TELEVISION IS A FOUL INFLUENCE

Be it checking the Newshour on CNN-IBN or the latest episode of Comedy Nights with Kapil, The 21st century has taken the gift of Television with both hands.From shows like MTV Roadies for Teenagers,Chotta Bheem for toddlers,Khana Khazana for homemakers or The Legends of Mahabharata for the elderly, Television has become an indispensible part of everyone’s life ranging from infants to the grandparents. Television was a luxury that only a few could afford in the early days.But in the modern world,It is found in every home.
It is true that television is an easy,inexpensive and  the most popular way to get information about the whole world.But there are two sides of every coin.Television,in recent times,has become more of a foul influence than a boon to the society.It is adversely affecting the lives of the people in more ways than one.The people are falling into the trap created by it which jeopardizes their social and work life and kills their productivity.
Research shows that in the 20th century,children aged between 6 years to 16 years spend 1 hour infront of television  everyday and 3 hours outside playing with their friends or reading books.But in the 21st century,they spend 3 hours infront of the TV and 1 hour outside or reading.This clearly shows the grip of television on our future generation.Spending too much of ones precious time in front of the “dumb box” can lead to obesity, diabetes ,short sightedness and even mental stress.Watching TV is an activity that is effortless and requires no mental concentration and discipline.Children and especially teenagers shun books as they find it too boring and requires too much effort.They rather watch insensible shows such as MTV splittsvila or Roadies rather than take up a hobby or a sport.Research indicates that 95% of Children who are addicted to TV are overweight and have low grades in school.
Television discourages face to face interaction of children between their own family members and relatives.Some dont even know their parents siblings,but remember that Shinchan comes everyday at 5:30 in the evening on Hungama TV.Some programs may promote undesirable behaviour such as drugs,alcohol and even smoking to adolescents who imitate their role models in movies thinking it as the first step to be more like them.Movies shown recently describe violence and aggressive behaviour and teenagers may emulate them in real life.It also hampers the communication and writing  skills of students.
Television exposes people to a world where there are no problems.It gives them an incorrect view that life will always be a bed of roses and they dont have to struggle to meet their dream goal.People often deviate from their goals from the impact of TV.Their lives become meaningless and fullof sufferings.It lowers their self esteem and make people underestimate themselves.People are more interested to know about the latest gossips of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli rather than watch the documentry about Nirbhaya.
Though the con’s are numerous,man should focus on the pro’s of TV.They should rather use it to gain information about the happenings of India and other countries of the world,watch informative shows which focus on art ,travelling and cooking.Children should learn the values of friendship,honesty and hardwork from their favourite cartoon characters.I feel it depends on the person and what he wants to see and what does he want to gain from it.Television is harmless if used for the right purpose and to a certain limit.So I request all of you to stop watching and start living

5 lessons HBO’s Game of Thrones teaches us.

Though HBO’s most popular drama series attracts huge audiences all over the world due to its gripping storyline and famous characters, yet there are numerous life lessons which we can extract and apply in our daily lives.(Spoilers ahead)

1.       Identify your strengths and weaknesses and use it to your advantage.

In the Battle of Blackwater, King’s Landing didn’t have the resources nor men to put up a fight against Stannis Baratheon’s forces. Using their limited arsenal of wildfire and Tyrion Lannister’s genius strategies, they decimated Stannis and defended the Iron Throne.

The lesson is applicable in our professional lives too. If people focus on their strengths and use them strategically, they will definitely succeed in their venture and bear the fruits.

2.       Choose your allies wisely.

The entire North was decimated due to the betrayal of one man, Theon Greyjoy. Tyrion Lannister was sentenced to death as the woman he loved testified against him. Ned Stark lost his life for the reason that Petyr Baelish let him down. There are very few people in life who lend a hand in your bad times. Cherish them and never betray them.A disloyal ally is worse than an enemy.

3.       Remain true to your promises.

Robb Stark was murdered in a wedding as he broke his vow to Walder Frey to marry one of his daughters.Joffery executed Ned Stark although he promised to show him mercy if he confessed his treason which led to the War of the Five Kings. Respect your promises and act true to them. No person is trustworthy if he breaks a promise.

