Education System in India

Education System in India

History

  Education in India has a very long history. Ancient India had the tradition of 'Gurukuls'. Under this system students have to live at the 'Ashram' (abode) of the teacher and get the education. This form of the education is known as 'Guru-Shishya Pramapara'. 

  At that time education was treated as a matter of personal concern and it was not at all emphasized on mass production like modern education industry. The making of man was regarded as an artistic and not the mechanical process. According to the ancient Indian education the training of the mind and the thinking process were essential for the acquisition of knowledge. 

  The formal admission ceremony was known as 'Upanayana'. With the accomplishment of this ceremony the child had to leave his home for the 'ashrama' where he would receive education. It was supposed to be the re-birth of the child and was known as 'Dvijya', which means, "twice born". Sanskrit was the language of teaching. It was supposed to be the language of learned men. The academies of higher learning were known as 'Parisads'. The education system involved of three basic processes, which included 'Sravana', 'Manana' and 'Nidhyasana'. 

  In the 'Sravana' stage of education, students received 'shrutis' knowledge, which was passed orally from one generation to another. The second stage was 'Manana' which means that pupils had to think themselves about what they have heard. They have to make their own inferences and assimilate the lesson taught by their teacher into the life. The third stage 'Nidhyasana' means complete comprehension of truth and its use in the life. 

   In ancient India women were given the equal right to education and teaching. Women seers like 'Gayatri' were prominent participants in educational debates and the proceedings of the 'Parishads'.( Assemblies) It was mainly the Brahmins followed by Kshatriyas that received education at the Gurukuls while the boys from the lower caste learnt their family trade from their fathers. 

  Few of the most important universities of India in the ancient times were Taxila, Vikramshila and Nalanda. Taxila University of 7th century BC was famous for medical studies and a galaxy of eminent teachers such as Panini, the well known grammarian, Kautilya, the minister of Chandragupta Maurya, and Charaka, a medical teacher of  repute. 

  Nalanda was the highest learning center not just of India but also of the entire South Asia. Students from foreign countries like China, Japan, Korea used to come here for higher studies. It had around 10,000 students and teachers on its roll cards. The University had eight colleges. And one of the colleges had four-storied building. It was one of the earliest examples of  residential cum learning complex. 

Vikramshila University. Varanasi was famous for religious teachings. In the South, Kanchi was famous for its studies while the Vallabhi University was no less. Huan Tsang in his records mention the university to be at par with Nalanda and Vikramshila universities. 

  India had several great minds at work, which contributed in every aspect of life. The concept of zero, decimal and Pythagoras Theorem were all developed here. 

  As India progressed from ancient to medieval its education system deteriorated. Various factors were responsible for the degradation of this most efficient and most ancient education system of the world. 

 Present

The present educational system of India is an implantation of British rulers. Wood's Dispatch of 1854 laid the foundation of present system of education in India. Before the advent of British in India, education system was private one. With the introduction of  Wood's Dispatch known as Magna Carta of Indian education, the whole scenario changed. The main purpose of it was to prepare Indian Clerks for running local administration. Under it the means of school educations were the vernacular languages while the higher education was granted in English only. British government started giving funds to indigenous schools in need of help and thus slowly some of the schools became government-aided. 

  Contemplating on the new system which was introduced Mahatma Gandhi expressed his anguish in following words, "I say without fear of my figures being challenged successfully, that today India is more illiterate than it was fifty or a hundred years ago, and so is Burma, because the British administrators, when they came to India, instead of taking hold of things as they were, began to root them out. They scratched the soil and began to look at the root, and left the root like that, and the beautiful tree perished. The village schools were not good enough for the British administrator, so he came out with his program. Every school must have so much paraphernalia, building, and so forth. Well, there were no such schools at all. There are statistics left by a British administrator which show that, in places where they have carried out a survey, ancient schools have gone by the board, because there was no recognition for these schools, and the schools established after the European pattern were too expensive for the people, and therefore they could not possibly overtake the thing. I defy anybody to fulfill a program of compulsory primary education of these masses inside of a century. This very poor country of mine is ill able to sustain such an expensive method of education. Our state would revive the old village schoolmaster and dot every village with a school both for boys and girls. " 

   Today education system in India can be divided into many stages. 

Pre- Primary - It consists of children of 3-5 years of age studying in nursery, lower kindergarten and upper kindergarten. At this stage student is given knowledge about school life and is taught to read and write some basic words.

Primary - It includes the age group of children of 6-11 years studying in classes from first to fifth.

Middle - It consists of children studying in classes from sixth to eighth.

Secondary - it includes students studying in classes ninth and tenth. 

Higher Secondary - Includes students studying in eleventh and twelfth classes.

Graduate - Here, a student goes through higher education, which is completed in college. This course may vary according to the subject pursued by the student. For medical student this stage is of four and a half years plus one year of compulsory internship, while a simple graduate degree can be attained in three years. 

 Postgraduate - After completing graduation a student may opt for post graduation to further add to his qualifications. 

Eco-friendly Holi

Tips for Safe and Eco-friendly Holi

For Indians, Holi is the time for unabashed fun, frolic and laughter. We celebrate Holi with a fervour that is maddening and keeps us in a tizzy. Family and friends come together for this festival of colours and forget everything else for the day. Colours, delectable delicacies and the proximity of near ones is indeed a heady mix. Playing with colours is not only tradition. It is something that all of us wait for all year long. However, there is something that we feel you should know about colours.

