved as a unique blend of East and West in both appearance and culture. Filipinos are largely Austronesian in terms of ethnic origin.

Many people, particularly in the cities of Luzon and the Visayas, have Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Spanish and American mixtures, whereas those living in the provinces are mostly of pure Austronesian origin. Many Muslims in the native near Borneo have Arab, Indian and Chinese mixtures. The four largest foreign minorities in the country are as follows: Chinese, Indian, and the Japanese.

Filipinos are famous for the bayanihan or spirit of kinship taken from Austronesian forefathers. They observe very close family ties which is said to have been passed on by the Chinese.

The Spaniards introduced Roman Catholicism and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos. At least 83% of the total population belongs to their Roman Catholic faith. The Philippines is one of only two countries in Asia with a majority Roman Catholic population.

Language Filipinos lead the bunch of English-proficient Asian people today and English is considered as a second language. When it was an American territory, English was largely taught to the Filipino people. While the official language is Filipino (which is basically the Tagalog language) and whereas 171 languages and dialects exist in this archipelago, English is the second most widely spoken language in the country. Many business establishments and schools also speak in English and many signs around the country are in English. American culture such as movies, television, music, electronic accessories and such are extremely popular in the country. It may seem peculiar for tourists to notice a somewhat Latin flair in Filipino culture. About 3 million people, often the very oldest in the country, speak some Spanish. Mainstream Philippine culture, compared to the rest of Asia, is quite Hispanic and westernized at the surface level. But still, Filipinos are essentially Austronesian and many indigenous and pre-Hispanic attitudes and ways of thinking are still noticeable underneath an American veneer.

Indigenous groups, who have retained a fully Malayo-Polynesian culture unaffected by Spanish influence, are also visible in cities like Manila, Baguio, Davao or Cebu, and can remind a visitor of the amazing diversity and multiculturalism present in the country.

Politics The government of the Philippines was largely based on the United States model. The President of the Philippines is elected directly by the people, and serves as both the Head of State and Head of Government. The legislature is a bicameral congress consisting of a lower house, known as the Camera de Representants (House of Representatives) and an upper house, known as the Senado (Senate). Both houses are elected directly by the people, though the country is divided into districts for the election of the lower house, while the upper house is elected by the country as a whole. Philippine elections are famously expensive and colourful spectacles and both the successful and unsuccessful politicos cripple the economy with corrupt practices designed to recoup their expenses for months if not years afterwards.

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Religion The Philippines is not only the largest Christian country in Asia, but also it is the world's third largest Catholic Nation. The Catholic faith remains the single biggest legacy of three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule.

Catholicism is taken quite seriously in the Philippines. During Holy Week, most broadcast TV stations close down or operate only on limited hours and those that do operate broadcast religious programs Indian Filipinos, Chinese Filipinos, and Japanese Filipinos are mostly Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist which all account 3% of the population of the Philippines. These populations have been in the country for centuries preceding Spanish rule, and many aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism are seen in the mainstream culture of Christian or Muslim Filipinos Climate The climate is tropical, with March to Maybeing the hottest months. The rainy season starts in June and extends through October with strong typhoons possible. The coolest months are from November to February, with midJanuary to end of February considered the best for cooler and dryer weather. Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. Typhoons frequently cause great destruction and loss of life.

The Philippines is a multicultural country having Christian, Muslim and Chinese holidays aside from secular holidays. The year is welcomed by New Year's Day on January 1, being a predominantly Catholic country means observing the traditional Catholic holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Lent or months around April or May, Araw ng pagkabuhay or Easter Sunday is celebrated 3 days after Good Friday. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, Boy scouts re-enact the march every 2 years in honor of this day that is also known as Bataan Day. The Bataan Death March was a 60 km march and the people who participated in this march were captured, tortured and murdered. All Saints Day is on 1 November and All Souls Day on 2 November. In recognition of the Muslim Filipinos, the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Fitr (known in the Philippines as Hari Raya Puasa), held after Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is also a national holiday. This day changes year by year, as it follows the Lunar Calendar. Chinese New Year is also celebrated by the Chinese Community but dates vary according to the lunar calendar. Secular holidays include Labour Day (May 1) and Independence Day (June 12).

August 30 is declared National Heroes Day. Some holidays also commemorate national heroes such as Jose Rizal (Dec. 30) and Andres Bonifacio (Nov. 30) as well as Ninoy Aquino (August 21). Metro Manila is less congested during Holy Week as people tend to go to their hometowns to spend the holidays there. Holy week is also considered part of the super peak season for most beach resorts such as Boracay and the most popular ones tend to get overcrowded at this time. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is also where a lot of people spend the Holy Week break. Christmas is widely celebrated on December 25.

Literature The Filipino film industry is suffering because of its main rival; the Western film industry, since the 21st century every year only 40 films are produced; down from 200-300 films a year in the 1990s. Western culture has also permeated the music industry in the Philippines. Many songs are in English. American Rock-n-Roll and, recently, rap and hip-hop are heard and performed. Traditional Filipino songs such as Kundiman (nostalgic/poetic songs) are still held dearly by the population but are, unfortunately, slowly losing influence among the younger generations.

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Regions The Philippines has 80 provinces categorized into 17 regions with over 120 cities. Our guide divides it into 3 major island groups: Cities With seven thousand islands, the Philippines has many cities. Listed below are the nine most important cities for visitors, some of which are provincial capitals and centres of commerce and finance, as well as culture and history.

Manila - the national capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world - with all of that implies in terms of pollution, crime, urban poverty and traffic jams - with few parks. However, the smiling, stoical and resourceful people themselves are its saving grace, rather than the relatively few surviving monuments, historical landmarks and sights widely scattered around the city and its surrounding metropolitan area of Metro Manila!

Iloilo City - is a tourist hub where the best restaurants, museums, hotels, shopping districts, and heritage sites in the city await. It is most known for the annual Dinagyang Festival.

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. Filipino is mainly based on the Tagalog language (a relative of Malay). It has also been influenced by English, Spanish, Malay, Indonesian, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese and many other languages mostly from the Indian subcontinent and Europe. While Filipino is an Austronesian language like Malay, Indonesian and Javanese, the language has been heavily influenced by several other languages through trade with other countries and during the Spanish colonial times, and to this day the language is dominated by Spanish loanwords which is helpful for some Spanish people and which is also the reason why some Filipinos understand a little Spanish. In addition, as Malay and Filipino are closely related, speakers of Malay would also recognise many cognates in the Filipino language. Generally, somebody who speaks Malay and Spanish would be able to understand the conversations of locals to a certain extent, and might just be able to get by. Filipino is the language spoken in the Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regions as well as the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila. In the Northern Luzon provinces, Ilocano is the most common language spoken while Kapampangan is widespread in Central Luzon. Further south of Metro Manila lies the Bicol Region where Bicolano is used. In the Southern Islands of Visayas and Mindanao, Cebuano is the most common language spoken. Other languages in the south include Hiligaynon and Waray.English is an official language of the Philippines and is a compulsory subject in all schools, so it is widely spoken in the larger cities and main tourist areas. However, it is usually not the first language of locals. English, though, is in widespread use. Spanish is no longer widely understood, though many Spanish words survive in the local languages. A Spanish based Creole language known as Chavacano is spoken in Cavite and in Zamboanga. The government is trying to revive Spanish by providing Spanish in public schools as an optional language. Younger Spanish-Filipinos tend to speak Filipino languages and/or English as their primary language. There are some other ethnic groups who reside in the country, particularly in more urbanized areas like Manila. The largest group is the Chinese, many of whom have assimilated with Filipino society. Take note however that since most of them come from Fujian province, they speak Hokkien (rather than Mandarin), but they are also taught Mandarin in Chinese schools. Muslim Filipinos are taught Arabic in schools to read the Qur'an. Other groups include the Indians, Japanese, Arabs, Koreans, Americans and Europeans use their native language as their first language. In some cosmopolitan areas, there are establishments catering to Korean speakers. Indian languages such as Hindi and Punjabi are also spoken by the Indian communities while Europeans speak their own languages.

Martial Arts Eskrima or Kali is Filipino martial art that emphasizes in using swords and sticks.

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Arnis Known as Arnis, or arnes--Spanish for armor--, this ancient martial art is the national sport of the Philippines. Its focus includes hand to hand combat, weapon disarming, and blade wielding. Derived from Eastern Asian war mythology, Arnis is the practice of harnessing destruction, preservation, and creation. Contrary to modern warfare, which is brute force intensive, Arnis is a process of cohesive physics--using your opponent's energy as your own. Taught by priests and mystics, this ancient form of engagement was passed down through the generations. Arnis has become quite popular in modern culture, the Congress of the Philippines declares Arnis as the national sport and martial art of the nation.

Money The Philippine peso, symbolised locally and throughout our Philippines guides as ? and internationally as PHP is the official currency and in almost all cases the only currency recognised for normal transactions.

Peso bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. One peso is equivalent to 100 centavos and coins come in 5, 10 and 25 centavo variants in addition to the 1, 5- and 10peso coins.

What's A Pasalubong?

A pasalubong is a tradition practiced by Filipinos for a long time, a Pasalubong is something you bring to your friends and family as a souvenir, keepsake or gift from a place you have recently visited, nowadays Filipino immigrants from abroad as well as Filipinos who work outside their hometowns but within the Philippines bring pasalubong or send them mostly during Christmas, New Year, Birthdays, Holy Week and during the summer and winter vacations. A Pasalubong consists the following, Food; usually delicacies and sweets, T-shirts, Souvenirs such as key chains, bags etc.

