World Mental Health Day: An opening to address suicidal issues

PC THOMAS

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, with the key objective of raising awareness of mental health issues surrounding the people and organizing endeavors in support of mental health across world. In the light of multiple mental health issues, quite relevantly the number of people thinking about suicide or doing self-sacrifice has risen dramatically in the Indian context. It attributes reasons such as diseases, love affairs, divorce, marriage failures, extra-marital affairs or any other issues with the people, play a crucial role mainly in the suicide of people in India. Sexually abused suicide attempters have also risen dramatically in state to state level, partially in the lockdown period.

Mental issues in children are on the rise in recent time.  Every year after the Board examination we hear about students who are ending their lives because they feel they are unable to live up to the expectation of their families.  Lockdown triggered emotional strain among children as they are not getting to close together with their peers at school which remain closed in the wake of the pandemic.

On the arrival of Covid-19, the mental and substance use disorders have increased by over 50% in the past 25 years. Suicides are rampant everywhere because anxiety levels are very high in most cases. However, all these incidents help us understand that every suicide is tragic and is recognized as a mental health, public or social issues in almost every country and it needs to be addressed.

Also Read: searching-suicidal-behavior-in-children

While searching common causes of suicide, a few things are definitely clear and need minimum explanation. All suicides are based on mental imbalance or a weep for help. All suicides are mostly planned and well-contemplated as well as connected to a reason that remains unexplained in most cases. There can’t be a fixed reason rather there are a number of factors that contribute to the fatal act.

The question of debate arises in the midst of suicide cases is that how we would deal with the situation?  Why is mental imbalance still a taboo in our society? Why depression, which could be indicative of suicidal behavior, is not taken seriously? And lastly, why caste, gender, social status or popularity are the criteria for labelling or judging someone’s suicide?.

Also Read- keep-mental-health-while-social-distancing

This year’s World Mental Health Day comes at a time when our day by day lives have changed considerably because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are several challenges facing now as a large number of peoples are trapped in difficulties in different sectors with limited protection from COVID-19. For skilled laborers whose livelihoods are threatened. A good percentage of workforce in Indian companies suffer from some or the other form of stress.  Students, adjusting themselves with emotional well-being conditions, encounter much more social separation than before.  These are major factors that can affect mental issues. Therefore, taking care of mental health of people in this critical age is paramount and needs to be seriously addressed in the World Mental Health day.

 

 

 

Take a pledge to fight against the stigma of Covid patients

PC THOMAS

COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of our lifetimes unfortunately. It is changing human behaviors and attitudes today to a great extent and forcing people to respond in different ways. Presumably, the pandemic may require more time to be brought under control and it may take years for normalcy in all aspects of life to return. Meanwhile the moot question is how we would survive. Perhaps there will be radical changes in life in the future, as the crisis has caused a great deal of panic and the, people now consider it more of a crime to be affected by it than a disease.

What is the attitude of the society towards the patients who are confirmed Covid positive? Due to panic among the people, the Covid positive people are sometimes treated like untouchables, even though they are getting recovered from their disease. The cured persons struggle with multiple factors including social isolation, stigma and discrimination which put them at higher risk of psychological problems. This social stigma needs to be tackled through education and awareness.

According to doctors’ versions, the Covid19 is coming and going unknowingly to many of our people. 40 percent of people would not be aware of the fact that they have Covid. But when they were tested and found positive, they become not only the victims of Covid but also of a social tragedy. A stigma is attached to those who are sick, or suspected to be sick, as well as to those who tend to them.

Also Read- what-to-do-when-corona-climbs-mt-Everest

There is a need to change the mind-set of the people. We need to understand how much suffering this crisis causes to the patients and their loved ones. People with this disease should not be discriminated. In the ancient times, only lepers were secluded to a great extent for fear, of contracting the sickness or becoming ritually impure through any contact with them. But Jesus Christ touched the lepers and healed them, according to the scriptures. What is the attitude of people towards Covid positive patients in this modern world? Unfortunately, people treat them as if they have committed a major crime when they are infected with the coronavirus.

Human relationships are to be maintained in all situations. Social distance does not mean not helping each other. In fact, what is meant by social distancing is physical distancing. Unfortunately, the word social distance is often misunderstood. The so called social distance should be understood as keeping at least two meters physical distance between persons. Do not misunderstand it.  Human beings are social beings. They have to treat one another with respect, empathy and love in all situations!

Also read-Stay positive in negative situation

No one can live without social connections in life. Our vision and focus of life should be for all and for one another. Otherwise there is no point in saying that we are cultured or social beings. Even a herd of animals will always try to save a suffering animal. On the contrary, human beings are becoming indifferent to other human beings. Are we not better than other animals?