Synthetic and artificial colours can harm your health and especially your skin in disastrous ways. Here are a few reasons why you should stay away from them and opt for a safe and eco-friendly Holi:

The artificial colours available at your local grocery store are made from non-food grade dyes such as metal, leather, plastic and paper. Just imagine what they will do to your skin and hair!

Synthetic colours cause extreme dryness. This causes the top layer of the skin to break and makes it suspect to the dangers of easy bruising. The affects go away only after extensive medical assistance.

Some ready-to-use colours for Holi are prepared using hazardous chemicals such as Melachite, Rhodamina, Auramine and Methylviolet. These chemical produce the various hues of green, violet, orange, yellow and green. They also cause irritation, respiratory problems and in fact can accelerate an asthmatic condition.

Consistent research has proven that the use of synthetic colours might lead to cancer. The various chemicals and other industrial products that form these colours are believed to have carcinogenic properties that might lead to cancer.

One will find harmful items like starch, mica and wheat flour in synthetic colours. These harsh ingredients contribute to your skin abrasions post the Holi revelry!

Well, by now we hope that we have warned you enough against synthetic colours! However, do not let your spirits dampen as there is an amazing safe and eco-friendly way to celebrate Holi this time! We recommend the use of organic and naturals colours this Holi. Organic colours are safe and you can have as much fun! Here is why you should go the organic way this Holi!

Owing to their rising popularity, organic colours are easily available. They are also extremely pocket-friendly, so you can binge shop for them! No paucity of safe and eco-friendly colours for you this time!Made from natural colours, these colours are skin friendly.

Experts are of the opinion that these colours are photo sensitive in nature and become active when exposed to the sun. They have certain properties in them that are helpful in getting rid of the micro organisms that are harmful for your skin.

If you do not want to buy organic colours you can make them at home! Palash and Hibiscus flowers are excellent sources of colour. All you need to do is add them to water and boil it. Filter the boiled concoction and your colour for Holi is ready. For an aromatic fragrance, add a few drops of rose water and you are ready to rock this Holi!

Another reason why you should opt for the environment friendly organic colours this Holi is that by doing so, you will, in your little way, promote the growth of small scale industries. Therefore, it is add to your bag of good deeds!

Organic colours are an excellent alternative to artificial colours. They do not harm your skin and also lead to less toxic waste. This is good news for the environment as well. Therefore, this time when you step out to buy your favourite pink gulaal, think about what that packet of synthetic colour will do to you. Opt for the safe organic variety this season and your skin and hair will thank you!

MODERN YOUTH

PROBLEMS OF MODERN YOUTH

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”—Franklin D. Roosevelt.East or West, North or South, youth everywhere, is in a state of restlessness and revolt.

It was so in the past and it shall be so in future as well, howsoever glamorous and glittering the social fabric might become, and howsoever secure and stable they might feel under the new dispensation. The young have never rested on their past laurels; nor have they felt contented with their present possibilities. The chords of their impulses, instincts and intuitions are always vocal and vibrant. No doubt, the problems of youth in different parts of the world, under different socio-political systems, differ in contours and contents. But one thing is almost certain that  the modern youth is up against problems, the like of which did not exist in the past. ‘Youth in turmoil’, ‘Unrest among youth’, ‘Youth in revolt’, ‘Angry young man’—these epithets are not just literary coinage or journalistic flourishes, but a vociferous voice of protest of vast segments of populations that have seen and suffered the all-round erosion of values and the wreckage of their dreams.Having been influenced by the philosophies of ‘individualism’ and ‘existentialism’, the urban youth is in a state of defiance against the old order, whether that order comes from the elderly generation or the powers-that-be. If they find themselves in a state of alienation or estrangement in the present set-up, the fault lies as much with their socio-economic milieu as with the education system. Deprived of the opportunity to develop intel­lectually, many suffer from the problem of subjective isolation and self-estrangement.