Demography The country consists of approximately 103 million inhabitants, with less than 5% of the population 65 years and older (Central Intelligence Agency, 2016). Currently, the age structure of the Philippines resembles many other developing countries because there is a greater proportion of younger Filipinos in comparison to older Filipinos Despite the larger number of young Filipinos, the 60 years and older population of the Philippines is expected to increase by 4.2%, whereas the 80 years and older population is expected to increase by 0.4% from 2010 to 2030 (Help Age Global Network, 2017b) Economical According to the World Bank's June 2018 Global Economic Prospects report, the Philippines is the 10th fastestgrowing economy in the world, stimulated by rising consumption, sustained remittance inflows, stable investment, improved government spending and accommodative monetary policy. These were key considerations for some recent mergers The Philippines ranked 42nd out of the 125 countries in the 2018 Venture Capital (VC) & Private Equity (PE) Country Attractiveness Index, climbing up from its 45th spot in 2014. The index, published by the University of Navarra, measures PE and VC attractiveness based on economic activity, depth of capital market, investor protection and entrepreneurial opportunities. The health care industry stands to benefit greatly from the strong economic growth of the Philippines, but it may also face new, unprecedented challenges.

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H.W Prosperous times have an outsized effect on population growth. Affordability and accessibility, though they have always been the main concerns of the country's health care system, will become ever the more important as the population of Filipinos in both rural and urban areas follow its economic trajectory.

It then seems prudent that the Philippines keeps its sights focused on finding solutions to both new and longstanding health care concerns, as it steps forward into its bountiful future. “The Philippine Health Care Industry is enjoying unprecedented growth,” Ma. Cristina G. Coronel, Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines president, had said in the Healthcare Information Management Services (HIMS) Conference in 2016. “[By 2022], the HIMS industry could be making $5 billion in revenues with 210,000 direct employment or 14.8% growth,” The human rights crisis in the Philippines unleashed since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June 2016 deepened in 2018 as Duterte continued his murderous “war on drugs” in the face of mounting international criticism.

Human Rights Defenders Since February 2017, Senator Leila de Lima has been jailed on politically motivated drug charges filed against her in apparent retaliation for leading a Senate inquiry into the “drug war” killings.

Her plight has prompted international expressions of support.

In September, Duterte ordered the arrest of a colleague of de Lima's, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, by revoking his amnesty, forcing him to remain at the Senate premises for weeks. In October.

Children's Rights The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced in June that it was seeking to impose annual unannounced drug screening tests on teachers and schoolchildren starting in the fourth grade. PDEA sought to justify the move as an attempt to identify 10-year-old potential drug users so they “can get intervention while they are still young.”

Imposing drug testing on schoolchildren when Philippine police are summarily killing alleged drug users endangers children should they fail such a drug test. Mandatory testing may also violate children's right to bodily integrity, constitute arbitrary interference with their privacy and dignity, and may deter children from attending school for reasons unrelated to any potential drug use.

Police have killed dozens of children since the start of the “war on drugs” in June 2016, deaths which Duterte has dismissed as “collateral damage.” In February, police arrested three police officers implicated in the execution-style summary killing of 17-year-old Kian Lloyd delos Santos in August 2017.

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Cooking Time

Nei Appam-Karthigai Deepam Recipe - Vijaya Shree

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ei appam is made in several festivals like Gokulashtami, karthigaideepam etc. A special recipe made with rice as main ingredient.

Ghee is used in this nei appam preparation as the name indicates. This is the first time I am trying the Nei appam / Neyyappam. Mom always used to make appam with wheat flour and banana. Its a deep fried one. Or we make sweet paniyaram. This recipe for nei appam sounded interesting with only rice, jaggery and coconut.

Nei appam is made in several festivals like Gokulashtami, karthigaideepam etc. A special recipe made with rice as main ingredient.

Course Sweets Cuisine Indian Prep Time 3 hours/ Cook Time 20 minutes Servings: 15 Ingredients Raw rice – 1 cup, Jaggery – 1 cup, Coconut grated – 4 tbsp, Cardamom – 1, Cooking soda – 3 pinches, Salt – 1/8 tsp, Ghee – As needed, Get Ingredients Powered by Chicory Instructions ® First soak rice for 3 hours. Grind it with less water to a thick paste. ® Melt the jaggery with very little water and strain to remove any impurities. (If it is pure, you can add as such to rice and mix or grind too). Add it to the ground rice batter and mix well. Keep aside. ® At the time of preparing, add salt, powdered elachi, cooking soda, coconut and mix well. Heat a paniyaram pan and add 1 tsp of ghee to each partition and pour the mixed batter to fill each one.

Apparently one can deep fry too in ghee. ® Cook covered for 1-2 minutes in low flame. Turn with the paniyaram skewer or a spoon and add more ghee if dry. ® Cook for another minute or two in medium flame until golden brown and inside of the paniyaram gets cooked. Collect the paniyarams in the serving bowl.

Notes ® I leave the sides of the mixer which has rava like batter stuck to it without wiping. I like the texture it gives to the paniyaram. Though we grind the batter smooth the rava like rice add a nice texture to the paniyarams. ® If you add more water while making jaggery syrup, then the batter may get watery, so be careful while melting the jaggery. In emergencies if your batter gets too watery, then add wheat flour to balance it. ® You can also add the jaggery as such to the batter without melting, but make sure it has no impurities. ® If you don't have paniyaram pan, heat about one or two inch of oil/ ghee in a kadai and use one laddle to spoon the batter. You can make only one at a time. ® Grated coconut also is an important ingredient to get a soft paniyaram. ® You can grind along the rice too.You can add a mashed banana in this to get pillow soft paniyarams. ® Cooking soda helps in cooking the inside of the paniyarams and also helps in softness. ® Be generous in adding ghee otherwise it may not get even browned. If you are guilty in adding a lot of ghee, then you can mix sesame oil and use generously. ® Stays as such even after cooled down. Use indolium or iron paniyaram pans for even and perfect browning. ® This needs no fermentation, still making the batter an hour or more prior is better. don't skim on ghee/ oil.

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Society, System, and Women - Sanjay

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o make our discussion on patriarchy more understandable and deeper, we must know from where it all began. How male dominance became a part of our lives and how it got normalized in society. Our world since the earlier periods has been a male-oriented one. But, was it all like this when human beings came into this world?

During ancient times, there was no discrimination between men and women. Later, the men who were hunters and gatherers became agriculturists. They started to develop concern for their surplus produce. With the formation of units called "family", they got to pass this surplus to their coming generations. The very idea of "family units" was that women were no longer permitted to enjoy their freedom of having a sexual relationship with any number of men. Women were now forced to marry one man, and bear his children alone. Thus, private property became the foundation for imposing restrictions on the female body and life. Just like how men domesticated dogs, cattle's and other animals, they domesticated women.

So clearly, the mode of operation of the system called capitalism (private property), affected the liberty of women. Capitalism will try to maintain and nurture this system of male dominance for their profit motives. The space and freedom that women enjoyed in the Soviet Union are known by all. The essential lessons of gender equality and income equality from the Soviet Union were known to the world through the practices like provision of food through Community Kitchen, which maintained equality in families.

How religion affects the liberty of women We know, that society is patriarchal and therefore, religions will be functioning based on the societal interests, supporting and justifying its patriarchal norms. The gender inequality in our religions is very visible. In every religion, the victim of the religious fundamentalism would be their women. A woman is taught from her childhood to maintain her beauty and body.

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Because her future husband and his family have to like her. A woman is considered only as of the symbol of beauty. She is also strong, but this is not acceptable. Why? Because she is just a woman right? The one who can't talk above some decibel of sound. How can she be strong?. A strong woman will never have beauty, it is in our religions. The aggressive goddess has the darkest skin, her teeth are long, she looks ugly and scary, and she won't wear any gold ornaments or silk saree. But look at the peaceful goddesses, they have so many gold jewellery, they have silk sarees, fair skin, very beautiful smile. This example shows how poorly our religion only is treating the woman. This makes society think that a peaceful and obedient woman is the good one and the one who is strong and who can speak for herself is the bad one.

How the media treats women Visibly enough, media treats women as a commodity to be sold for profit. Through cosmetic advertisements and others, it becomes crystal clear. This practice is widely followed in cinema and television programs. Popular commercial movies treat women as an item of trade. The term 'item song' is a perfect example of this. Most of all Indian movies speak only from the male perspective. Here, we should understand that cinema is a very influential factor in our society and it has the capability to shape and structure the societal systems. Also, society influences cinema through it's already established system of male dominance.

Even in journalism, the gossips about female movie actors or news about questioning women's sexual freedom have more viewers and therefore, more commercial value. Conscious attempts in the field of media are therefore necessary to create awareness among the public about the importance of gender equality.

In the name of "protecting" our women, people restrict women and girls from stepping out of their homes, because apparently, the "outside" world is not safe for women. But, instead of working towards creating a safe, secure and free environment for women, the system forbids them from accessing the public sphere. The so-called public spaces are thus, just men spaces and every element of this very system favors the man.

This must change and a better world, equal world, must be ensured. For this, changes must start from all influential elements of the society, such as politics, education system, art, cinema, religion, culture, etc... All members of the society should be politically aware and it must reflect in their attitude towards women. Sex education and proper gender sensitiveness must begin from the primary classes, making sure that the new generation does not discriminate in the name of gender or any aspect for that matter.

Conscious efforts from the respective governments and authorities, proper functioning of judiciary and implementation of the law, along with an equally responsible and educated society can pave the way to a genderneutral world, smashing patriarchy forever.

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The Pearl of Indian Ocean-Sri Lanka - Sameer Tigga

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n island of magical palpation, situated on the south eastern shores of India. The tropical island has a cultural history which began around 30,000 years ago. Spread over 65,000 sq km, it encompasses the true natural beauty of tropical beaches, ancient monuments, flourishing vegetation, wildlife & astonishing places.

History One of the first written references to this island is found in the Indian epic, Ramayana, which provides details on the kingdom named 'Lanka.' Tourism in Srilanka has been growing rapidly for centuries now.

Language and Communities The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is used in the commercial and government sectors and very widely understood.

Historians now believe that the Dravidian and Indo-Aryan cultures form the roots of the modern-day Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese.

Economy While agriculture is central to Sri Lanka's economy-and tea, rubber and coconut continue to be important exports-manufacturing and services (including banking and financial services) are of increasing importance, especially textiles and clothing which are major exports.