Today there is a tendency to exploit the Covid situation by greedy people. It seems to give them some sort of power to control the life of others through various means. Unethical business dealings are some of them. Hoarding of essential goods or selling things including life-saving medicines at a higher price to people who struggle to survive is one of them.  Public systems need to be put in place to protect the people from such exploitation and price rise. Let us take a pledge to fight against the stigma of COVID-19.

    

Gandhian values help keep up scale of human values

 

PC THOMAS

Once, a little girl saw an old man walking through the street. He was very lean, bald and had worn only a dhoti. The Old man had worn no shirt.  A mischievous little girl noticed him and shouted “Shame, Shame”. The old man stopped walking.  He looked at the little girl and smiled lavishly.  With the smile fresh in his lips, the old man asked “Why did you call ‘shame’ my child”? The girl replied. “Why didn’t you wear a shirt granddaddy? That is why I called shame.  The old man replied.  “I don’t have shirt my child”.

The girl felt sad about the old man and offered her help: “Granddaddy I shall buy a shirt for you, there is money in my little box”.  Looking to the innocence of the little girl, he said. “No my child, I don’t want to wear shirt at present”. You know in our country there are large number of poor people who don’t have money to buy even shirts. I shall wear shirt only after all people in the country are in a position to buy shirts”.  The girl was stunned and asked the man. ‘Who are you granddaddy!’?  And he replied “I am Gandhiji”.

What was the unique philosophy of Gandhiji about his life-style with the example of his personal life?  The western educated lawyer Gandhiji was never western in dress, food habits or style, but he was half-naked, wearing only a single white dhoti and a shawl and very simple chappals practicing simple living and high thinking to our society.

Mahatma Gandhi became the greatest son of India with his struggle for freedom.  He fought violence with non-violence.  The man who will be remembered for ages to come, is the Father of Nation, whose birthday is celebrated all over India on 2^nd October.  This day is also celebrated as a Dry Day, which means prohibition from alcohol.  It would be worthwhile to quote Mahatma Gandhi, “I would rather have India reduced to a state of pauperism than have thousands of drunkards in our midst.”  Gandhi’s philosophy was to get freedom from alcohol.

Gandhiji devoted his life to the teaching of love, non-violence and truth.  He was as great as Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha and Guru Nanak who changed the course of human history by their teaching.  The principal love and sacrifice he took from the life of Jesus Christ.  Similarly he adopted the theory of Karma Yoga from Gita.  He has his firm belief in the existence of God.  He stressed ones of all religions. He sacrificed his life in the altar of communal harmony and human brotherhood.

Mahatma Gandhi's idea of cleanliness and Gram Swaraj can be interpreted and respected in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. He used to say that India's soul lives in its villages. He considered villages to be the basic units of social organization. For that reason, the villages should be self-sufficient in the matters of their vital requirements.

Mahatma Gandhi always emphasized cleanliness and sanitation. It is in the current pandemic that health experts stressed “Sanitation,” Gandhiji had once said, “sanitation is more important than independence”. Cleaning of the soul was the ultimate goal of any human being. He spent his whole life in the act of cleaning the self and soul, and he did this by applying his self to public and social services.

We need to pay more heed to the basic principles of Gandhian philosophy in order to keep up the scale of human values. In the current pandemic situation, helping others can help you cope with yourself.  The only salvation for the world lies in heeding Mahatma Gandhi’s message and following his footsteps.

 

Education post-Covid, a great challenge for students

PC THOMAS

Coronavirus pandemic has influenced a huge number of young students all over the world and India is no exemption to this. All educational institutions are now wrestling with the consequences and are desperately looking for solutions for the difficulties faced by the pandemic.

When the lockdown was declared, schools, which had already incorporated E-learning platforms, could grasp the change rapidly and adjust to the new circumstance. They are connected with the students and parents through the E-learning modules and guaranteed adaptive learning process. For schools, the major challenge was to ensure acceptance of the new normal by the parents and the students. In the whole process, there have been challenges and issues; yet the parents accepted the change. Numerous parents have opted to become co-learners to facilitate the e-learning acquaintance among their children.

Also read- When the student is ready teacher will appear

The present pandemic circumstance has upset the whole educational framework, requiring revamp of the whole educational curriculum. When one looks at the current situation, it would appear that this situation may stay for quite a long time. It is admirable, however, that different government bodies and educationalists across the country are moving in the direction of discovering available resources to assist students to keep on their learning cycle while they are safe and secure at home.

In this COVID-19 time, the clear focus of educational institutions will be on modernizing technology and capacity building to provide a profound learning experience online. While each person and organization enthusiastically looks forward to the situation to normalize, it is significant for the schools to continue the learning process smoothly. Digital learning is the way forward as a significant aspect of the education system and it is time to accelerate the usage of technical tools to ensure proper delivery of lessons. For this, at least every student must have access to high-speed internet, even those who are living in isolated areas. For students who are not sufficiently equipped with basic technological tools and skills, watching pre-recorded remote learning classes will be baffling as well as frustrating.