 Among red-tapism and bureaucratic control over the strings of both private and public sectors, the cream of the country finds itself uncared and un-solicited for. It is under these trying and turbulent circumstances that the best brain of the country starts draining out.Those who succeed in finding jobs or some means of subsistence in India, do not find life a sweet-song or a care-free comfort. A host of prob­lems keep staring them in their faces—inadequate houses, transport and sewerage; poor medical and recreational facilities; neurotic noise pollution, shortages, dust and smoke; crimes and ever-expanding slums and what not.live and colourful period of their lives is consumed andHlvltlcn most profane and abject in the ever-exploding towns. Bliot’s Prufrock measured his life by counting the sips ofl modern youth in India measures his life by standing inI ind pushing in buses, and finally by removing the grey hairHlk problems are social, economic and psycho-emotive, butm trnund who can share his sad and solitary existence.I With his lonely state of life, the urban youth have remained| profundity of spiritual heritage of the land, mysticism, thef \Mtis and -Upanishadas and teachings from their respectiveN ftonvtheir formative years in schools. Fed on scientific datatfionomic, political and social theories, the victim finds him-*nd utterly helpless, when caught in the tempests of someOf jolted by some inexplicable tragedy.illltn emanating from differences in class and socialIkind the acute sense of these disparities lead to the accumulation” Ich have an -explosive potential. The ‘angry young man’i •> he joins the army of job-seekers, and is no more prepared, l of his aspirations to the prevailing realities. In most casesI • round peg in a square hole and vice-versa. ,I youth who comes to towns and cities in large numbers are I freed from the cramping controls of traditional institutions, ^nily, caste, etc. The freedom gained and the energy released |flOt find satisfying outlets in the urban areas, which present •Of adjustment and abound in unwholesome excitements and The inadequate food and residential arrangements, the : In educational institutions, the psychological tension and tted by the more competitive, individualistic and imper-.nt, coupled with the uncertainties of future employment, 1 socialisation. Despite their outnumbering the urban youth, l available to the rural lot are qualitatively different. This „,alities that have come to divide the educated and somewhat nI, and the unlettered and the underprivileged rural people in k The deteriorating economic conditions of the villages, and the rtw development-cum-job opportunities of cities is the primary .Uth migrating from the countryside to the slums and squalor of »  Influx signifies a kind of ‘brain drain’ towards the cities and i M Urgent and immediate programme for rural resource development IHtf Igement of the rural youth in the development of these areas, so ftl ll halted and the problems that follow un-planned and haphazard ipMlon are put under check. J1 Independence was once an inspiring social ideal, and the struggle for independence brought to the foreground some of the finest qualities of the Indian youth. The nationalist struggle was undoubtedly associated with a moral ferment; it did throw up a leadership wliicti had strong bonds with the people, and which rose to great heights of moral courage and dedication. In the person of Gandhi, India did throw up a leader whobecame a symbol of Indian awakening. But Indian leadership in the period following indepen­dence has not been able to transform the challenge of national development into such an overpowering cause; the programme ofplanned development has not caught the imagination of the youth, nor has it released spiritual ferment and energy to any appreciable extent. The fundamental causes of this weakness are socio-political; they lie in the ambivalent attitude of the leadership, to the challenges of development and moral rejuvenation.

 The leadership’s failure to inspire the youth with their ideal thinking and action has made the Indian youth into either cynics or snobs, unable to cope with the day .to day problems and predicaments.

One of the big failures of the Indian models of development has been the inability to realise that we are dealing with a very different kind of society, comprising many linguistic and ethnic groups craving for recognition of their rights to preserve their ethnic identity and linguistic entity. Having been exploited and neglected for long, the young l>loodamong these groups took up the cause of their communities, and thus came in direct conflict and confrontation with the State authority.

In the West, the dilemma of the modern youth is born out of factors that are alien to the youth in the developing countries. If poverty, ignorance and unemployment are our curses, affluence and permissiveness are the bane of their homes, most of which are shattered, as well as broken. The cult of Hippism, Drug addiction, violence, aimless murders, et al proves beyond doubt that mere material prosperity is not the end of all problems. The largest number of psychologists and psychiatrists flourishing in USA points to the widespread enigma of neurosis-clam-mental sickness most prevalent among the youth there. In the countries of Eastern Europe, the problems of youth are that of transition from a closed society to the open.

All said and done, modern youth, particularly Indian youth, can again contribute towards a big push to India’s growth and progress. Thinking and dynamic elements among the youth will haves to organise themselves for serious self-education, before they can organise the participation of the yoifth in this vital, national task.

Teaching Kids Manners

10 Great Tips For Teaching Kids Manners

It has been said by some that children are like sponges, they tend to soak up everything and every influence around them. Although Sociologists maintain that manners are unenforceable, it is very obvious that these standards or norms of behavior, if reinforced, can become a way of living for any child or adult. The key to teaching children to behave mannerly, as little ladies and gentlemen is instruction. Although we do not see as many 'Finishing Schools' thriving in our culture, teaching your child proper social grace, etiquette, intercultural competence, morality, politeness and more will go a long way toward aiding his or her success in life both socially and in business. Employers, friends, family and more like classy people. The mannerly person not only impresses others, but he or she is quick to commend another on their behavior. Manners are about respect and honor for self and for others.

Follow these helpful tips for teaching your own child manners.

Model manners. If you want your child to model manners, you must make sure you do as well. This is definitely not an area in which you can get them to do as you say and not as you do. First step to having a mannerly child is being a mannerly parent.

Practice at home. It is unrealistic for your child to just pick up the habit of good manners by telepathy. He or she needs to have lots of practice in the fine art of social graces. Take time to engage in role playing with your son or daughter. For instance, practice how to be courteous when using the telephone.

Give him or her the words.There are 5 words that should be among the first in every child's primary vocabulary. These should be used while speaking to children as young as 6 months old. Try this when your infant, toddler or young child tries to grab something from you, you withhold the item and direct them to ask politely. You say to them something like, "Say please." Or with an older child you might direct him or her to use the whole sentence and "Say, mom, may I please have a piece of cake?" Here are Five phrases that your child must master 'Thank you.' 'Please?' 'May I …' 'Excuse me.' And 'No, thank you.' No exceptions-these are required.

Give your youngster positive reinforcement. Children love praise; especially when it comes from a parent or loved one. Very often parents respond only to their children's undesirable behavior, ignoring their victories and positive actions completely. This choice may actually have the reverse result. Children want attention anyway they can get it-even if that means doing bad things. Encourage.