4.       Never underestimate anyone.

Jon Snow,a bastard of the North was looked down upon by his own family. Due to his sheer hardwork and diligence he rose to become the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Daenerys Targaryen had no money, no influence, and no army. Her abusive elder brother who marries her off to the leader of a savage tribe and within a year she acquires all three. Never look down upon people. Everyone has the power to surprise anyone at any point of time.

5.       Always have a backup plan.

Jaime Lannister, one of the greatest swordsmen Westeros has ever seen, was nothing after he lost his right hand. He exclaimed that he was not able to defeat even a stable boy with his left hand. Since he had no knowledge of administration or politics, he was useless to serve the King and might have got killed for that. So always be prepared for the worst and expertise in as many new skills as possible. This will not only make yourself valuable to your employers ,but will give you an edge over your peers.

A Terrorist Reborn as a Hero: Story of Yakub Memon.

It has truly been a busy week for the Indian media.First the untimely death of the ever lovable Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam , the hanging of Yakub Memon , on the morning of 30th Jul 2015, which coincidentally is his 53rd birthday, made sure that the Indian media was divided in twoparts of the country for the coverage of the funeral procession.

Many say that partial justice has been served in case of Yakub Memon as the brain behind the blasts, Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon are still at large.Till yesterday, there was a debate whether Yakub Memon should be shown mercy as he was just "indirectly" involved in the attacks.Today, he is being hailed as a hero of the religion in his residential colony.The people in support of him have no memory of the 257 innocent lives that were taken due to bombed which were allegedly funded by him.The must know that even if you help terrorists slighty in aiding their operations, you are as guilty as if you have carried out the bombing.

"What more do they want? He went to jail for eight years more than 14, which is a life sentence. He was done " says a Memon supporter.

Another one adds “Men over 50 are not supposed to be hanged. If they had hanged him in 2007, we would have understood. Would the people who suffered have memory of their injury? What is the purpose now?”

"His daughter never had the chance to play in his lap" One adds.

"He left home then, he came back now"

 Many politicians come in support of him saying " he was convicted because he was a muslim.It would send a wrong message to the minorities of the country".

Such people deserve a kick in their butt.When did terrorists deserve sympathy?He were not sympathetic enough when 257 innocent people died in Mumbai.Such people were not even aware of the terror that would befall upon them.They didn't commit any wrong.The most heinous crime is the killing of an innocent. Terrorists have no religion.No religion advises its followers to kill in order ro spread message or to attain salvation.They are madmen trying to disturb peace.Politicians are just using statements like these to divide and rule a
on the basis of vote bank politics.They feel no sympathy for Yakub Memon.They just want to use this opportunity to win votes. Yakub Memon also got all the facilities available in the judicial systemfor a mercy plea.

Some argue that the death penalty should be done away with as the state has no right to take the life of person and everybody has the fundamental right to live.But terrorists are more interested in taking lives and do not care whether about their living as song as the message is sent and their purpose is fulfilled.

 He was a chartered accountant by profession and had a masters degree in commerce.He also got " Best Chartered accountant of the Year" award from the Memon community.He was financially stable, had a great career ahead of him and a loving family.He had everything life could ever give him .

Yet,
He chose the path that brought him and his entire family shame all over India.
He chose a path to be murderer and not to be a respected finance professional.
He chose to aid people kill innocents in the name of "Jihad" instead of helping people file tax returns.
He chose to be a terrorist.

And justice has been served.The families of the victims can now breathe a sign of relief.

10 Things only a Dilliwala can understand.

1.       Mouth-watering and Diverse Street Food.

Chutney samosa and Jalebi ,cholle kulche ,momos,gol-gappa,rajma chawal,aloo paratha,kathi ,kabab,kulfi,faluda and the list goes on. There is no place on Earth which will provide you the variety of delicious street food which Delhi provides. It is simply a heaven for foodies and light on the pockets too.

2.       Delhi Metro.Enough said.

The safe and secure Delhi Metro has been judged the world’s second best . No wonder Dilliwale like to brag about it in other cities.

3.       Erratic Weather

Summers are too hot and winters are bitterly cold. The power-cuts during summer are gruelling and winters are too chilly for a walk. Dilliwale always like complain about the weather.

