DETERMINATION HIGHER THAN EVEREST

 Arunima Sinha

Meet Arunima Sinha, the mountaineer whose determination can only be gauged as higher than Mount Everest. Her hair-raising story is not just a story of determination of the highest level but one of a sublime level which may serve as an inspiration for all and yet may be impossible to emulate.

Determination must have been in her blood as Arunima was born in the family of an Army engineer on 20 July 1989. Her early life was of hardships and struggles as she lost her father at a very young age, and the family consisted of four children. Being a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, Arunima had her schooling in the Government Girls’ Inter College of her hometown. Her hobbies were gardening, sketching, yoga, travelling and listening to music. She also liked football, while distinguishing herself as a national level volleyball player. She has participated in the Nationals, seven times.

Aspiring to join one of the paramilitary forces, on 12 April 2011, Arunima Sinha boarded the Padmavati Express on her way to Delhi to appear for her CISF examination. Little did she then know that her life was about to take a turn for something that neither she nor anyone could have ever foreseen. A gang of robbers tried to rob the passengers of the General Compartment in which Arunima was travelling. Arunima resisted when the hooligans tried to snatch her necklace but she was outnumbered and was pushed out of the train. She fell on the rail tracks and was unable to move and all that she remembers is that another train on the adjoining track ran over her left leg. She recalls: “I resisted the robbers, but they pushed me out of the train. I could not move. I only remember another train coming towards me. I tried getting up. But by then, the train had run over my leg. I don’t remember anything after that.”

She was soon taken to a nearby hospital. After some initial treatment, Arunima was moved to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The police department made a mockery of the investigation by concluding that Arunima may have tried to commit suicide. It was a judgement of the Allahabad High Court that finally made the Railways pay Rs 5,00,000/- as compensation to Arunima.

Arunima had been brought to the AIIMS with injuries to her backbone and also the right leg. While the doctors inserted a rod in her right leg, to save Arunima’s life, they had to amputate her left leg below the knee. A local Delhi company financed her for getting a prosthetic left leg.

For any ordinary mortal, the situation would have been only looking into a dark and bleak future but not for one whose inspirations are people like Swami Vivekananda, cricketer Yuvraj Singh and mountaineer Bachendri Pal. While being treated at AIIMS, she had already resolved to climb Mount Everest. She was inspired by Yuvraj Singh, who successfully battled cancer, “to do something” with her life.

She excelled in the basic mountaineering course from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, and was encouraged by her elder brother Omprakash to climb Everest with a prosthetic leg. She contacted Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest, and signed up for training under her at the Uttarkashi camp of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) 2012.

Once out of bed, Arunima refused to use crutches for walking although the doctors feared that another operation would become necessary if the steel rod tore through the flesh, but the ‘never-say-die’ spirit of the mountaineer-to-be had the last laugh.

On 1 April 2012, Arunima started her first expedition in Ladakh and scaled the 6,622-metre high Mount Chhamser Kangri. The same year, as preparation for her Everest expedition, Arunima also scaled the 6,150-metre Island Peak and on 12 April 2013, with sponsors secured by the Rama Krishna Mission at Vadodara, Arunima was on her way to reach the highest point on Planet Earth at 8,848 metres.

The 52-day and a last stretch of a 17-hour climb to the top of the world may have ended as a failure as Arunima’s oxygen level was below the desired level but not when the person at the other end of the breathing apparatus is a 5’2” dynamite named Arunima Sinha. On 21 May 2013, the determined soul left the whole world gaping in awe; Arunima reached the top of the world!

Incidentally, Arunima was not the first to achieve such a feat as way back in October 2011, a 61-year old American lady, also a left leg amputee had scaled Mount Everest but Arunima was definitely the first Indian woman to achieve this remarkable feat.

As was expected, honours and prizes began to flow. But Arunima, the restless mountaineer, had added yet another dream to her life. She wanted to scale the highest peaks of each of the seven continents. In due course of time, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Kosciuszko in Australia, Aconcagua in South America and Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia all lay low to Arunima’s determination. In January 2019, when Arunima scaled Mount Vinson in Antartica, she became the first amputee lady to scale that peak.