Be patient. It is true that most children are self-centered by nature. Every parent recognizes this very early in the parenting charge. Again stay encouraged, just as with anyone learning how to do what is right, children need time to understand how to be mannerly. Teach them the importance of respecting others' feelings and needs and you will go a long way toward achieving this end. As they learn to listen more, speak less, esteem others and humble themselves their golden rule behavior will begin to shine forth.

Learn to coach.The field of Life Coaching is becoming more popular and needful. Many people are finding that they need someone to not only hold them accountable but to listen to their dreams, desires and assist them in goal setting. Help your child to establish social goals that will better equip him or her for daily interpersonal communication and interaction. It is no secret that people don't really like to be around others who are rude and obnoxious. No parent wants this for their child. Make a point to sit down and talk with them and listen to areas of struggle they may have when interacting with other people.

Teach table manners.If you need help with learning which fork to use and where your napkin goes, we can help you here at About.com or there are many great manners and etiquette books available to assist you in getting it right. Once you understand the rules be sure to share them with your son or daughter.

Correct him or her on the spot. Very young children often times don't realize what they are doing. For example, if you are speaking with a friend and your child interrupts you. Beg your friend's pardon and let your child know that his or her interruption is inappropriate. Or if your child calls an adult by his or her first name, take the moment to correct him or her. Make sure you use sensitivity in these types of situations. If you have an overly sensitive child you might want to excuse yourself and speak with him or her privately.

Speak well.Speech habits are so important. Often parents may sabotage their children's speech patterns by using slang and lazy habits themselves. Again, this is an area in which you need to model the correct behavior. Unless you want your child to speak in a sloppy, slang-ridden way, be well-spoken yourself.

Lose the prejudices. Your children are going to model your biases. If you hold strong opinions about a particular group or person, you should not make this a public point. No one has the right to interfere with the perfect liberties we hold as Americans, however, you don't want to perpetuate intercultural prejudices. 

Teach your children to judge a person by the 'content of their character' (Martin Luther King, Jr.) I hope these tips are helpful as you seek to teach your children to behave with manners and etiquette within society and in their daily lives.

Delhi Colleges

Top 10 Colleges in Delhi

Colleges in Delhi are center of attraction among undergraduate students seeking higher college education in the areas of humanities, sciences, commerce, business, engineering, medical, computers, IT, Biotechnology, mathematics, physics, English, social sciences and whole range of other study disciplines. From different corners of India knowledge seekers comes to New Delhi for pursuing colleges education leading to the award of Bachelor Degree in distinct study discipline.

Colleges in Delhi offers 3 years bachelor degree programs and 4 years Bachelor Degree – Hons. programs approved by University Grants Commission (UGC) of India and various other bodies of government and industry for seeking higher education and work in industry. Post Graduate (PG) Colleges provides post graduate education in various study disciplines.

New Delhi has numerous Best Colleges recognized as centers of excellence to its credit, viz, Jesus & Mary College, Kirori Mal College, Lady Shri Ram College, Miranda House, St. Stephen's College, Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University). Delhi is considered as Hotspot of knowledge and first choice among students and parents. 

Colleges in Delhi are available in following categories- 

• Arts & Humanities Colleges
• Science Colleges
• Ayurvedic Colleges
• Architecture Colleges
• Biotechnology Colleges
• Dental Colleges
• Engineering Colleges
• Fashion Design Colleges
• Fine Arts Colleges
• Homeopathy Colleges
• Hotel Management Colleges
• Law Colleges
• Management Colleges
• Mass Communication Colleges
• Medical Colleges
• Nursing Colleges
• Pharmacy Colleges
• Physiotherapy Colleges
• Polytechnic Colleges Institutes
• Unani Colleges

Best Colleges in Delhi provide undergraduate degree programs in various disciplines leading to the award of graduate degree; post graduate colleges also called PG Colleges provides education to both undergraduate and graduate students and awards Bachelors and Masters Degrees. Both technical and non technical education can be acquired from Colleges in Delhi.

For taking admission into  Colleges in Delhi students require minimum 12 years of successful school education. Admission is offered on the basis of performance in qualifying examination, and entrance examination etc. PG Colleges offers admission to graduate students in relevant study discipline on the basis of score in qualifying examination, entrance exam etc. Reservation is also available according to Government of India and state Government of Delhi norms.
Colleges in Delhi offers following study programs-

• B.A. – Bachelor of Arts
• B.Arch. – Bachelor of Architecture (sometimes also known as B.A.)
• B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science
• BSc - Nursing
• B.E. - Bachelor of Engineering
• B.Tech.- Bachelor of Technology
• B.Pharm. – Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• B.Sc (IT) - Bachelor of Sciences (Information Technology)
• B.Sc. (Biotech) - Bachelor of Sciences (Biotechnology)
• BHM – Bachelor of Hotel Management
• MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
• BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• LLB – Bachelor of Laws
• And Many other degrees both general and professional

Besides one many also take certificate courses, job oriented courses, diploma programs, and various other programs from Best Colleges in Delhi. Colleges in Delhi offers admission during June to August month and issues notifications regarding admission procedure well in advance either separate or through affiliating university. There exists range of Colleges in Delhi, viz, State Run Colleges, Private Colleges; Colleges funded by Government of India, autonomous Colleges etc. 

