Story

 You get when you give

Once, a group of 500 people were attending a seminar.

In between the speaker stopped and decided to conduct a group activity.

He started giving each person a balloon and then asked them to write their names on it using a marker pen.

Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room.

The people were then let into that room and asked to find the balloon which had their name written on it within five minutes.

Everyone was frantically searching for their balloon, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos.

At the end of five minutes no one could find their own balloon.

Then, the speaker asked each person to randomly collect a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it.

Within minutes everyone had their own balloon.

The speaker then explained: “This is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is. Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life... the pursuit of happiness!”

Story

 

True value of wealth

A miser, who never stopped worrying about the safety of his possessions, sold all his property and converted it into a huge lump of gold.

This he buried in a hole and every morning he went to visit it and gloat over its size.

The miser’s strange behaviour aroused the curiosity of a thief.

Spying on the rich man from some bushes, the thief saw him place the lump of gold back in the hole and cover it up.

As soon as the miser’s back was turned, the thief went to the spot, dug up the gold, and took it away.

The next morning, when the miser went to gloat over his treasure, he found nothing but an empty hole.

He wept and tore his hair, and so loud were his lamentations that his neighbour came running to see what the trouble was.

As soon as he had learned the cause of it, the neighbour said comfortingly, “You are foolish to distress yourself over something that was buried in the earth.

Take a stone and put it in the hole, and think that it is your gold.

You were never meant to use it anyway.

Therefore, it will do you just as much good to fondle a lump of granite as a lump of gold!

The true value of money is not in its possession, but in its use.

Science

 

Nuclear Energy

 

Nuclear energy is the energy stored inside an atom by the forces that hold together the nucleus of an atom.

Scientists have learned how to capture large amounts of energy from these forces, which can be used to generate electricity.

 

History

The idea of nuclear power began in the 1930s when physicist Enrico Fermi first showed that neutrons could split atoms.

In 1942, Fermi led a team that achieved the first nuclear chain reaction under a stadium at the University of Chicago, USA.

This was followed by a series of milestones in the 1950s, the first electricity produced from atomic energy at Idaho's Experimental Breeder Reactor I in 1951, the first nuclear power plant in the city of Obninsk in the former Soviet Union in 1954 and the first commercial nuclear power plant in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1957.

 

The Process

The most fundamental formula for understanding how nuclear energy is produced is E=mc².

This formula demonstrates that matter can be converted into energy.

It also demonstrates that a large amount of energy can be generated from a very small amount of matter.

 

Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy is the energy at the centre of an atom.

Atoms make up everything around us and the whole universe.

In a process called fission, atoms are broken apart and energy is released.

This energy can be used to generate electricity at power plants.

The primary way this energy is produced is with the help of uranium, which is a common element and the key element in the production of nuclear energy.

In fission, a tiny particle called a neutron hits a uranium atom.

The atom then splits and more neutrons are produced; this results in a chain reaction that releases large amounts of energy.

This energy is used to make water boil, which turns turbines to generate electricity.

This process is carried out in a nuclear reactor-a place in the power plant where fission takes place.

 

Applications

Nuclear energy can be used for various purposes, especially in industrial applications.

The most common one is for the generation of electricity.

However, in recent times, the applications of nuclear energy have skyrocketed.

Recent developments have allowed nuclear energy to help with the desalination of water, hydrogen production, district heating or cooling and the extraction of tertiary oil resources.

In addition to this, the medical sector also benefits as it uses radiation to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer.

Radiation can also be used to genetically modify crops. For example, a vegetable can be changed so that it is more resilient to poor soil. Significant demand for nuclear energy for industrial applications is expected to increase because of steadily increasing energy consumption, the limited availability of fossil fuels and the increased sensitivity to the environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion.

 

Advantages

Nuclear energy doesn't release any harmful gases into the environment and is dubbed as one of the cleanest energy sources compared to fossil fuels.

 

Nuclear power plants are the most reliable source of energy, which means it is extremely rare that there will be lapses in the generation of energy.

Nuclear energy requires less fuel, which means that there is less expenditure on resources.