Also read: Will schools be reopened on... 

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However, the current situation has given an open-door for the digital transformation of the education framework and the future will witness not only virtual classrooms but also parent-teacher interactions on virtual platforms. As the community of educationists pushes forward adjusting to the new normal, there will be some difficulties that they have to face.

A more urgent need is to address the mental health issues emerging from this pandemic among students and prepare them to grasp the new situation and provide them care, sympathy, appreciation, and resilience that are necessary to face the future.

Also read- poor forced to sell resource..

Looking at the above points, schools and educationists today need to make an effort to reduce the negative impact of the current scenario on the young minds. It is time for them to renew the system while adjusting to the new normal.  They also have to explore other practical alternatives to continue with the delivery of education in order to remain relevant and prepare the students for the future.

This article published in Metro Vaartha on 29.9.20

 

Searching suicidal behavior in children and adolescents

PC THOMAS

 Covid-19 has triggered more suicides in India. As per recent media reports, 28 people including 15 men, 9 women, one male youth, and three girls have ended lives by suicide in Chandigarh since the imposition of the countrywide lockdown and its following unlocking. It was also reported that 66 teenagers under the age of 18 have committed suicide in Kerala during lockdown. Suicides are rampant everywhere, as anxiety levels are very high in most cases.

Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput life ended in suicide which rocked Indian film industry. In Delhi, TikTok influencer Siya Kakkar, who enjoyed celebrity status with over 1.1 million followers on TikTok died by suicide. Another TikTok teen star ended life by suicide due to depression. These incidents help us understand that every suicide is tragic and is recognized as a public health or social issue in almost every country and it needs to be addressed.

Psychological issues in children are also on the rise.  Every year after the Board exams, we hear about students who are ending their lives because they feel they are unable to live up to the expectation of their families.  Many parents believe, the marks scored determine admission in educational institutions and failure to secure high enough marks, adversely affects their children’s career prospects.

Lockdown triggered emotional strain among children as they are not getting to close together with their peers at school which remain closed in the wake of the pandemic. Besides, there may be declining interest in friends, activities, or hobbies previously enjoyed, domestic issues, lack of parental concern, poor communication between parents and child, parent’s improper way of dealing with the errors committed, that pave the way in spiking the number of suicides among children.  And for elders, reasons for ending their lives may be unemployment, life insecurity, failures, distress, extra marital affairs and so on.

Also Read- Keep mental health while social distancing

 However, while searching common causes of suicide, a few things are definitely clear and need minimum explanation. All suicides are a weep for help. It is when people are most vulnerable that they attempt an act which could be named as outrageously heroic. All suicides are mostly planned and well-contemplated as well as connected to a reason that remains unexplained in most cases. There can’t be a fixed reason rather there are a number of factors that contribute to the fatal act.

In each case of suicide, normally people accuse one person over somebody but do not find time to reflect back and address the problem in a more transparent manner. Why is mental imbalance still a taboo in our society? Why depression, which could be indicative of suicidal behavior, is not taken seriously? And lastly, why caste, gender, social status or popularity are the criteria for labelling or judging someone’s suicide?.

Also Read: Hoping for the best amid pandemic

What we are currently encountering with the Covid-19 pandemic is unusual in late memory. There is a major crisis everywhere, professionally and emotionally. People need a place of safety from their distress. Conveying compassion in the time of emotional crisis is essential. Negativity being spread through the sources of communication is a common cause of conflict between a parent and teenagers therefore parents or guardians should take care of their children. While for many of us the reasons of suicide might often seem meaningless or absurd, there is a small section of people who would defend to deal with it and have both fought it and yield to it. For everyone, it is time to realize that life is not about ending, it is about moving forward.

Stay updated with the Best Blog

What to do When Corona Climbs Mt. Everest?

PC THOMAS

We are marching towards more than sixth month of the coronavirus induced lockdown and there seems to be no breather from the highly infectious contagion which is devastating the world. The crisis appears to be unfolding in India in the worst manner than we could have expected. As of September 22, the alarming number of COVID cases worldwide has crossed the 30-million mark and has resulted in 9,71,879 deaths.

Having dealt with social isolation in India, people keep wondering and thinking when we will able to live a normal life? The pandemic shattered the economy, corporate or the everyday economics. It wreaked people with pain of less work, of not going out or exploring new things, but it bridged that void between relationships.

While scientists and medical experts around the world have been working at a breakneck pace to launch a vaccine to control the spread of COVID-19, there is one question that everyone has that how will the pandemic end? While the official caseload has crossed the five million mark, medical experts suggest that the pandemic will touch its peak at different marks in different regions of the country. Therefore, our reaction to the pandemic has to be more localized and effective, to get rid of the pandemic from the root level.

