Ilaxi Patel's Blog: Moms Zone, page 22

Shooting Championship at Billabong

Billabong High International School, Noida hosted 3rd All India Digvijay Singh Memorial Air Rifle/Air Pistol Championship, organized in association with U.P State Rifle Association, Lucknow and National Rifle Association of India, New Delhi from 11th – 14th November 2017.

The Championship was inaugurated by ace Indian shooter Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padmashri awardee Mr. Gagan Narang.

Speaking on the occasion, Rifle ace Gagan Narang, who recently returned after winning silver at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Brisbane, Australia, said, “It is really exciting to see Shooting spreading its wings in this country and schools slowly but surely embracing the sport. It is from schools that Olympic champions of tomorrow will emerge. I commend Billabong High in taking this initiative to host the 3rd All India Digvijay Singh Memorial Air Rifle/Air Pistol Championship and I am very happy to be here and see students excited to know about the sport.”

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Ms. Putul Kumari Singh, wife of late Shri Digvijay Singh. She’s been an ex-member of Parliament and Vice President of NRAI. She’s an ardent patron of All India Digvijay Memorial Committee.

Olympian and Arjuna awardee Indian Shooter Mr. P. N Prakash also graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

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Hello, Is it me you’re looking for…

Hello…

Remember the song of Lionel Richie – Is it me you’re looking for, And I wonder where you are, And I wonder……Hello !

November 21, 2017 is the 45th annual World Hello Day. Say hello to at least ten people on the day. By greeting others, the message is for personal communication to preserve peace. The event began in 1973 by Brian and Michael McCormack in response to the Yom Kippur War. Since then World Hello Day has been observed by people in 180 countries.

HELLO” – When we say this five lettered word, it’s the sound that makes a big difference. The voice is the power within you, the inner reflection of your soul. Voice has a special depth of thoughts and can influence your whole life as well as others.

I have every year conducted the Hello Day classroom activity and it is most commonly noticed while talking to them they revealed that saying ‘Hello’ takes a bit slow especially to strangers, to friends or relatives who come home. And, for children, it is a shy syndrome and needs to be encouraged to say ‘Hi’ – nevertheless, it is the role of a parent or a teacher to help children come out of the complex or even whatever they been doing and care to say Hello as a measure of courtesy and gesture.

Psychologists say, first impressions are correct 67% of the time. Touch the heart of the listener and they’ll barely notice if your voice is less than mellifluous or if your hand gestures are a little too choppy. Monotonous speaker loses touch with her essential enthusiasm. A humorless speaker temporary lose touch with her essential joy and becomes a bore whereas a theoretical speaker lose touch with her humanity and reality. One need to be in perfect sync with the audience or a listener. Flat, forgettable and monotonous voice are no more the choice of listeners. The sound of your voice should arouse emotion, feelings and gut level reactions in other people.

Positive voice influence makes a big difference. Never underestimate the power of your voice. People judge you by the way you speak! The tone of your voice is often revealing. 55% of the message is revealed with facial expressions, body language and gestures and 38% of the message reduce effectiveness due to flat or distracting, annoying and boring. 7% only counts for content deliverance. This is as per the research of UCLA study conducted by Dr. Albert Mehrabian. Distracting words are often those spoken ‘like’ – ‘ummm’ – ‘aaah’ – ‘I mean’ – the slang! ‘Whatever’ often is taken granted as the conversation is abrupt or put to end. This catch phrase makes the speaker sound as if she is shrugging off the conversation and discontinue the talk. A rudeness, verbal slang showing lack of interest. Yet people do go for such words and in sense, this is even taken as ‘style’ of speaking. A pause is the best option to correct this while speaking. A pause adds power and impact to the listener.

Read my Article from Guardian of Angels – Power Speak your way to Success 

The post Hello, Is it me you’re looking for… appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

Power Speak – Hello Day

November 21, 2017 is the 45th annual World Hello Day. Say hello to at least ten people on the day. By greeting others, the message is for personal communication to preserve peace. The event began in 1973 by Brian and Michael McCormack in response to the Yom Kippur War. Since then World Hello Day has been observed by people in 180 countries.

HELLO” – When we say this five lettered word, it’s the sound that makes a big difference. The voice is the power within you, the inner reflection of your soul. Voice has a special depth of thoughts and can influence your whole life as well as others.