Colleges in Delhi strives to provide education and training eligible human resources fitting for global market scenario. The degrees offered by these colleges are recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) as degree qualification and by different other governing bodies of government and industry.

When you have a degree from a College in Delhi, you are eligible to pursue higher education and apply for job in industry both in India and abroad. Here given indicative list of Top 10 Colleges in New Delhi. This list does not notify actual ranking of Top 10 Colleges in New Delhi.
Top 10 Colleges under Delhi University, Delhi

1. Jesus & Mary College
2. Kirori Mal College
3. Lady Shri Ram College
4. Hans Raj College
5. Hindu College
6. Indraprastha College
7. Miranda House
8. St. Stephen's College
9. Shri Ram College of Commerce
10. SGTB Khalsa College

Top Government Institute under Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi 

1. Ambedkar Institute of Technology
2. Bhai Parmananad Institute of Business Studies
3. Dr. B.R. Sur Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital and Research Centre
4. National Power Training Institute
5. National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)
6. Vardhman Mahavir Medical College
7. National Institute of Mentally Handicapped
8. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash National Institutte of Criminology and Forensic Science
9. State Council of Education Research & Training
10. Delhi Institute of Heritage Research & Management
11. All Yayavar Jung Institute of Hearing Handicapped

Top 10 Private Institute under Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi 

1. Amity Institute of Education
2. Amity School of Engg. & Technology
3. Ansal Institute of Technology
4. Bakson Homeopathic Medical College
5. Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Mgt. & Catering Tech.
6. Beri Institute of Technology
7. Bhagwan Mahabir Jain Girls College of Education
8. Bharti Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering
9. Delhi College of Advanced Studies
10. Guru Nanak College of Education

Click on the following links for the top colleges in various disciplines in Delhi

• Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Delhi
• Top 10 Medical Colleges in Delhi
• Top 10 Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top 10 MBA Colleges in Delhi
• Top 10 Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top 10 Fashion Technology Colleges in Delhi

Light of God's Faithfulness

Living in Light of God's Faithfulness 

Every gardner, farmer and any person with a green thumb knows that in order to kill the weeds, you must kill the root. You can cut and chop and pluck all you want, but if you don't get to the root, then the weed will return. Every plant depends and survives on a strong root system. I think about this analogy when I am reminded about the faithfulness of God .

"If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."

For a Christian our root system begins with faith. What we believe concerning God is the foundation for how we live our Christian lives. It guides the decisions we make and the convictions we establish. Our faith affects every area of our life. Yet if your like me then you might find yourself often doubting God and wanting to wander or stray from what we know the Bible says. Why is it so easy to doubt and question how God works in our lives? It is because our root system is weak and ultimately we are faithless beings whose emotions and mindsets are fickle from day to day. Its not that we don't have faith, its just that we are placing our faith in someone or something other than God, who deserves our full attention. We get upset with a flat tire because we doubt God's sovereignty. We question why bad things happen to us by forgetting how much He loves us personally. We complain about what we have or don't have because we do not believe God can meet every need. And so our wavering hearts prove the faithlessness of our nature. 

Thankfully God is not like us. His nature and His attributes do not allow Him to waver or question or fail. No, instead, as the Scripture tells us, God cannot deny Himself. He must remain faithful because it is part of who He is. Imagine if God was not faithful, then His promises would become void and we would live from day to day not knowing how God may behave. Will He be merciful or forgiving or loving or long suffering? Will he decide to change His plans to redeem us and instead destroy us all in Hell? Will He abandon us by not providing our needs and recall all His angels back to His realm, leaving us to fend for ourselves and give us wholly over to the control of Satan? God will not take such rash actions because His faithfulness prohibits it. 

Even more encouraging is the fact that when our faith lacks and we do deny Him, yet even then, He remains faithful. Regardless of how much we sin and rebel against God or regardless of how far we fall from His will, God remains faithful. In spite of our continual failures and besetting sins, He remains faithful. Contrary to the depraved nature of our hearts as we choose wickedness and unrighteousness repeatedly, even still God remains faithful. God who loved you so immensely that He sacrificed His only Son to pay for the penalty of your sins, will not forsake you or forget you. He will finish the work He has started and claim what He has invested. God provides for us the same everyday because He is faithful. God loves us and forgives us the same everyday because He is faithful. Therefore in this proper view of God's faithfulness towards us, can we find strength for the root cause of our condition. Build you faithfulness upon the foundation of God's faithfulness and let it spur you forward in your Christian growth and walk with God. Allow this truth to permeate your mind and you will become faithful, with solid roots that can bear those spiritual fruits pleasing to a faithful God.

I want to encourage others with what God is teaching me every day.

Causes of Corruption in India

Causes of Corruption in India

Of late, corruption has become an acceptable term in the Indian society. Though, there were recent protests held by a section of society and supported by large masses. But then there was no outcome of the whole movement. Here, we are talking about the anti corruption rallies and campaign held by Anna Hazare and his team comprising members of civil society. People ardently supported the movement and it seemed like this time there will be a definitive change and the coming generations will dwell in a corruption free environment. But all went in vain, and once again the LokPal bill was deferred.

It raises various questions whose answers are hard to find. Corruption has so widely engulfed all the sections of society that it seems an uphill task to root it out from the country. A deep introspection is coveted to know the causes of corruption.

