Higher Studies New Zealand, Top Universities New Zealand, Higher Education New Zealand

Synopsis

Studying in New Zealand is a great choice for students who want a good education, low cost, and a bright future. It is one of the best places for Indian students to study and work. There are more than 20,000 new job openings every year. A new job rule called "Green List Occupations" helps students get full-time jobs after finishing their studies.

Study in New Zealand: Best Courses, Easy Rules & Jobs

New Zealand is a great place for Indian students who want to study in another country. It has the best schools, well-qualified teachers, and many job opportunities. In 2024, more than 59,000 students from different countries joined schools in New Zealand. About 10% of them were from India.

One big reason students pick New Zealand is jobs. Every year, there are more than 20,000 new job openings. A new job rule called "Green List Occupations" helps students get full-time jobs after finishing their studies.

Why Study in New Zealand?

Here are some good things about studying in New Zealand:

·         Good Education: Schools teach in a way that helps students learn by doing things.

·         Low Cost: It is cheaper to live here than in many other big countries.

·         Part-Time Jobs: Students can work while studying and full-time during holidays.

·         Worldwide Degrees: A New Zealand degree is accepted in many countries.

·         Safe & Friendly: It is a peaceful country where people are kind.

·         Education System in New Zealand

New Zealand has different types of study programs:

·         Technical Courses: For students who want to learn skills and start working.

·         Youth Programs: Free courses for students aged 16-19 to finish school.

·         Trade Schools: Special schools for learning jobs like mechanics, electricians, etc.

·         Technology Institutes: Schools that teach practical skills.

·         Private Colleges: Schools that offer short courses and certificates.

·         Universities: 8 top universities offer higher studies.

The top Eight universities that offer higher studies are:

·         Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland

·         Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

·         The University of Waikato

·         Massey University

·         Te Herenga Waka: Victoria University of Wellington

·         University of Canterbury

·         Lincoln University

·         University of Otago

Studying in New Zealand is a great choice for students who want a good education, low cost, and a bright future. It is one of the best places for Indian students to study and work.

Study in New Zealand: Work 40 hours a week, and stay back for up to three years!

New Zealand is one of the most popular English-speaking countries for students studying abroad today. It offers high-quality education, great job opportunities, and a peaceful life.

New Zealand has as many as 8 government-accredited universities, 16 government-accredited polytechnics and colleges, and many more private institutes. Courses range from certificate courses to doctorate-level courses. New Zealand follows the British education system. Courses that incorporate completely modern knowledge make New Zealand education valuable globally.

Under the Green List (Skilled Immigrant Category), which includes high-priority occupations, aspirants can apply for permanent residency as soon as they finish their studies and start working. For example, one can secure PR through excellent courses in fields such as nursing, engineering, health and social services, IT, teaching, science, agriculture, business, and hospitality. It is only in New Zealand that it is possible to switch to PR with just six points. Not only that, if you get PR, you can also add your parents to PR.

Students with a minimum of 50% marks in Plus Two can take courses. Moreover, they can take admission without IELTS or PTE. Courses at the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels get a three-year stay back. Another unique feature of New Zealand is that you get a three-year stay back with one year of Master's study. Courses that allow you to work full-time while studying are also available in New Zealand. You can bring your family with you during the study period. Your spouse can work full-time and your children can study without fees.

Although classes for international students start in February and July, some universities and colleges offer courses in March, May, and October. New Zealand universities/colleges often hold job fairs on their campuses. Therefore, there are many opportunities for students to easily move into a good job and get PR in New Zealand.

Students receive scholarships based on merit. Not only that, but New Zealand is also unique in that a student only has to pay fees once they have been granted a visa by immigration.

INDIA: New Zealand Gives Scholarships and Internships to Indian Students, How to Apply

New Zealand will offer scholarships and remote internships to Indian students. The plan will help students learn and work with New Zealand companies while strengthening India and New Zealand’s partnership.

 

New Zealand will give Indian students scholarships worth NZ Dollar 260,000. This help comes under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025. The government will also give 30 students from IIT Delhi a chance to do online internships with companies in New Zealand. These students will learn how New Zealand companies work.