Since 1989, former policies of nationalisation have been superseded by extensive liberalisation, which has led to extensive privatisation of the formerly largely centralised economy, including agricultural enterprises, banking, transport services and utilities. Sri Lanka had been aiming at achieving a newly industrialised country status by the year 2000, but ethnic conflict adversely affected the economy, notably in the spheres of foreign investment and tourism, and particularly in the northern regions. Despite the conflict, tourism earnings generally held up in the 1990s and into the 2000s, though attacks on tourist areas, such as the international airport in 2001, caused sharp falls.

Thus, despite the disruption caused by the hostilities and relatively high spending on defence, the economy grew well throughout the 1990s, but plunged into recession in 2001 Sri Lankan Cuisine The most vital part (for all the food-lovers ) that dominates Sri Lankan culture is their mouth-watering and tasty food. Dishes include rice and curry, pittu, kiribath, wholemeal roti, string hoppers, wattalapam (a rich pudding of Malay origin made of coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and spices including cinnamon and nutmeg), kottu, and hoppers.

Traditionally food is served on a plantain leaf or lotus leaf.

The recipes here might have abit of Indian influence upon it but still it is very unique in its own way. Most of vegetable and 49 Flash Light

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fruits dat are used for cooking are found in Sri Lanka only. Sri Lankan food have a variety of spices which integrates the exotic taste of the food.

Besides the fact that the food is delicious, it is widely believed that the food is made in such a way that provides for a very healthy lifestyle. The best part of the cuisine is that it's very versatile, where there are a lot of ways to cook one particular dish, which is great for avoiding monotony.

Culture in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is one of the countries with a very vast and rich cultural diversity. Sri Lankan culture includes a lot of customs and rituals. The most important feature of the country is it's colourful festivals, which is also one of the main attraction for the tourists. Here, religion plays an important role in sculpting the Sri Lankan culture and traditions.

Sri Lankan culture is influenced primarily by Buddhism and Hinduism. Sri Lanka is home to two main traditional cultures: the Sinhalese (centred in the ancient cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura) and the Tamil (centred in the city of Jaffna). The Sri Lankan way of life is very simple and filled with humility and happiness, this is one of the reasons why the Sri Lankans have a great sense in appreciating the simple things in life such as nature. Hospitality is also one of the important and famous characteristics of the culture, making Sri Lankans one of the friendly nations in the world.

Places to Visit in Srilanka Hikkaduwa: The small seaside city is along the southwest coast of Srilanka. Well trodden by tourists who are looking for a slice of sand and a chilled out time, the town here is packed full of cheap guesthouses, tourist shops and many cafes and restaurants. It may have lost a little of its beauty since the tourists started arriving here in the 1970s, but if you want to spend a few days near the sea this might be the spot for you.

Ella: Located in a beautiful setting with forest covered hills, sweeping valleys and picturesque tea plantation, Ella is a lovely place to spend time. If you enjoy hiking or just relaxing in the peace and quiet of nature, it's definitely well worth your time. And if you want an incredible view, make sure to hike to some of the nearby waterfalls and temples.

Anuradhpura: An ancient sacred city that was established around a cutting from Buddha's fig tree. The magnificence of palaces, temples and monuments flourished for 1300 years but was abandoned after it was invaded in the late 10th century. Much like Peru's Machu Picchu, locals were aware of it's existence but not known by others until it was discovered by Europeans many centuries later. The fantastic ruins have since been excavated and are accessible by the public.

Colombo: Colombo has been the commercial capital of Srilanka for more than 2000 years when it's large natural harbour made it popular for ancient trade from Italy to China. It's often 50 Flash Light

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referred to as the the country capital though the legislative capital is located in a nearby city. A range of architectural style can be found in the city, with the Murugan Hindu temple being one of the best.

Yala National Park: It is a wildlife sanctuary about 150 miles from colombo. It has the highest density of leopards in the world, hence the chances of seeing them are very high. The main attraction is followed closely by elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles. The park is divided into five main blocks.

Hirrisa: Hirrisa is just as much of a tropical paradise with swaying coconut palms, beautiful golden sand and beaches, perfect for days spent raking away in a hammock. This crescent shaped piece of paradise is famous for having the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in Srilanka. It has the largest fishing port on the South Coast and is a good place to go dolphin and whale watching.

Polonnaruma: The second oldest kingdom in Srilanka, Polonnaruma is known for the ruins of an ancient garden city. These 12th century ruins are some of the best preserved in the country. Polonnaruma was a place where traders of exotic goods mingled with worshippers in the many temples. Start your tour at the archaeological museum then proceed to the massive Royal Palace with it's well preserved Audience Hall. The stunning sacred quadrangle is another must see here.

Gallis: Most famous attraction is it's 17th century fort built by Dutch colonists. Sitting on a promontory, overlooking the Indian Ocean, the fort is known for its architectural style. Galle is considered as a prime example of a fortified city. Other top sights include a natural harbor, Srilankas oldest lighthouse, a maritime Museum, a key Shiva temple and Jesuit build St. Mary's cathedral.

Sigiriya: This ancient city is built on a step slope, topped by a plateau almost 600 feet high. This plateau is known as a lion's rock as it overseas the jungle below. The ancient rock fortress dates back to the third century BC when it was a monastery. It was later turned into a Royal residence. You will also see ponds, gardens and fountains.

Locals consider this site as the eighth wonder of the world.

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Sports and Games - Sameer Tigga

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ports and games are very important for one's life and participation in sports should always be encouraged. Participation in sports makes us active, healthy, fit, and also the development of our social and communication skills. Sports are the greater source of recreation. Sports remove stress and provide relaxation to our mind and body. Participating in sports helps us to tackle the problems such as hardships, hurdles, and sudden miseries etc. Sports improve blood circulation of our body too.

Sports improve our efficiency also. Sports increase the team spirit quality in a human being. Sports teach us the value of time. It teaches us the value of a minute as well as a second also.

Sports are generally played as a form of a contest between two competitive sides that could be a team or an individual. There are various types of sports and games categorized as indoor games and outdoor games. Indoor games are the games which can be played inside the home such as Carom, Chess, Ludo etc and outdoor games are the games which we play outside the house such as Basketball, Badminton, Football, Cricket, Volley Ball etc. sports are very important for kids as they are helpful in the growth process of kids and provides good health and fitness. One must also play brain or mind games such as Sudoku, chess etc to increase the mental power and concentration.

If any person is really interested in any of the sports, he or she can make his or her career in the sports as it has a wide scope. If you make your career in sports it will also provide you respect which would be worldwide. For that we can see examples of various sports persons of our country such as Sachin Tendulkar, ViratKohli, M S Dhoni etc. one can make his or her career in sports if he or she is really involved and dedicated towards his/her sports.

People who have an interest in sports and play sports live more happily and fit rather than the people who are not interested in playing sports.

In schools also there are games and sports but the criteria are unsatisfactory. Sports and games are optional in schools and colleges. It should be made compulsory for every child to participate in sports and games so that rather than bookish learning and studies they should remain healthy and fit by participating in various types of sports and games so that it must also benefit our country and promote our country and provides recognition to the nation.

Nowadays, there is an increase in the demand for indoor activities such as playing video games, watching television, using mobile phones which are affecting and harming the children and youth in a very negative manner. Therefore the kids and youth should involve in playing the indoor and outdoor games for their entertainment as well as for having a good personality and fit body.

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Journey of Steve Jobs is an Inspiration for anyone who is Clueless or Confused in Life - Baby Zeba

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he name is so unfathomably rousing and threatening simultaneously.

The one who made Apple.

The one who became dark turtlenecks into a uniform of force.

The one who changed innovation until the end of time.

His heritage is exceptional. The tech titan's effect on the world remaining parts unrivalled.

Which is the reason it shocks no one that Jobs was an extremely novel individual right all along.

He wasn't your normal child. He was a born genieus His natural guardians, Abdul Fattah Jandali and Joanne Carole Schieble, uninformed of the miracle they had made, surrendered him for reception very quickly after he showed up.

They were the two migrants, unwed and too youthful to even think about assuming liability of another person.

Before long, a common couple, Paul and Clara Jobs, took in little Steve.

From an exceptionally youthful age, Steve Jobs ended up hypnotized by the force and complexity of PCs. He used to work with his specialist father in the family carport, dismantling vehicles and assembling them back.

This launched his affection for machines. He credits his dad for showing him how to focus on detail, a mantra that separates Apple from most contenders.

He was such a wonder that his educators proposed he skirt a few evaluations, an idea his folks dismissed.

At 12 years old, Jobs called HP organizer Bill Hewlett to request electronic parts for a school project. This dazzled Hewlett such a lot of that he extended Employment opportunities a mid year temporary position.

As he grew up, Jobs fostered a solid aversion for formal instruction. He never truly delighted in school. In the long run, he set off for college however exited after the primary semester.

In any case, he kept going to the classes that intrigued him. One of them was calligraphy. He later said to describe the course: "On the off chance that I had never dropped in on that solitary calligraphy course in school, the Mac couldn't ever have had various typefaces or relatively separated text styles."

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He found a new line of work at a computer game assembling organization, Atari. He set aside and made a beeline for India with a companion for 'profound edification'.

They remained for a very long time, going around in transports between Delhi, UP and Himachal Pradesh.

There, Jobs contemplated Eastern religion and got back as a Buddhist. He had totally changed personally. He shaved his head and wore customary Indian attire.

However, Jobs wasn't finished testing. He at that point went to hallucinogenic medications for additional investigation of the brain.

He depicted accepting LSD as "one of the a few most significant things" he had done in his life.

Occupations drove a straightforward life after that. He rehearsed Zen Buddhism and lived in his folks' lawn.

Inferable from his expanded encounters, the idea of nonconformity turned into a main impetus in his future belief systems.

At that point started another stage in the incredible creator's life.

Steve Jobs started a progressive cooperation with Steve Wozniak.

The namesake pair proceeded to rethink PCs and thusly, the bigger image of innovation.