Of the many awards that Arunima received, the Padma Shri could be rated as the highest, but the diminutive mountaineer has now started focussing on another project: working for the welfare of the differently-abled, that they too are able to achieve their own goals. In pursuance of her social magnanimity, Arunima has used all her prize money to open an academy in the name of the most revered revolutionary: Pandit Chandra Shekhar Vikalang Khel Academy.

Her autobiography, 'Born Again on the Mountain', inspires a host of individuals who may be in a state of despair due to their physical incapacities.

Other than her physical handicap, Arunima’s personal and emotional life also has had its shocks and turmoil. Her first marriage of 2012 fell apart and she remarried in 2018 but nothing seems to stop the flow of Arunima’s determined life. Having set and achieved a goal, she is quick to set another one for herself to achieve. Indeed, a true follower of her idol, Swami Vivekanand; “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.”

CLASSICAL DANCE STYLE OF NORTH INDIA

 Kathak

Kathak is undoubtedly one of the most popular classical dance style of northern India. The speciality of this dance is the spins and the circular movements that create a rare spectacle, the highlight is the rhythmic complexity and footwork that takes several years of devotion to master. Kathak has been acclaimed, for centuries, as one of the most distinct classical dance styles of India.

Kathak evolved from the Vedic period and with several evidences in the form of literature, paintings and sculptures, it is believed that Kathak originated from the story telling tradition. Incidentally, the word ‘Kathak’ has evolved from the word kathakaar (storyteller), hence various stories from the Hindu mythology were narrated for spiritual and social uplift. “Katha kahe, so Kathak kahalave” meaning, it tells a story hence known as Kathak.

The community of musicians and dancers were known as Kathakar. Buddhist and Jain literature also mentions the tradition of dancers in Vaishali, Magadh and Kosha. Besides the storytelling aspect, other aspects like expressions, hand gestures and rhythmic footwork were added to attract theatrical appeal, as dance moved on from villages to courtyards, palaces and finally to modern-day auditoriums.

Kathak reached its pinnacle of glory as it attracted royal patronage during the Mughal regime. King Akbar married a Rajput princess and greatly encouraged arts and artistes. Performers from Persia and Central Asia were invited to perform; hence there was an intermingling of cultures and styles. While the Mughal dancers danced with the “salaami toda” and their typical styles, the Hindu dancers were different in their depiction and style of costume and “aharya abhinaya”. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and Nawab Asaf Ud Daulah were great promoters and contributed their poetic renditions which were interpreted in expressional dancing.

As Kathak developed from different regions of north India, it maintained the regional differences and original poetic renditions; thereby different schools of Kathak evolved which were known as “Gharanas”. The Jaipur Gharana flourished with the Rajput patronage; one of the founders was Bhanuji, his descendants were Hari Prasad and Hanuman Prasad. The Gharana, further was promoted by Jailal and Sundar Prasad.

The Lucknow Gharana was founded by Thakur Prasad who was the Guru of poet Wajid Ali Shah, his sons were Bindadin and Kalka Prasad. The most popular Kathak maestro of contemporary society, Pt Birju Maharaj, also hails from the same family.

Janikiprasad Gharana also known as Banaras Gharana was founded by Sohanlal, Mohanlal, Naval Kishore and Kundanlal. Famous dancer Nataraj Gopikrishna belongs to the Banaras Gharana.

The classical music, light and folk music have been adapted into Kathak dance according to regional differences and flavours. Bindadin Maharaj’s poetic renditions are used quite a lot, besides devotional rendering of Tulsidas, Surdas or Meera Bhajans.

Like other classical dance styles, it takes several years for the student to get into the level of Visharad or Alankar. Continuous practice and complete devotion and involvement are necessary to become a fine exponent. The performance for one hour or more begins with a Vandana, prayer and invocation, followed with the execution of varied pure dance numbers with rhythmic complexity, tatkaar and finally a Tarana or an expressional Abhinaya number.

Some of the top Kathak dancers are Birju Maharaj, Shovana Narayan, Uma Sharma, Pt Pratap Pawar, Pt Nandkrishore Kapote, Pt Nagaraj, Paullomi Mukherjee and young dancers like Sunil Sunkara, Nidhaga Karunad and Jena Lakshmi.

