A Case of Employment Generation in Hyderabad because of Gated Community: Libdom Luxury Villas, Raj Reddy Valley

 A huge number of residents staying in a gated community help to generate employment and thus it creates a 'Multiplayer Effect' in the area. Regarding the "Multiplier Effect," I am mentioning from a secondary source, "an effect in economics in which an increase in spending produces an increase in national income and consumption greater than the initial amount spent. For example, if a corporation builds a factory, it will employ construction workers and their suppliers as well as those who work in the factory. Indirectly, the new factory will stimulate employment in laundries, restaurants, and service industries in the factory's vicinity", (dictionary.com/browse/multiplier-effect). The gated communities are one of the best advantages of living on a villa campus. In a gated community, the entry of the pedestrians, automobiles, and bicycles are controlled by security personnel, along with closed fences, and walls. Further, villas have enormous amenities, huge gardens, and common areas. All this is protected through well-secured gates and fences. People who live in these gated communities feel secure at any time of the day. 

Here, I am presenting a case from Hyderabad of Bandlaguda Jagir. In this locality, there is a villa campus known as Libdom Luxury Villas, Raj Reddy Valley. This was designed by Niyas Projects, spread over an area of 17 acres with all modern facilities. It is pertinent to mention that Libdom has been derived from two words – from Liberty “Lib” and from Freedom “Dom” and finally the word is   “Libdom”. Anyway, this campus has generated direct employment for many and also indirect employment for others. In this regard, a few statistics are being highlighted for the benefit of readers (all statistics have been collected from MyGate App and also a discussion carried out with the maintenance manager of Libdom Luxury Villas).  Altogether, 249 people mostly women are working as daily help for around 190 households and 41 drivers are engaged by different villa residents and 40 car cleaners are discharging their duties. Milk is essential for all human beings irrespective of age and 39 milk persons are on the job here. Further, to cater to the educational needs of the children, there are 25 tuition teachers, one dance teacher, one gym instructor, one tennis instructor, also one taekwondo instructor.  The campus has also generated employment for others as there are 12 security personnel, eight gardeners, and eight ’safaiwalas’, also one person who works as a water supplier, and one laundry person. Moreover, electricians and plumbers have been employed. So it is evident that this campus of 190 residents has generated employment for many. In addition, the campus has facilitated the development of trade and business for others. Although nearby a few other families stay in different apartments or own houses because of villa residents whose purchasing powers are little more, one medical shop, two snacks shops, one shop for household items like paper plates, paper glass, floor cleaners, etc have been established. To cater to the grocery needs three shops have been established. In addition, in its vicinity stationery and chicken shops also exist. Further, every Saturday 3/4 vegetable sellers with a mini truck come and sell many vegetables.  With all these things, it is evident that in a campus of 190 households (assuming five members in each household so with around 950 persons) many people have been eking out their livelihood because of Libdom Luxury Villas, Raj Reddy Valley. Lastly, Libdom Luxury Villas, Raj Reddy Valley can be considered as mini India as people of different states are staying here and also people of different castes and religions amicably.  

‘AGNIPATH’ SCHEME: A FEW FACTS COLLECTED FROM THE PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

 

 Unemployment is still a serious issue in India.  The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has reported that the unemployment rate for urban areas has decreased to 8.2 percent in January-March 2022 from 8.7 percent in the previous quarter (October-December 2021) and 9.3 percent in the same quarter in 2021. Even then the unemployment rate is very high. In recent days, violent protests have been found in many parts of the country about the recruitment in the army under the banner of the ‘AGNIPATH’ scheme. In view of this, I am presenting a few facts based on the “PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA June 14, 2022” with the objective of highlighting the components of the ‘AGNIPATH’ scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces. So this is purely based on the Government of India source.  The youths selected under this scheme will be known as AGNIVEER. AGNIPATH allows youths to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.

AGNIVEER will be given an attractive customized monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, AGNIVEER will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest as indicated below”:

Year	Customized Package (Monthly)	In Hand (70%)	Contribution to AGNIVEER Corpus Fund (30%)	Contribution to corpus fund by Govt.of India
All figures in Rs (Monthly Contribution)
First  Year	30000	21000	9000	9000
Second  Year	33000	23100	9900	9900
Third Year	36500	25580	10950	10950
Fourth Year	40000	28000	12000	12000
Total contribution in AGNIVEER Corpus Fund after four years			Rs 5.02 Lakh	Rs 5.02 Lakh
Exit After 4 Year : Rs 11.71 Lakh as Seva Nidhi Package (Including, interest accumulated on the above amount as per the applicable interest rates would also be paid)

It is observed from the PIB that the ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax. There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits. AGNIVEER will be provided a non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces. One time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package to be paid to AGNIVEERS upon completion of engagement period of four years