Although the COVID time affects our emotions, memories, feelings and perspectives, it should help us to transform our vision of life for the better and to develop our character. A crisis like this teaches us lessons we would not learn when things are pleasant. We are the sum of the experiences that we come across as we go through life. As human beings, when we encounter a challenge, we have liberty on how to respond to it.

Also Read - How do we prepare ourselves against Covid pandemic?

This pandemic has taught us many things if we can introspect. Different people must have got different realization. The time is ripe to reconsider and rethink our lifestyles and our approach towards social unity. We must tighten protocols and work in unison to build a COVID free society. Cleanliness of surroundings in general and personal hygiene in particular should now be prioritized. We must extend a serving hand without anticipation of a reward. We can help those in need and be ready to help and take help when needed. Let us realize that humans are made out of love and let this love be around. Let us imbibe and reflect love.

Also Read: when-will-we-go-back-to-normal-life

In these difficult times we see many torch-bearers who are risking their lives to protect others – Doctors, nurses and police forces are the epitome of human values in this crisis. Keeping our helplessness in view, we must all surrender before the Almighty’s Power. As we move ahead on the pathway of humankind, things will roll in our favour, pleasing the creator. If we are at peace within ourselves and at peace with the nature we will certainly dispose of this virus. All of us are tense and stressed. We must turn to Almighty. Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

 

 

 

Hoping for the best amid pandemic

 PC THOMAS

Coronavirus has apparently created massive financial disproportions in humans from all walks of life. What is even more worried is the striking reality that many lives are falling into poverty, particularly from the lower middle class that includes skilled labours, hawkers and workers. With the earning hands shifted to jobless or endured pay cuts, many families are finding it hard to cope with things in their life, which ultimately affected the education of their children.  

Recently, media reported a Class-X student of Indore allegedly ended his life as he had no means to pay his outstanding fees which was forcefully demanded by his school authorities. In another report, a man who was rendered jobless due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, hanged himself at Kanpur in UP. In July, media reported, children in about 62% households discontinued their education amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Suicide Cases during Corona Lockdown in India are many.

Numerous reports also came to light showing that many parents are very much hard-pressed to maintain the education of their children due to their job loss. Many unaided parents have been forced to sell their valuable resources for buying the gadgets for the virtual education of their children, driving them further into poverty.  

Also Read: Stay Positive in Negative situation

Obviously, the pandemic crisis has led to a massive spike in the unemployment rate of the country. A latest report of the CMIE revealed worrisome data, which says more than 1.8-Cr salaried employees lost their jobs in India since April, followed by one lakh job losses in May.  

As a result, education is mainly undergoing a severe predicament at the moment. Presumably, schools and college campuses will be shut through 2020 due to an increasing number of COVID cases. In the midst, the shift of classroom experience to virtual platform has highlighted digital disparities, exposing vast tracts with internet connectivity problems. Parents find it difficult to pay for laptops, iPads, smart-phones or the data packs for their children to log into online classes.

While everybody suffers differently, it is of serious concern, how can common people or unemployed parents survive? When and how the economy will recover?  As far as school authorities are concerned, how can they ensure the security and wellbeing of students, teachers and staff? How do they discipline students? How can they protect teachers? How do they revamp classroom experiences? Can parents afford to pay school fees without job? Can institutions afford to pay teachers without students?   There are many unanswered questions.

Also Read: Corona crisis and coronation of our lives

The crisis has revealed that hoping for the best does not help us. On the other hand, we must plan for the worst and hope for the best. The time is ripe that governments should vehemently address this issue – Save our souls and save our States is the weep of people. All state Governments must prioritize the most deprived children and their families through significant social protection schemes including child benefits, remote learning opportunities, healthcare services and generate more and better quality jobs for people to survive. It is also significant that each State and districts have a plan for how to ensure that the pandemic does not derail the aspirations and achievements of this generation of students.

 

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear!

PC THOMAS

In this age of rather pronounced nationalism, one may say that all cultural and value-based things originated from India. Teachers’ Day is one such exclusive example that it’s solemnly observed on September 5, the day Dr. S Radhakrishnan was born. A teacher par excellence, Dr.Radhakrishnan was a great thinker of India and an ideal teacher.  He encouraged education in letter and spirit. The teaching profession was his primary love and those who studied under him still remember with gratitude to his great qualities as a teacher.

Education is the single means for development in this world of breakneck competition, where teaching is a dignified profession which supports the backbone of leaning.  A teacher is an architect of a nation, or rather civilization. A philosopher said, everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The love and reverence we provide our parents is habitual, but a teacher has to earn our love and esteem.

Unfortunately, on account of this Coronavirus pandemic, we have seen an enormous interruption in the typical arrangement of our teaching. Social relationships appear to be undergoing a quick changeover from a close-knit and interweaved social texture to a confined, divided and self-driven style of living.  Mutual relations are perpetually getting overpowered by the rampant use of social media and electronic devices leaving little degree for physical connections, sharing, mindful and complementary exchanges.