At some point, they would be the prime supporters of the world's biggest IT organization.

They began with the 'blue box'; a computerized gadget that could be utilized to settle on significant distance decisions for nothing. Its prosperity turned into their inspiration to take on huge organizations with their developments.

This prompted the introduction of the first-historically speaking Apple machine.

Occupations and Wozniak paid for the yearning project by auctioning off their contraptions. They toiled tirelessly in Jobs' carport to complete it. Occupations invested the most extreme energy working and frequently welcomed customers in his clothing, and shoeless.

The man was still a lot of a radical, simply not when it came to business.

He pursued financial backers till Intel consented to subsidize them. Before long, Apple began making news and Jobs broke into Silicon Valley with an enormous detonation.

Occupations was valued at $1 million when he was 23, $10 million at 24 and crossed $100 million when he was 25.

He was the probably the most youthful individual to be included on the Forbes rundown of the country's most extravagant individuals; a major accomplishment without acquiring any family riches.

Yet, at that point commotion advanced into Jobs' life.

His on-and-off lover, Chrisann Brennan, became pregnant with his child. Jobs shunned responsibility and claimed he was sterile even though a DNA test proved he was the father. The matter became a legal controversy.

A daughter was born and named Lisa. Surprisingly, Jobs named his new breakthrough personal computer Lisa as well.

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Time Magazine talked with Jobs for its 'Time Person Of The Year' uncommon yet when the issue came out, it was uncovered that as opposed to highlighting Jobs, the magazine had named the PC the 'Machine of the Year'. Occupations never confided in writers again.

At that point came the greatest mishap of Jobs' profession.

After an inside conversation, he was terminated from the Macintosh bunch. The choice was made after Pepsi Executive John Sculley urged the board to do as such. Incidentally, Jobs had as of late employed Sculley.

Notwithstanding the stunning double-crossing, Jobs didn't surrender.

He went on to setting up his new organization, NeXT, yet couldn't help deals because of the excessive costs of the machines.

Afterward, NeXT would converge with Apple to give us the iOS we have today.

However, Jobs wasn't fulfilled. He needed to construct a greater domain.

Thus, he put resources into a startup called Graphics Group, presently known as Pixar.

He at first put in his millions and the organization's moment accomplishment after the arrival of Toy Story took care of Jobs and how. He stayed a greater part investor in Pixar.

Everything was well. But suddenly, Jobs' life shattered completely. He was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

Jobs famously declined any medical treatment and refused to see a doctor, turning instead to natural methods such as vegan diets, acupuncture and herbal juices to curb his illness. It is said that his plan backfired, worsening his health fatally.

Following a couple of years, when Jobs could at this point don't work regularly, he left Apple, composing: "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. He kept working at Apple and kicked the bucket a month and a half after his last working day.

He died tranquilly, encompassed by family. His final words were "oh wow, oh wow, oh wow' He went into a state of unconsciousness just after that.

The progressive visionary gave us an incredible amazing heritage that will be considered by the eventual fate of innovation all throughout the planet.

Glancing back at his unfathomable excursion, nothing remains at this point but to rehash Steve Jobs' last words, "oh wow."

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Tawang - Jyothi Harpal

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he name 'Tawang' gets from two words from the neighborhood Monpa tongue 'Ta' and 'Wang'. 'Ta' signifies pony and 'Wang' signifies green fields.

Tawang is a little locale (2172 sq. km) in Arunachal Pradesh. It is renowned for the TAWANG Cloister, otherwise called the Tawang Gandan Namgyal Lhatse which is the most established and the second biggest religious community in Asia.

TAWANG Cloister is additionally the focal journey for the devotees of Buddhism in India. Travelers from around the world have conceded in different meetings that they discover inside harmony after visiting the spot.

Vacationers visit the religious community over time except for the month from November-February as during this time individuals experience an amazingly chilly climate. The streets found there are restricted and zig - zoom so there is consistently an opportunity of blockage because of avalanches and ice blockages. The temperature goes underneath - 15 degrees Celsius these months.

Tawang encounters summer from spring to June and the temperature during this time ranges between 5-21 56 Flash Light

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degrees Celsius, from July-September this spot encounters a rainstorm with moderate precipitation.

The genuine excellence of this spot best appears during summers which make it the best and ideal opportunity to visit the cloister.

For individuals who love nature, this is perhaps the best spot to visit as it contains a great deal of slopes stations, lakes, and so on While visiting this spot a vacationer should convey fundamental things like a coat, gloves, socks, ear protectors, woolen cap, suppressors, shoes, and so forth You can discover an assortment of area's food like nearby, Chinese, south Indian, Japanese, mainland, and so on so food isn't an issue. Individuals, there are overpowering and thoughtful, they promptly assist one with nearby issues.

Neighborhood cooking styles that individuals make and eat are typically milk items and yak meat. A couple of the issues that this spot faces are transportation offices which are not very much evolved as you will not discover taxis in a single tick from Google, to sum things up, this spot is in reverse in innovation.

This spot does not have rail lines yet, the development is in measure. You can visit this spot by chopper or taxi from the Guwahati air terminal. Helicopter administrations work from Tawang to Guwahati and back on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. In any case, because of the predetermined number of seats (on a normal 10-12 in particular), the tickets should be pre-booked which should be possible by calling at the Counter at the Guwahati air terminal or the Avionics official at Tawang and from there on paying the ticket charges at the Counter as till now internet booking of tickets has not been begun by the State Government.

Transportation can be pre-booked uniquely through disconnected mode (4 wheelers and 2 wheelers).

You will discover a few lodgings through Google like Dolma bungalow, Arunachal Pradesh vacationer stop, and so on, there are some more, yet they are not determined in Google.

As per me, I will reveal to you it is the best spot for nature sweethearts to visit and who are consistently in a hunt of tracking down a quiet climate in this turbulent world, such individuals should visit this spot in any event once during their life.

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Culture of Turkmenistan - Garrybayeva Leyla (Narrated by: Manasa Gowda)

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he way of life of Turkmenistan holds a practically mesmerizing appeal with its crude and inimitable realness. Impacted over the long haul by old Iranian domains, Turkic traveling clans, the inactive people groups of close by Bukhara and the occupants of the Caspian Sea coastline, the traditions framed across Turkmenistan's savage territory have gladly endure the ways of the world. The remarkable practices of Turkmenistan would now be able to be valued on an excursion to this least-visited country in Central Asia, where vacationers can ride a thoroughbred Akhal-Teke horse, hear the outlandish playing of a gidjak, appreciate a customary bakhshi execution, purchase a Turkmen head scarf and feel overwhelmed by the exceptionally old floor covering weaving measure.

Turkmen Akhal-Teke Horses Turkmen Akhal-Teke ponies are among the most uncommon and most profoundly valued varieties on the planet. Accepted to be plummeted from the terminated Nisean pony of advanced Iran, their name is a reference to a desert spring called Akhal and a neighborhood clan known as the Teke. These oneproprietor steeds have been the enthusiastic partners of neighborhood wanderers and troopers for quite a long time, yet their worth goes past speed and deftness: Graceful, meager legged and excellent, they seem as though statuettes become animated. In the twentieth century, the Akhal-Teke horse acquired global fame subsequent to demonstrating its capacities in worldwide rivalries, and one even joined the corrals of Queen Elizabeth II. A social fortune, Turkmenistan presently has a public occasion committed to this dignified horse.

Sightseers can visit pens close to Ashgabat to take riding exercises and appreciate these sumptuous creatures.

Turkmen Carpets Turkmen carpets?are as much an image of Turkmenistan as tulips are of Holland and stogies are of Cuba.

Generally, itinerant clans have utilized floor coverings as petition mats, enhancing things, closets, beds, warming for yurts and cushioning for camels. Floor covering weaving abilities have been passed down from mother to little girl for ages, and as well as following indicated methods, the ladies should be cautious in their determination of value materials and colors. Turkmen rugs are characterized by their exacting mathematical examples and changing shades of red, yet every clan utilizes an individual plan and remarkable ornamentation that isn't copied elsewhere.?Every mat takes a shocking measure of time and extraordinary ability to finish and is subsequently profoundly valued, with probably the most noteworthy models in plain view at the Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat.

Turkmen Clothing and Jewellery Turkmen garments and gems is intended to mirror an individual's economic well being and district of beginning, to shield from the stink eye and safeguard from the unforgiving environment. Indeed, even today, numerous individuals in Turkmenistan can in any case be seen in customary outfit, which for men incorporates weaved shirts, custom shoes and sheep caps called telpek, and for ladies a robe and extraordinary hood. Shades of red are particularly normal in Turkmenistan dress, for red is accepted to can avert evil. Gems is moreover esteemed as both an ornament and an indication of economic wellbeing. It very well may be worn by men, ladies and surprisingly valued ponies, and is generally produced using silver. Turkmen adornments regularly incorporates additions of valuable stones suspected to 58 Flash Light

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hold mystical properties and to incorporate pictures of bugs and creatures, viewed as a connection among man and nature.

Turkmen Music and Dance The old foundations of Turkmen music and dance is confirmed in exceptionally old family things which are enriched with pictures of artists and in the notable stories of talented musicians safeguarded in nearby legends. Generally eminent among neighborhood moves is the kushtdepdi execution, endemic to the Yomut clan of the Caspian Sea coast however now well known at public celebrations around the country.

Presently an UNESCO-perceived execution, kushtdepdi is done with accuracy to pass on an extraordinary importance. Such moves are frequently joined by customary polyphony, ceremonial instruments and numerous kinds of chimes. Other famous instruments today incorporate the stringed dutar and the tuyduk, a breeze instrument which is attached to shamanistic functions that are suggestive of antiquated Turkmenistan religions and still performed at neighborhood festivities.