It is evident from the PIB that” during this period of service to the nation, the AGNIVEER  will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage, and patriotism. Post this stint of four years, the AGNIVEER  will be infused into the civil society where they can contribute immensely to the nation-building process. The skills gained by each AGNIVEER will be recognized in a certificate to form part of his unique resume. AGNIVEER , on completion of the four-year tenure in the prime of their youth, will be mature and self-disciplined with the realization to become a better version of himself/herself both professionally as also personally. The avenues and opportunities that will open up for their progress in the civil world after AGNIVEER tenure would certainly be a big plus towards nation-building. Moreover, the Seva Nidhi of approximately Rs 11.71 lakh would aid the AGNIVEER  to pursue his/her future dreams without the financial pressure, which is normally the case for young people from the financially deprived strata of society”.

The terms and conditions under the AGNIPATH scheme, as observed from the PIB are the AGNIVEER  will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for a period of four years. They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks. Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time, AGNIVEER  will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces. These applications will be considered in a centralized manner based on objective criteria including performance during their four-year engagement period and up to 25 percent of each specific batch of AGNIVEER  will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces. Detailed guidelines will be issued separately. Enrolment will be undertaken through an online centralised system for all three services with specialized rallies and campus interviews from recognized technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrollment will be based on ‘All India All Class’ basis and the eligible age will be in the range from 17.5 to 21 years. AGNIVEER  will meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades. The educational qualification for AGNIVEER will remain as in vogue for enrolment in various categories. {For example: For entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10}.

However, it may be mentioned that Government raises the age limit to 23 under the AGNIPATH scheme. I suggest to the Government of India if possible instead of four years it may be extended to ten years.

Ad per the PIB, altogether 46,000 AGNIVEER to be recruited this year and recruitment rallies will commence in 90 days

 

A Few Facts from the Global Report on the State of Dietary Data, 2022

 

Based on the Global report on the state of dietary data, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Intake Centre for Dietary Assessment, 2022 a few points are presented for the benefit of readers. We all know that the importance of a healthy diet for good nutrition and overall well-being is the sine qua non. Low-quality foods are associated with malnutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies, and a range of adverse cardio-metabolic and non-communicable disease outcomes, including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. It is evident from the Report that poor-quality diets have been identified as a top risk factor for disease globally, with recent analyses by the Global Burden of Disease Project estimating that 10 percent of the world’s attributable disease burden is associated with dietary risks.  It may be mentioned here that the country stories in this section illustrate the ways in which political will was successfully generated for initiating dietary surveys in the given countries (15 Countries) viz.,  Brazil, China, Kenya, Zambia, Niger, Jordan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippine,   Viet Nam, Zambia, and Mexico.

Further, the economic and health burdens associated with poor-quality diets are a worldwide concern, but for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where health systems are generally less accessible and less equipped to respond to complex health outcomes, the long-term impact of these burdens has the potential to be especially devastating. Many of these LMICs are currently grappling with the deepening multiple burdens of malnutrition. It is pertinent to mention here that in the Report Less Developed Countries, or Developing Countries,  such term has not been used but the term is low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which academicians can note down.

A few of the important points for general people about diets are:

a)      It is recommended that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) should provide no more than 3 percent of total energy intake, and applies to all age groups. This is an important point as different types of cool drinks people in general and children, in particular, prefer during summer but I suggest it should be less. And we all know the impact of high sugar ​on the body. In simple language, blood sugar may damage the eyes, kidneys, hearts, and other organs.

b)      Regarding saturated fats as examples few are mentioned here: butter, cheese, ghee, coconut oil and palm oil, cakes, sausages, bacon, cured meats like salami, chorizo​,​ and pancetta, it should provide no more than 10 percent of total energy intake, as excess intake of saturated fat is associated with cardiovascular disease.

c)      It is evident from the publication that at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day should be consumed by a normal adult, for non-communicable disease (NCD) risk reduction, but the threshold was adjusted to 360 grams per day for adolescents, as they consume less food and energy on average than adults.

d)     It is evident from the report that milk potentially improves intakes of calcium, vitamin A and vitamin B12, better than huge saturated foods.

While discussing the dietary habit, a case from Hyderabad, India viz., Pragati Resorts​may be presented.  It was established in 1994 near Hyderabad city which was barren with terrible climate conditions and was unfit for cultivation. The present Chairman and founder Dr. G.B.K Rao selected the land based on three criteria – i) it is away from the city and away from the highway, ii) non-cultivable /barren, and iii) low water level. Now, the area has been turned into heaven and the people call it "Pragati is Heaven on Earth". In the Resorts there are many activities based on nature. One important activity is a provision of ‘Amrutha Ahaaram’ (meaning Amrita/lifesaving foods), and this special 3-day package has been designed to boost immunity levels naturally to fight against any type of virus or bacteria.