Psychologists say, first impressions are correct 67% of the time. Touch the heart of the listener and they’ll barely notice if your voice is less than mellifluous or if your hand gestures are a little too choppy. Monotonous speaker loses touch with her essential enthusiasm. A humorless speaker temporary lose touch with her essential joy and becomes a bore whereas a theoretical speaker lose touch with her humanity and reality. One need to be in perfect sync with the audience or a listener. Flat, forgettable and monotonous voice are no more the choice of listeners. The sound of your voice should arouse emotion, feelings and gut level reactions in other people. Positive voice influence makes a big difference. Never underestimate the power of your voice. People judge you by the way you speak! The tone of your voice is often revealing. 55% of the message is revealed with facial expressions, body language and gestures and 38% of the message reduce effectiveness due to flat or distracting, annoying and boring. 7% only counts for content deliverance. This is as per the research of UCLA study conducted by Dr. Albert Mehrabian. Distracting words are often those spoken ‘like’ – ‘ummm’ – ‘aaah’ – ‘I mean’ – the slang! ‘Whatever’ often is taken granted as the conversation is abrupt or put to end. This catch phrase makes the speaker sound as if she is shrugging off the conversation and discontinue the talk. A rudeness, verbal slang showing lack of interest. Yet people do go for such words and in sense, this is even taken as ‘style’ of speaking. A pause is the best option to correct this while speaking. A pause adds power and impact to the listener.

Quick tips:

1. Warm up and use the power of your mind to shape your voice. entice, motivate and inspire.

2. Evaluate your voice with the tempo, rhythm and proper adjustments of vocal patterns and rate of speech. and avoid pronunciation and usage mistakes. These are the most common bloopers which tend to create a bad impression.

3. Banish non words that has verbal viruses and speak more smoothly.

(More on Hello Day)

When you say ‘Hello’ the sound is like tinkling bell. If you observe people talking, you can find the characteristics of the person which can master you with ‘mind reading’. Voice can get you hired or fired or promoted too. A voice can make friends or foes. A voice bring love back into your life and a voice can make your work loads lighter when you are on heights of your job and the work stress is higher.

Remembering Lionel Richie’s song ‘Hello’ and I am sure, you will love to listen this song this day!

An Article from my Book Guardian of Angels (Ilaxi Patel) and also appeared in Freesouls Supplement in Sambhaav Newspapers

“HELLO” – When we say this five lettered word, it’s the sound that makes a big difference. Your voice is the inner reflexion of your soul. Every person has gifted with a voice which one can modulate with the speech styles. The voice is the power within you. It has powers that make a person fall in love with you. Close your eyes and listen to the smooth husky flowing voice of ‘George Michael’ or a close friend and you can feel the calm like a breath of fresh air! Listen to the musical sensation of Ricky Martin’s ‘Cup of Life’ and one can feel the rush of excitement in life. Listen to the bold voice of late PM Rajiv Gandhi and you are sure to feel the concerns finding yourself in the midst of a debate getting aggressive and confident. A voice can make one ready for a battle of words which can calm and seduce, provoke or silence, thrill and charge or can be electrifying. Voice has a special depth of thoughts and can influence your whole life as well as others. When you say ‘Hello’ the sound is like tinkling bell when you say it with softness and deep feeling but if you are harsh with your words, this means you are not towards the right track to road ahead of success. Words spoken with intelligence, words spoken with soft feelings, words spoken with understanding has an impact on the other with the voice powers. If you observe people talking, you can find the characteristics of the person which can master you with ‘mind reading’. Voice can get you hired or fired or promoted too. A voice can make friends or foes. A voice bring love back into your life and a voice can make your work loads lighter when you are on hieghts of your job and the work stress is higher. A Free Soul Friend Siddharth says ” Voice is like a calm breeze which builds the faith and brings in the peace of mind.” Vivek puts it this way that a voice should be pleasant that a person keeps talking to you but it also depends on one’s identity otherwise you are sure to be rejected with a bang of the receiver if you just call someone and say ‘Hi’. However this depends on the way you start your say, so he beams. Rohan too supports Vivek’s views on voice but Binal snaps back ‘Priya had a beautiful voice and talked for hours but she faced a rejection from me. What’s the point of hearing a beautiful voice when you can’t meet, says he!

Truly, Voice is a lovely gift that humans possess and as someone said “Speech is silvern, silence is gold” – Speech is Silvern but Silence speaks a thousand words and those thousand words when are accumulated comes out with an outburst, overflowing thoughts stored in the mind and than there is peace and calmness, isnt this true?

Power Speak your way to success

Language is a gold mine which makes a big Change. Dig deep into it, build your vocabulary and dive for unlimited treasure which has remained there untapped for a long time. Rediscover yourself with your own Speech. All words look great in cold print but do not sound the same when spoken aloud. So, the first step towards success is Reading Aloud. This enables to make you hear your own voice what you are reading. Than think of the better modulations of your voice. Focus on your speech and style. Pronunciations play a major role here. Sound is born in your own vocal voice chords. Let it rise through your chest, throat and mouth, bubble with enthusiam and vigour effortlessly and lightly. Speech therapists focus on various methods. Free souls helps your voice modulation with a few tips as per experiences.

Be Soft spoken. Speak from the depth of your heart, speak your mind and feel your nerves pulsating the sound of your voice.

Be Energetic. Electrify the listener with your presentation. Don’t let butterflies quiver you and chase away the nervouseness.

Mind your Language. Words has a meaning as well as topics do count a lot. Work on pronunciatins and build vocabulary.