 

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared this news at an event at IIT Delhi. The event was for the New Zealand Centre. This Centre is special because it brings all New Zealand universities together with IIT Delhi.

 

Soon, New Zealand and Indian schools will sign papers to work more closely. They will help students move between both countries, do research together, and learn from each other.

The event also talked about the good work both countries are doing together. They are working on smart projects in areas like artificial intelligence, saving the planet, staying safe from disasters, and making new technology.

One big project by the University of Canterbury and IIT Delhi is using maps and data to help fight climate change. This project will help India with its goals to protect the Earth.

 

At the event, Prime Minister Luxon said, “New Zealand and India are good partners. We help students learn and grow. We want students to be ready for the world.”

How Many Scholarships at Each University?

Here’s how the scholarships are shared

·         AUT University - 1 for Undergraduate, 2 for Postgraduate

·         Lincoln University - 1 for Undergraduate, 4 for Postgraduate

·         Massey University - 2 for Undergraduate, 2 for Postgraduate

·         The University of Auckland - 2 for Postgraduate, 2 for Undergraduate,

·         The University of Waikato -  2 for Postgraduate, 1 for Undergraduate

·         University of Canterbury -  1 for Postgraduate, 1 for Undergraduate

·         University of Otago - 4 for Postgraduate

·         Victoria University of Wellington - 2 for Undergraduate, 2 for Postgraduate

 Who Can Apply?

·         You must be 18 years or older when applying.

·         You must be an Indian citizen (not from Australia or New Zealand).

·         You must meet the student visa rules of New Zealand.

·         You must be living in India when you apply.

·         You must get an unconditional offer from a university for a course that is part of NZEA.

 How to Apply?

·         First, apply to the university and get an offer letter.

·         Then, check if your course is part of NZEA.

·         Fill out the NZEA scholarship form.

 Steps to apply:

 Step 1: StudywithNewZealand.govt.nz offers details on programs and universities.

Step 2: Send directly your application to the institution.

Step 3: To apply for a student visa, Visit immigration.govt.nz.

Step 4: Apply NZEA 2025 before the deadline of April 30, 2025.

Pi Coin Enters Crypto World! Can This Digital Currency Compete with Bitcoin?

 

PiCoin, PiNetwork, Web3, Blockchain

 Synopsis:

Pi Network, a Web3 blockchain project, has officially launched its Open Network, allowing users to trade Pi Coin on major exchanges like Binance and OKX. Created by Stanford Ph.Ds, Pi enables easy mobile mining without expensive equipment. With over 110 million downloads, its listing marks a crucial milestone. As the crypto market watches Pi’s next moves, its success will depend on adoption, utility, and integration into the broader financial ecosystem.

• Mobile-Friendly: Designed for easy use on mobile phones.
• Launch Date: Pi Coin officially started trading on February 20, 2025.
• Top Trend: Became the most talked-about cryptocurrency on CoinMarketCap.
• Investor Interest: A Binance poll showed that 85% of users want Pi Coin listed.
• Exchange Listings: Now available for buying and selling on major crypto platforms.
• Growing Hype: Despite volatility, Pi Coin continues to attract global attention.

Pi Network is a new type of cryptocurrency, online trading, that many people around the world are excited about. It is being made very easy to use on mobile phones. The special coin of this network, called Pi Coin, started working on February 20, 2025. Now, it can be bought and sold on big cryptocurrency websites.

Pi Network (PI) is now officially ready for trading on February 20, 2025, after years of waiting. The coin initially shot up to USD1.84 but quickly dropped to USD0.64 as many investors rushed to sell. By February 21, its price had fallen 62.63 percent to USD0.737, a big drop from its high of USD1.97 when it first hit exchanges.

 Despite the previous fall, Pi  Coin made a strong comeback. Within just 24 hours, the coin’s value surged by 97 percent, making it the most talked-about cryptocurrency on CoinMarketCap. A poll on Binance showed that 85 percent of users wanted Pi to be listed, further boosting excitement.