Before​ ​conclusion, it may be mentioned from the report that six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, the Philippines,​and Viet Nam) have institutionalized the implementation of dietary surveys to ensure routine implementation in the country. 

 

A culturally developed State scaling down to uncultured path

 West Bengal/Bengal once upon a time was a culturally advanced State of the country as many great personalities were born and helped to develop the State culturally in many ways. A few names are  -  Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Swami Vivekananda,  Michael Madhusudan Dutt/Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Acharya  Prafulla Chandra Ray, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, and many others. But recently many uncultured events took place in the State and mainly by the goons of the ruling party. A few days ago, Vice-Chancellor of Aliah University,  West Bengal Prof. Muhammad Ali was badly manhandled by a group of students and one of them was a former student leader of the present ruling party of the State. Professor Ali was earlier teaching chemistry at Jadavpur University, a reputed person and thorough gentleman. When I was watching   TV, I was very upset as the way a group of students manhandled V.C. (Prof. Muhammad Ali), used slang words, etc., clearly revealed that these are uncultured students of the University.  

Prior to this, the Calcutta High Court on 3 March 2022 ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers in state-run schools through State Level Selection Test (SLST). This issue has been cropped up after allegations of corruption in the recruitment of Group C and Group D employees in secondary and higher secondary schools under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE)  (https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ . March 7, 2022).

And the most horrific incident took place on 21 March 2022, the massacre that claimed eight lives at Bogtui village in Birbhum district. It is pertinent to mention that, a local ruling party leader was killed by the criminals and in retaliation, many houses were burnt and eight persons were charred to death including women and children (www.hindustantimes.com/28/3/22). 

Many know about the death case of Anis Khan.  Anis Khan, a 27-year-old student, (a former MBA student of Aliah University) was allegedly killed at his home. It is believed that he was killed because his activities irritated some persons of the State ruling party.  “As per The Telegraph, his parents alleged that four men, one in police uniform and the others in mufti, came looking for him. Sometime after they left, Khan was found dead outside the house. The Times of India reported that while one in the police uniform restrained Khan’s father, the three went upstairs where he was sitting (www.firstpost.com/india/24/2/22). Anyway, his father demanded a CBI enquiry as he did not have faith in the local police. After hue and cry in the State, two police personnel — a home- guard and a civic volunteer — were arrested in connection with Anish Khan’s death. The Test Identification Parade was ordered by the Calcutta HC as sought by the SIT. And another case is the murder of Congress Councillor, Tapan Kandu in March 2022 is also unfortunate.

This is very unfortunate and heartrending that almost everyday murder has been taking place in the State where great personalities were born who advocated for peace and peaceful coexistence. We all know that after assembly elections, in the State huge violence took place and as a sequel, many lost their lives, houses were burnt, etc. On the other hand, after recently concluded assembly elections in some of the states, not a single murder had taken place. 

It seems the future of the people of the State is uncertain as too much politics (killings, scams, houses burning etc) has been scaling down the development of the State. 

A Few Facts about National Science Day

 Today, 28 February 2022 National Science Day is observed in India. Science has changed human life in a massive way because of medical science; the expectancy of life has increased across the world. The people of the world are getting many comforts because of science. But science has a dark side also as it is being misused in different ways. A great example in present days is the aggression of Russia to Ukraine. And unfortunately, Russian leaders have been using different types of modern arms and ammunition to destroy assets and kill human beings because of science, these weapons have been developed. Even Russian leader Putin has asked his armed personnel to keep ready nuclear weapons, which is very unfortunate, sad, and deplorable. He may be thus a great leader but he is being cursed by the persons who have lost their near and dear. Anyway, I am presenting a few lines about National Science Day for the benefit of readers. National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928. Raman Effect is a phenomenon in spectroscopy. Raman Effect is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam. Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength. A small part, however, has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman Effect (vikaspedia.in/education/childrens-corner/national-science-day).

In 1930, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for this outstanding discovery and this was the first Nobel Prize for India in the field of Science while working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.

In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) requested the Government of India to declare 28 February National Science Day. Accordingly, the Day is celebrated across India in schools, colleges, universities, and other academic, scientific, technical, medical, and research institutions by organizing different academic activities. The theme for National Science Day of the year 2022 is 'Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future', The four-fold approach of integration would consist of

• integration of all the scientific departments which can work on theme-based approach;

• extended scientific integration encompassing engineering, medical and other institutions;

• extra-scientific integration involving the identification of the needs of other ministries like jal shakti, railways etc.; and

• extended science-driven all-inclusive approach integrating start-ups & industry.