Talk sense. Avoid beating around the bush. Say clear, be brief and do not fumble. Confusion lands you and the listener into more confusion. Do not bluff or fool yourself but blur out sensibly even if words are not meant to be spoken. Use tact, speak truth but know realities too and act sensibly to it. Convince your listener.

Create Leadership air. Build an air of confidence with your speech. Start talking directly with the main topic using easy flow of jokes, comments or anecdotes. Some words are guaranteed to make people listen. Dig for knowledgeable words – it evokes curiosity, love, understanding, excitement, etc.

Presentation with style. Cultivate a positive attitude. Be positive, prepared and well aware. Work on memory improvement levls. Check your blues. Get mirror practise and check your expressions too. A smile with the speech takes you to miles.

Voice Modulation. The most important factor is voice modulation – pitch, tone and volume. Adjust the Bass, volume like the sound system. Start with soft notes. Good beginning is best otherwise its shrieking from the start. Feel humour, feel happy, calm and composed.

Expressions. They are most important as expressions reflects your inner feelings and your speech is based on your thoughts. Let your speech and expression be your asset as well as a good decent Dress code

Article from Guardian of Angels by Ilaxi Patel

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Creep and Crawlies Day by Kangaroo Kids School

Kangaroo Kids recently organized the “Creep and Crawlies Day” for little toddlers. As a part of Knowledg Initiative, the School came with an innovative idea and a concept in tune to the current taste of Kids offering an interesting world of creepy and crawly insects, butterflies, dinosaurs, dragons and more. Synonymous with the theme, learning was fun and exciting, as little ones understood complex concepts surrounding vermiculture, apiculture and the like.

Classrooms were transformed into colourful learning centres decorated with artistic displays, models and pictures where the little ones viewed the metamorphosis of caterpillars; life cycles of a spider, ladybug and other such species.

Astonishing facts and figures were creatively imparted with the help of short stories, puppet shows, movies, and exciting hands-on activities.  Teachers had a field day as they donned the garb of bees, butterflies, and ladybugs and indulged in a song and dance, which enthralled the little ones.  As the creepy and crawlies jostled for space, giving them competition were the dinosaurs, as children took a walk though a Jurassic-park like set-up all replete with models of different types of dinos, and took a quiz at the end of it all.  This was not all to feed children’s appetite; connoisseurs from diverse fields spoke to children on apiculture, vermiculture, and thereby imparted relevant knowledge.

An insect and reptile shop sold goodies and other accessories, as a Polaroid Photoshop saw children strike a pose dressed as their favourite characters.  The activity room was abuzz with butterfly paintings, games, insect t-shirts, caps, insect modelling and a tattoo corner.

Kangaroo Kids has always endeavoured to break away from the traditional teaching practices with an orientation towards more experiential and contemporary concepts of learning. The curriculum stresses on “hands-on” learning which makes it less stressful and more interesting.  This entails the creation of educational resource material that children can manipulate and interact with; this makes it stand out in stark contrast to other medium of instruction or information.

The post Creep and Crawlies Day by Kangaroo Kids School appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

Enchanting World of Kids at Kangaroo Kids School

The Enchanting World of Bugs & Dinos

In line with its ideology of cultivating an innovative & experiential educational culture, Kangaroo Kids is hosting a four-day extravaganza of learning ─ Adventures of Creepy Crawly at Kagaroo Kids school.

As an effort for the kids to explore the enchanting world of the lively creatures, the entire school will be modelled into a museum. ‘Adventures of Creepy Crawly’ is aimed to enthral little minds with an interactive line of activities and a bunch of inter-school competitions.

It is an endeavor to foster active participation by upholding interesting learning activities like light and sound shows.

With life-sized insects spreading mischives all around and a complete gamut of artistic displays, models and pictures, the event certainly opens the door to a world of creepy crawly.

The kids will witness an indelible learning experience and will gain knowledge about concepts like vermiculture, apiculture and the likes.

Not only this, young learners shall speak on various concepts relating to the magical world of the creepy crawly.

An insight into engaging phenomena like the metamorphosis of caterpillars, life cycles of a housefly, role of a queen bee and the reasons for the extinction of dinosaurs will leave the kids knowing their facts right.

With a myriad colours and enthusiasm, the event is envisaged to epitomize hands-on learning and infotainment.

So gear up for a fun-filled learning experience and book your passes!

The post Enchanting World of Kids at Kangaroo Kids School appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

The Enchanting World of Bugs & DinosIn line with its id...

The Enchanting World of Bugs & Dinos

In line with its ideology of cultivating an innovative & experiential educational culture, Kangaroo Kids is hosting a four-day extravaganza of learning ─ Adventures of Creepy Crawly at Kagaroo Kids school.

As an effort for the kids to explore the enchanting world of the lively creatures, the entire school will be modelled into a museum. ‘Adventures of Creepy Crawly’ is aimed to enthral little minds with an interactive line of activities and a bunch of inter-school competitions.