FIRST DAY OF HINDU NEW YEAR

 Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is celebrated on `Chaitra Shukla Pratipada’. It is the first day of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. Gudi Padwa or Ugadi is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and is considered as one of the four most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Many consider this day ideal for the purchase of ornaments or a house amongst other things.

Gudi Padwa is celebrated for a number of reasons.

1) It is believed that Brahma Dev (Creator of this world) created the world on this day and is therefore worshipped.

2) It is also believed that the `Gudi (flag) is a symbol of Shri Rama’s victory over Ravan and his subsequent reinstatement to his post in Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.

3) The people of Maharashtra also see the Gudi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

4) This day also marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the beginning of a new one.

On Gudi Padwa, a Gudi is found hanging out of a window or prominently displayed in Hindu households. Gudi has a bright coloured cloth adorned with brocade tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which sugar candy, neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. This Gudi is then hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it.

On this festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered with fresh cow-dung. Even in cities, people take time out to do some spring cleaning.

Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for family gatherings.

Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by consuming the juice of leaves of the neem tree. The juice of neem leaves is sometimes mixed with jaggery, and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this juice, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.

22 MARCH, WORLD WATER DAY

 The Amazing Power of Water

Water is essential for life. It's not just for quenching thirst. It's one of the most important items that our body needs as it does many health improvements for us, including making us vibrant. Without water, it's impossible to survive. But how much water should you drink every day?

Unfortunately, most people don't drink enough water, especially adults. This is because older people don't sense thirst as much as they used to when they were younger. And this can become a serious problem if they are on medication that may cause fluid loss. This is why staying hydrated is a daily necessity, no matter what the thermometer says.

Benefits of drinking water:  Water has many important jobs, such as, Carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells. Water helps in regulating your body temperature and keeps it cool under pressure.

Flushing bacteria from your bladder:  Water flushes toxins from your system and helps in making you look and feel your best.

It aids digestion and prevents constipation. It keeps your tummy flat and your skin clear.

It normalises blood pressure, cushions joints, and protects organs, and tissues. Water helps keep your muscles toned and your body looking fit and trimmed.

It's a natural appetite suppressant and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Water boosts your energy levels and makes you look and feel refreshed.

Hazards of Not Drinking Water: Dehydration can occur when your body doesn't get enough water to perform its functions. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, headache, nausea, and dizziness. In severe cases, dehydration can also lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and even death.

Tips for Consuming Water Regularly:

Set an Alarm - This will remind you to drink water regularly. Otherwise, if you are not feeling thirsty you won't drink water. Remember, it's very important to drink enough water to stay hydrated. The general rule is to drink eight glasses of water per day. But you may need to drink more or less depending on your body composition and activity level. Thirst is not always an indicator of hydration. So, it's important to drink water even if you're not thirsty.

Drink filtered water - Don't drink any kind of water you get. It must be clean and healthy. Or, you will get water-borne diseases. Avoid drinking tap water directly as it can contain high levels of chlorine and other chemicals. Filtered water is a better choice than bottled water. But ensure you don't use those ultra-high filters that remove all nutrients from the water.

Drink Beverages - In addition to normal water, it's also important to drink hydrating beverages like herbal teas, coconut water, sugarcane, and fruit juice. These contain water plus other valuable nutrients that will keep your body hydrated. You can also eat foods that are high in water content, such as vegetables and fruits. If you are participating in sports ensure you drink enough water before, during, and after the activity to replace the water you will be losing.

Some Famous Quotes:

Water is the driving force of all nature.    ---- Leonardo da Vinci

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.     ---- Loren Eiseley

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it. ---- Lao Tzu

Thousands have lived without love, not one without water. --- - W. H. Auden

Water is life, and clean water means health. ---- Audrey Hepburn

Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water. --- - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

STORY FROM MYTHOLOGY

 Descent of river Ganga

Once it ceased to rain for many years. All the living beings were dying of thirst and lack of sufficient food. King Bhagirath (a ruler of Ayodhya, long before Shri Rama ruled it), couldn't bear to see the pain and also thought that her holy water could be used to liberate the souls of his ancestors who were cursed by sage Kapil and release them to heaven. He decided to pray to Himalaya to send the river down on Mother Earth. Himalaya heard his concerns and told Bhagirath that he would've sent his daughter but she no longer stays with him as she stays with the Gods above.