 What is Pi Network?

Pi Network is a Web3 blockchain project that allows users to mine cryptocurrency using their smartphones. No expensive equipment is needed. It was created in 2019 by Stanford Ph. D. Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan. Unlike Bitcoin, which requires powerful computers, Pi can be earned by simply opening the app and tapping a button once a day.

 According to the official Pi Network website, the project has built a massive community of people mining Pi to develop a Web3-based ecosystem. The network also uses a special mining system that consumes very little energy and has a strong KYC verification process to prevent fraud.

 Why Was Pi’s Listing So Important?

 Millions of Pi users had been waiting for this moment for years. After a two-year delay, they were finally able to move their mined Pi Coins from a test version to the real blockchain (mainnet). As of February 2025, Pi Network had been downloaded over 110 million times, with 5,40,000 new users joining on February 17 alone.

 The listing on big exchanges like Binance, CoinDCX, OKX, and Bitget meant that users could now sell their Pi Coins for the first time. Ahead of the launch, Pi Network posted on X:

 "One day left before Open Network’s launch at 8 a.m. UTC on February 20, 2025! The transition to an Open Network will enable external connectivity on the Mainnet blockchain, allowing Pi to interface with other compliant networks and systems. This means Pioneers will be able to engage in transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem, expanding Pi’s utility and reach."

 How to Mine Pi Coin on Your Phone

• Mining Pi is easy and requires no special hardware. Here is how to do it:
• Download and install the Pi Network app.
• Tap the lightning bolt icon once a day to start mining.
• After three days, add 3 to 5 trusted contacts to increase your mining rate.
• Refer friends to boost earnings even more.
• How to Buy Pi Coin
• Now that Pi is officially listed, you can buy it by following these steps:
• Download a crypto exchange app like CoinDCX, OKX, or Bitget.
• Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.
• Add funds to your exchange wallet and purchase Pi Coin.

 Bitcoin vs Pi Coin 

 Bitcoin and Pi Coin are like magic money online. But they are not the same!

 Bitcoin is very special because there are only a few Like 21 million little coins. No more can be made! But Pi Coin has so many, and no one knows how many there will be!

 Because Bitcoin is rare, people keep it safe like treasure. Big computers help it work.

 But it can never be more special than Bitcoin because there are too many Pi coins.

Will Binance Add Pi Coin?

 Binance is a big place where people buy and sell digital money, called cryptocurrency. Many people want Binance to add Pi Coin so they can trade it there. Pi Coin is very popular, even though some people have questions about it.

 Binance was not sure about adding Pi Coin, so they asked people what they thought. Most people said they want it. Right now, Binance has not added Pi Coin, but a new way of adding coins might help in the future.

 Even though Pi Coin is not on Binance, it is still very valuable. Right now, one Pi Coin costs $1.782, which is 5.94% less than yesterday. Some experts think that if Binance adds Pi Coin, its price could go up to $100 and make it one of the top 10 most valuable digital coins.

 What’s Next for Pi Coin?

 If Pi Network creates real-world uses for its coin, its price could rise above USD500 by 2030. While this is just a prediction, Pi’s fast-growing user base and strong community support make it a serious player in the crypto world.

Bitcoin and Ethereum: The Bigger Picture

 The overall crypto market is also looking strong. Bitcoin recently hit USD98,000 and could move between USD98,000 and USD102,000 before climbing higher, according to CoinSwitch Markets Desk. Meanwhile, Ethereum is struggling to break past the USD 3,000 mark and is hovering around USD 2,800.

 Pi Network’s fast rise has generated a lot of excitement, but its future will depend on how well it integrates into the larger financial system. With over 60 million registered users and growing support from major exchanges, the coming weeks will show whether Pi can hold its momentum or if it's just another hype-driven surge.

 To encourage more adoption, exchanges like Bitget and BitMart are offering special promotions, including a USD60,000 Pi airdrop pool and a USD3,000 USDT giveaway for select users.

 In India, Pi Network has crossed 10-cr downloads on the Google Play Store, proving its strong popularity in the country. As the project continues to develop, all eyes are on whether Pi  Coin can set itself as a valuable cryptocurrency for real-world use.