It is an endeavor to foster active participation by upholding interesting learning activities like light and sound shows.

With life-sized insects spreading mischives all around and a complete gamut of artistic displays, models and pictures, the event certainly opens the door to a world of creepy crawly.

The kids will witness an indelible learning experience and will gain knowledge about concepts like vermiculture, apiculture and the likes.

Not only this, young learners shall speak on various concepts relating to the magical world of the creepy crawly.

An insight into engaging phenomena like the metamorphosis of caterpillars, life cycles of a housefly, role of a queen bee and the reasons for the extinction of dinosaurs will leave the kids knowing their facts right.

With a myriad colours and enthusiasm, the event is envisaged to epitomize hands-on learning and infotainment.

So gear up for a fun-filled learning experience and book your passes!

The post appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

Diwali & Happy New Year

Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated all over India with enthusiasm. This Diwali which leads us into Truth and Light is celebrated on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik (October / November) every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of our country which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.

“Deepavali” is a sanskrit word — Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home – lowly or mightly – the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich – is a lit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps – to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Floral decorations, fireworks and rangoli add grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.

There are many versions about the origin of Diwali. According to some, it was on this day that goddess Laxmi was married to god Vishnu. According to popular legend, Lord Rama had returned to Ayodhya on this day after completing fourteen years of exile and after killing Ravana, releasing Sita from his grip. People of Ayodhya welcomed them with rows of lights outside their homes. Another legend says on this day, Lord Krishna is said to have killed the great demon Narakasur and liberated humanity from the cruel clutches.

The first day is Dhanterash falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Kartik. The word “Dhan” means wealth. As such this day of the five-day Diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of Western India. Houses and Business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. Believing this day to be auspicious women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. “Lakshmi-Puja” is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. “Bhajans”-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and “Naivedya” of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattles are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.

A very interesting story about this day is of the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yam, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.

Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

The SECOND DAY is Narka – Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudasa. The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur ( a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned damsels and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king’s blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra.

In South India that victory of the divine over the mundane is celebrated in a very peculiar way. People wake up before sunrise prepare blood by mixing Kumkum in oil and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.

In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and “Uptan” (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must’. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterwards steamed vermiceli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.

Another legend is about King Bali of the nether world mighty power had become a threat to the gods. In order to curb his powers Lord Vishnu in the guise of a Batuk Vaman- a small boy- visited him and begged him to give him only that much land which he could cover with his three steps. Known for his philanthropy King Bali proudly granted him his wish. That very moment that small boy transformed himself into the all-powerful Lord Vishnu. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head. Putting his foot on his head Vishnu pushed him down to the underworld. At the same time for his generosity Lord Vishnu gave him the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.

This Narakachaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and laughter.

The THIRD DAY of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of LAKSHMI-PUJA which is entirely devoted to puja of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known by the name of “CHOPADA-PUJA”. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.

The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Lakshmi in a wondrous holy “pouring-in” of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns. A living luminance of Universal Motherhood envelopes the entire world in that blessed moment of fulfillment of a long-awaited dream of the mortal. A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and devotion of man finally conquers ignorance. This self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of the wealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity. When the sun sets in the evening and ceremonial worship is finished all the home-made sweets are offered to the goddess as “NAIVEDYA” and distributed as “PRASAD”. Feasts are arranged and gifts are exchanged on this day gaily dressed men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives. Everything is gay, gold and glitter!

One of the most curious customs which characterizes this festival of Diwali is the indulgence of gambling, specially on a large scale in North India. It is believed that goddess Parvati played dice with her husband, Lord Shiv on this day and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuring year. This tradition of playing cards- flush and rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to-day.

On this auspicious day Lord Shri Krishna around whom revolved the entire story of our great epic Mahabharat and the philosopher, who preached Karmayog through his Geeta to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, discarded his body.

In the Ramayana, Rama who was in exile for 14 years had a great battle with the demon Ravana who had kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita. Rama killed the Ravana in the battle and brought back Sita to Ayodhya where he was coronated as King. When they returned to Ayodhya, it was a dark moonless night and all people lit lamps outside their houses to welcome the King and the Queen – Welcome the Victory over evil and thus, began the tradition of festival of lights.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Brahma-Samaj with his superb yogic powers greed his soul from his body and mingled with divinity on this auspicious day of Diwali. Bhagwan, Mahavir, the Jain prophet also attained “Nirvan” on this day. Swami Ramtirth, the beloved “Ram Badshah” of millions of Indians was not only born on this day and took “Sanyas” but also took “Samadhi” on this day.

We kindle innumerable lights on this day to immortalise the sacred memories of those great men who lived to brighten the lives of millions of their fellow beings.

One very interesting story about this Diwali day is from Kathopanishad of a small boy called Nichiketa who believed that Yam, the god of Death was as black as the dark night of amavasya. But when he met Yam in person he was puzzled seeing Yam’s calm countenance and dignified stature. Yam explained to Nichiketa on this Diwali day of amavasya that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then only his soul can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power. And then Nichiketa realized the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Nichiketa’s all doubts were set at rest and he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations.