The political scenario of the country is not much appreciating. Various Ministers and head of the states are involved in corruption charges. They are the representatives of the people. This is the highest service and chair in the society. It is their utmost duty to showcase highest standards of morality. But instead of that they fulfil their own interests and create a vicious circle which eventually engulfs the lower levels of governance and then leading to the sections of the society.

Narrow vision of the public and those presiding over the chairs results in corrupted society. Personal interests rule over the national interest. It is a simple theory that if the nation progresses, the population progresses and vice versa. But lack of vision and a tendency to accumulate for generations gives rise to corruption.

Lack of education is also a primary factor. The ignorant society is the dwelling place for corruption. Making primary education a right of every child is a commendable step. But equal emphasis should be given to adult education. And by education we don't mean literacy. It is the complete development and awareness of self and surroundings.

In the last published census we are a country of 1.2 billion people. Now, the resources are limited and the population is increasing at such a rapid rate. Lack of basic amenities and poor infrastructure gives rise to a corrupt society, where everyone is fighting to get his share.

Faulty economic policies are resulting in widening the gap between the rich and the poor. National wealth is deposited in the foreign banks in the form of black money. The ever rising inflation of basic commodities and eatables and limited salary is pushing the Indian society to indulge in unfair means so as to meet the requirements of the family.

Last but not the least is the changing and degrading morality of the individual. One always curses politicians for all the corruption and present scenario. But it is the people who elect them. A large section of society doesn't get involved in the process by abstaining from casting their vote, which is equally demoralizing. Politicians are no aliens, they are very much part of the society. If corruption is checked at the individual level, only then it will be removed from the high echelons of the society.

Education: Corruption in India

Education: Corruption in India: Corruption in India In its simplest sense, corruption may be defined as an act of bribery or misuse of public position or power for the ...

Corruption in India

Corruption in India

In its simplest sense, corruption may be defined as an act of bribery or misuse of public position or power for the fulfillment of selfish motives or to gain personal gratifications. It has also been defined as "Misuse of authority as a result of consideration of personal gain which need not be monetary". Legally corruption is defined as "use of public power for private advantage in ways which transgresses some formal rule or law". Corruption in present times has spread over the entire society as a cancerous disease in all forms. The most common forms of corruption are taking of bribes (money offered in cash or kind or gift etc), nepotism (undue favour from holder of patronage to relatives), misappropriation (using the money of other people for one's own sake), patronage (undue or wrong support by people in position to friends and family members and favoritism).

Corruption is not a malady of modern age. History is replete with instances where Judas have received bribes in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Babylon and Jewish society. Bribery was very common in Roman Empire as well as in France during the fifteenth century. England was described as a 'sink-hole' of corruption in the seventeenth century and Gibbon described it as the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty in the nineteenth century. Even Chanakaya has mentioned cases of embezzlement by government officials. During the British Rule, bribes were accepted not only by the Indian officials but even by the highly placed British officials. Lord Clive and Warren Hastings were tried by a parliamentary committee after their return to England. Thus, corruption is not only an age-old malady but a global problem too.

Presently, India figures as the seventh most corrupt country in the world according to Transparency International', a non-government German Organization. Acceptance of gifts and rewards for work done in an official capacity, or obtaining objects or advantages., Illegally, or fraudulent use of public property, acquiring financial resources more than one’s income, abuse of public office, avoiding one’s duty or avoiding payment of taxes are a few kinds o corruption prevalent in our society today. Defence Ministry and Ministry of Communication are regarded as ‘gold mines for making money’. Corruption is also at a high rate in departments like Public Works, Police, Excise and Revenue. Corruption in these departments is rampant at all levels from the highest to the lowest. The registered number of cases of corruption in India under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 varied from 300 to 500 between 1981 and 1987 but after the enforcement of 1988 Act, the number now varies between 1800 to 2000 annually.

It is well established that politicians are extremely corrupt the world over. In fact, people are surprised to find an honest politician. These corrupt politicians go scot-free, unharmed and unpunished. Leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri or Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel are a rare breed now who had very little bank balance at the time of death. The list of scams and scandals in the country is endless. The Bofors payoff scandal of 1986 involved a total amount of Rs 1750 crore in purchase of guns from a Swedish firm for the Army. The Cement scandal of 1982 involved the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Sugar Scandal of 1994 involved a Union Minister of State for food, the Urea Scam and of course no one can forget Hawala Scandal of 1991, the Coffin-gate, fodder scam in Bihar or the Stamp scandal which shocked not only the political arena but the entire society.

Various laws have been framed from time to time to prevent or at least reduce corruption. The Prevention of Corruption Act came into force in September 1988. It was an improvisation of the Act of 1947. The scope of the 1988 Act was enlarged and widened to include the term 'public servants'. Thus if an offence against a public servant is proved in the court there will be imprisonment of not less than 6 months upto 5 years and also the person may be fined. The Central Government has set up four departments to check corruption—Administrative Vigilance Division in the Department of Personnel and Training, Central Bureau of Investigation, Domestic Vigilance units in Ministries / Departments / Public Undertaking or Nationalized Banks and Central Vigilance Commission.

Laws and rules have to be implemented with strictness and if needed, the outdated ones should be amended in order to check the acts of corruption. Vigilance should be increased so that people think twice before indulging in corrupt practices. Election expenses should be strictly curtailed and finally, without the co-operation of the common man, the evil of corruption cannot be eradicated.