Can Pi Coin Become More Valuable in the Future?

 Pi Coin is getting a lot of attention, and its future depends on how useful it becomes. Right now, people can mine it easily on their phones, and it has millions of users. If people can use Pi Coin to buy things, its price might grow a lot. It is being predicted that it may reach $500 by 2030! But for that to happen, big businesses and stores must start using it. If more people trust and trade Pi Coin, it could become a strong cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. But if not, its price may stay low or fall.

Pi Network’s Future: What Lies Ahead?

The launch of Pi Network’s Open Network is a big step forward in the world of cryptocurrency. It has made mining easier for everyone and attracted users from all over the world. Despite some early ups and downs in price, Pi Coin has become very popular, especially with its recent listing on major exchanges. Many investors are hopeful about its future value, but its long-term success will depend on how well it is used in real life and how widely people accept it. As Pi Network grows, its real challenge will be proving itself as a useful and trusted cryptocurrency in the market.

Mine Crypto on Your Phone Easily with Pi Network

You can now earn cryptocurrency right from your phone thanks to Pi Network, without spending on costly equipment or draining your battery. A group of Stanford graduates launched Pi in 2019, giving users the chance to mine coins simply by opening the app every day and inviting trusted friends to secure the network.

Pi sets itself apart from Bitcoin by using far less energy. Instead of Bitcoin’s energy-heavy system, Pi relies on the Stellar Consensus Protocol. It is a faster, eco-friendly method that welcomes everyone. Since introducing its blockchain in 2021, Pi has also added identity verification for users who want to transfer their coins, giving the platform an extra layer of security.

As the cryptocurrency space shifts toward greener and more user-friendly solutions, Pi Network stands out. It offers a simple and sustainable way for anyone to step into the world of digital currency.

Why India’s Inflation Just Hit a 7-Month Low- What’s Behind the Drop?

 

  #Inflation, #EconomicOutlook, #RetailInflation, #CoreInflation 

Synopsis:

India's inflation eased to 3.6% in February 2025, marking a seven-month low, thanks to falling vegetable prices. While core inflation edged above 4% after more than a year, industrial production gained momentum. The recent SBI Ecowrap report shows key factors such as  major economic trends, growing imported inflation, rural & urban inflation gaps, as well projections for RBI’s interest rate cuts.

 Key Highlights

·         Retail Inflation Falls to 3.6% in February 2025,  Seen lowest in 7 Months

·         Core Inflation Rises to 4.08%,  Seen to be Highest in 14 Months

·         Industrial Output Grows 5% in Jan 2025, Boosted by Mining & Manufacturing

·         Imported Inflation Soars to 31.1% in Feb 2025, Driven by Oil & Metal Prices

·         Would you like me to also draft SEO-friendly tags for this?

India Inflation and Economic Outlook

 India’s CPI inflation - Consumer Price Index - dropped to 3.6 percent in February 2025, its lowest level in 7 months, mainly due to falling vegetable prices. As per the SBI Economic Research, food and beverage prices eased sharply, cutting down overall inflation.

 Vegetable prices declined steeply, pushing the vegetable CPI into negative territory (-1.07 percent) for the first time in 20 months. Garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes comprised about 80 percent of this fall. Analysts believe garlic prices fell significantly due to lower demand during the Maha Kumbh when people cut back on non-vegetarian food.

 At the same time, fruit prices surged to a decade-high inflation rate of 14.8 percent, likely because of rising demand during fasting periods linked to the Maha Kumbh. Fuel and light prices continued their deflationary trend, which has now lasted for 18 months. Non-vegetarian food (eggs, meat, fish) inflation also slowed, possibly driven by seasonal dietary changes.

 Despite the overall slowdown, core inflation increased to 4.08 percent, marking its highest level in 14 months. Core inflation tracks price changes that last longer and gives a clearer picture of the economy's deeper inflation trends.

The report also points out that rural inflation continues to exceed urban inflation, based on fluctuating food prices.  India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) on the industrial front, grew by 5.0 percent in January 2025, with mining and manufacturing sectors leading the growth.

 Imported inflation rose sharply, from 1.3 percent in June 2024 to 31.1 percent in February 2025. The surge was mainly factored by higher prices of oils, fats, and precious metals.

 Looking ahead, the Reserve Bank of India is likely to reduce the rate of interest rates by at least 75 basis points in 2025, with reductions expected in April and August.

 Corporate earnings stayed strong in the 3rd  quarter of Fiscal 2025, with companies posting revenue growth of 6.2 percent, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization)  growth of 11 percent, and Profit After Tax (PAT) growth of 12 percent.

 The March 12, 2025 edition of SBI Ecowrap offers a detailed illustration of India's economic health, focusing on future monetary policy expectations, inflation trends,  and industrial performance.

 How Inflation and Interest Rates Are Connected

 Learn how rising prices (inflation) and borrowing costs (interest rates) work together to shape the economy and your daily life. This simple explanation will help common people understand why prices go up and how banks use interest rates to control them.

 What Is Inflation?

 Inflation is when prices of goods and services increase over time. It makes your spending less than it did before. For example, if a toy cost Rs. 10 last year but now costs Rs. 12, that is called inflation.

 Some things, like Mobile and computers, might get cheaper over time because of technology. But most necessary things like rent, healthcare, and food, usually become more expensive.

 What Causes Inflation?

 Many things cause inflation:

·         More people are borrowing and spending money.

·         Companies raising wages.

·         Disruptions like supply chain issues.

 People expect prices to rise, so they spend faster. This pushes core inflation to 4.08 percent, the highest in 14 months. It shows lasting price trends and deeper inflationary pressures in the economy.

 How Do We Measure Inflation?

 Experts check inflation using special tools:

·        Consumer Price Index (CPI): It tracks price changes for everyday items like groceries, haircuts, and school supplies.

·        Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE): It looks at how people change what they buy when prices rise.

·        Producer Price Index (PPI): It checks how much it costs companies to make goods. If their costs go up, prices for customers also usually go up.

·         Core Inflation: This measure ignores food and energy prices because they change a lot due to weather or world events.

 How Do Interest Rates Help Control Inflation?

Interest rates are like a brake for inflation. When inflation rises too fast, banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve raise interest rates.

 When interest rates go up:

·         Borrowing money becomes harder and more expensive.

·         People might skip buying big things like cars or houses.

·         Companies may delay new projects.

·         Families spend less to keep up with higher credit card or loan payments.

·         All of this helps slow down how fast prices rise.

 What Happens When Inflation Is Low?

 If the economy is weak or inflation is low, banks lower interest rates. This makes borrowing cheaper and it helps people and businesses to spend more. More spending can help the economy grow and bring prices up to a healthy level.

 The Federal Reserve's 2 percent  Inflation Goal

The Federal Reserve tries to keep inflation at around 2 percent per year. This is enough to keep the economy growing without prices rising too quickly. If inflation is too high or too low, it can be tough for businesses and families.

Why Interest Rates Cannot Fix Everything

Raising interest rates does not always work perfectly:

·         It takes time for changes to affect the economy.

·         Some areas, like housing or cars, are hit harder than others.

·       If prices go up because of supply issues such as a shortage of computer chips or oil etc, raising interest rates would not solve that.

 Why It Matters to You

 When you hear adults talk about inflation or interest rates, they are talking about how much things cost and how easy or hard it is to borrow money. Knowing how these two work together helps you understand why you might spend less or why saving money becomes more important

 

Happy Teachers Day 2021: When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

 Happy Teachers Day 2021: When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

Teachers’ Day that is solemnly observed on September 5 in India is in tune with the age-old Indian tradition of Guru-Shishya (Teacher-student) relationship. Teacher’s day is celebrated on 5th of September every year because it is the birthday of a great teacher Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who was also a well-known diplomat, scholar and the President of India. Some of his students pleaded with him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. He told them, "Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege, if 5th September is observed as Teachers' Day".........          Read more....

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.