In this time of pandemic-driven social life, it is thoughtful upon the role of teachers in a world that is getting increasingly complex and capricious.  The schools are closed, no classes and physical activities can be held, and no tests masterminded. Alternatively, the teaching platform turned to be online, and students deplorably missed direct interaction with their teachers and fellow students. Zooming is the new catchphrase and remote classes are new normal. Dr.Radhakrishnan might not have imagined that such a thing would happen to the world.

According to Dr.Radhakrishnan, education should not merely give us some techniques so that we lead successful lives, but should also help us discover everlasting values. Therefore, be ready students! Let us follow the maxim: 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear’, implying that when a student acknowledges that he is want of knowledge and desires to acquire it, he will open his mind to his teacher who is willing to give it.  The current pandemic crisis will go away. The new dawn will be coming, and all teachers will be ever-ready to enlighten students with new way of learning in letter and spirit. On this Teacher’s day, let us acknowledge, if knowledge is the LIGHT then teachers are the Guiding Stars that give us light. Happy Teacher’s Day! Read more of PC Thomas_article

Onam spirit thrives in the shadow of social distancing

 PC THOMAS

Onam, one of the key festivals, is being celebrated in Kerala or Malayali Diaspora across the globe.  The 10-day festival which started on August 22 comes to close on September 2. The key celebrations are on August 31, the day of Thiruvonam.

According to legend, Kerala had its golden era during the sovereignty of King Mahabali, and Onam marks the King's annual visit to see his subjects. All through the years, Onam has become one-single festival celebrated by all sections of Kerala people. Onam is also celebrated by Keralites with high spirit and enthusiasm even under social distancing.

Onam is a harvest as well as divine festival from God's own country, Kerala. It is the time of the year when Kerala is elated with trumpets, drums, art, dance, music, boat races, floral carpets, lights, colours, rituals and the delicious Onasadya without which the celebrations are unfinished. Onam is welcomed with a various range of activities and celebrated with immense pomp and fervor. The spirit of Onam is worldwide regardless of caste and creed. Read more article PC Thomas

This year, however, the glitter, fervor and enthusiasm for traditional festival Onam seem to have been subdued and restrained in low key-note as the celebrations and merriments are impacted in isolation, due to the corona pandemic. Rising corona cases, social distancing and identification of hotspots clad the season of celebration across states kept the residents in shelter, taking away the festive mood, which our diverse culture is known for.

Indore Keralites are set to keep up Onam fervour amid social distancing due to Covid. The Indore Keraleeya Samajam President Joseph Thomas expressed– “It has been immense joy to celebrate Onam in Indore even with restrictions and social distancing. It reminds all the Rule of Great King Mahabali where Equality, Fraternity & Liberty were practised. Keeping with the solidarity and harmony in mind”.

Arun Kumar PK, the Joint Secretary of Indore Keraleeya Samajam expressed "We observe Onam to honor a glorious past. We all of us desire for a time like that of King Mahabali, a time when success, unity and brotherhood of love uniformed. Be that as it may, so as to realize this dream, let us put forward a creative and sustained energy to keep up"

Let us also follow the message of Onam by Kerala Health Minister K.K Shailaja - “Malayalees should celebrate the first Onam since the COVID-19 outbreak with care at home, celebrate this year's Onam with soap, mask and gap. Let us make ready to celebrate the spirit of the harvest festival Onam in its entire inner zeal and splendor. Let us decorate our homes with Pookalams, listen to the melodious Onam-Songs and enjoy the auspicious festival of Onam!

 

Will local reservation strengthen the unity of India?

 PC THOMAS

While the COVID-19 pandemic is aggravating the economic crisis, an already emotional issue of job reservation is brought to spotlight in Madhya Pradesh. On Tuesday, 19^th August, the Honorable Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that all government jobs in the State will be reserved only for the “children of the State”.

While reading the news, I remembered a story in the Bible. In the New Testament of the Bible, we read in St. Mathew’s Chapter 15, verse 21- 28 the story of a “Canaanite Woman’s hope”.  Jesus was going off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman who lived in that region (local) came to Jesus and said “Son of David, Sir” she begged. “Have mercy on me, my daughter is possessed by a demon and is in a terrible condition” she cried. To test her faith, Jesus made an apparently humiliating statement. “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel” – “It is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (that means Jesus is not bound to help a non-Jew). But the woman’s answer was even more powerful.  She answered “That is true Sir, but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their master’s table”. Jesus was amazed at her faith and said quickly “You are woman of great faith! What you want will be granted to you” And that very moment her daughter was healed!