The FOURTH DAY is PADWA or VARSHAPRATIPADA which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.

Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honour of Lord Indira and worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. But Krishna saved his Gokul by lifting up the Govardhan mountain, a small hill in Braj, Mathura and holding it over the people as an umbrella.

The FIFTH DAY is Bhai Bij. As the legend goes Yamraj, the God of Death visited his sister Yami on this particular day. She put the auspicious tilak on his forehead, garlanded him and led him with special dishes and both of them together ate the sweets, talked and enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content, while parting Yamraj gave her a special gift as a token of his love and in return Yami also gave him a lovely gift which she had made with her own hands. That day Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister will never be thrown. That is why this day of Bhayyaduj is also known by the name of “YAMA-DWITIYA” Since then this day is being observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers. It became also imperative for the brother to go to his sister’s house to celebrate Bhayyaduj (Bhai bij)

( As per the Hindu Calendar – First day is called Dhan terash and second is Kali Chaudasa, third day is amavasya i.e. Diwali Day, fourth day is ekam and known as New Year and fifth day is bij and known as Bhai Bij. After this, two days are blank but the hindu calendar after ekam comes fifth day, which is Labh Pancham. Means, end of the festival and this day, all closed offices and any new good beginning starts with good luck for the whole year.

However, Diwali festival begins with Hindu calendar ‘Agiyarash’ i.e. two days before dhan terash. Agiyarash and Barash.

Later on, after 15 days, again comes the Dev Diwali. This time, it is only Dev Diwali Day when it is believed Gods celebrate Diwali!

Festivals are primarily social events that are designed to bring people together. However, I think festivals have a specific message to say. Especially, with the Narakasura story, he wreaked havoc on earth. Narkasura was the Son of Bhoodevi (Mother Earth) and Lord Vishnu, the Protector, in his incarnation on earth as the wild boar-Varaha Avatar. Bhoodevi asked her divine husband to make her son invincible. Fate led Narkasura to be a demon with his friend, Bana, the Asura. Bhoodevi in the form of Satyabhama, Krishna’s consort, put an end to Narakasura’s life because of his misdeeds.

He symbolises power and on the other hand, he represents every one of us. A combination of the divine and the mortal. If we misuse the powers given to us, we are killing ourselves. Being Powerful is not enough, one need to have the values that sustain it. Armed with this realisation a new day, a new year is ushered in.

A simple message I read somewhere, “Live in harmony with the environment. For when we don’t, then even the earth that harbours life might one day be forced to destroy it.”

Diwali is Deepavali, literally

‘A row of oil lamps’

It is a festival of illumination.

The divine power Vishnu overcomes the darkness of the underworld.

– from Hindus: Their religious Beliefs and Practices

“Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has truly said: The night is black Kindle the lamp of LOVE With thy life and devotion. Thus Diwali is a festival of lights with various cultures and customs that mingle together to make it a happy occasion and spread joys”

Fire Works-Fun or Folly?

Safety Tips 

The lighting of lamps is symbolic of dispelling darkness and showing a ray of hope and happiness. This year, with the crisis crept in and the war on the world fronts has shattered many a hopes to rays of sunshine turning out to be one of the darkness and anguish. Since last many months, humans have witnessed the doom lurking in the dark and it is during these times that celebration is just another passing year through the turmoil of fate.

The number of death tolls is bygone and the world disaster with recent happennings and war is still a trauma. Comes again a Diwali and accidents and injuries due to Fireworks rises sharply all over the nation. There is hardly any standardization and quality control regarding the manufacture of fireworks at times. Some standards are laid down for sparklers, rockets and airplanes but lack of precise and correct information and wrong ideas about particular firework result in the majority of accidents. Flower pots are also a cause of major accident. There has been Explosives Act and Rules, which monitor manufacture, storage, construction, etc. but unfortunately, there is no restriction on use, age or venue. Children too can buy fireworks. Criminal negligence and unsafe handling fireworks are a cause for major accidents. The danger potential is not realized. Ignorance, carelessness, negligence and recklessness invite trouble. Young children drawn by colorful sparkles get caught frenzied with burns and as such adult accidents are on a rise too. Fireworks can create havoc if lighted in busy areas. Rockets are dangerous as they shoot off dangerously in different directions injuring people, entering homes and setting things on fire. Fireworks worth crores are manufactured. It is not surprising that substantial amount of money is burnt away every year. There is poverty line brimming to the fore and a small fortune is burnt under the disguise of celebrations. There are families who do not get a square meal yet they would go to any length to buy fireworks to celebrate the festival. The pollution toll in terms of noise and smoke is something totally overlooked. Educating the masses of the safe use of fireworks is important. The best first aid measures are also necessary which are useful in times of emergency. Let Diwali be the festival of Hope and Happiness, Let not Darkness lurk around!