Bhagirath went to swargalok (heaven) and pleaded Ganga for help. Seeing the plight of the people on earth, she agreed to help. But she had one concern though. She said that if she came down on Earth from such a great height, everything on Earth would be destroyed and washed away. Himalaya suggested Bhagirath to pray to Bhagwan Shiva for help.

Bhagirath sincerely prayed to Bhagwan Shiva and requested Him to catch Ganga when she arrives on Earth, before she could hit the ground to ensure her steady and smooth flow. Bhagwan Shiva agreed and asked Ganga to come down. Ganga playfully asked Bhagwan Shiva to catch her as she would fall with full force.

Bhagwan Shiva freed His hair and caught Ganga in His matted hair and tied His hair again. Ganga was trapped in Bhagwan Shiva's matted hair. Bhagirath pleaded to Bhagwan Shiva to let Ganga go. Bhagwan Shiva agreed and waters of Ganga started to trickle down from Bhagwan Shiva's matted hair.

Bhagirath thanked Bhagwan Shiva and asked Ganga to follow him. Ganga started following him. He used to look over his shoulder from time to time to ensure that Ganga was following him.

After crossing the hermitage of Sage Jahnu, Bhagirath as usual looked back to find Ganga missing. Ganga had taken a detour to enter Sage Jahnu's hermitage. Sage Jahnu would feel his feet getting wet. When he opened his eyes, he found Ganga laughing at his condition. Enraged with Ganga's childish behaviour, Sage Jahnu collected some water in his palms and drank it.

Bhagirath called out for Ganga and he could hear Ganga's feeble voice from Sage Jahnu's tummy. Bhagirath requested Sage Jahnu to forgive the playful Ganga and have mercy on all the living beings. Sage Jahnu then let Ganga out of his ear.

This time Ganga obediently followed Bhagirath and didn't take any detours. As Ganga continued to flow, people worshipped her and thanked her as she supported and saved all the living beings. The people thanked Bhagirath for bringing Ganga on Earth. Also his ancestors attained salvation.

Since Bhagirath brought Ganga to earth, she is also known as Bhagirathi. Also, as she came out of Sage Jahnu’s ear, she is also called as Jahnavi.

FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY

 First Lok Sabha elections

AFTER Independence, general elections to the first Lok Sabha were held in India between 25 October, 1951 and 21 February, 1952. 

While some voters in Himachal Pradesh voted in October before the winter set in and cut off their constituency from the rest of the country, the rest of the country began voting in phases from January of the following year. 

About 1849 candidates and 53 political parties competed for the 489 seats of the Lok Sabha, 245 seats being needed for a majority. The voting age was 21. 

More than 173 million people out of an overall population of about 360 million were eligible to vote, but it being the first time, the voter turnout was low — 45.7 per cent. 

As illiteracy was high and most of the voters couldn’t read or write, colours and symbols were used to guide voters — at polling booths, each candidate was allotted a separate ballot box that was differently coloured from the others. His party’s symbol and his name were labelled on it. The voter had to simply insert the ballot paper given to him or her in the ballot box of his or her choice. Then, as now, indelible ink was applied to the voter’s finger to prevent impersonation. 

The Indian National Congress (INC) led by Jawaharlal Nehru won 364 seats. Only two other parties reached double figures in the number of seats won — the Communist Party of India got 16 seats, and the Socialist Party, 12. Jawaharlal Nehru was elected Prime Minister. The first Lok Sabha was constituted on 17 April, 1952 and served its full term of five years.

FUN WITH MATHS

 Magical number

Enter 999999 into your calculator and then divide it by 7: 999999 ÷ 7 = 142857

The result is a special number.

Pick any number from 1 to 6 and multiply it with the special number.

Note the product.

Now pick a different number from 1 to6 and repeat the above steps.

What do you observe?

When you multiply the special number with any number from 1 to 6, the product features the same digits in different arrangements!

142857 x 1 = 142857

142857 x 2 = 285714

142857 x 3 = 428571

142857 x 4 = 571428

142857 x 5 = 714285

142857 x 6 = 857142