It is pertinent to mention that the Department of Science & Technology (DST) instituted National Awards in 1987 to stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science, popularization, and communication and in promoting scientific temper.

I hope Science will help to develop mankind not to destroy. 

Case of a brave village woman: Saved her husband from hungry tiger

 

This is a real story of a brave woman named Mrs Jyostna Shi who saved her husband from the mouth of a tiger taking the risk of her own life. The family lives at Gurguria Bhubaneswari village of Sundarbans of West Bengal which is famous for Royal Bengal tiger. Also wildlife thrives in this unique ecosystem and it is home to large numbers of mammals, birds, fish etc. The area is covered with many creeks as it is part of the Ganges Delta. The delta is densely covered by mangrove forests. In this area many people eke out their livelihoods by catching fishes and crabs, in addition to collecting honey. Also many survive on small scale farming so the economic condition of the people is not very good.  Many people were killed by the tigers because the animals suddenly attacked the people who were catching the fish or doing farming or collecting honey.  According to a news report at least 23 villagers were killed by tigers in the Sundarbans in one year (telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/dt 02.06.21).  On 3 April 2021, early morning Mrs Jyostna Shi along with her husband (both middle aged persons) went to catch fishes and crabs by moving their small boat. It is pertinent to mention that because of tigers, the fishermen and women move through their small boat in the creek. After going a few minutes through the creek, husband and wife tied their boat in a small tree and started moving on foot to observe waterways. After moving for a few minutes they decided to return.  When they were returning, the wife was a few steps ahead, and the husband suddenly cried tiger, tiger. Mrs Jyostna Shi saw the tiger had grabbed her husband with its legs. She jumped on the back of the tiger. But the tiger wanted to kill her husband and eat. She started to remove the tiger from the husband but Tiger was not leaving him so she finally put her two fingers in two canals of the ears of the tiger. The tiger was nervous as ears’ canals are very sensitive to all animals including human beings. The tiger left the man but by this time the man was profusely bleeding. She then with a lot of struggle took her husband in the boat. And after reaching the village she cried to help her husband as husband was profusely bleeding because badly injured. The villagers were kind enough and arranged a vehicle to take them to Kolkata which is around 140 kilometres away from the area. In Kolkata, the orthopedic surgeon did few operations and still the person is under treatment and he cannot lift his one hand. Shi family has two daughters and they arranged the marriage of the elder daughter, but unfortunately the first daughter's husband was killed by the tiger. For this incident, the in-laws asked her to go back to her parents’ home and by this time she delivered a girl child also, so the young helpless woman came with the baby girl child to the parents' home. It is reported that for survival of all the family members Mrs Shi (wife of injured husband) works in the village and hardly earns Rs 200 per day. If she earns, family members get food but if not then eating is uncertain. Anyway, I salute the woman for fighting with the tiger at the cost of her life to save her husband.

(The basic inputs of the article have been collected from Didi No.1, a Bengali TV show, dated 27 September 2021) 

Dr (Prof ) Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad, Dt. 29 September 2021.

 

Few Facts about Engineers’ Day in India

 The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) has selected 4 March as 'World Engineering Day for a Sustainable World’. But Engineers’ Day is observed in several countries on various dates of the year e.g. in India on 15 September, Engineers’ Day is celebrated  as Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly known as Sir MV an Indian civil engineer was born on  15 September 1860 in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka. His contribution to the field of engineering in India is huge. His work was applauded with several accolades, the most eminent being the Bharat Ratna. It is pertinent to mention that his birthday on 15 September is celebrated as Engineers' Day not only in India but also in Sri Lanka and Tanzania in his memory (wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Visvesvaraya).     He was the Chief Engineer of Krishna Raja Sagara dam in the north-west suburb of Mysore city, Laxmi Talav dam in the south-west Maharashtra Radhanagari Kolhapur and also served as one of the Chief Engineers of the flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad. In 1912, he was appointed as Diwan (second minister) of Mysore and served for seven years.  With support from Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore, Sir M. Visvesvaraya contributed to the development of Mysore. He was instrumental in the founding of Government Engineering College at Bangalore in 1917; this one later on was later named University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering. He commissioned several new railway lines in Mysore state also. He was instrumental in developing a system to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion. This dam created the biggest reservoir in Asia when it was built. Sir Visvesvaraya provided technical advice for the location of Mokama Bridge over Ganga in Bihar when he was 90 years old.  

On occasion of Engineers’ day my salute to all the engineers as because of them we are leading a decent life. There are many instances about the engineers’ contribution in each and every society. A few I wish to mention - today’s multi storeyed buildings, bridges - flyover or on the rivers are few examples among the plethora of the engineers’ creations. 