4.       Bargaining.

It is said that you are not a true Dilliwala unless you have bargained for the little extra in everything .Ranging from free dhaniya and Mirchi with 1 kg of tomatoes or reduction of the last rupee of the stylish jeans in Sarojini,we love to haggle till both the parties are satisfied.

5.       Architectural Wonders.

Dilli is famous for its historic architectural wonders. It attracts a large audience all over the globe. Places like Akshardham, India Gate, Humayuns Tomb,Qutb Minar and Jama Masjid attract many tourists.

6.       The Dilli Language.

If you haven’t used words like Kebab-Shabab, uncle-wuncle, daaru-shaaru , jugaad ,”senti na ho yaar”, or even Koi-Nahi (Dilliwala version of ‘no problem’ or ‘it’s okay’),you are not a true Dilliwala at heart. And yes, we abuse our heart out.

7.       Protests ,protests and protests.

Dilliwale always turn up in large numbers for any sort of protest. Since it is the political hub of the country, there will always be some sort of protest or the other at Jantar Mantar or even in the plain road.If you have ever lived in Delhi,you must have been a part of at least one protest during your stay.

8.       Agonizing Traffic Jams.

Statistics reveal that an average Dilliwala spends about one hour a day in traffic jams.We also contribute to noise pollution by honking till the horn of the car gets broken.

9.       Brands and Sarojini Nagar.

Only Dilliwale can understand what it’s like to shop your heart out in Sarojini Nagar or Janpath.

10.   Weddings like no other.

When a Dilli family celebrates a wedding,it is like the whole world is celebrating with them.

10 Awesome Reasons to Date a Capricorn.

It’s funny how many people see their sun signs to know how will their future be. Though our stars have no control over our lives, they do give rather interesting information about our personalities. Here are some of the amazing reasons to date someone born between December 22^nd  to January 21^st ( Yes, I am talking about Capricorns).

1.       Introvert.

Capricorns are initially very shy. They like to keep to themselves and find peace in solitude. But once you get to know them and are close to them, they will be the most fun filled people you would have ever met in your lifetime. They just need a little time to get out of their shell.

2.       Good listeners.

Had a rough day at college or work? Want to bitch about your ex? Or you just want to chit-chat to kill time? Capricorns are here to the rescue. They are extremely good listeners and take an active part in the conversation too. Moreover you will definitely be happier and more joyful after a conversation with a Capricorn.

3.       Sarcastic.

Capricorns are hilariously sarcastic. They can change your mood instantly with some funny phrases. Sense of humour does make an individual more attractive and considering Capricorns it is more than true.

4.       Adventurous.

Capricorn people love to add a little spice in their life. They would go the extra mile to have a little more fun. They are full of surprises and love to try out diverse ideas every new day.

5.       Ambitious.

Capricorns are very serious about their dreams in life. They have high hopes for themselves and their loved ones. It is their passion to achieve well being in life is what makes them so magnetic.

6.       Responsible.

Capricorns know their responsibilities and perform them religiously. They know to take the blame for their recklessness and are not shy to admit it. They take a great amount of integrity in their work.

7.       Frugal.

Capricorns are extremely particular about their money spending. They do not like uneconomical expenditure and hence are enormously choosy when it comes to payments and costs. But in the long run, it is this quality in them which you will cherish and your daily budget will be in control.

8.       No Showoff .

Capricorns are extremely allergic to showoff .They cannot stand even the slightest of it. They are fond of keeping everything simple having the required amounts of everything. They rather keep their achievements to themselves and do not brag even faintly. They are proud of themselves and show little concern to what others think.

9.       Loyal

You need not worry about your Capricorn partner cheating with you or talking negative about you behind your back. They will stand by you in the toughest of times and will never even dream of deserting you.

10.   Patient

Last but not the least; it is their quality of patience which makes you swoon over them. It is a rare quality to find in someone. When things do not go right, they don’t just sit idle waiting for something to happen, rather they work towards the fulfilment of the goal.

So next time you meet a Capricorn, do move forward and start a conversation with them.