Turkmen Folklore Quite possibly the most darling exemplifications of Turkmen fables are bakhshi, vagrant speaker artists who meandered from one town to another conveying not many belongings save eating utensils and a stringed dutar instrument. Performing for quite a long time, the bakhshi's tunes described society legends and well known scholarly works. Over the long run, bakhshi turned out to be so exceptionally worshipped in the way of life of Turkmenistan that they currently have their own public occasion. Similarly significant were heartfelt people melodies and tunes called aydimi which fixated on ordinary topics going from parenthood and youngsters' play to weddings, physical work, cover weaving and draining camels. The innovation of Turkmen society music can be heard in the special way of singing with incredible strain of the vocal lines and a piercing voice, qualities which created in light of the nation's scene and individuals' traveling lifestyle.

Turkmen Literature The Turkmen are?descended from an old group known as the Oghuz Turks, and it was the seventh century abstract advancements of these people groups which set the trend for present day Turkmen writing. Nearby account arrived at an apex in the eighteenth century with the works of?Magtymguly?Pyragy, the Father of Turkmen Literature. Magtymguly?Pyragy utilized people melodies and a recent trend of verse to create more than 800 sonnets which brought him popularity all through Central Asia. In the nineteenth century, a huge number of Turkmen essayists utilized their voice to share accounts of fearless people legends and to feature squeezing social issues. Regardless of these steps, the greater part of the generally traveling populace stayed ignorant until the advanced Turkmen language started to create in the mid twentieth century dependent on the Tekin lingo of Turkmen. Many years of Russian standard restricted the substance of Turkmen writing yet likewise assisted with hardening the neighborhood language in composed structure.

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Now it's a time to Zodiac Spa - Reena Raj

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o you're a Libran plagued with aching muscles? A one-of-a-kind relaxing zodiac spa treatment is just the thing for you, suggests PurvajaSawant.

In a country obsessed with astrology and horoscopes, people often refer to their zodiac signs when it comes to things like starting a new business venture or tying the knot.

Ask Pooja Bedi, a socialite and spa lover, if she'd indulge in this treatment and she says, “If the treatment offers me a valid and scientific reason as to why they have specific therapies for the various zodiac signs, then I don't mind trying. After all, I'm a complete Spa baby! It definitely wouldn't hurt to try this kind of treatment.” So for all of you zodiac junkies, who love devouring Linda Goodman books, there's an interesting mix of spa therapies that have hit the world of wellness based on your zodiac. What could be more exclusive than a spa treatment designed and customised specifically keeping your sun sign in mind?

While zodiac spa treatments are popular in honeymoon destinations like Malaysia, this concept has now been introduced in Mumbai. Filmmaker KamaalAmrohi's granddaughter TabeerAmrohi, director of her own spa, has designed zodiac spa treatments along with a team of astrologers. She says, “We believe there is a connection between the zodiac and the body. So all our massages are specific and target problem areas that affect each sun sign.”

For those who don't know, according to astrology, every zodiac sign has a weak body point or organ that is prone to disease or pain.

These weaknesses are kept in mind while delivering the massage treatment. And it's not only the massages but even the oils used for the various treatments that are designed uniquely. “Each zodiac is sensitive or has an affinity to a particular fragrance. We did a survey with people to see which sun signs like which fragrances the most. We have incorporated those fragrances in our massage oils,” says Tabeer.

Spa treatments has been a favourite for both men and women. Actor PurabKohli says about trying this zodiac treatment, “I am always kicked about trying something new and love experimenting. But it's important I understand this concept properly. I need to try it and if I take a liking, I shall keep revisiting the spa.” To further personalise this experience, the treatments vary for men and women. For example, since the traits of a Gemini male are slightly different from that of a Gemini female, the oils and fragrances used for both their treatments vary according to gender.

Starting from Rs 4,999, this two-and-a-half hour journey is not necessarily a cure for your ailments but it certainly is a unique way of providing relief to your body.

With trained massage therapists giving you the best that your sun sign suggests, this is one spa massage you should definitely treat yourself to. Talk about taking pampering to a whole new level!

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Shopping and Lifestyle

A Day of Shopping at Brigade Road with our List of Things to Do - Sneha

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o the point: Brigade Road is a must-visit if you are looking for a day of shopping and leisure. If we had to choose places in Bangalore where we could go shopping, chilling and enjoy an entire day of leisure, Brigade Road would be high up on the list. Wondering what to do and where to go while in the hood? We've got you covered.

Restaurants and Street - food brick oven While you can get some of the city's favourite pizzas from Brik Oven and gulp to indulge in mugs of coffee at Matteo, you can also get street foods like Golgappa and Momos, all at one place. Do try the popular Golas in different flavours as well!

Bars and Pubs - Bar Brigade Road is home to some of the city's oldest bars and pubs. After a tiring day of shopping, head to Pecos for a chilled glass of beer accompanied by a generous plate of Peanut Masala. Do try their Ghee Roast Chicken which is to-die-for!

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Book stores - book brigade road Take a casual walk on Church Street and you will come across many different iconic bookstores that have made the city of Bangalore fall in love with reading. Blossom, Bookworm and Goobe's are some of the bookstores that you must walk into. Buy yourself some classic literature or the newest bestsellers of the month.

Clothing and Knick-knacks - Shop Brigade Road Brigade Road is lined with stores of some of the biggest and most popular brands like Nike, Van Heusen, Reebok, Allen Solly and many others. If you are looking for trendy party wear, Indo Dubai Plaza and Wild Cats are your best bets. And while you are on a shopping spree, you can pick up some of the knick-knacks like earrings, accessories, sunglasses from the roadside stalls.

Where: Brigade Road, Nearest metro - Church Street and MG Road When: 10 am to 11 pm

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Land of the 'Ascending Dragon' VIETNAM - Sanjay

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or the most part of its history, the geographical boundary of present-day Vietnam covered 3 ethnically distinct states: a Vietnamese state, a Cham state, and a part of the Khmer Empire. The Vietnamese nation originated in the Red River Delta in present-day Northern Vietnam and expanded over its history to the current boundary. It went through a lot of name changes, with Vãn Lang being used the longest. Official language spoken in the country is Vietnamese. Nam is a Chinese word meaning "south”. The term Vietnam dates from the early 19th century, when the Nguyen dynasty was founded. The Vietnamese government of this time was on very close terms with China, and the name was probably a compound derived from Dai Viet and Annam. In English, the two syllables are usually combined into one word, "Vietnam." However, "Viet Nam" was once common usage and is still used by the United Nations and by the Vietnamese government. Starting in 1054, Vietnam was called Ð?iVi?t (Great Viet). During the H? dynasty, Vietnam was called Ð?iNgu.

Location and geography Vietnam is located on the eastern margin of the Indochinese peninsula and occupies about 331,211.6 square kilometres, of which about 25% was under cultivation in 1987. It borders the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and Pacific Ocean, along with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Vietnam is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills, and densely forested mountains. Low-level land covers about 20% of the country.

Vietnam is located on the southern and eastern portion of the Indochinese peninsula and belongs to Southeast Asia. Its borders are China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. The eastern part of the country, consisting of over 3000km of coastline is facing the South China Sea. Because of the great range of latitudes and elevations, the climate in Vietnam is remarkably diverse for a tropical country and the climate tends to vary considerably from place to place. The south is hot and humid throughout the year and has a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to March. Vietnam's Climate can be divided a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity that makes it sometimes feel quite

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uncomfortable. Winters are dry while summers are characterized by high rainfall. The average annual number of sunshine hours is 2,000 to 2,500. The average annual temperature is 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F). During winter, mean temperatures can fall below 20 °C (68 °F).Hanoi and North Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C with the coldest months being January-March. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall.

Religion in Vietnam Officially, the socialist Republic of Vietnam is an atheist state Although according to a 1999 census most Vietnamese list themselves as having no religious affiliation, religion, as defined by shared beliefs and practices, remains an integral part of Vietnamese life, dictating the social behaviours and spiritual practices of Vietnamese individuals in Vietnam and abroad. The triple religion, referring to the syncretic combination of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and Vietnamese folk religion, remain a strong influence on the beliefs and practices of the Vietnamese, even if the levels of formal membership in these religious communities may not reflect that influence. One of the most notable and universal spiritual practices common to Vietnamese is ancestor veneration, a practice shared with Chinese and most other Asian cultures. Practically all Vietnamese, regardless of formal religious affiliation, have an altar in their home or business where prayers are offered to their ancestors. These offerings and practices are done frequently during important traditional or religious celebrations (e.g., death anniversaries), the starting of a new business, or even when a family member needs guidance or counsel.

Long-established religions in Vietnam include the Vietnamese folk religion, which has been historically structured by the doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism from China, as well as a strong tradition of Buddhism According to official statistics from the government, as of 2014 there are 24 million people identified with one of the recognised organised religions, out of a population of 90 million. Of these, 11 million are Buddhists, 6.2 million are Catholics, 4.4 million are Caodaists, 1.4 million are Protestants, 1.3 million are Hoahaoists, and there are 75,000 Muslims, 7,000 Bahá'ís, 1,500 Hindus and other smaller groups (<1%).Traditional folk religions (worship of gods, goddesses and ancestors) have experienced a rebirth since the 1980s.

Clothing in Vietnam Áodài. The áodài is a Vietnamese national garment, worn by both sexes but now most commonly worn by women. In its current form, it is a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over trousers. The word "áodài" was originally applied to the outfit worn at the court of the Nguy?n Lords at Hu? in the 18th century. The women also wear traditional Vietnamese conical hats called Non La. These hats are made from the leaves of palm trees and are often wore as a fashion statement or used to write poetry on. The slanted hats protect you from both the sun and the rain. The origin of the Non La can be traced back to Hue and it is recommended that tourists buy these hats at the Hue Citadel.

The Women in the Mekong Delta wear a slightly different kind of traditional clothing, the Ao Ba Ba. The Ao Ba Ba is a collarless shirt with a back made of a straight piece of cloth. The front body consists of two pieces and, in the middle, there are two straps running from the top down. This elaborate shirt is often worn with long white or black trousers. Apart from the most widely known traditional dresses of Vietnam, the local ethnic groups have their own styles and costumes.