The contribution of engineers is found in the Hindu mythology as lord Vishwakarma is considered as the God of Architect and Construction. Many perform Vishwakarma puja with great zeal normally this is held before Dasserra. On this day (Vishwakarma puja), the workers take a break from work and the machines are worshipped. Vishwakarma puja is the symbol for all the workers and craftsmen to increase their productivity (apnisanskriti.com/vrat-katha/significance-of-vishwakarma-puja).      

On the occasion of Sir Visvesvaraya's birthday, I offer my great salute to him. Also my salute to all the engineers because of them we are leading luxurious lives. During summer days and scorching heat we are enjoying cool weather as electric fans, air condition​s​ etc. are beating the heat. Similarly during extreme winter, room heaters etc., give us huge comfort.​ In other words,  I wish to mention here engineers' have controlled the season also. ​

Sir M. Visvesvaraya left for heavenly abode on 14 April 1962 (survived about 102 years) but his contribution in India and abroad will be remembered by all generations after generations.

 Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

Dt 15 September 2021​

Mother Teresa endowed with Holy Soul: A Glimpse of her humanitarian Service

 On 26 August 2021, the world celebrated the birthday of a great and holy soul, selfless lady, endowed with purity in heart, who is popularly known as Mother Teresa but born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu.

Mother Teresa is a symbol of sacrifice for the service and caring of the downtrodden people. She was born on 26 August 1910 in present-day Skopje of North Macedonia. I will not discuss here about her religion etc. but I feel her greatest religion was love and affection to others particularly to the poor echelon of the society. On other days, we have seen on TV that innocent people were killed without any fault of theirs in Kabul but Mother Teresa has shown us how to nurture helpless children and others for survival. She left her home in 1928 when she was 18 years old and came to Ireland to learn English. And later on sent to India and on 24 May, 1931, she took her initial vows as a nun. Among her innumerable activities few are mentioned here so that young generations are motivated. 

From 1931 to 1948 Mother Teresa taught at St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta now Kolkata, but observing the suffering and poverty outside the convent walls, she changed her mind.  In 1948 she left the convent school with proper permission from the authority and devoted herself to working among the poor in the slums of Calcutta. Although she had no funds, she depended on Divine Providence, and started an open-air school for slum children. Soon she was joined by voluntary helpers, and financial support was also forthcoming. This made it possible for her to extend the scope of her work. She established a new sisterhood, Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa and her associates built homes for orphans, nursing homes for lepers and hospices for the terminally ill in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Mother Teresa's organization also engaged in aid work in other parts of the world. Also her role to serve the people, during Bengal Famine in 1943 and Direct Action Day, also known as the 1946 Calcutta Killings, was praiseworthy.

It may be mentioned here that, “The Missionaries of Charity, which began as a small order with 12 members in Calcutta, today has more than 4,000 nuns running orphanages, AIDS hospices, and charity centers worldwide, and caring for refugees, the blind, disabled, aged, alcoholics, the poor and homeless and victims of floods, epidemics and famine in Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, Poland, and Australia. In 1965, by granting a Decree of Praise, Pope Paul VI granted Mother Teresa permission to expand her order to other countries. The order's first house outside India was in Venezuela. Presently, the "Missionaries of Charity" has presence in more than 100 countries” (awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/mother-teresa).

Some of her activities across the world are: In 1982 during the Siege of Beirut Mother Teresa rescued 37 children trapped in a front-line hospital by brokering a temporary cease-fire between the Israeli army and Palestinian guerrillas. Accompanied by Red Cross workers, she travelled through the war zone to the hospital to evacuate the young patients.

Also she visited to help the hungry people in Ethiopia; radiation victims at Chernobyl and earthquake victims in Armenia.  In 1991 she went to Albania for the first time, opening a Missionaries of Charity Brothers home in (wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa).  Mother Teresa’s work has been recognised and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Bharat Ratna, the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize etc.

Although Mother Teresa left for heavenly abode on 5 September 1997 (aged 87 in Calcutta/Kolkata) but because of her great humanitarian service she is in the heart of all in the world. I offer my Pronam to her.

 Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad , 27 August 2021

 

World Elephant Day, 12 August: Few Titbits

 In school days we were taught by the teachers while teaching general knowledge/ social science that ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which is a Sanskrit phrase mentioned in the Maha Upanishad, meaning "the world is one family". So animals and other living beings have the right to survive in this beautiful world. On August 12, 2012, the World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The elephant is loved, and respected by people and cultures around the world.  They have been providing great service to human beings as ‘Elephant Safari’ is popular among the tourists in the world. The elephants are used to carry logs, heavy woods etc., in many places. And in many Hindu temples elephants are nurtured. Even then elephants are treated badly. According to Dr. Stephen Blake, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, “elephants are simply one more natural resource that is being caught up in human greed on the one hand and human need on the other.  We somehow need people to become reacquainted with nature or they can have no clue as to the interrelatedness of cause and effect.” It is observed from the website worldelephantday.org/about that ‘the escalation of poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and mistreatment in captivity are just some of the threats to both African and Asian elephants. Working towards better protection for wild elephants, improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, conserving elephant habitats, better treatment for captive elephants and, when appropriate, reintroducing captive elephants into natural, protected sanctuaries are the goals that numerous elephant conservation organizations are focusing on around the world.’                    While talking about Elephant Day, in the context of India it may be mentioned that the Government of India has notified a total of 32 Elephant Reserves. The total elephant population in India was 27312 (as per Census in 2017) (source: upsccolorfullnotes.com/32-elephant-reserves-in-india-in-2021-map). I visited some of the reserves and was charmed to see pachyderms and the pristine beauty of the places.   And one place of Sri Lanka I wish to mention here as it was a memorable place. During the course of Sri Lanka visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage must be visited (I visited in March 2018). It is located in the village Pinnawala in Kegalle district 90 kilometres away from Colombo. The orphanage also abandoned elephants and those injured) population of pachyderm was around 93, making it the world’s largest collection of captive elephants. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department adjoining the Maha Oya River. In 1978 the Orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife subsequently, a captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the programme more than 20 elephants were raised (bred) here and during the time of visit it was reported that altogether 93 elephants were staying. The objective of the Orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. The elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. While visiting the place, I purchased fruits from that place and put them in the mouth of an elephant (outside fruits are not allowed).                                                                                                 The theme for this year’s World Elephant Day has not been announced; however, last year it was ‘Haathi Hamara Saathi’(meaning elephants are our friends)

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad Dt. 12 August 2021

Brigadier Mohammad Usman: A Great Army Officer of India Born in July and Died in July

 For the common citizens’ peace and happiness and to keep our international border safe , time to time many army personnel of different cadres irrespective of caste , creed and religions have sacrificed their lives. I am presenting a case of a great army officer Brigadier Mohammad Usman who was born on 15 July 1912 in present Uttar Pradesh and died on 3 July 1948 while fighting with the enemies at Naushera in Jammu Kashmir. He was a great patriot as at the time of partition of India he along with many other Muslim officers declined to go to Pakistan to join in Pakistan Army. 

It is pertinent to mention that partition of India was the most unfortunate part in the history of India. The common people irrespective of caste, creed and religion fought against the British Raj but unfortunately few leaders supported by the British in those only to enjoy power were the architects of the partition at the cost of human lives. Unfortunately these power hungry leaders enjoyed the power because the partition displaced between 10 and 20 million people along religious lines, and 200,000 to 2 million deaths took place. And lakhs of women were assaulted and huge properties were damaged.  All were the common people of different religions. 

Anyway, Brigadier was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra and it is pertinent to mention that the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC, a great warrior medal) is the second highest military award  in India after the Param Vir Chakra. 

Brigadier Usman studied at Harish Chandra Bhai School in Varanasi. He had a great desire to join the army so with a lot of struggle got admission in the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS). He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 1 February 1934. Later on he was posted to the 5th battalion of 10th Baluch Regiment. For his great service, he was promoted as Lieutenant in April 1936 later on in August 1941 he was promoted as Captain. From February to July 1942, he attended the Indian Army Staff College at Ouetta (now in Pakistan). During partition, he was under great pressure from the Pakistani leadership to join in the Pakistani Army and it is now fact that Brigadier Usman had declined a request from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to settle in Pakistan. Also it is believed that he was promised in future as Pakistan's Army Chief. When the Baluch Regiment was allotted to Pakistan after partition, Brigadier was transferred to the Dogra Regiment in India.

 In January- February 1948 Brigadier Usman repulsed the attack from the Pakistan side in Naushera and Jhangar, both highly strategic locations in Jammu and Kashmir.  Indian forces inflicted around 2000 casualties on the Pakistani side (about 1000 dead and 1000 wounded) while Indian forces suffered only 33 dead and 102 wounded. For his bravery and skill and prowess, Pakistani forces announced a sum of Rs.50,000 for his  head. 

According to the Government of India, Press Information Bureau, “Late Brigadier Mohammad Usman, also known as the savior of Naushera, was responsible for the recapture of Jhangar & Naushera (Jammu & Kashmir) during the 1947-48 war with Pakistan. The gallant officer attained martyrdom on 03rd July 1948 when an enemy artillery shell landed close to him in Naushera”.

A great salute to the Brigadier as in July month he was born and also left for heavenly abode by saving our border. 