India's Dismal Education System

“It doesn’t matter whether you do the right thing or not, what matters is whether you say the right thing”-Indian Education System

Delhi University released their first cut-off list for their next academic session and it is nothing short of staggering. While it is true that even toppers struggle to secure a seat in their choice of college and course, what about the large chunk of students who have secured in the 70’s and 80’s? Securing a seat in India’s “number one university of the country” seems like a distant dream for them. Seeing the insanely high cut-offs in the news shocked my grandfather. He exclaimed “During our time, if someone would pass their class 12 examination, their names would come in the Regional Newspapers and he or she was considered a genius!”

What gave rise to such inflated marks of a large number of students? 

Who is at fault for the inhumane cutoffs? 

The problem lies both in our education system and the mindset of our society. Our education system focuses not on complete and all round education of its students but on rote learning, memory and marks. When I was in class 12, my friend had some difficultly in understanding a concept of an integration problem. When he asked his doubt our school’s maths teacher about it, she hesitated to solve the problem and replied “Don’t worry about this question. It won’t be asked in the exam”. Is this the purpose of our education system? To convert us into robots who mug up all the answers to all the probable questions before an examination, spill it out and completely forget about it later. To top it all, our education boards and universities develop marking scheme which students get full marks for writing a word or a phrase. The teachers emphasize on the respective words and phrases and leave out which is “not important in the examination point of view”. Persistent questioning and healthy inquisitiveness are the first requisite for acquiring learning of any kind.

Marks by no means measure the true potential of a child. It is incorrect to say that the individual with cent percent marks is more intelligent than the rest. Albert Einstein once said “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live his whole life thinking that he is a fool.”For some parents, what matters the most is whether their own child scored more marks than the neighbour’s child. Parents must understand that each child is special in his/ her own way. This is the most confusing stage of their lives. What they need now is guidance and not pressure. This is the reason why high school students have the same anxiety levels as mental asylum patients had a century ago. 

The real difficulty is that people have no idea of what education truly is. We assess the value of education in the same manner as we assess the value of land or of shares in the stock-exchange market. We want to provide only such education as would enable the student to earn more. We hardly give any thought to the improvement of the character of the educated.

India is a country which produces as many engineers as the population of Switzerland every year, yet ranked 76^th in Global innovation Index while Switzerland is ranked first. Student’s in our country become engineer’s first and decide which career they want to pursue later. Our system limits free thinking required for entrepreneurship. The students lose their ability to imagine outside their fixed curriculum. Academics play a significant part in one’s career development however leadership qualities, communication skills and hard-work are equally necessary to succeed. The most productive years of an Indian student’s life are spent preparing for the dreaded board exams and various entrances.

India is obsessed with only a few educational institutes like the IIT’s, IIM’s, University of Delhi etc. Centre proposes to establish more IITs, IIMs and other centrally funded institutions. It fails to recognize that India is in no dearth of educational institutions. India lacks not in quantity but quality. Reforms should be undertaken to improve the existing schools and colleges so that they are at par with the ones at the top. This will ensure there is no unnecessary rat race prevalent in our schools and colleges.

Delhi University colleges compared to their western counterparts are lagging behind in infrastructure, teaching quality and coursework. The syllabus is highly theoretical, outdated with little emphasis on practical experience. It needs revision suiting the technological advancements and modern requirements of the world in the present and the future. Furthermore strict attendance requirements waste precious time which could be spent doing internships and research work. Inadequate funding for education leaves little scope for Government colleges compete with their western peers.95 percent of the Government colleges are in dilapidated condition. Proper exposure and facilities are required for a well developed flexible graduate who shall contribute to the intellectual workforce for the country. Sadly over a million graduates remain unemployed every year. Reservations in higher educational institutions are a bane to the country. This shows our orthodox mentality which robs deserving candidates from their seats.

India will remain an underdeveloped country if the Government doesn’t make requisite changes in our system. It is only proper education that can change the mindset of society. Entrepreneurship will mark an increase in employment and will result in the sustainable use of resources in the country. Our country will make great strides in medical and technological research. India will attract many foreign students if adequate changes are made and will boost tourism and international rankings of our educational institutions.

“Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you to impossible and beyond”