ATTITUDE – You can make the Difference

SAFETY TIPs


Buy legally manufactured fireworks

Supervize children while they light fireworks

Light fireworks outside the house

Hold away sparkles from the body. Never make circles in the air.

Do not bend over fireworks while lighting it.

Don’t go near in hesitation whether it is burnt or not

Keep flower pots on a flat ground while lighting

Don’t light fireworks holding in hand

Rockets like fireworks should be lighted during heavy winds and busy areas but in open grounds

Never keep extra fireworks in pockets

Keep fireworks stock away while lighting a particular firework

Don’t wear Nylon clothes – prefer cotton while bursting crackers

Wear footwear while lighting fireworks

Never try to light used fireworks.

Keep a water bucket handy

Be Prepared for Emergency

Have Fun but Play Safe, Play Cool!

It’s Your Life, Anyway!

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Lesson plan on Terrorism : 9/11 and Terror of 26

Gautam Buddha said “For hatred does not cease by hatred any time; hatred ceases by love” and when we see the world getting charged to fall apart, we find Victims of differences whose hearts are filled with hatred and their eyes flaring the fire to engulf and burn the enemy to ashes. Life treads on difficult path for humans, especially who face the traumatic experiences.

Terrorism had angered people during 9/11 and this time, Mumbai Terrorism has angered the whole World. When 9/11 was in news, it was US and the world knew the Terror and now, with India facing repeated Terrorism attacks, it has united the people of India and the whole world to fight Terrorism.

Our children are Watching – Experiencing – Listening. We need to take charge of our Emotions in front of them but at the same time, we need to Educate them – Stop Crime, stop them to be criminals – Teach them tolerance, Forgiveness and even make them understand Politics and what Terrorism means and is all about.

The kids who learn to cope with bad times and its this time when values of tolerance is more necessary for them to divert their minds to shrug off the hatred from the heart. The healing of grief and pain is a process that takes time. Each person experience pain differently and reacts to different stimuli in different ways but certain emotions stir as a result of sudden traumatic event.

Osho says ‘Every emotion arising in you is a great opportunity. Master the mind. It is a state of consciousness when the outer world is reflected in . Mind is nothing but the process of thinking, the traffic of thought’ and so, its wise to master our mind and think positive – shrug off the black seeds of ego, hate, jealousy, anger, possessiveness, dominance from the heart and possess white flowers of love, peace, compassion, service, sincerity, sensitivity and awareness which makes us ‘Better people’. Then, there is peace. Unity can change the face of the world and taking in charge of self brings peace to mind and better instilling values in children who are our future. Spread Peace.

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LESSON PLAN ON TERRORISM 

With barbarious act of terrorism, India is sinking to the despair of a continual victim. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families struck with terrorism victimised to lose their dearest ones. May there be light…peace to souls!

A Faridkot, Pakistan boy who studied upto 4th standard faces 86 serious charges in India for 26/11 Mumbai Terrorism and waging war against India. He confessed his mistake to join terrorists so that he can live a good life. 30 witnesses identified him. Kasav confessed his role in the terrorism. The Judgement verdict is ‘Hang to Death’ – And finally, he was hung to Death.

Here we need to Think, Act – Stop Poverty, Build the Pillars of success – Stop children to be criminals – Kids are watching, experiencing…

Lesson Plan Links

Protect Kids from Crime – Stop them to be Criminals –  Build Pillars of Success

Politicians – Endangered Species

‘How much do children know about Politics? How do parents or teachers make children aware of the candidates and who is a right choice? Simple steps to guide Children and make them know on politics and elections

Lesson Plan Link to Mumbai Terrorism Lesson Plan to educate children on such man made disaster events – the W’s of Who, what, when, where, and why such things happen and check their EQ’s (Emotional Quotient) as to what their reaction could be, how they felt or what would be their action plan if they are fixed in such situation.

War Terror – Action Plan -Kidsfreesouls shoots up wise influential ways to parental action

Tolerance –  http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/art-of-f...

Forgiveness

Peace Lesson for Kids

Guardian Care – Peace is at your doorstep (In Guardian of Angels Book – availabe at Amazon.in (worldwide too)

Teaching Kids about Terrorism

Also find ‘Secret hide out of Osama Bin Laden’ – from Kidsfreesouls News Desk – Osama Bin Laden was hanged to death and this hide out was a once upon a time where he lived ! (check in images above)

Have students create personal journals reflecting on their feelings and how they feel about 9/11, Mumbai terrorism, or Mumbai train havoc, Killing of school students, etc. There is a huge difference between the words – Protest, difference of opinion and Terrorism. Be neutral about your opinion on a terrorist – They have no race, religion or ethnicity. Promoting cultural understand is equally important. Promoting tolerance, managing anger, forgiveness, spreading Peace with Peace Lesson and Guardian care, nurturing the children and making them understand politics are a few things for Lesson Plan on Terrorism.