 The following websites and Press release have been consulted while writing the article:

1)    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Usman

2)    Government of India. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, 03-July-2014

3)    https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/army-to-restore-defaced-jamia-grave-of-    war- hero/cid/1802136

   Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad Dt 20 July 2021

Case of a Valiant Rat Who Saved Lives of Many Human Beings: Awarded PDSA Gold Medal

 As a senior citizen from my school days, I have read in various newspapers and later on watched on TV that many stalwarts have received gold medals for their dedication whether for the development of science and technology or any other innovation or other noble activities even for the supreme great sacrifice made by the person. But here I am presenting a case of a special type of Rat named as 'Magawa' who was awarded the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom Gold Medal in September, 2020. This Medal is also described as the George Cross for Animals. He was the first rat awarded with the medal in the charity's 77-year history. Many newspapers including foreign newspapers and also on TV channels highlighted the case of this rat.  I am presenting again so that many readers can get an idea about if anyone has missed. The rat, an African breed after its training named as ’Magawa’, has helped to find 39 landmines and 28 unexploded munitions in his lifetime after training in Cambodia. It is pertinent to mention that landmines are explosives. These mines have detonating systems that are triggered by the pressure of any person or bulky animals. There are two types of landmines- a) anti-personnel landmines, aimed at killing or injuring a person (or bulky animals may also die if foot touches), and b) anti-tank mines, designed to destroy or incapacitate vehicles.

The landmines were first used during World War I, but their deployment increased from 1960 onwards.  According to Landmine Monitor more than 120,000 people were killed or wounded by the landmines between 1999 and 2017. It is unfortunate to mention that about half of the victims were children. According to the mine-clearing NGO the HALO Trust, Cambodia has recorded more than 64,000 casualties and little more than 25,000 amputees due to landmines since 1979. Most of the landmines were laid during the country's civil war in the 1970s and 1980s. Anyway the special type of rats after imparting training are used to detect a chemical compound within the explosives which means they ignore scrap metal and can search for mines more quickly and thus lakhs of human lives were saved and now also these rats are in job. The rats are certified after training and normally the training period is one year. These specially trained rats detect landmines from 1990. As already mentioned ’Magawa’ was trained by the Belgium-registered charity organisation viz., APOPO, (Anti-Personnel Landmines Removal Product Development), in Tanzania that trains rats like 'Magawa' to find landmines. APOPO has been nurturing the rats - known as 'HeroRATs'. 

According to APOPO, Magawa was born and raised in Tanzania. Its weight after full development was 1.2 kilogram and was 70 centimetres long. So if Magawa walks over the mine but because of the lightweight mine does not blow.  According to the report 'Magawa' has discovered 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance, making him the charity’s most successful ‘HeroRAT’. During his career he has helped to clear more than 141,000 square metres of land (the equivalent of twenty football grounds). ‘Magawa’ can search an area of a tennis court​(size) in 30 minutes, which for a person with a metal detector takes a minimum​ ​​of ​ one day.

These rats, if they survive, can extend service up to five years.  'Magawa' the heroic rat, has retired after sniffing out landmines for five years by saving the lives of thousands of people mainly in Cambodia (he is now around seven years old).  According to the website, (pdsa.org.uk/magawa), ‘He’ll spend his time playing and relaxing!’

My great salute to the valiant soul.

References:

1)      https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49799292

2)      https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57345703

3)      https://www.newsbred.com/article/magwa-the-rat-is-hero-in-detecting-mines-explosives-as-long-as-peanuts-keep-coming

4)      https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-gold-medal/magawa

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad Dt. 11 July 2021

 

1 July Celebrated Two Events in India: National Doctors’ Day & National Chartered Accountant Day

 Every year the first July in our country is celebrated as two famous events - one is Doctors’ Day and another is National Chartered Accountant Day. Both have importance in our life. All human beings required the service of medical doctors during their lifetime. My father was MBBS of Calcutta Medical College, served in Guwahati, Assam and I have observed the services rendered by him to all the echelons of the society. Similarly, accounting is important in our family life also as in the family particularly the earning member and the spouse based on the income spends money, a sort of budget is prepared. I am highlighting the importance of both the Days so that the young generation can get ideas. Also researchers can take up in-depth study in this regard. 