Now a days, most people wear western style clothes like shirt, t shirt, skirts and pants or jeans. They mostly wear lightweight cloths, traditional cotton, because of the climate. In colder weather, particularly in the north Vietnam, they wear coats and woollen.

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Sports in Vietnam Football (soccer) is exceedingly popular in Vietnam, and volleyball, badminton, wrestling, bicycling, chess, and dominoes are also widely enjoyed. Since 1952, the country has participated in the Olympic Games, with competitors in swimming and water sports, martial arts, rowing and canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and track. Tran Hieu Ngan won Vietnam's first Olympic medal at the 2000 Summer Games (in women's tae kwon do). The Vietnamese game of sepaktakraw is a volleyball-like sport played with a rattan ball, a net, and the feet; Vietnam's women's team has been a formidable competitor at the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games, as have the country's entrants in men's and women's martial arts, including, wushu, karate, and tae kwon do. Billiards are also broadly popular in Vietnam, and the country's top players compete internationally. In non-competitive contexts, urban Vietnamese stroll in great numbers on evenings and weekends, especially in the parks and along the banks of lakes and rivers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese Martial Arts Traditional Vietnamese martial arts can be loosely divided into those of the Sino-Vietnamese descended from the Han, and the Chams or indigenous Vietnamese. The former are closely related to Chinese martial arts, while the latter are more similar to Malay silat. There was an academy of martial arts in the capital, Thang Long, today's Hanoi, since the 11th century: Lý Dynasty (1009–1225), Tran Dynasty (1225–1400). The 16th to 18th centuries marked the country's division and the conflicts between the various lords. These antagonisms led to a diversion of the Vietnamese martial arts styles into different schools.

The võBìnhDinh The võBìnhDinh (martial arts of BìnhDinh Province) is a noted school of martial arts of Vietnam performed with a bamboo pole. Along with Vovinam it is one of the more popular forms of martial art in Vietnam.

CuongNhu CuongNhu (pronounced "Kung new") is a martial art originally developed by Dr. Ngo Dong in 1965 in Hue, Vietnam. The CuongNhu Oriental Martial Arts Association (CNOMAA) is a federally recognized non-profit educational organization. CuongNhu is a martial art that blends elements of Shotokan, Wing Chun, Judo, Aikido, T'ai chi ch'uan, Vovinam and Boxing. It is this blending of hard and soft styles from which CuongNhu derives its name, which is Vietnamese for Hard (Cuong) Soft (Nhu).

Tam Qui Khi-Kong Tam Qui Khi-Kong is a Vietnamese martial art practiced mostly in Russia. "Tam Qui" is translated to "Three treasures", "Three refuges". Tam Qui Khi-Kong is not relative to other styles of martial arts which arose in Vietnam. It is the original and integral system of battle and psychophysical training of fighters. Philosophical background goes back to Vietnamese Thien. There are no sporting and demonstration aspects in Tam Qui KhiKong. The rules of the school forbid using the technique in exhibition trials. Tam Qui is both applied approach of self-defences and system of psychophysical and spiritual training according to Thien and Buddhism of Pure Land. Tam Qui Khi-Kong is nearly unknown outside Vietnam. This style belongs to closed tradition, which is passed individually from guru-master (thai) to a student. Among all the European counties only Russia has masters of Tam Qui. 65 Flash Light

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Vovinam Vovinam is perhaps the most widely practiced Vietnamese martial art. Performed both with and without weapons, it is based on the principle of between hard and soft. It includes training of the body as well as the mind.

It uses force and reaction of the opponent. Vovinam also includes hand, elbow, kicks, escape and levering techniques. Both attack and defence techniques are trained, as well as forms, combat and traditional wrestling.

The wide range of techniques include punching, kicking etc. as well as forms, wrestling, sword, staff, axe, folding fan and others. Self-defence techniques cover defence against weapon less attacks like choking from behind and defence against attacks with knife or sword. Advanced students learn to combine the techniques and learn to defend themselves against armed opponents. Instructors train traditional weapons like the long stick, short stick, knife, sword and sabre. Thereby the weapons serve as training devices for reaching optimal control of body and mind.

Food in Vietnam Vietnamese cuisine encompasses the foods and beverages of Vietnam, and features a combination of five fundamental tastes in overall meals. Each Vietnamese dish has a distinctive flavour which reflects one or more of these elements. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, bean sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables. French cuisine has also had a major influence due to the French colonization of Vietnam.

Vietnamese recipes use lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime, and Thai basil leaves. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of dairy and oil, complementary textures, and reliance on herbs and vegetables. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, Vietnamese food is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide.

A typical meal for the average Vietnamese family would include: ® Large bowl/pot/cooker of steamed long-grain white rice ® Individual bowls of rice ® Fish/seafood, meat, tofu (grilled, boiled, steamed, stewed or stir-fried with vegetables) ® A stir-fry dish ® Raw, pickled, steamed, or fresh vegetables ® Canh (a clear broth with vegetables and often meat or seafood) or other kinds of soup ® Prepared fish sauce for dipping, to which garlic, pepper, chili, ginger, or lime juice are sometimes added

according to taste ® Dipping sauces and condiments depending on the main dishes, such as pure fish sauce, ginger fish sauce, tamarind fish sauce, soy sauce, mu?itiêuchanh (salt and pepper with lime juice) or mu?i?t (salt and chili) ® Small dish of relishes, such as salted eggplant, pickled white cabbage, pickled papaya, pickled garlic or pickled bean sprouts ® Fresh fruits or desserts All dishes except individual bowls of rice are communal and are to be shared in the middle of the table. It is also customary for the younger people to ask/wait for the elders to eat first and the woman who sits right next to the rice pot serve rice for other people. People should "invite" the others to enjoy the meal, in order from the elders to younger people. They also pick up food for each other as an action of care.

Feast A feast (Vietnamese: c?, ti?c) is a significant event for families or villages, usually up to 12 people for each table. A feast is prepared for weddings, funerals, and festivals, including the longevity 66 Flash Light

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wishing ceremony. In a feast, ordinary foods are not served, but boiled rice is still used.

A Vietnamese feast has two courses: main course (mónm?n - salty dish) and dessert (mónng?t - sweet dish). All dishes, except for individual bowls of rice, are enjoyed collectively. All main course dishes are served simultaneously rather than one after another. The major dish of the main course is placed in the centre of the tables, usually big pots of soup or a hot pot.

A basic feast (c?m?tt?ng) consists of 10 dishes: Five in bowls (nãmbát): bóng (fried fish belly), mi?n (cellophane noodles), mãng (bamboo shoot), m?c (meatball), chim or gàt?n (bird or chicken stew dishes) Five on plates (nãmðia): giò (Vietnamese sausage), ch?, gà or v?tlu?c (boiled chicken or duck), n?m (Vietnamese salad) and xào (stir-fried dishes).

This kind of feast is traditional and is organised only in northern Vietnam. Other variations are found in central and southern Vietnam. Four dishes essential in the feast of T?t are ch?giò (spring rolls), nem (In Northern Vietnam, nem refers to a spring roll called nemcuon or nem ran. In Southern Vietnam, nem mainly refer to nemchua [fermented pork rolls.]), ninh (stew dishes) and m?c (noodle soup). At this time, the feast for offering ancestors includes sticky rice, boiled chicken, Vietnamese rice wine, and other preferred foods by ancestors in the past. Gifts are given before guests leave the feast.

Music in Vietnam Vietnamese traditional music was born very early. Ever since ancient times, Vietnamese people have been very passionate about music and considered music as an integral part of their life. Therefore, in the process of historical development, the residents have constantly created many musical instruments and musical genres to express their feelings and emotions, to gain more motivation for the daily work and to get out of the stress in life.

You can listen to the melody of lullabies, children's song, types of music in worshiping rituals, funerals, or conversations among members in the community, in entertaining activities, performing in the singing contests, epics, the sweet songs of the jongleurs, don ca taitu the traditional music of the Southern people, and the traditional opera, etc.

Vietnamese traditional music is rich by the accumulation of genres not only of different ages but also of the numerous ethnic groups. Although having the same genre of music, each ethnic group has a distinctive mode of expression, performance, and cadence. For example, the lullabies of the Kinh are different from those of the Thai, the Muong, the Dao, etc. Moreover, some ethnic groups use lullabies to sing their children to sleep while others play a diversity of traditional musical instruments such as flute, Vietnamese monochord, and so on.

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Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, which means that there are 54 different traditional musical backgrounds.

Therefore, in this article, we would like to mention the traditional music of Kinh people-the dominant ethnic group in Vietnam, accounting for 85.7% total of the population.

There are various ways to classify the Vietnamese traditional Music (here, the Kinh's music). In terms of types of music, they have: Royal family music, Cheo, Tuong, Xam singing, Don ca taitu, folk songs, Ca Tru, etc. If divided by regions, they have: the traditional music of the South; the Central, the Central Highlands, the North, and so on or smaller by regional culture. For the number of performers, it can be divided into the single, duo, in a group.

In the Vietnamese traditional music, it is extremely common for the artists to use a variety of traditional music instruments: danbau (Vietnamese monochord), dan co (Vietnamese erhu), dan day, dannguyet (moon lute), etc.

All of these musical instruments contribute to creating unique characteristics for Vietnamese traditional music.