Many of the wounds may have healed but many may have not. It is important for parents to teach children and  make them aware of terrorism impact. Instead of filling their tiny minds with fright by saying, “Much worse could happen’ – explain to them using phrases like, “I know how bad you are feeling” and God bless the innocent souls.” Keep an eye contact and debate / converse why build pillars of character, the social impact of poverty and the wrong attitude with inhuman acts. Build confidence, ask plain questions, control discussions and let not rumour touch the talks.

** Some links on Lesson plan are not updated and will shortly be added.

 

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Gandhi Jayanti – 2nd October

Happy Gandhi Jayanti 

How many of you have read Navjivan Trust publication Mahatma Gandhi’s My Experiments with the Truth? The Autobiography covers his life from early childhood through to 1921. It was written in weekly instalments and published in his journal Navjivan from 1925 to 1929 – Well, let’s take a Test on how good you are a reader if you have read the Book. Here’s a Quiz for you. You are free to refer the book for answers;-) And, if you don’t find, click my Culture and Festivals pages on Gandhiji to find the answers. But remember, No cheating, first try to go through the book and find answers. 

THE GANDHI QUIZ (As appeared in Freesouls Supplement, Sambhaav Newspapers earlier)

1. What was the educational qualification of Kasturba, Gandhiji’s wife?

2. When young Gandhi was in high school, he mis-spelt a word during exams and his teacher prompted him to copy inspite of the presence of the Education Inspector. What was the word?

3. Gandhi believed that Friends react on one another and was of opinion that in friendship there is very little scope for reform and all exclusive intimacies are to be avoided. Be friend with god and make the whole world your friend, he said. Which place was it where he met this friend who made Gandhiji think like this and why?

4. Gandhi’s uncle had a habit of smoking . Gandhi and his relative formed the habit of smoking stumps of cigarettes thrown away by his uncle and stole servant’s coppers for smoking. What made them leave the habit of smoking?

5. Gandhiji stayed at an Anglo Indian widow’s house in West Kensignton, London where he formed the habit of reading newspapers. Which were the newspapers he read there?

6. While searching for a vegetarian hotel , Gandhiji noticed a book under a glass window which he read and inspired and impressed him to make him decide his mission to spread vegetarianism. Name the book?

7. At 35, Gandhiji took charge of Indian Opinion, weekly Gujarati edition in South Africa. In India, after accepting Editorship of Young India, Gandhiji was keen on conducting a Gujarati paper. Which newspapers did he pull out, one in Hindi and another in gujarati?

8. Which year was 26th January declared as Republic Day of India?

9. Who was the secretary of Mahatma Gandhi?

10. Which year and on what date was Dandi March held by Mahatma Gandhi?

11. Gandhi started Quit India Movement. Which year and what was the call slogan?

12. On January 30, 1948, Nehruji made a tearful announcement on All India Radio. What were the words he used?

The highest pages surfed on Kidsfreesouls are Literature Pages and especially Page on Gandhiji Profile: http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/gandhiji...

Gandhi’s influence extended beyond the borders of India to the rest of the world where he inspired movements for civil rights, emancipation and freedom. Mahatma’s legacy lives on. His spirit, courage and wisdom have a special resonance for heart-centered entrepreneurs today.

Here Seven Deadly sins by Mahatma on Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October):

Mahatma Gandhi said that seven things will destroy us.

Wealth Without Work

Pleasure Without Conscience

Knowledge Without Character

Commerce (Business) Without Morality (Ethics)

Science Without Humanity

Religion Without Sacrifice

Politics Without Principle

Mahatma Gandhi Profile 

#CleanIndia #Swachhbharat
#SwacchtaHiSeva #Gandhiji

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Unleash Creativity

Dr. Radhakrishnan said once “A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveler in the exciting pursuit of knowledge” The teacher affects eternity. One can never tell where his influence stops. There should be creativity, a ‘Free Progress’ – each child developing and flowering in an absolutely spontaneous, inwardly centered and self directed process. A school makes a break through if it creates a learning environment but it is a parent to make an active choice for kids and to nurture their talents. It is in their hands to recognize their potentialities and offer them an Alternative Education, a commitment, hard work, responsibility, learning the basic skills of reading and writing at own pace with creativity and open minds in open surroundings in tune to environment, blooming naturally!