      National Doctors' Day is celebrated as recognition to the service rendered by the medical doctors in India the National Doctors' Day is celebrated on 1 July across India to honour the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy popularly known as Dr. B.C. Roy. He was born on 1 July, 1882 in Patna and died on the same date (July 1) in 1962 in then Calcutta now Kolkata after treating some patients in morning hours. He was a follower of Brahmo Samaj and in those days many intellectuals in Bengal advocated Brahmo Samaj philosophy to counter evil practices of Hinduism such as Sati system etc. Dr. Roy led the Civil disobedience movement in Bengal and was later on elected as Mayor of Calcutta Corporation. He is still considered a greatest Chief Minister of West Bengal ( according to me best among the CMs of West Bengal) and a visionary of developing the State as after independence a lot of industrial development took place in the State. Medical institutions like Jadavpur TB Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Victoria Institution (college), Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and children were set up during his regime. He was also referred to as the first medical consultant in the subcontinent of India and was more successful and dedicated than his contemporaries in several fields, mentioned British Medical Journal. It may be mentioned that many countries celebrate Doctors' Day based on their own situation. It has to be admitted that amid the pandemic, the role of medical staff and paramedical staff is commendable as at the cost of their own life they have been doing excellent work. Cheers to the spirit and dedication of the front line workers who immensely contributed in the hour of crisis.

National Chartered Accountant Day is observed in order to celebrate the formation of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on 1 July, 1949. ICAI is the sole licensing and regulatory body for the financial audit and accounting profession in India. It is pertinent to mention that in 1913, the British Government passed the Companies Act that prescribed a list of books that every registered firm had to maintain. Accordingly, an auditor had to be appointed which had the power to audit these books. In 1918, a course named ‘Government Diploma in Accountancy’ was introduced in Bombay now Mumbai and after completing this course the person was eligible to work as an Auditor throughout India. After some years, the course was discontinued. In the year 1930, the British Government decided to maintain a Register called the Register of Accountants and head was Registered Accountant. After independence, in the year 1948, an expert committee was set up to examine the matters. The committee suggested a separate autonomous association of accountants should be set up to regulate. Accordingly, on 1 July 1949 Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was formed.

 On this auspicious occasion my salute to all the Doctors, the supporting staff and also to all the Accountants. 

 Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad Dt. 1 July 2021

 

Tributes to ' Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha on ‘Bishnu Rabha Divash’

 Time to time across great personalities were born in undivided India also in present India who are still remembered and events are held as tribute to them. On 20 June 1969, a great human being, patriot, also an artist, actor, painter, music composer, poet and writer of Assam left for heavenly abodes, popularly known as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha. Such a talented person left for heavenly abode at the age of 60 years at Tezpur, Assam. In commemoration of his death, 20 June is celebrated in Assam as 'Bishnu Rabha Divash (Bishnu Rabha day)'.  Kalaguru (meaning Master of the Arts) was born on 31 January 1909 in ST family in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh), then Bengal Presidency of British India.

Bishnu Rabha’s schooling started at Tezpur Government High School, Assam and later on he went to Calcutta now Kolkata for pursuing higher study. From a young age he proved his talent through his writings. He was in the freedom movement and was influenced by leftist ideology  and ardent supporter of the Communist Party of India. However, when Germany attacked Soviet Union during the Second World War, the leaders of Indian communists decided to support the British Government which antagonised a section of the communist leaders and subsequently they formed the Revolutionary Communist Party of India (RCPI) in 1945 where he joined.    He was a multifaceted artist and revolutionary singer of Assam. His music today is known as Bishnu Rabha Sangeet.

He was associated very closely with theatre movement in Assam and there were many live performances at the Ban theatre in Tezpur which is famously connected to Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha.

     Kalaguru was a genius in creative activities and undoubtedly his enormous contribution no Indian can forget. His work Bano Kobang portrays the life of many indigenous Assamese communities. His other publications inter alia are Missing Coneng, Sonpahi, Axomiya Kristir Hamuh Abhakh, and Atit Axom. He had given music to most of his songs. He was a visionary, and through music, dance, acting, writing, etc., he endeavoured to realize his dream of a greater, prosperous Assamese society with every ethnic group as equal partners. He acted in a mobile theatre group of that time named 'Ban Theatre'. He directed an Assamese film 'Siraj', where he also composed the music. Further, he acted in the movie 'Era Baator Xur'. It may be mentioned  that he was awarded the title 'Kalaguru' by Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan at Varanasi for his enthralling ‘dance of Lord Shiva’. Kalaguru actively worked to popularize Vaishnavism initiated by Srimanata Sankardev (Saint and scholar) in Assam in 15^th century. Kalaguru painted portraits of both Sankardev and Madhavdev with water colours. He was a great human being also and always had feelings for the underprivileged and poor echelons of the society. It is pertinent to mention here that he had given about 2500 bighas (1 bigha is approximately equal to 0.40 acre) to the peasants. He popularised a slogan “Haal Jaar Maati Taar" means "those who cultivate, should own the land".

He passed away on 20 June 1969 but he will be in the hearts of millions for his brilliant activities.

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, 20 June 2021, Hyderabad