As technology continues to advance, nuclear energy is becoming an increasingly safe and stable option for energy production.

 

Disadvantages

It is extremely expensive to build and take care of a nuclear power plant.

There are times when freak accidents can occur as seen with Chernobyl, Ukraine, where a nuclear power plant exploded in 1986. 

However, with advancements in technology, these accidents have been significantly mitigated.

Sometimes, radioactive waste may be produced, which harms the surrounding area.

Every 18 to 24 months, a power plant must shut down to remove its spent uranium fuel, which becomes radioactive waste.

Nuclear power plants use large quantities of water for steam production and for cooling.

Some nuclear power plants remove large quantities of water from lakes or rivers, which could affect fish and other aquatic life.

Motivational

 Do It Now!

One day a perceptive old man was unusually laughing away.

Someone asked him, “What is it that amuses you so much?”

“Look!” he said, “See that stone in the middle of the footpath there. I have already seen six people stumble and fall over it.

Each one got up, dusted off their clothes, stared intently at the stone, cursed it, and then went their way.

Yet none of them ever thought of removing it from there.”

There is an old saying: “Tomorrow will be better if you do something about it today.”

It is always the doers that move the world.

Ideas are of little or no value until they are followed by action. There are only two paths in front of the people.

Choose to do something, or not to choose to do it.

It is important to be a doer, after all.

For the doer accomplishes tasks; learns to overcome obstacles; and thereby develops a purpose for success.

Whenever you feel tempted by your lower self to put off, to wait, or to delay, remember the motto: “There’s no time like the present to do it.”

Take cue from what Benjamin Franklin once said, 

“The world is not crying for men of talent, or larger brains. What the world needs and wants is doers. Men of action; men who do not wait for opportunity, but create their own opportunities right where they stand. It’s not the dreamers who move our civilization forward. It’s the doers. The do it nowers! If you can do it now, then just do it. Don’t you procrastinate, please. Procrastination is the thief of time!”

Navy Day

 

4^th December, Navy Day

The Indian Navy celebrates 4^th December as Navy day, to commemorate its achievements and its role in Operation Trident against Pakistan during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The Indian Navy is a well balanced three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans, and safe guards our national interests.

The theme for Navy Day 2022 is Swarnim Vijay Varsh, marking 50 years of India’s triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Navy Day celebrations stretch over a week, and comprises of functions/activities to raise awareness among the general public about the role of the Indian Navy. On most of the naval bases, the warships and aircrafts of the Indian Navy are accessible to visitors during Navy Week open house.

The Indian Navy plays a significant role in securing the marine borders of the nation as well as accelerating the international relations of India through various means like seaport visits, joint ventures, patriotic missions calamity relief and many others. The modern-day Indian Navy has been transformed in order to improve its position in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by the Indian Navy for its emblem, with the motto “Sam no Varunah” meaning “Be auspicious unto us, Oh Varuna”.

 

The operational and administrative control of the Indian Navy is exercised by the Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS) who is of the rank of Admiral from Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy).

The Navy has three commands, each under the control of a Flag officer Commanding-in-chief:

1) The Western Naval Command (Headquarters at Mumbai)

2) The Eastern Naval Command (Headquarters at Visakhapatnam)

3) The Southern Naval Command (Headquarters at Kochi)

The primary objective of the Navy is to safeguard the nation’s maritime borders, in conjunction with other Armed Forces of the Union, to act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace. The Navy has gone through many phases of change and it has continued to evolve since independence embracing the latest technologies, war tactics, strategies, roles and even in its very looks.

On 2^nd September 2022, the Honourable Prime Minister Modi introduced the new Naval Ensign (flag) in Kochi. This new ensign or nishaan of the Indian Navy does away with remnants of the colonial past and reflects India’s rich maritime heritage.

Joining the Indian Navy is a dream come true for most youngsters because you are choosing more than a `job’. The navy offers ample opportunities to explore your potential in every sphere of life. It provides professional challenges along with the security and comfort that is almost unparalleled. The Indian Navy offers a chance to grow as a professional, by learning new skills and acquiring unrivalled experience in the process of applying those skills. In fact, the experience that you gain in the Navy can help you shape your future through adequate financial benefits, unparalleled career potential and personal growth you have been waiting for. As long as you have the drive to make the difference in the world and in your own life, there will be a place for you in the Indian Navy.