Types of Vietnamese traditional Music in Northern Vietnam Ca Trù (Hát ? Ðào) Ca trù, also known as hát ? ðào, is one type of chamber music that was extremely popular in North and North Central Vietnam since the 15th century. It is used to be the court music that was loved by the aristocrats and the intellectuals. Besides, it can be said that Ca trù is a perfect combination of poetry and music. There are three main characters in a Ca trù performance: a female singer (called “ðào” or “ca nýõng”) who use the tongs, a male instrumentalist (called “kép”) who plays dan day to support the vocalist, a spectator (called “quanviên”, usually being the author of the song) who plays the drum to punctuate the song and express the pleasure by the drum sound. In 2009, Ca trù was recognized as the intangible heritage that requires urgent protection by UNESCO. Ch?uVãn HátVãn or Ch?uVãn is one of the types of Vietnamese traditional music, originated in the North Delta. It is associated with Mother Goddesses Worship-the very famous folk belief in Vietnam. By using spiritual music with the solemn and elaborate words, Ch?uvãn is considered to be a singing form of worshiping the goddesses. Ch?uVãn plays an extremely important role in a Mother Goddesses Worshiping performance in order to invite the gods to attend the ceremony. During the performance, the singers can sing and play musical instruments at the same time in 4-8 hours, creating a bustling atmosphere for the ceremony. The music instruments usually consist of dannguyet (moon lute), small drum, tongs, cymbals, flute, Vietnamese monochord, etc. Hátvãn is well-known in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, but the performing style in Nam Dinh is more rustic than that in Hanoi.

Chèo Chèo is a form of Vietnamese traditional stage art, strongly developing in North Vietnam, especially the Red River delta and two sparsely populated mountainous areas in the North and North Central. This type of folk music has the harmonious combination of ethnicity and the popularity with narrative and romantic lyrics so that it is amazingly preferable for summer festivals. Chèo stage art has undergone a long history from the 10th century to the present, having a deep influence on the Vietnamese social life. In terms of the meaning, Chèo reflects all aspects of the national identity of 68 Flash Light

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Vietnamese people: optimistic, loving, simple, full of national pride, persistent in fighting against the invaders to protect the country. Thanks to these great meanings, Chèo is full of literary genres: romantic, epic, poetic, etc. creating a unique attraction for this traditional music.

Art in Vietnam Vietnamese art is visual art that, whether ancient or modern, originated in or is practiced in Vietnam or by Vietnamese artists. Vietnamese art has a long and rich history, the earliest examples of which date back as far as the Stone Age around 8,000 BCE. With the millennium of Chinese domination starting in the 2nd century BC, Vietnamese art undoubtedly absorbed many Chinese influences, which would continue even following independence from China in the 10th century AD. However, Vietnamese art has always retained many distinctively Vietnamese characteristics. By the 19th century, the influence of French art took hold in Vietnam, having a large hand in the birth of modern Vietnamese art.

Traditional art Neolithic art Terracotta pieces used to imprint decoration patterns on cloth.

Pottery dating to the Stone Age (c. 8000 BCE) has been found in Bac Son, Vietnam. This pottery was made from clay, and in its beginnings was largely basic and lacking any artistic flare.

Moving into the Neolithic era, however, Vietnamese pottery and ceramics started to develop rapidly, showing signs of decor.

Bronze Age art The highly developed ÐôngSõn culture that flourished in North Vietnam (from about 1000 BC to the 4th century BC) was the civilization responsible for the world-famous ÐôngSõn drums, a product of their advanced bronze-casting skills.

These drums give us an important peek into early Vietnamese life. They were elaborately decorated with geometric patterns, and most importantly, depicted scenes of everyday life such as farming, warriors donning feather headdresses, construction of ships, musicians, etc. Archaeological evidence from this period also shows that people in the area had long been weaving cloth. Many of the people depicted on the drums are shown as wearing elaborate clothing.

Economy of Vietnam Vietnam works under a socialist-oriented market economy, which means that the government is directly involved in economic development and decision-making. Currently, it is a mix between this state-planned economy and a market economy, which is controlled by supply and demand. The eventual goal of the government is to achieve socialism. During the 1980's, the Communist Party established this unique economic framework in an attempt to move away from the Soviet-type economic planning that was then in place.

Its total gross domestic product (GDP) for 2013 was $170.565 billion with a GDP per capita of $2,073. The labor force is made up of 54.61 million people. The biggest percentage of these individuals work in agriculture (44.3%), services (32.8%), and industry (22.9%). The economy of Vietnam is believed to become one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world by 2020 with a GDP of $436 billion. According to this estimate, it will be 70% the size of the UK economy by 2040.

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Leading Industries of Vietnam The economy of Vietnam is mainly reliant on foreign direct investments in order to promote growth. The largest industries here are services which make up 49.75% of the GDP, industry which makes up 33.25%, and agriculture which makes up 17% of GDP. Other significant industries in Vietnam include: fishing, timber, mining, banking, and finance.

Top Export Goods and Partners Today, Vietnam is the 28th largest export economy in the world, exporting $165 billion worth of goods every year. Its principal export goods include: broadcasting equipment ($23.8 billion), computers ($7.98 billion), crude petroleum ($6.87 billion), leather footwear ($6 billion), and integrated circuits $4.6 billion). The majority of these exports go to the following countries: the US ($29.9 billion), China ($17.5 billion), Japan ($15.2 billion), South Korea ($7.92 billion), and Germany ($7.64 billion).

Top Import Goods and Partners This country imports $151 billion worth of goods every year which gives it a positive trade balance of $13.7 billion. Its top imported goods include integrated circuits ($9.6 billion), telephones ($8.22 billion), refined petroleum ($7.81 billion), light rubberized knitted fabric ($2.96 billion), and flat-rolled steel ($1.98 billion). The majority of its imports come from the following places: China ($44.7 billion), South Korea ($21.7 billion), Japan ($11.9 billion), Other Asian countries ($9.4 billion), and Singapore ($7.98 billion).

Challenges Faced by The Economy of Vietnam One of the biggest challenges faced by the economy of Vietnam is, in fact, its state-owned businesses. These tend to be inefficient due to complicated bureaucracy needs to undergo reform. Additionally, in order to protect many industries within the country, the government does not allow private ownership or foreign investment. This is, however, hindering economic growth. Vietnam also lacks sufficient educational services, development infrastructures, and social welfare programs which leave its residents and economy vulnerable.

Future Economic Plans Despite its significant challenges, the economy of Vietnam has been growing consistently. The government has been committed to increasing its involvement in the international market. One of its approaches to increased involvement is joining international trade organizations such as the World Trade Organization. In addition, the government has recently signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in order to take part in trade liberalization among Pacific countries. Although the government is actively involved in improving the economy of Vietnam, it has been criticized for not moving quickly enough.

Politics and Government in Vietnam Politics of Vietnam The politics of Vietnam are defined by a single-party socialist republic framework, where the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam is the Party leader and head of the Politburo, holding the highest position in the one-party system. The President of Vietnam is the head of state, and the Prime Minister of Vietnam is the head of government in a one-party system led by the Communist Party of Vietnam.[1] Executive power is exercised by the government and the President of Vietnam. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly of Vietnam (Vietnamese: Qu?ch?iVi?t Nam). The Judiciary is independent of the executive. The parliament adopted the current Constitution of Vietnam; its fifth, on 28 November 2013.

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chief of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and Chairman of the Council for Defence and Security. Moreover, the president has the right to decide on executive brands. The government (Chínhph?), the main executive state power of Vietnam, is headed by the Prime Minister, who has several Deputy Prime Ministers and several ministers in charge of particular activities. The executive branch is responsible for the implementation of political, economic, cultural, social, national defence, security and external activities of the state. The National Assembly is a unicameral legislative body. The National Assembly has 500 members, elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. The legislature is, according to the constitution, the highest organ of the state. Its powers include the enactment and amendment of the constitution and laws; the adoption of the government budget; supervising the Government of Vietnam and other holders of public powers responsible to the National Assembly; and appointing members of the judiciary. The Vietnamese constitution and legislation provide for regular elections for the office of the President of the Socialist Republic, the National Assembly and the People's Councils.

Vietnam has a judicial system governed by the Constitution of Vietnam and national legislation enacted by National Assembly. The Supreme People's Court (TòaánNhândânT?icao) is the highest court of appeal in Vietnam. There are other specialised courts in Vietnam, including the Central Military Court, the Criminal Court, the Civil Court and the Appeal Court. The Supreme People's Procuracy observes the implementation of state organs and makes sure that Vietnamese citizens follow the law.

Government of Vietnam The Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the executive arm of the Vietnamese state, and the members of the Government are elected by the National Assembly of Vietnam.

Council of Ministers (1980–2001) The Vietnamese Council of Ministers was entrusted by the 1980 Constitution with managing and implementing the governmental activities of the state. It is described in that document as "the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the highest executive state body of the highest body of state authority." It is accountable to the National Assembly of Vietnam, and, more directly, to the Vietnamese Council of State when the National Assembly is not in session. Its duties include submitting draft laws, decrees, and other bills to the National Assembly and the Council of State; drafting state plans and budgets and implementing them following the National Assembly's approval; managing the development of the national economy; organising national defence activities and assuring the preparedness of the armed forces; and organising and managing the state's foreign relations. Its membership includes a chairman, vice-chairman, cabinet ministers, and the heads of state committees, whose terms of office coincide with that of the National Assembly.

The Council of Ministers includes its own standing committee, which serves to co-ordinate and mobilise the council's activities. In 1986 the standing committee was expanded from ten to thirteen members.

Each ministry is headed by a minister, who is assisted by two to twelve deputy ministers. The number and functions of the ministries are not prescribed in the Constitution, but in 1987 there were twenty-three ministries, and a number of other specialised commissions and departments. In apparent response to the call by the Sixth National Party Congress in 1986 for a streamlined bureaucracy, several ministries were merged. The former ministries of agriculture, food, and food industry were joined in a newly created Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.

The ministries of power and mines were merged to form the Ministry of Energy, and a newly created Ministry of Labour, War Invalids, and Social Welfare consolidated the duties of three former ministries. The addition of two new ministerial bodies also resulted from the 6th National Party Congress: a Ministry f Information to replace the Vietnam Radio and Television Commission, and a mission for Economic Relations with Foreign Countries to act as a co-ordinating body for foreign aid.

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‘Chanu’ Manipuri entrepreneur goes green with eco-friendly products - Koshlengam Jangvei Lamkang

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gangom Monalisa Chanu, a 29-year-old young woman entrepreneur from Manipur, has brought in a new era of eco-friendly products in the form of environment-friendly pen and pencils.