DAHEJ PRATHA EK ABHISHAP

DAHEJ PRATHA EK ABHISHAP

DAHEJ PRATHA HAMARE SAMAJ KE LIYE EK ABHISHAP BAN GAYA HAI.JISNE BHI YE PRATHA START KIYA WO MANAV NAHI HAIVAN HAI AUR AAJ KESAMAJ KA SABSE BADA GUNEHGAR HAI.ISI PRATHA KE BADOULAT AAJ PUTRI KE JANM KO DUKH KI GHADI MANI JATI HAI.KYOKI PUTRI KE JANM KE BAD USKE MATA PITA HAMESA IS BAT KO LEKAR CHINTIT RAHTE HAI KI WO BADI HOGI TO USKI SADI KAISE HOGI, DAHEJ KA BANDOBAST KAISE HOGA, SUYOGYA VAR KAISE MILEGA ITYADI. ISILIYE PITA APNI PUTRI KE JANM KE TURANT BAD HI RUPYE IKATTHA KARNA AARAMBH KAR DETE HAI.WO KADI MEHNAT KARTE HAI,RUPYE KAMATE HAI LEKIN BHARPET KHATE NAHI HAI.PUTRI KE BACHPAN SE LEKAR USKI SHADI TAK PITA KO KABHI CHAIN NAHI MILTAHAI.YADIUSKE PAS DAHEJ KE RUPYE KAM HO TO VAR ACHCHHA NAHI MILTA HAI. KYOKI VAR PAKSH LALCHI HONE KE KARAN JYADA DAHEJ DENE WALO KI AOR JHUK JATA HAI.

AAJ KE NAVJAWANO KO YE PRATIGYA LENA CHAHIYE KI WO NA DAHEJ LE NA HI DE. JAB SAB LOG AISE KARENGE TO MERA DAWA HAI KI EK DIN DAHEJ PRATHA KA NAMO NISHAN MIT JAYEGA.

Women in India

Women in India

There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a great revolution in the history of women. The evidence is everywhere; the voice of women is increasingly heard in Parliament, courts and in the streets. While women in the West had to fight for over a century to get some of their basic rights, like the right to vote, the Constitution of India gave women equal rights with men from the beginning. Unfortunately, women in this country are mostly unaware of their rights because of illiteracy and the oppressive tradition. Names like Kalpana Chawla: The Indian born, who fought her way up into NASA and was the first women in space, and Indira Gandhi: The Iron Woman of India was the Prime Minister of the Nation, Beauty Queens like Aishwarya Rai and Susmita Sen, and Mother Teresa are not representative of the condition of Indian women.

Women literacy Rate

Constitutional Rights

The Constitution of India guarantees equality of sexes and in fact grants special favours to women. These can be found in three articles of the Constitution.

Article 14 says that the government shall not deny to any person equality before law or the equal protection of the laws. Article 15 declares that government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of sex. Article 15 (3) makes a special provision enabling the State to make affirmative discriminations in favour of women. Moreover, the government can pass special laws in favour of women. Article 16 guarantees that no citizen shall be discriminated against in matters of public employment on the grounds of sex. Article 42 directs the State to make provision for ensuring just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief. Above all, the Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen through Articles 15 (A) (e) to renounce the practices derogatory to the dignity of women. 

All these are fundamental rights. Therefore, a woman can go to the court if one is subjected to any discrimination. When we talk about constitutional rights of women in India, we mainly pertain to those areas where discrimination is done against women and special laws formulated to fight those bigotries. The most important issues stand as those pertaining to marriage, children, abortion, crimes against women, and inheritance. 

Before modern Hindu laws were passed, child marriages were the norms, inter-caste marriages were banned, the girl became a part of the husband's family, and polygamy was common. In the 19th century, the British rulers passed several laws to protect customs and traditions while abolishing detestable practices like Sati. Some such revolutionary laws were Hindu Widows Remarriage Act 1865 and the Brahmo Samaj Marriage Act 1872, the forerunner of the present Special Marriage Act. In the beginning, the Act sets four essential conditions for a valid Hindu marriage. They are:

Monogamy

Sound mind

Marriageable age

The parties should not be too closely related

Polygamy was permitted among Hindus before the Act was passed in 1955. However, after the act was passed, any man marrying again while his wife is living will be punished with fine and imprisonment up to seven years. Formerly, child marriages were common. The Child Marriage Act of 1929 was not very effective as such marriages were continued to be performed. Now, however, the bridegroom must be 21 years old and the bride 18 years. However, there is a separate Muslim Code of Conduct, which allows polygamy of up to four wives as per Islamic laws. 

A marriage may be invalid without the boy or the girl realizing it at the time of the wedding. A civil marriage would be void if four essential conditions are not complied with. These conditions are listed in the Special Marriage Act (Section 4), as enumerated below:

If it is bigamy

If either party was suffering from mental disorder

If the boy has not completed 21 years and the girl 18 years

The boy and the girl are too closely related, or in legal language, are "within degrees of prohibited relationship" unless custom governing at least one party permits the marriage between them. Prohibited relationships are listed in he Special Marriage Act.

A fifth reason for invalidating a marriage is impotence of either party.