I do agree that adequate reservation must be given to the children of the State by the respective state governments. At the same time, MP Government has to bear in mind that people from other states living in MP are also contributing to the development of Madhya Pradesh.  Last year, the Kamal Nath government had directed industries in Madhya Pradesh to provide 70 pc reservation to people from the state. In July, the Haryana government promulgated and ordinance reserving 75 pc jobs in the private sector for local people. And, on August 5, the Telangana cabinet approved a policy to reserve 60 pc of skilled jobs and 80 pc of unskilled jobs for the people of the state in the new industries. Read more PC Thomas Article

M.P government has to take into account the current insecurities of all people arising from the jobless situation, especially in the midst of the spread of corona-virus pandemic. Job is needed for all people of India for their survival whether they are sons of the soil or not.

In line with the wish expressed by the Canaanite Woman, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s government should reconsider its decision and reserve only 80 pc of government jobs to the children of Madhya Pradesh and leave 20 pc to the people from other states. All Indians are the sons and the daughters of Mother India whether they are born in one geographical area of India or the other. Like Covid-19, hunger affects everyone without any distinction or discrimination! If all the State governments follow the policy of reserving 100 pc jobs only for the people from their States, it can lead to tensions and conflicts among the different States of India and the unity and integrity of India could be adversely affected.

Moreover, a particular State may not have adequate number of skilled persons or experts in a particular field and some other State may have excess of experts or skilled persons in that particular field. In that case a policy of reserving hundred percent jobs for the sons of the soil will be harmful to both the States. From the perspective of the holistic development of India and the unity of the nation, hundred percent job reservation for the sons of the soil is not a bright idea.  – Stay Updated with Best Blog PC_Thomas

Let celebrations strengthen unity in diversity

 Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis..

PC THOMAS

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival which is observed every year to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of fresh start and a new beginning. It is celebrated following the Hindu mythology which says that Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of the Lord Ganesha. Hindus refer to Lord Ganesha as the remover of all obstacles and barriers.  This year, the 10-day festivities start today, August 22. The final immersion of Lord Ganesha’s statue in the river or ocean marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi that will take place on the 10th day or Anant Chaturdashi day, on 1 September.

As we are now witnessing that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of collective worship-services of various faiths and the abandonment of pilgrimages surrounding observances and festivals. Therefore, so far this year, people over the world have not been able to celebrate any festival outdoors collectively due to the pandemic and they have limited themselves in safe confinements of homes with prayers and meditations. Read more articles PC Thomas

States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu generally witness festivities on large-scale during the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. But, this year, with the virus calling for social distancing, most families are avoiding the act of welcoming more friends and family members at home. People are reportedly making their own clay Ganesha idols this season and online and offline workshops are helping the devout make eco-friendly idols at home.

India is the country where all religions of people are seen. Every one of them celebrates different festivals. Celebrations assume a significant role in our day-to-day life. In our everyday life we will be similar, but in the event of festivals we will be in a unique way. India is known for unity and all people irrespective of religions, celebrate the festivals together. There are numerous celebrations that all of us celebrate such as Baisakhi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, Muharram and so on. Therefore, India is known as the country of festivals.

Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis. Yes, India has already witnessed the religious harmony – Last year, in Hubli village of Karnataka State, both Hindus and Muslims gathered at one Panthal, where arrangements have been made for Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram. According to the locals, people in the Hubli village are eager to celebrate all the festivals together, be it Holi, Diwali or Eid al-Fitr !

Ganesh Chaturthi festival of today is an occasion to promote goodwill, unity and solidarity among the people, which will empower us to keep up the harmony and goodwill across states. There is something awesome about this festival – It transforms the ordinary into the extra-ordinary, darkness into light and desolation into ecstasy. A devotee shared his feeling in such a way: “Nothing can supplant the peace and happiness that Ganesha brings to the faithful each year”.  Let all celebrations strengthen unity in diversity so that coronavirus pandemic may be over – Here is wishing you a very happy, prosperous and healthy life on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This Article published in Metro Vaartha on 22.8.20. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

 

Will Schools be Reopened on September 1?

PC THOMAS

Coronavirus has captured the imagination and thoughts of governments, educationalists, scientists, the media and common man. As businesses revive gradually following the months of lockdown, now the debates about the reopening of schools and colleges have gathered momentum in India. 

In the United States all schools are all set to resume.  In fact, some have already reopened and normal classes started from the first week of August amid rising number of cases. According to a report, it is known that just fourteen days after schools reopened in the U.S, over 97000 children have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. This has been a matter of great concern worldwide, indicating that more cautious steps are to be taken before the normal functioning of the schools amidst the spread of pandemic.  However, considering the gravity of the situation and variation of the pandemic across the globe, many countries are at different stages regarding when and how they plan to reopen schools. These decisions will be made by the governments, often in discussion with local authorities.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in his address on the Independence Day said that the schools in the Delhi city will not be opened until the Covid-19 situation is brought completely under control. Besides, the Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia confirmed before the media that the government would be slow on the issue of opening schools considering the current situations, especially the lesson learned from the condition of school children in the US. In a separate statement, he said that if the parents and teachers together with the 16-lakhs students of Delhi would start praying, it is certain we will soon be able to re-open our schools.