Her business venture, Chanu Associates under the brand name 'Envi', deals with products ranging from environmental pens with seeds, pencils, direct filling ball pens, paper bags, non-woven bags etc.

Concern about the harm caused to the environment and her love for nature compelled her to come up with the innovative idea of making pens and pencils with biodegradable products.

Chanu said " I got some knowledge about the environment like bag making, tree plantation etc when I was studying in Punjab University. Pen can be made without any machinery and without any investment, so I got inspired and prepared a handmade pen. Though I had set up a firm in 2007, all the processes like GST compliance etc finished in March this year. After that, I started producing eco-friendly products.”

"We are producing these manually. As on date, we have a target of 200 pens to be manufactured by hand over a period of time. But the employees working here can easily manufacture 100 pens a day. This is how we can fulfill the public demand for the pen," she added.

The pen and pencils can yield new plants of different species once they are discarded after use. While carving out pen and pencils of different colors and varieties, Chanu inserts seeds of different vegetables like radish, carrot, beet flowers, tomato, spinach etc in the products which after use could grow into a variety of plants. She sells these pencils at Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 for pen and so far she has been able to sell 10,000 pieces of pen which led to the increasing demand of her products.

The success story of Chanu as one of the budding woman entrepreneur of the country has not only set an example for the youths of the country to choose entrepreneurship but has also strengthened the entrepreneurial culture in the state.

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Career Planning

Merchant Navy Career Exploration - Balasubramanya A P Merchant Navy officer

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f one has a bucket list, sailing on a Merchant Ship/Cruise line should be on it. It gives you the perspective of what is it like to witness the spectacular grandeur of 3/4th of our planet in a ship's setting. The experience is very humbling.

Whether it is treating your eyes to the most beautiful dawn and dusk over an open horizon or counting the diamonds spread on the ocean on a full moon night, the sound of ship's hull sliding through the salt water or the soft rumbling of 4-storey engine heard on main deck. The list goes on.

So here we gonna share the career opportunities by Balasubramanya A P, Merchant Navy officer who speaks about the job opportunity in the industry.

Come let's explore and learn about the commercial shipping line.

To move forward in their career journeys, individuals engage in career exploration by reflecting upon both personal and contextual factors. The extent to which this exploration is effectively processed drives individuals attitudes, behaviors, and other career-and work-related outcomes.

Fancy a career in the sea?

A Maritime degree today comes with options varying a lot with a choice ranging from being a biologist to unearthing secrets of ocean beds. The diversity of maritime courses is so huge that there is something for everyone with any kind of interests.

What is Merchant Navy?

Merchant navy is a specialized industry which is fully engaged in commercial activities involving transportation of cargo and passengers through sea routes. The field of Merchant Navy is an important part of the global shipping sector and is an integral component of any nation's economical development. As the majority of the world's commercial activities are carried out through the sea routes, the field of merchant navy has far more prominence across the globe.

Merchant navy is a global industry with several nationalities working together on different types of vessels. The industry offers excellent career opportunities both at sea and on shore.

What are the different ranks in Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy is a global industry which provides some of the best career opportunities on different types of ships (and on land as well). Unlike any other field, Merchant Navy offers jobs that not only require specialized knowledge and training but also require a great amount of mental and physical strength.

Merchant navy jobs mainly involve working on a variety of ships as officers, engineers, or ratings. These are the 73 Flash Light

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main three departments on almost all types of ships and they work in coordination to ensure a smooth running of ship and its operations.

If you are looking forward to a career in the merchant navy, you will be required to choose from any of these three departments: 1.

2.

3.

Deck Department Engine Department Crew Ratings

A course in any of the above departments will be the “stepping stone” to a successful career at sea.

To join the engine department, you will need to take up a course in marine engineering, which is a 4-year degree course or a diploma course. If you are a mechanical engineer, you can become a marine engineer after doing the necessary course and training (Graduate Mechanical Engineering or GME course).

On completion of marine engineering degree, you will join a ship as a Trainee/Fifth engineer and then move ahead in the ranking system starting as a fourth engineer -> third engineer ->> second engineer ->>> chief engineer.

To join the deck department, you will have to take up a course in BSc. in nautical science, which is basically a 3/4 years course. A course in nautical science will pave the road for becoming a deck officer on a ship.

On completion of nautical science course, you will join a ship as a trainee/deck cadet and then move ahead in the ranking system starting as a third officer/mate -> second officer/mate ->> chief officer/mate ->>> captain.

You can also join a ship as ETO (electro-technical officer) if you have a background of electrical or electronics.

You will be required to take up pre-sea training followed by mandatory onboard training.

Apart from deck officers and marine engineers, a ship also requires a supporting staff that would assist the officers and carries out various other important tasks. Such job opportunities fall under ratings.

To join a ship as rating, various job opportunities are: In Engine Department · Fitter · Motorman · Wiper In Deck Department · Able Seaman (AB) · Bosun · Ordinary Seaman (OS) · Fitter You can also join the saloon department as · Steward · Chief cook What is lifestyle in Merchant Navy like?

Considering the nature of work, maritime professional have a lifestyle which is quite different from those of landlubbers. This is not the usual 9-to-5 kind of job. As a maritime professional, you would be usually working in 4-hours shifts, twice a day, in addition to extra hours.

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months depending on the rank and type of ship. After you sign a contract with a shipping company, you will be asked to board the ship from a convenient port on the ship's sailing route. Most of the times you will take a flight (all expenses are borne by the shipping company) to the concerned port to board the vessel. While signing-off as well, most of the times, you will be taking a flight back to your home country from the sign-off port.

There are also certain other things you should know about life at sea: ® Health and Fitness-Fitness is an aspect that not only pertains to an individual but also the others on board

ship, seeing as all work onboard is teamwork and one job affects another. Health and physical fitness tests are carried out at regular intervals of time. They are conducted every time before boarding the ship and if any complication arises, the candidate will not be allowed to join the ship. ® Limited Social Life-As maritime professionals work onboard ships at sea, they have to stay away from their families for an extended period of time. Though internet and connectivity have made communication much easier and frequent, the distance from the loved ones often takes a toll on seafarers.

Working among a limited number of people and in a confined environment means limited social life. ® Harsh Working Conditions-Working at sea in a hostile environment is not only difficult but dangerous as well. You are expected to work during rough weather conditions, extreme weather and temperature, around heavy machinery and toxic substances. Most of the jobs need to be done manually. During an emergency, one would be required to work for long hours with less or sleep. Also, there are other hazards such as piracy, war-torn countries etc. ® Regular examinations and upgradations-After completing the required sea time, maritime professionals have to give examinations at regular intervals of time to attain promotion and move ahead in their career.

They are also required to do several upgradations and supplementary courses as required by the company and the type of ship are they work on.

What are the criteria to join Merchant Navy?

Not everyone can join merchant navy. You need to have the minimum qualifications required for a particular job on board ship. You also need to be physically fit and fulfill the basic medical requirements to join merchant navy.

In order to become an officer in the deck or engine department, you will need Physicals, Chemistry, Maths (PCM) as your main subjects. You will also be required to have the English language as a separate subject.

These are some of the main factors you should consider before joining the merchant navy. ® Merchant navy is a physically and mentally challenging job. Make sure you are prepared for it. Try to do

as much research as possible about life at sea. Try asking people who are sailing and have a good amount of experience. ® Don't join just for the money. No doubt merchant navy is famous for offering the best salaries but that is because of the nature of the job. Don't fall for the money trap. Join only if you are genuinely interested in learning and ready to work with your bare hands. This is not a desk job and it might require you to “get dirty” from time to time. If you think this is not something you can do for a long time, then rethink about your decision. ® Be ready to struggle in the start. The number of jobs available for fresh maritime graduates is limited. Be ready to take up whatever opportunity you get in the start and complete your training period. Don't fall for fake promises of agents.

What are the ways to join Merchant Navy?

One can join merchant navy by taking up courses by1.

Becoming a marine engineer by pursuing a degree course in marine engineering. You can opt for a marine engineering degree from one of the DG shipping approved colleges in India after completing 12th.

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One can also go through pre-sea training as GME/ETO after completing engineering/diploma on related stream.

To apply for, ® GME (Graduate Mechanical Engineer) -one will be eligible to take up the course after completing a

mechanical engineering/diploma. ® ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)-one will be eligible to take up the course after completing electrical

engineering/electronics engineering/diploma in the same .

2.

Become a deck officer by pursuing a degree in Nautical science

You can become a deck officer either by doing DNS (Diploma in nautical science) or by doing BSc. in Nautical science from DG shipping approved college.

3.

Join as GP rating or Saloon rating

You can join a pre-sea GP rating course after 10th or 12th in order to join as a rating. This is a one year course followed by mandatory training on ships.

How much is the approximate pay scale in Merchant Navy?

There is no one answer to how much a maritime professional will earn as it depends on several factors such as nationality, company, type of vessel, rank, qualification, experience etc.

However, to give a general overview of how much on average a seafarer earns, we will consider average pay scale of seafarers across various departments and ranks.

Below is a very general range of pay scale in USD ($): ® Junior engineer or deck cadet-400-1000 USD ® 4th Engineer/ 3rd officer-2500-4000 USD ® 3rd Engineer/ 2nd officer-4000-5000 USD ® 2nd Engineer/Chief officer-5500-11000 USD ® Chief engineer/ Captain-8000-15000 USD ® Electrical Officer-2500-4000 USD ® Pumpman-1000-2500 USD ® Bosun-1200-2000 USD ® Ordinary Seaman-1000-1200 USD ® Able Seamn-1000-1500 USD ® Fitter-1000-1500 USD ® Oiler-600-2000 USD ® Engine Rating/ Wiper-500-1000 USD ® Chief Cook-1500-2500 USD ® Steward-500-1500 USD

Note: This is just a rough estimate of the pay scale that are earned in this field. The pay scale would change according to the company, the type of ship, seniority, loyalty, experience, skills etc.

(Bi-monthly Career Guidance will be given by the author feel free to reach apbalasubramanya@gmail.com)

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