Unleash Your Creativity : Know your Potentialities

Jumpstart your mind to unleash the Creativity powers, mental capabilities that you can exercise it, strengthen it and visualize its capacity to work wonders. It’s the potentialities within your own self that keeps the tough get going in the rough times too! It is a myth that creativity is rare and mysterious, an inborn talent and only artists can be creative. However, Creativity is within everyone’s reach with no exceptions. To unleash the powers of your potentialities, it’s the strategies that need to be mastered and shoot up the Idea Bank storing all the ideas that pop up in mind. New ideas fleet,  flashing through consciousness. It’s the time to grab the opportunities and swing into action with the idea bank flow. Exploring the creative skills have learning ways too and imparts skill to others too. Capturing the thoughts into the mind frame and getting inspired even from the slightest flutter of the bird’s wings or listening to the rustling of the leaves. Challenge is the second step that accelerates the flow of new ideas and giving it a shape. Failures are wellsprings of creativity or rather; disappointment leads to creativity with born ideas in mind. Challenge is accepting with grace and surging ahead to heights Efforts give it a push and creativity flowers, an extension to what you already know. Try to reach the moon and you will land up picking up some stars! The saying seems mysterious because nor can you reach the moon nor you can pick up the stars but while imagining to do so, one can pop with new ideas trying to find the solutions and these ideas work to unleash the powers of creativity! This will broaden your thoughts and diversify into other fields. A person might have creativity in one field but indulging deep, one can change to tracks to enhance own creativity, learning about the subjects you know nothing about and even you don’t want to know. The more knowledge you have, the more diverse that knowledge is, the greater your potentials for creative outputs. And Surroundings do make a big difference. Brainstorming to expose your ideas and exert team participant’s creativity. Creativity is individual – even one has own potentialities. Make the timework for you. Worry is a wrong word to let it in which can cripple your creativity. Just let the ideas flow in natural course and let this be a ready reckoned with no mental strain or force whatsoever. Remember, every innovation came about because a determined person stubbornly believed in the inner abilities of his or her imagination. This will have wings to soar high if you have a belief in your own self and the things that you can do. Sometimes, wasted moments in life can turn to Creative explosions with just ‘ideas’ and make those moments turn to productive ones. Only judging what creativity suits best is worth consideration or else someday you land up being ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ applying all those ideas but than, this is like grabbing the stars while attempting to reach the moon, after all.

Checklist for Creativity

Creative people generally show a spirit of Intellectual entertainment. Listening to music, drinking coffee, watching television, Painting, Dancing, Surfing or chatting can also plunge into creative ideas and come up with numerous practical devices for stimulating and capturing new ideas. Check list a bunch of verbs like magnify, substitute, combine, expose, reverse, soar and so on. Apply these verbs at the time of difficulties faced as you splash the creative outputs.

Make efforts to document your ideas. Jot down the ideas or in the shuffle of day-to-day activities, you lose track of them. Be prepared to note down, keeping handy a piece of paper, pencil or open up a folder in you computer and feed in the ideas.
Day dream your ideas. It has tremendous powers to make dreams turn true or at least, grab those moments of joy to fulfill the creative pursuits.
Ponder over the creative skills. Get inspired from people, places, things or happenings – just about anything and the inspirations work wonders, flowering to bloom fragrance of your creativity spreading happiness within and around you.

Spoonfeed Creativity : Raise IQ

The contentment package of fun and games is very limited for children today as we pace towards new era of change. Pool games, Go carting, Para gliding & sailing, Bowling are some of the most sort for games. Rest of the activities is Computers, Badminton, swimming, painting or dancing. Reading is almost on the back seat, which is the most neglected part. Gone are the days of playing marbles, hopscotch, skipping, carom, top and strings and story reading! Children are fascinated with thrills and adventure. The whole new lot demands for more challenging and exciting activities. A recent case study shows that it is important to stimulate children’s’ intellects. Parents sort various methods to spoon-feed creativity into the minds of kids. Some confusedly land up adopting the activities that the child is not interested. Even playing a simple game like hide and seek or ‘ahmedabad bazi’ or just a game of business or Chinese Chequers or Carrom and Chess, helps construct the complex brain circuit essential to intellectual development. It is said that during pre school years, the children have great opportunity for understanding language and learning to talk. Creativity takes shape as they grow up adapt to various activities to nurture their talents. Reeya’s Mom says ‘Gone are the days when we use to play games. These children love to play but their preferences and priorities have changed. They are burdened with schoolwork. Reading is totally out.’ True, Cartoons are in. Pokeman and Harry Potter is the current trends whereas diving into dreamy imagination with story books is out! The normal set of instructions is not required to build the IQ of children but what’s necessary is creating a stimulating atmosphere for casual learning started early in the childhood days. Being aware and talking to the kid encourages him to listen to you and the little information’s that you provide, the little stimulating talks will build his intellects. Language is important to successful intellectual functioning and the grasp of language goes beyond just saying words. The vocabulary size increases. Music is also a very exciting activity, which teaches kids more than rhythm and melody. A child who would not like to read, happy reads the words displayed while singing along with a computer CD! Singing develops brain development and clean, good songs have an effect on the child. Assembling puzzles makes them accurate and faster. Labeling things such as using toys to help the child to know colors, etc is a simple activity arising curiosity.

Raising IQ and exploring creativity explosions is galore and the brain management needs to activate the cells in the right direction but its confusing for a parent or a teacher as to which activity to choose! Nevertheless, Reading, playing and music are the best activities one can pursue to activate those brain cells, after all!

This article is from Guardian of Angels by Ilaxi Patel – The Book is available at amazon.in and all International webstores.

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