Some State governments are also reportedly considering opening schools from September month. On the other hand, the Centre has clarified that it has not yet finalized any specific date for the reopening schools.  It is also reported that the Centre has prepared the modalities and the plan to restart schools and other educational institutions in a phased manner, starting from September 1.

The return of children to school is important and hopefully a welcome step, but parents and children raise many questions. A greater part of parents are anxious about school closure dampening their children’s education, about children missing social interactions and about children staying on track for the next grade.

Governments should make sure that the schools should be reopened only when it is fully secure for students. However, going back to school will be something totally different from what the children and parents were used to before. It is assumed that schools may restart for a period of time and then a decision may be made to close them again temporarily, depending on the local context. Nevertheless, in the evolving situation, authorities will need to be flexible and be prepared to adopt safety measures for the protection of every child.

In this time of uncertainty, what should a parent do if his child is struggling to get back into school mode?  Parents should keep in mind that their children may experience stress. In that case, they can create a supportive and fostering atmosphere and respond positively to children’s feelings.

It is obligatory for parents to help children to stick to their regular practice and make learning playful and enjoyable by incorporating other activities such as family reading time or games. Give additional support to your child at home by building a routine around school and schoolwork. This can be of great support if they are feeling restless and having trouble regarding focusing on studies.

We all need to keep in mind that the solution to COVID-19 is no longer only in the hands of the experts. Only God can intervene when God’s people pray in harmony, in suffering situation. The Education Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia’s faith is very much valuable. In line with his faith, let us pray the welfare of the country – If the parents and teachers together with the 40-crores students of India would start praying, it is certain all students of India will soon be able to go to schools safely and comfortably. This article publiashed in Metro Vaartha on 19.8.2020. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

You are the key to your freedom

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SHERLY MATHEW

Even when the Almighty God and the Indian Constitution gave us a lot of freedom, we, human beings are still dependent in many areas of our life. If we want to give something to ourselves and our society, the first criteria we should have in our mind is that - we feel experienced the freedom within ourselves.

What is freedom or independence? ... Independence and dependence are varied in each other's views and thoughts. Freedom is a great gift from God to man. God's creation itself is undoubtedly the greatest gift to Mankind.  It is not the power and right to do anything or everything we feel in our minds, but it is the opportunity and right to do what is right..  Freedom is an open window that enlightens the soul and personality of every human being. The beginning of all freedom lies in the area of stability of respect and recognition for the other.

Are we really feel free?... or where we fell freedom? .. I have often felt that we are still addicted to many things. There are many instances in our lives when we are caught in a wave of inconsistent emotions ... Sometimes we lose the ability to discern the right from wrong things...

We are the ones who experience this encounter every day and night. There are no human beings who don’t go through such experiences.. but the truth is that no one gives much importance to it .. or some people enjoy it and live .. that's all.

What is the reason?, We lose the mastery of our mind or thoughts – that is what the reason behind this. We who have good power, intelligence and ability in our life journey, sometime get addicted, with some dark forces to rule our life, willingly or unwillingly. It can be hatred, envy, lust, greed or some special desires ...But we have to realize that all our good qualities may disappear in a moment when we  unknowingly walk from our freedom to slavery.

Though it has been 74 years since India gained independence, there are still many narrow-minded thinkers who do not shed light on independence. The intervention and intrusion of others is the most important factor that undermines our freedom today. Our relationships are often broken down because of our unnecessary invasion into the freedom of others. And finally, our hearts are hurt by the nonsense of others. But we should always remember one thing, they only paint pictures about us. Those images are never realities. No matter how big waves and storms pound the surface, the ocean is clear and calm in its depths. Also, allow harsh words and obscenities to remain only on the surface. Do not allow the mind and eyes to be disturbed by passing them on to the inner core of the heart. Do not allow anyone from outside who does not deserve to lose our privacy or freedom. Then there will be peace in life. We are the "key to our freedom."

We need to grow our own self. We must gain the strength to retreat only when we hear the cry that our way is not right. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render towards other people. He who conquers himself is greater than he who wins a thousand battles and conquers the empire. In spite of this loss, one must acquire the will to embrace the good or the right in anything and everything. This is true freedom. We must not let the shadow of our selfishness cause us to lose the light of the freedom of others. Nor should our freedom rob anyone of happiness.