There are some grounds available to the wife only, both in Hindu and civil marriages. One such ground available exclusively to the wife is her husband's commission of rape, sodomy or bestiality. Under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956, a Hindu wife is entitled to be maintained by her husband. Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code also deals with maintenance of wife and children. If there is a decree of maintenance against the husband and the couple have been living apart for over one year, it would be a ground for the wife to seek dissolution of marriage. Here again the Muslim Personal Law has a different set of conditions for the annulment of an Islamic marriage. 

The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 says that any person who gives, takes, or abets the giving or taking of dowry shall be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to six months or with fine up to Rs. 5,000 or with both. Dowry that started off as a practice to give away presents to the departing daughter, usually some resources to begin her new married life, slowly assumed extraordinary proportions and turned into a social evil. Brides were expected to bring the "gifts" regardless of their personal willingness. The bride's family could no longer have an individual say; lists were prepared and sent to the girl's house before the final agreement between the two families. The condition being that the boy would marry the girl only if the demands were met. Such a custom is being practiced not only in India but also in other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. The reason behind this custom is the poor economical condition of the people along with a lack of education; unawareness of legal rights among women and a general bias against the women. 

Crimes like rape, kidnapping, eve teasing and indecent exposure can be grouped as crimes against women. Rape is the worst crime against women after murder and the maximum punishment under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is life imprisonment. An abortion or miscarriage due to natural causes is not an offence. Therefore, the law does not deal with it. However, violent and forceful abortion is a crime. Sections 312 and 316 of the Indian Penal Code deal with abortion as crime. Section 313 deals with abortion without the consent of the woman. The punishment could even be life imprisonment. 

The Hindu Succession Act gives male and female heirs almost equal right to inheritance. Section 14 says that any property possessed by a female Hindu shall be held by her as full owner and not as a limited owner.

Women's Contribution to the Economy

Although most women in India work and contribute to the economy in one form or another, much of their work is not documented or accounted for in official statistics. Women plow fields and harvest crops while working on farms, women weave and make handicrafts while working in household industries, women sell food and gather wood while working in the informal sector. Additionally, women are traditionally responsible for the daily household chores (e.g., cooking, fetching water, and looking after children). Since Indian culture hinders women's access to jobs in stores, factories and the public sector, the informal sector is particularly important for women. There are estimates that over 90 percent of workingwomen are involved in the informal sector. 

The informal sector includes jobs such as domestic servant, small trader, artisan, or field laborer on a family farm. Most of these jobs are unskilled and low paying and do not provide benefits to the worker. More importantly, however, cultural practices vary from region to region. Though it is a broad generalization, North India tends to be more patriarchal and feudal than South India. Women in northern India have more restrictions placed on their behavior, thereby restricting their access to work. Southern India tends to be more egalitarian, women have relatively more freedom, and women have a more prominent presence in society. Cultural restrictions however are changing, and women are freer to participate in the formal economy, though the shortage of jobs throughout the country contributes to low female employment. But in the recent years, conditions of working women in India have improved considerably. More and more women find themselves in positions of respect and prestige, more and more workplaces are now populated with women who work on equal terms as men. Working is no longer an adjustment, a mere necessity; but a means to self worth and growth. 

Women have now not only found their place in work places but are also party to governance. In recent years there have been explicit moves to increase women's political participation. Women have been given representation in the Panchayati Raj system as a sign of political empowerment. There are many elected women representatives at the village council level. At the central and state levels too women are progressively making a difference. Today we have women Chief Ministers in five large states of India. The Women's reservation policy bill is slated to further strengthen political participation.

Women and girls Education

Women and girls

Girls make up for more than 50% of those 75 million children currently denied primary education, and women form the vast majority of the 776 million illiterate persons worldwide.

The EFA gender equality goal for 2005 was missed by a long shot and we are hardly likely to get there by 2015.

Without access to education, these women and girls will never claim their rights and will never have the power to make their own choices, securing a life of dignity for themselves and their daughters. Broken societies will never heal and economies never develop without education for all women and girls - it is that simple!

We have tried to highlight a few issues surrounding gender and the right to education under the following headings:

Issues

Gender inequality in education is extreme. Girls are less likely to access school, to remain in school or to achieve in education. Despite almost 30 years of the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of  Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and 20 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), today ‘Girls make up around 56 per cent of the 77 million children not in school, and women make up two thirds of the adults who are illiterate. Even girls who do enrol in school may have irregular attendance due to other demands on them, and the fact that their education may not be prioritised. Girls are more likely to repeat years, to drop out early and to fail key subjects, and in most countries girls are less likely to complete the transition to secondary schooling. Sadly, in many places, girls who do attend school may be subject to physical and mental abuse. There are numerous reports of teachers taking advantage of their position of power and sexually abusing girls.’

Education helps men and women claim their rights and realise their potential in economic, political and social arenas. It is also the single most powerful way to lift people out of poverty. Education plays a particularly important role as a foundation for girls’ development towards adult life. It should be an intrinsic part of any strategy to address the gender-based discrimination against women and girls that remains prevalent in many societies. Gender equality requires adapting equally to the needs and interests of girls and boys. “International human rights law lays down a three fold set of criteria where by girls should have an equal right to education, equal right in education and their equal rights should be protected and promoted through education.” (Tomasevski, 2005)