CREATION OF BHAGAVAD GITA

 Gita Jayanti

  Also known as Gita Mahotsav, this day commemorates the creation of the Bhagvad Gita.

  Gita Jayanti is celebrated on Ekadashi (11^th day) of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsh month of Hindu calendar. 

  In the epic Mahabharata, the story of the Bhagavad Gita takes place just before the start of the Kurukshetra War.

  After several attempts at reconciliation failed, war was inevitable. Out of pure compassion and sincere love for his devotee and best friend, Arjuna, Lord Krishna decided to become his charioteer during the battle.

  The day of the war finally came, and the armies faced off on the field of war.

  Just as the battle was about to start, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna to drive the chariot to the middle of the battlefield, between the armies, to look more closely at the opposing forces.

  Seeing his grandfather, Bhishma, who raised him with great affection since childhood, and his teacher, Dronacharya who had trained him to become the greatest archer, Arjuna's heart began to melt.

  His body started to tremble and his mind got confused.

  He was unable to perform his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior).

  He felt weak and sickened at the thought that he would have to kill his relatives, his friends and revered persons in this confrontation. Despondent, he told Krishna of his sudden change of heart and turned to him for advice.

  The conversation that ensued, Lord Krishna's advice, messages and teachings to Arjuna, is what is known now as the Bhagavad Gita(the song of the Lord), the ancient scripture and philosophical work.

  The Gita is said to be a concise summary of the four Vedas of Hinduism.  Bhagvad Gita has 700 verses and 18 chapters.

  It is not a religious book but a guide to live a good, happy and successful life. Bhagavad-gita shows us where that happiness is. 

  Just like when we purchase a new gadget, a user’s manual comes with it. The manual teaches us how to make the best use of that gadget and derive maximum happiness out of it.

  For the want of proper knowledge we may invent our own ways of using it but finally we will become frustrated.

  So, Bhagavad-gita is manual given by the Supreme Lord Krishna which guides us in making the best use of this human life and to deriving real happiness from it.

  In the modern times when people are more confused and misdirected, the Gita becomes all the more relevant for the individual as well as the society at large in bringing back the stability and happiness in life.

One of the youngest freedom fighters

 

Khudiram Bose

The young martyr, Khudiram Bose (3 Dec 1889 – 11 Aug 1908) was born to Trailokyanath and Lakshmipriya Devi in a small village named Mohobani, situated under Keshpur Police Station in Medinipur district of Bengal.

His father was a Tehsildar in Nerajol.

He lost his mother when he was 6 years and his father died a year after.

Aparupa Roy, his elder sister, brought him to her house at Hatgachha village under Daspur Police Station.

Her husband, Amritalal Roy, got him admitted to Tamluk's Hamilton High School.

In 1902 and 1903, Sri Aurobindo and Sister Nivedita visited Midnapore.

They held a series of public lectures and private session with existing revolutionary groups for freedom.

Khudiram, a teenager, was an active participant in discussions about the revolution.

He joined Anushilan Samiti and came into contact with network of Barindra Kumar Ghosh of Calcutta.

He became a volunteer at age 15 and was arrested for distributing pamphlets against the British rule in India.

At age 16, he took part in planting bombs near police stations and targeted government officials.

Along with Prafulla Chaki, he attempted to assassinate a British judge, Magistrate Douglas Kingsford, by throwing bombs on his carriage.

Kingsford, however, was seated in a different carriage and the bombs resulted in deaths of 2 British women.

Prafulla fatally shot himself before the arrest.

Khudiram was arrested and tried for murder of the 2 women, ultimately being sentenced to death.

He was one of the first freedom fighters in Bengal to be executed by Britishers.

At time of hanging, he was 18 years, 8 months & 11 days old.

Heartfelt tributes to the revolutionary freedom fighter.