May our thoughts, words and deeds lead us to true freedom ... This time let us remember our parents who raised us with free thoughts and our ancestors who gave us their own lives and the free country of India. ....Happy Independence Day to all of you. - Stay updated with Best-Blog

Stay Positive in the Negative Situation

PC THOMAS

The global economic recession and uncertainty set off by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the stringent lockdown imposed to contain its spread have impacted lives and livelihoods in India. Financial imbalance and social isolation have pushed many of them to the brink of despair and uncertainty.

Despite the fact that the unlocking has been in progress for past 65 days as of writing this piece, people are attempting to adjust themselves to the new normal life.  However, during this Covid-19 crisis, there are reports indicating to a growth in alleged suicides. On the flip side, there are stories of young people who have triumphed over adversity with life-changing success.

The challenge of Covid-19 is that it is a large-scale crisis affecting the entire society. Businesses go bankrupt, people lose jobs, no hike in salary and people face many struggles to survive during these difficult times.  However, it is a fact that even in the toughest of times, positive people are winners and the negative people are the losers. All of us have the opportunity to utilize this Covid time positively to prepare ourselves to build a better future for us and for our posterity.

Sometimes people, probably because they follow their zeal with passion or because they are by nature aggressive, brave, ambitious, they are willing to leave the comfort zones and move towards the discomfort zone to achieve what they look for in life. But there are some who drift through the present situation aimlessly.

The primary lesson that we need to take from this situation of pandemic is that it is a crisis or it appears to be a setback to the progress of the entire humanity, but the world is not going to an end. The world will emerge stronger and we will find a treatment for the disease and we will go about our lives and get stronger and get better. The most important thing that we can do today is to have that self-belief. Every crisis builds its own winners and even the absence of a crisis has losers. Hence, be positive and believe in you and in the Supreme Power that gives meaning to your life.

In addressing the social issues related to the suicides committed by Covid-19 positive patients or the disgrace and stigma attached to the disease, we need to educate people about reasonably confronting painful and difficult situations in life. Further, we need to be sensitive and caring about persons who need support and encouragement.  Therefore, it is very important for us to quickly reach out those persons in our society who show indications of depression. Timely financial and emotional support in this difficult situation can reduce the number of people taking an irreversible stride to end their lives.  The Central and State governments, on their part, need to take care that  the schemes announced to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and the needy reach the deserving people and that too without delay. For all of us, the need of the hour is to be positive about life and embrace life with confidence come what may! - This article published in Metro Vaartha on 14.8.2020. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

 

 

 

 

Engaging Youth to Act

 PC THOMAS

Once a youth was admitted to hospital following severe injuries attained in a bike accident. When asked him how it happened he said – After participated in the Youth Day’s cocktail party in the hotel and while returning to home late at night, I saw two motorbikes coming parallel in my opposite direction. I began to accelerate in order to race between their motorbikes. But it was they come nearer, that I realized the headlights belonged not to two motor-bikes, but to one car!

Different from the above scene, the youth of today has now become fully disciplined in roads as Coronavirus taught them a bouquet of life lessons in their way of thinking, driving, working and acting. Young people have become heroes of the pandemic now by adapting themselves with critical life situations, keeping careful behind the wheels, lifting spirits of others and letting people know the type of protocols to follow to fight against the pandemic situation. Let us send the virus thanks for these precious lessons it taught.

Today, 12th of August, the nation celebrates one of the awareness days, the International Youth Day. The day is celebrated to recognize the importance, role and hard-work of the Youth. It is one of the most important days to engage the generation of the youth of our world to help them and contribute more to our communities and society. The theme of the International Youth Day-2020 is “Youth Engagement for Global Action”.  The day intends to demonstrate the manners by which youngsters at the local, national and worldwide levels are upgraded.

In India, the youth constitutes about more than one-fourth of the total population. Therefore, Youth Day is important for India as it focuses on making a better India with a set of priorities according to improvements in the lives of children and youth.

Needless to say, this year’s International Youth Day comes amid an unprecedented global crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in acute social and economic impacts around the world.  Young people are particularly exposed to the disruptions the pandemic has caused, and many are now at risk of being left behind in education,   economic prospects and health and wellbeing during a critical stage of their life development. Young people are more likely to be unemployed or to be in precarious working arrangements, and thus they lack adequate social protection.  About one billion students and youth across the world have been affected by school and university closures. Economic miseries and social isolation have pushed many people to the brink or beyond.

In the light of the above, on International Youth Day this year 2020 youth can effectively spread the message and make it interesting and relevant. They can use all their channels to propagate the message about the World Youth Day and its significance in a manner handling with the pandemic crisis, by organizing a virtual public debate or meeting to discuss young people’s contributions to national and international levels. They can take the lead in fighting against false information which is intended to mislead people in the present crisis, as well as in spreading preventive measures. 

Let youth accelerate their drive towards goal and ensure that they have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies amid the crisis. To make all the goals a reality will require the cooperation of each individual, including Governments, the private sector, civil organizations and people around the world. This article published in Metro Vaartha on 12.8.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas