TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU

Seek the best in others 

    As a young Scottish boy, Andrew Carnegie came to America, and started doing odd jobs. As time passed, he became one of the largest steel manufacturers in the USA. At one time he had 43 millionaires working for him. 

     Once someone asked him how he dealt with people. Carnegie replied, “Dealing with people is like digging for gold. When you go digging for an ounce of gold, you have to move tons of dirt to get an ounce of gold. But you need to remember that when you go digging, you don’t go looking for the dirt; rather you go looking for the gold. It’s the same with people.” 

     Seeing the ‘gold’ in others, is a valuable habit to develop. It transforms your relationship with them. Empowering others to believe in something bigger than themselves, leads to the development of new ideas and strategies. Successful people live well, laugh often, and love much. They leave the world better than they found it. While looking for the best in others, they give out the best they have. 

     As you grow up, even if you are in a position to hold others accountable, remember that you are just as accountable to them. By selflessly serving others, a culture of mutual respect and admiration will be created. It helps bring out the best, both in you and in others. The American motivational writer William Arthur Ward says, “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”

THE HEALING VEGETABLE

Ash gourd

     The ash gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as winter melon, white gourd, and wax gourd (because of the presence of waxy cuticles that develop on the mature fruits) is a versatile plant that has been used for thousands of years as food and medicine in the Orient. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family and native to South-east Asia, it is widely grown throughout the plains of India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Bangaladesh and Sri Lanka. In India, the ash gourd is a popular element of folklore and traditions. Known as kushmanda in Sanskrit, the ash gourd finds mention in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Ashtangahridaya Samhita for its many nutritional and healing properties.

     The ash gourd plant is a trailing or climbing vine with a thick, furrowed stem bearing course hairs. 

     Leaves are 22-25cm long, with five or seven lobes, and give off an unpleasant odour when bruised. The fruit which is densely hairy when immature, gets covered at maturity with a thick white waxy layer, which protects it from insects and preserves its moisture. A mature fruit ranges in weight from 2 to 50kg. The flesh is white, juicy and spongy, and contains numerous smooth flat seeds that are yellow or pale brown in colour and yield a pale yellow oil.

     All parts of the plant have medicinal properties and have been used as such by traditional medicine systems across cultures. The juice squeezed from grated ash gourd, diluted with an equal amount of water, is consumed daily in the morning on an empty stomach as a remedy for peptic ulcer. 

     Ash gourd juice also acts as a blood coagulant. Since ancient times it has been taken, mixed with a spoonful of gooseberry or lemon juice, to stop profuse bleeding from the lungs and nose and as a remedy for bleeding piles. As the fruit is high in potassium, its intake (in curries) is recommended for maintaining a healthy blood pressure and strengthening the heart and lungs. The root is powdered and consumed, mixed with warm water, to obtain relief from asthma and cough. Ayurveda prescribes topical application of ash gourd seed oil to get relief from headaches. Unani medicine uses the seeds to treat disorders of the urinary tract. Central American tribal medicine prescribes consumption of a decoction of the pulp to treat intestinal inflammation and application of the same as a poultice to treat burns. Traditional Chinese medicine utilises ash gourd extract in remedies for various conditions ranging from skin blemishes, inflammation and high blood pressure to urinary disorders.

     Being an easily cooked, palatable and nutritious vegetable, the ash gourd also has numerous culinary uses across Asia. It is used to make a variety of curries in South Indian cuisine. In North India and Pakistan, the fleshy pulp of the ash gourd is deseeded, cubed and cooked in sugar syrup to make a translucent candy called petha. Young leaves, shoots and tendrils of the plant are also cooked into curries or boiled and fried and eaten as greens. The fried or roasted seeds are eaten as a snack. In Goa, a spicy preparation called Vadyo is made which is either served by deep frying or making curry with it.

CONTRIBUTION OF ANCIENT INDIAN SCIENTISTS AND MATHEMATICIANS

 Some greatest Indian ancient scientists and mathematicians

      Most of the principles and theories of science and maths originated from the Indian Vedas. All major concepts, such as Algebra, the idea of time, the structure of the universe, metallurgies, aviation science and many others, were first cited in the Vedas. The profound contributions of ancient Indian scientists and mathematicians to the world’s knowledge are undeniable. Actually, Science and Maths were highly developed in the ancient Indian era. India was home to many renowned scientists and mathematicians.

Lets learn about a few greats who shaped the world with innumerable discoveries that became the the foundation of many others.

1. Maharishi Sushruta:

     Maharishi Sushruta is the author of the world’s earliest book on medicine and surgery. He is fondly regarded as the ‘Father of Indian Medicine’ and ‘Father of Plastic Surgery'. His influential treatise, ‘Sushruta Samhita’ or the compendium of Sushruta, is the main source of knowledge about surgeries in ancient India. The description of surgical procedures, anatomical knowledge and the creative approach to surgery, as described in Sushruta Samhita, holds even today. Skin grafting is one such example, used even today by surgeons worldwide to restore areas that have lost the upper protective layer of tissue due to injury, burns, infection or trauma. Skin grafting is also used to restore areas that have lost skin tissue due to surgical intervention. Rhinoplasty is another procedure that has its origin in ancient India. Sushruta also explained measures to deal with hair loss and unwanted hair removal. He gave steps for perfect healing and how to achieve normal skin pigmentation and the absence of swelling after surgical procedures. Sushruta was no doubt the greatest surgeon in ancient India.

2. Aryabhatta – 

     Aryabhatta was an astronomer, mathematician, Physicist and astrologer of the fifth century. He was the first to calculate the value of Pi as 3.1416. His greatest contribution was the invention of Zero. This discovery enabled him to find the exact distance between the earth and the moon. He also gave a scientific explanation of the solar and lunar eclipse.

3. Varahamihira:

    Varahamihira was the first scientist to state that some force keeps objects stuck to the round earth, later termed the force of gravity. He was the first mathematician to discover Pascal’s triangle to calculate binomial coefficients.

4. Charak: 

     Charak is the ‘Father of ancient Indian Science of medicine’. In his book, ‘Charak Samhita’, he describes the medicinal qualities and functions of about 1,00,000 medicinal plants.

5. Baudhayana:

     Baudhayana is the original mathematician behind the Pythagorean theorem. Pythagoras did not discover his theory, as is a common belief, but was actually given hundreds of years ago by the Indian sage and mathematician Baudhayana.

     Apart from these, many other Indian scientists made significant contributions and landmark discoveries to the world in field of Science and Maths, such as: 

Kanada:

     Kanada, was a sage who formulated the theory of atoms 2500 years before John Dalton.

 Nagarjuna: 

     Nagarjuna was one of the earliest proponents of metallurgy.

Sridhara Acharya: 

Sridhara Acharya was the first person to give an algorithm for solving quadratic equations, etc. 

     A lot of scientific knowledge evolved in ancient India, and there is no denying the fact that modern Science and technology owe their origin to our ancient Indian scientists and mathematicians.

ABOUT THIS MONTH

September 

     September gets its name from Latin septem, meaning 'seven'. The oldest known Roman calendar had only ten months, starting from March, and September was originally the seventh month of the year. With the inclusion of January and February, September became the ninth month, but retained its original name.

     Every year, September starts on the same day of the week as December. But another unique feature of this month is that it does not end on the same day of the week as any other month in the year. Take a calendar and check for yourself!

FIRST NATIONAL PARK OF INDIA

 Jim corbett National Park

     India's first national park, the Jim corbett National Park is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was set up in 1936 by the British under the United Provinces National Parks Act and was originally named Hailey National Park after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the united Provinces governor who was instrumental in developing the area as a reserve. After independence it was rechristened Ramganga National Park after the river flowing through it. In 1957, it was renamed in honour of the legendary hunter-turned conservationist, Col. Jamed Edward Corbett (1875 - 1955), better known as Jim Corbett, who played a key role in its establishment. 

     Intended as a sanctuary for the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, the park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative. In fact, it is here that Project Tiger was launched in 1973.

     Famed for its astonishing beauty and wildlife, the park is spread out over an area of 520 square kilometres in the valley of the Ramganga river and its tributaries in the Terai forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. Its diverse landscape consists of hills, marshy depressions, grasslands and lakes. It is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, an area of 1288.31 square kilometres extending over three districts of Nainital, Almora and Pauri Garhwal that also includes the Sonanadi wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest.

     The park is home to numerous species of wildlife including mammals such as the tiger, leopard, barking deer, sambar deer, Himalayan black bear, Indian grey mongoose, Indian pangolin and rhesus macaque, and more than 500 species of resident and migratory birds including the crested serpent eagle and blossom-headed parakeet.

A CAREER IN

 Plastic surgery

     Plastic surgery is really an art, and the body is the medium to work with. It involves a lot of creativity and technology. The work result is highly visible, leading to a high degree of career and personal satisfaction.

What’s this career about?: Contrary to popular belief, a plastic surgeon does much more than simple tummy tucks, and facelifts. Plastic surgery can be divided into two specialties: Cosmetic (or Aesthetic) Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. Cosmetic Surgery is intended to improve the appearance of a person. Though relatively a small part of the specialty, it is probably the most visible and perhaps the most glamorous aspect of plastic surgery. Surgeons use a variety of equipment ranging from simple forceps and scissors to most sophisticated microprocessor-controlled lasers, which can resurface and tighten the skin, remove hair, and eliminate tiny “spider” veins on the legs and face.

     Reconstructive Surgery repairs or replaces body parts damaged by accidents, illness or malformation. It is intended to improve function and mobility and to restore a patient’s appearance. These surgeons use craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, skin grafting, tissue expansion, flap surgery and other techniques to repair injuries.

     Prior to treatment, surgeons hold consultation with patients to assess a patient’s needs, review medical histories and pre-existing conditions, and discuss surgical risks. Frank and thorough assessments help plastic Plastic surgeons choose treatment plans that best suit their patients.

     Recording a patient’s medical history and updating their records with any services performed is another key responsibility. These are sensitive documents, so plastic surgeons must abide by any record-keeping policies or regulations to protect patient confidentially. surgeons don’t specialize in a disease like cancer doctors do, nor do they specialize in a part of the body like heart surgeons do. They work all over the body on all kinds of diseases and frequently with other physicians in a multi-disciplinary group. 

How do I get there?: Plastic surgeons are medical doctors trained in patient interactions, trauma care and basic surgery techniques, as well as specialized areas, such as tissue transfer, body contouring and laser surgery.

     To become a plastic surgeon, one should first go for MBBS, a 5½ years’ course. Eligibility for this is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Then go for a MS degree in General Surgery. After that you can specialize in plastic surgery by doing 3 years M.Ch./DNB in Plastic Surgery. So it takes about 11-12 years of further study after 10+2.

Do you have these key skills?

* Steady hand and an eye for aesthetics.

* Driven and focused individuals. 

* Ability to sustain many years of study and long work hours. 

* Good communication skills to explain complex medical terminology and procedures to patients and to provide emotional support.

* Attention to detail and patience is paramount. Good time management and organizational skills.

*Ability to handle stressful situations and remain calm under pressure.

Institutes:

* All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (aiims.edu)

* Armed Forces Medical College, Pune (afmc.nic.in)

* Christian Medical College, Vellore (cmch-vellore.edu)

* Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai (tnmcnair.com)

* Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai (sriramachandra.edu.in)

* CMC, Ludhiana (cmcludhiana.in)

* Institute for Aesthetic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai (fortishealthcare.com)

* M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore (msrmc.ac.in)

* Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh (pgimer.edu.in)

* Banaras Hindu University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi (bhu.ac.in/ims)

Pay package:

Being a plastic surgeon is one of the most moneyearning spheres in the field of medicine but the path to becoming a qualified and successful specialist is a long and tough one.

     Depending upon the location, specialization, expertise and experience of the plastic surgeon, salary ranges from 1,50,000-2,00,000 per month. Some charge on a per case basis.

Employment profile:

Plastic surgery is still a relatively small specialty, but the number of surgeons has doubled in the last 20 years and it has become an integral part of hospital practice. One can work in any super-specialty hospital or set up one’s own clinic.

     The increasing number of accidents and awareness about appearance has resulted in a boom in the demand for plastic surgeons. The aging population is also expected to add to the demand for surgeons for plastic surgery procedures both superficial and invasive.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS OF CONFIDENCE

 Achieve your goal in ife

     This was an important day for the eaglets. They were preparing for their first solo flight from the nest. It was the confidence builder many of them needed to fulfil their destiny. 

     "How far can I travel?" asked one of the eaglets.

     "How far can you see?" responded the master Eagle.

     "How high can I fly?" quizzed the young eaglet.

     "How far can you stretch your wings?" asked the old eagle.

     "How long can I fly?" the eaglet persisted.

     "How far is the horizon?" the mentor rebounded.

     "How much should I dream?" asked the eaglet.

     "How much can you dream?" smiled the older, wiser eagle.

     "How much can I achieve?" the young eagle continued.

     "How much can you believe?" the old eagle challenged.

     Frustrated by the banter, the young eagle demanded, "Why don't you answer my questions?"

     "I did. No one can tell you how high to fly or how much to dream. It's different for each eagle. Only God and you know how far you will go. No one on this earth knows your potential or what's in your heart. You alone will answer that. The only thing that limits you is the edge of your imagination." Puzzled by this, the young eagle asked, "What should I do?"

     "Look to the horizon, spread your wings, and fly. 

TRADITIONAL HAND-CARVED JAPANESE DOLLS

  Kokeshi dolls

     Traditional hand-carved Japanese dolls made from cherry wood, maple wood or dogwood are known as Kokeshi. The dolls have no arms or legs and have an enlarged head. The body has a floral design in black, red or yellow. The eyes, nose and mouth are thin painted lines. The doll is finished with a glossy layer of wax. 

     Kokeshi were first made by potters in the Tohoku region in Japan. Tohoku was famous for its mineral springs. The technique spread to other spa towns between the 17th and 19th centuries.

     There are eleven types of traditional Kokeshi depending on the patterns, shapes and techniques of making. The most popular style is Naruko, originating from the town where a Kokeshi festival is held every September. Old dolls are burned here on a pyre in a moving ritual.

SUPERSTITIONS

Friday the 13th 

     Many people around the world dread the sixth day of the week and the number 13. They get paranoid if the Friday falls on the 13th of the month. There’s even a name to describe those who have an irrational fear of Friday the 13th : paraskevidekatriaphobics.

     In the UK, many people don’t drive on this day. In the US, there are people who won’t go to work on Friday the 13th. Some won’t eat out in restaurants and almost no one gets married on this day. Some American cities skip a 13th Avenue or a 13th Street. Many hotels skip from 12th to the 14th floor, which of course means that the 14th floor is actually the 13th floor. A name with 13 letters is believed to have the devil’s luck – like Jack the Ripper. And if 13 people sit down for dinner together, all are said to die within the year. In India too, many people consider 13 to be inauspicious.

     Friday is named after Goddess Frigga, the most important Scandinavian goddess but the day is considered unlucky in some cultures. Formerly, British sailors often refused to set sail on a Friday. It is said that the British ship H.M.S. Friday was commissioned on a Friday. Captained by J. Friday, it set off on its maiden voyage on a Friday and, disappeared forever. 

     There are many people, however, for whom Friday and the number 13 are lucky. Novelist Charles Dickens reportedly began the writing of all his books on a Friday, the day of his birth. Some point to the nearly catastrophic Apollo mission to the moon in 1970 as evidence that the number 13 is unlucky.

       But these are superstitions, and they arise out of fear and co-incidence!

DO YOU KNOW

 Why tyres are always black in colour?

     Originally car tyres were white, which is the natural colour of rubber out of which they’re made. 

     In the early 1900s, it was discovered that adding carbon black to rubber increased the durability and strength of the material. So about 50 percent (by weight) of carbon black began to be added to the rubber, and black tyres began to roll out of  the companies.     

     Perhaps a way could have been found to make them white even after the addition of carbon but everybody found that black tyres were easier to keep clean than white tyres and tyres have remained black ever since.

MUMBAI'S ICONIC HOT WHEELS

Double-decker buses 

     During the First World War, trams in London had double-decker trailers to increase passenger capacity. When trams became uneconomical to run, they were replaced by trolley buses that were powered by electricity from overhead wires. Red double-decker buses soon replaced these vehicles.

     From Britain, the double-deckers spread to other cities around the world, one of them being Mumbai where the bus was launched in 1937. In Mumbai as in London, the big red buses endeared themselves to the public. Children gazed in wonder, and longed to sit in the upper deck in the front row; commuters waiting in long queues heaved sighs of relief every time they saw a double-decker coming their way. The big red buses soon became an integral part of the city’s roadscape. They became synonymous with the city itself, etching themselves into the collective memory of its residents and tourists, apart from being featured in Indian and Hollywood movies in the vibrant metropolis.

     In 2004, when BEST (Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport) announced that it was thinking of replacing the buses with single-deckers, there was a howl of protest from citizens. The company was flooded with phone calls and letters. One Mumbaikar wrote, “We love double-deckers. Don’t take them away. They are the identity of Mumbai.” Bowing to public opinion, BEST decided not only not to withdraw the buses but also to replace the older double-deckers with brand new ones.

     Now after 86 years in service, the story of the city’s iconic hot wheels came to an end. This is largely due to its high maintenance cost and difficulty in maneuvering through the crowded streets. 

     After serving various routes across Mumbai, these non-air-conditioned double-decker buses bid adieu to daily commuters and tourists on Friday, September 15 night as the BEST authorities decided to phase out the buses as part of ‘modernisation’ and operational cost.  

     The last service of these non-AC double-decker buses left Marol Depot on Friday morning. These iconic buses can now be seen at a museum in the city as new mode of transport takes prominence.

PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF GANESH CHATURTHI

Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav

     Ganesh Utsav became a major social and public event in the 19th century when Bal Gangadhar Tilak championed it as a means to bind all the fragmented Hindu community and oppose the British government ban on Hindu gatherings through its 1892 anti-public assembly legislation.

     Ganesh Chaturthi was being celebrated in homes and small communities but Lokmanya Tilak made it into a big event with  public Ganesh Utsav Pandals and he made the festival a reason for a mass movement so that people from all communities can take part in it. 

     The redefining of Ganesh Utsav took place in the late 19th century and the credit goes to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the father of Indian unrest. 

     He revived the festival with a patriotic spirit amid the despotism of the British Raj. This festival also served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities. It slowly became a religious and social function. 

     The tradition of large images of the God and immersion of Ganesh statues on the last day of the festival with processions were started by Tilak.

A SPECTACLE OF DEVOTION AND JOY

                 Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa 

     Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant and significant festival in Goa, unfolds with an air of excitement, devotion, and grandeur. This annual celebration is in honour of the revered elephant-headed deity, Ganapati, symbolising wisdom and the remover of obstacles. With its captivating rituals, ornate decorations, and joyous spirit, Ganesh Chaturthi illuminates the coastal paradise of Goa like no other occasion.
     Every year, the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada heralds the commencement of Ganesh Chaturthi. This year 2023, this cherished festival will grace Goa's shores from September 19, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in the jubilant festivities.
     In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a fleeting event but an immersive experience that spans a minimum of two days, with the potential to extend up to an awe-inspiring 21 days. The festivities start with the ceremonial installation of clay idols of Lord Ganesha in elaborately adorned rooms within homes. These idols become the focal point of heartfelt prayers, accompanied by melodious devotional music and generous offerings.

     Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in Goa as Chavath, is influenced by inherited customs passed down generations and promote harmony and community spirit.

     A ‘matoli’ — a wooden canopy — over idol of Ganpati is decorated with seasonal floral wealth. This showcases the intimate relationship of the God with Mother Nature.

     As the festival unfolds, the days come alive with an enchanting medley of feasting, dancing, and vibrant celebrations. The streets of Goa reverberate with joy as public processions, replete with elaborately crafted Ganesh idols, grace the thoroughfares. These processions, often accompanied by exuberant music and traditional dances, infuse the atmosphere with an infectious energy.

     Goan Delicacies for Chaturthi include the sacred Modak, Ladoo, Payce, Bhaji, Patilyo, Nevryo etc.
     The culmination of the festival is as poignant as its commencement. On the final day, the Ganesh idols, having soaked in the devotion and revelry, are bid farewell in a symbolic immersion ceremony. The idols are gently carried to rivers or seas, where they are reverently immersed, signifying a heartwarming farewell to the deity and gratitude for the blessings bestowed.
     Ganesh Chaturthi is a time when the bonds of family and friendship are celebrated with utmost enthusiasm. However, the spirit of unity extends beyond personal circles. It's a season of giving, with many individuals and communities contributing food, clothing, and financial aid to those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and generosity.
   Immersing in the Celebration the festival offers an array of captivating experiences. On visit to a pandal of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, one can witness the artistry and devotion that adorn temporary shrines, known as mandap, showcasing intricately decorated Ganesh idols.
    Participating in public processions where lively music and dances are a part, paint the streets with a kaleidoscope of colours.
     Ganesh Chaturthi unfurls a magical tapestry of tradition, faith and camaraderie. It is the divine union of devotion and festivity.

A COOL SUMMER DRINK

 Sugarcane Juice 

     Most people love to consume a glass of a cold sugarcane juice in the summer assuming it as just another cool drink.
     Sugarcane is a grass plant found in several varieties. Sugarcane juice has no fats, and is a 100 percent natural drink. It has zero content of cholesterol, fat, fibre and protein. But it contains ample quantities of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Benefits of Sugarcane Juice: 

Energy - This juice gives an instant shot of energy. It's the best way to energise and stop dehydration in hot summer. The natural sugars in the juice get easily absorbed by the body and are used to replenish sugar levels. Though sugarcane is naturally sweet it does not contribute to any weight gain. The sweetner present in sugarcane is called Sucrose, which is very healthy and required by the body to maintain the sugar level properly.
Liver function - Sugarcane juice is one of the best treatments for liver-related ailments like jaundice. Since sugarcane is alkaline in nature it helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in your body.
Cancer protection - Sugarcane juice is alkaline because of its high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese. These natural products help the body remove cancerous cells, especially prostate and breast cancer.
Digestion - It eases your digestive system and is beneficial for those people suffering from digestive disorders and stomach infections. The potassium content balances the pH levels in the stomach, initiates the secretion of digestive juices, and keeps the system on track.
Diabetes control - People with diabetes may feel sugarcane juice may aggravate their condition. But, if taken in moderation, sugarcane juice can benefit diabetic patients. Natural sugar has a low glycemic index that prevents frequent spikes in blood glucose levels.
Kidney health - The presence of natural low cholesterol, low sodium, and no saturated fats, keeps the kidneys in top shape.
     Sugarcane juice also reduces pain associated with urinary tract infections. It reduces inflammation caused by urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostatitis.
Bones and teeth - In earlier times chewing a sugarcane stick were very common. This would exercise the teeth and also add calcium to the system. Calcium ensures the proper development of the skeletal system, bones, and teeth. The juice also helps build tooth enamel and strengthen teeth. It also overcomes bad breath caused due to the deficiency of these nutrients.
Acne cure - Sugarcane juice also has the ability to help reduce and cure skin problems such as acne if applied externally along with prescribed medications. It also prevents formation of acne.

SOME COMMON TERMS USED IN GOLF

      Golf A to Z

Ace: A hit by which the ball goes into the hole in one shot. It is also called a hole-in-one.

Birdie: A score of one under par on hole. (A par is a pre-determined number of strokes that a golfer requires to put the ball in the hole. So if the par is 3 and the golfer puts the ball in the hole in 2 strokes, it's a birdie)

Caddie: A person who carries the player's clubs. He can also offer advice to the player. 

Drive : The first shot of each hole which is usually hit with a driver (a type of golf club).

Even: A score equal to that of par.

Frenchie: A type of shot in which the player tries to hit the ball in a way that it bounces back to the tee (a small peg on which the ball is placed before being driven) into the fairway (A fairway is a good area where the ball can be hit properly.

Green: A smooth area of trimmed grass surrounding the hole which enables the players to hit the ball with precision. 

Hole: A small circular hole in the ground. The aim of golf is to put the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.

In play: When the ball is within the playing area. 

Jail: It is a term used when the ball is in an unplayable position (e.g. in thick undergrowth).

Knee Knocker: An easy short putt which a player shouldn't miss but often does. There are various reasons for missing this shot, the most common being the distance.

Lay-up: A stoke played to position the ball in a favourite spot for a better subsequent shot. 

Match play: A form of golf in which players or teams compete against each other on a hole-by-hole basis. The winner is determined by the number of holes he has played.

Nine Iron: A club of the highest loft in the 'iron' family. It is used for short distance shots.

Out of bounds: An area that falls outside the boundaries of the golf course. If a player's stroke falls in the 'out-of-bound' area then he/she receives one stroke penalty and must hit the shot from the original spot once again.

Par: Standard score for a hole which is defined by the length of the course. It can also be the standard score for a course which can be derived from a sum of all the holes' pars.

Q-School: Qualifying school. The qualifying tournament in major professional tours, such as the PGA Tour, European Tour etc.

Recovery Shot: A stroke played to get oneself out of difficult situations (sand traps, weeds, trees etc.).

Starter: Also known as the tee master. He is the person who controls the play on a golf course.

Tap-in: A tap-in occurs when the ball is very close to the hole and all the player has to do is tap the ball into the hole.

Up and down: When the player holes the ball in just two strokes. The first stroke gets the ball 'up' on to the green, and the subsequent one gets the ball 'down' into the whole.

Vardon Grip: A style in which the right little finger rests on top of the left index finger. It is named after Harry Vardon, the golf superstar of the 20th century.

Whiff: An attempt to strike the ball which misses it completely. It is counted as a stroke.

Yips: Fear of short putts. It is a tendency to twitch during the putting stroke which results in poor accuracy.

THE JOURNEY OF INDIA'S TELEVISION CHANNEL

 Doordarshan

     Doordarshan (DD) completed 64 years of its service on September 15, 2023. The experimental broadcaster began on September 15 in 1959, which turned into a regular service in 1965 when DD began beaming signals to homes in and around the national capital. Then President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the first broadcast. 

     By 1972, the services were extended to mumbai and Amritsar. Within the next three years, its expansion went to seven more cities. Since then, DD has been expanding its presence among the masses.

     Doordarshan is an autonomous public service broadcaster and functions under the Prasar Bharati. it is one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the country in terms of studio and transmitter infrastructure. 

     From 1959 to 1976, DD service was part of the All india radio (Air), national public radio broadcaster. On April 1, 1976, it transformed to become a separate department in the ministry of information and Broadcasting and later it was brought under the control of Prasar Bharati. A new signature image was designed by the National institute of Design and a signature tune was created by Pandit Ravi Shankar. 

     The first telecast in colour took place on August 15, 1982, when the national programme started. With modern technological changes, Doordarshan has gone digital and reached the palms of individuals. 

     On March 7, 2022 India's public broadcaster Prasar Bharati signed an agreement with 'Yupp TV' and an OTT platform.

     Over the years, Doordarshan has continued to enthral audiences --- from the days of Ramayana, Mahabharat, Humlog, Buniyad, Malgudi days and Udaan to today's high-tech coverage of national and international programmes.

     During covid lockdown, DD hit record viewership.

     At present, Doordarshan has 35 satellite channels and 66 studio centres across the country, a DD DTH earth station at Todapur in Delhi and 55 transmitters of varying power.

     DD free dish is the Direct-To-Home (DTH) service owned and operated by national public radio broadcaster Prasar Bharati. It was launched in December 2004. DD free dish reaches about 45 million households as per the FICCI and E and Y Report 2023. DD free dish is the only Free-T0-Air Direct-To-Home (DTH) service in the country.

PERSIAN MATHEMATICAL GENIUS

Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi

     Do you know what an algorithm is? Where did the word ‘Algebra’ come from? How did the Western world learn of Arabic numerals? The key to all the answers is Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematical genius. 

     Al-Khwarizmi was the head librarian of the House of Wisdom, a centre of science and astronomy in Baghdad in the 9th century. He studied the ancient mathematical works of Greek and Indian scholars and translated them into Arabic. Al-Khwarizmi wrote several books on mathematics and astronomy, which were later translated into Latin in Europe. 

     The term ‘Algebra’comes from the Arabic word al-jabr, which was part of the title of his book that laid the foundation of modern algebra. Al Khwarizmi is considered the father of algebra as he was the first to present a systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations. 

     The Latin translation of his name gave us the term ‘algorithm’. It is a set of rules or instructions used in calculations and problem-solving operations. 

ZOONOTIC VIRUS

 Nipah virus

     Nipah virus (NIV) is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. It is known to cause illness in pigs and people. Fruit bats, also called flying foxes are animal reservoirs for NIV in nature. 

     Infection with NIV is linked to encephalitis (swelling of the brain). It can cause mild to severe illness and even death. Outbreaks occur almost annually in parts of Asia, primarily Bangladesh and India. It was first discovered in 1999 following an outbreak of disease in pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore. The outbreak resulted in nearly 300 cases and more than 100 deaths. Over 1 million pigs were killed to help control the outbreak.

How the disease spreads: People can become infected if they have close contact with an infected animal or its body fluids such as saliva or urine.  

                                  

     Once it spreads to people, person-to-person transmission can also occur. Symptoms typically appear in 4 to 14 days following exposure to the virus. 

Symptoms: Fever, headache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, disorientation, drowsiness or confusion, seizures, coma, brain swelling (encephalitis), long-term side effects, including persistent convulsions and personality changes in survivors. 

Prevention: 

* Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

* Avoid contact with sick bats or pigs.

* Avoid areas where bats are known to roost.

* Avoid eating or drinking products that could be contaminated by bats, such as raw date palm sap, raw fruit or fruit that is found on the ground.

* Avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of any person known to be infected with NIV.

How cases are detected: Real time polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR from throat and nasal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and blood samples can confirm.

     Later in the course of illness and after recovery, testing for antibodies is conducted using an Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA).

     No treatment or vaccine is available for either people or animals, primary treatment for humans is supportive care as per WHO.

     According to Centres For Disease Control And Prevention, death may occur in 40%-75% of cases.

DO YOU KNOW

 In stock exchange, who are bulls and bears?

     The expressions 'bulls' and 'bears' are part of stock exchange terminology. These have been in use for over two centuries. Bull is used to denote an optimistic investor, and a bear pessimistic one. Bears sell stocks which they do not yet own, betting that when the time comes to actually buy and deliver the stock they have sold, the prices would have fallen, and they would be able to buy the stock at a discount, thus making a profit. Bulls, on the other hand, bet in the opposite way. Assuming that the market is rising, they buy the stock in the expectation that they would be able to later sell it at a higher price. A bull market is one in which stock prices are rising. A bear market is one marked by falling prices. 

     How did this terminology originate? 

     'Bear comes from the term 'bearskin jobber' which was used in the 18th century to denote a person selling short (that is, stock which he did not own). Possibly this usage was derived from  an old English proverb which goes 'Don't sell the bearskin before the bear is caught'. (This is exactly what the stock exchange bear does.) As for the 'bull', it probably got the name due to the alliteration with 'bear', and also because both bull and bear 'baiting' were popular sports in old England.

THE MAN BEHIND SULABH TOILETS

 Bindeshwar Pathak

     A wonderful man named Bindeshwar Pathak has left us. You might have not heard his name before. However, you most probably have benefited from his work. He is the man behind Sulabh Toilets that we find near railway stations, bus stands and other public places. 

     Mr. Pathak was born in Hajipur, Bihar, in 1943. He went to Banaras Hindu University to study Sociology. As part of his Ph.D. research, he stayed with families who did manual scavenging. It is a really unfair job where people have to clean poop and such waste materials by hand. It is not safe and makes people sick. Mr. Pathak felt very sad that people had to do such a dirty work. So he decided to change all this by building toilets in public places and homes.

     In 1970, he founded Sulabh International with the goal of providing affordable and hygienic toilets to everyone. 

     Sulabh International has built over 1.3 million household toilets in villages, over 10,000 public toilets in cities, over 20,000 toilets in schools and over 2,500 toilets in slums. The organisation also teaches people about the importance of keeping the environment clean, maintaining hygiene and managing waste. It also provides clean drinking water at an affordable rate to poor people.

     Mr. Pathak travelled all across the country to make people aware of the practice of manual scavenging. His goal was to end it entirely. He started schools to provide free education to children of sanitation workers and others who come from economically weak backgrounds.

     He also showed that no job is inferior. He came from a Brahmin family, so many people tried to convince him not to work with toilets. He did not listen to them and continued his great work. However Mr. Pathak was committed to making sure everyone had clean toilets and a good life. He even invented a toilet that required less water. 

     Mr. Pathak received many awards for his work. One of them was the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. He was a special person who had big ideas. His death is a great loss to India and the world. He was a true visionary who made a real difference in the lives of millions of people.

                                                                                                             

OLD IS GOLD

 Our Grandparents

     Grandparents are the most understanding and loving people in the world and we can never underestimate their importance and influence on us. Though ideologies and trends may be far apart, our grandparents speak the most common language, the language of ‘love’, and are thus often able to successfully bridge the generation gap between themselves and us.

     Grandparents set examples as they have years of parenting experience. Our system provides us with an umpteen number of courses to develop our skills and knowledge, however, one of the most important callings in life is left to trial and error. Here, none other than our dear grandparents are fully capable of being the guiding star during challenging family situations with years of wisdom to their credit.

     Our grandparents are the foundation of a more secure future,  as parents take off to work and young ones are often looked after by their grandparents. Here’s where culture and tradition have the opportunity to be handed over to younger generations. Apart from that, they usually display tremendous patience while tending to their grandchildren, thus inculcating a loving attitude and mannerisms towards life and other living things at an early age.

     Here are some activities we can do with our grandparents to show our gratitude for what they do for us throughout the year: 

* Listen to interesting stories from their lives. 

* Adopt some of their hobbies and learn from them (cooking, baking, gardening, playing an instrument etc.). 

*Ask them to sing their favourite song and then sing along with them. 

* Go with them to buy some groceries. 

* Help them with family chores. 

* Put on their favourite movie and watch it with them. 

* Gardening together. 

* Star gaze over a cup of coffee. 

* Accompanying them on a walk to the seashore. 

* Play music that they are fond of.

* Take out board games like Scrabble and Ludo.   

    We are moving towards an aging world, and over the next thirty years, our aging population will double. We need to embrace this reality and develop a sensitive attitude towards all the elderly angels around us. 

     Yes, at times circumstances might be demanding, and people can be difficult; however, with a loving, thoughtful and patient heart, we must appreciate all that our grandparents have done for our parents, and us, and reciprocate this affection that has been passed down over the years. Making our world a better place begins at home; let’s make this world a better place to live for our grandparents and elders, too!