Holi - A Saga, Glory, or being woeful

“HOLI HAIIIIII”….. Yes!  It’s the most vibrant phrase uttered by the electrifying crowd of our country INDIA every year.  Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is celebrated with ebullience and mirth on full moon day. In spite of being a joyous festival, celebrating HOLI, hammers us to remember our demean history about Holika side by side in a commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. This festive officially occurs in spring with Holi celebrated as a Festival of love. Holi gets us close to our religion and inextricably linked with our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival.  Though there are numerous legends describing the holi celebration, the foremost of all are Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap-the king of that time, full of haughtiness, wants everybody’s devotion towards him. To his great wrath, Prahlad began to worship lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, the king asked Holika, his sister to enter into a blazing fire, with his son in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire intact and reduced to ashes.

Additionally, Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Giantess Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding death-dealing milk to him.

Also, another path led to celebrate Holi, is the legend of Ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the realm of Raghu, and was eventually chased away by the pranks of the children on the day of Holi. Showing their belief in the legend, children till now play pranks and catapult misemploy at the time of Holika Dahan. Celebration of these various myths associated with Holi, reassuring the people about the power of the truth, as the moral of all these legends manifests the ultimate victory of good over evil. Apart from all these parables, holi is celebrated at a time of the year when the fields are in full bloom and people are expecting a good harvest. This gives a people a good reason to rejoice, merry go round and immerse themselves in the spirit of Holi.

There are innumerable ways of memorializing holi in different states of our country. In some parts, it’s a belief that playing with colours help to promote good health as colours are said to have great impact on our body and our health. To further enhance the festive spirit of Holi celebrations we have a social sanction to get a kick with the tradition of bhang, dancing, playing with water etc.

The purpose of Holi is not to celebrate only the positive emotions but in some cases it serves as a legitimate way of expressing negative emotions might also be called for. 

Naturally this should not be used as an excuse for malicious behavior and should be done with a spirit of good humor as; Holi is after all a festival of triumph and euphoria, with the express purpose of healing society, preventing negative tendencies from overwhelming us. Another aspect of Holi is to help us break the barriers we have built around ourselves and our ego.

Also, looking at gloomy side of the festival, some loses their constraints stepping out the limit line! Though the myths are celebrated traditionally, the unexpected inhumanity by the mentally ill devils turns the jovial ambience Blue…! Keeping aside all joy, Centuries past, behind the joyful festival, there’s still a dubious situation for girls or women, “Are they sheltered?” The Question is that- Will perilous attitude last long? Will the sick mind turn optimistic??

It’s a huge question to answer, and yet contradictory!!

By Stuti Holkar

Painted Dome - "Rang Panchami"

28^th March, 2016

Rang Panchami,

Preparing for a celebration for children, which has its deep traditional roots isn’t an easy task when you have to abide by traditions, ensure enjoyable time for children and take care of vision as well as objectives of a social organization. Event Leaders Dr. Pooja, Miss. Stuti and Mr. Hitesh stepped up to take this responsibility and their team supported very well to make this event successful. Special acknowledgement for AnantAman members Atul, Deepanshi, Anupreet, Tanya, Sarang and Anand supported in handling various duties and behind the scenes hardwork.

Pohe served as breakfast to children.

Members making arrangements for music system and speakers.

Members and children dancing on music.

Everything was on schedule and we began with serving breakfast to children because it’s no fun to play on empty stomach. All hustle got attention as the DJ began to roll its sound tracks. It was time for fun, dance and obviously colors. As promised we stuck with our determination of Safe and Dry Holi by entirely eliminating use of water as well as bringing in only Herbal colors. Everyone rushed to grab a fist full of color and chase each other to apply color before anyone else could. Soon the colors were spread everywhere as if some fancy makeup artist took a handful job decorated pretty faces. Pink and yellow, blue and red, green and orange and many more, scattered all around.

There was a moment when eyes got stuck and thoughts began to fly high. Gazing at everyone there and wondering about hidden importance of festivals. They pack so much within that we rarely explore. Every face was so well colored that they all resembled similar. It was hard to point any difference. The differences we use to discriminate humiliate and ostracize others. Yes!! This colorful festival does carry an important message. It teaches us to look beyond colors of skin, names, castes and religions. Colors of holi certainly eliminated all difference to bring every person under nature’s dome to enjoy together.

Music was on and feet were not ready to stop for a single moment of breath. All that one could do is get in mood, get carried with vibes of this festival and put some color. Some possed for selfies while others asked for their portraits to be captured by then responsible man for photography of event, Sarang Rajderkar.

Hurdle race and Sprint race

We continued the fun with several games, Hurdle Race, Sprint Race & more. As time passed by children surely felt roars from within. Tummy was at its loudest speech asking for lunch. On their daily scheduled time without any delay children were served Roti, Sabzi, Kheer and Daal-Chawal as lunch.

Lunch being served to children

After refueling everyone was back for more fun. More dance and some more games were played with kids. Finally concluded event on a high note every one once again wished each other “Happy Holi ~ Rang Panchami”. At last group picture of all participants was necessary for souvenir of a fabulous day with children.

Group picture concluding event. 

“Colors, well they can be pleasing, attractive and enjoyable as well as repulsive, ugly, unacceptable and offensive but Blacks, Reds & Whites shouldn’t be basis for discrimination.”

Some highlights of celebration --->

By Umang Daga

🔹🔹🔹 **...INVITATION..** 🔹🔹🔹

😇🎉Rangpanchmi Celebration..🎊

28th March 2016, Monday..

at,

Aarambh child home, behind Vaishnav Dham near Agarwal Public school, Bhicholi Mardana, Indore

🕰 8:30 am to 1 Pm

You all with your family cordially invited..

Celebration will have..

Breakfast and Lunch for kids,

Dance, Games, fun activities, Gulal_dry holi etc..

कुछ लमहें उन नन्हें फरिश्तो के संघ,
जिनके पास कुछ न होते हुए भी सिर्फ हैं खुशियों के रंग..!!

Regards
AnantAman Social Welfare Society®
(9907046281)

Gulaal !!

Being a Jain I have learnt not to waste water unnecessarily. But being a human I have experienced that never to waste a single moment which who knows can be unknowingly source of joy. Well this situation is truly a dilemma. Now how will I be able to play Holi. Water or colors or just social sites! Excess water usage will ruin my values; colors may be skin sensitive, while just plain texts would be boredom.

Well not wasting water literally makes sense. There is still a major chunk in India which still suffers of this water shortage problem. We people usually go insane when our comfort zones that is a.c., water coolers or fans suffer from glitch and we have to spend just few hours without them. But you know there are still people in this nation whose happiness doesn't lie in such luxurious materialistic things. Their happiness lies in just basic needs such as food, clothe and home.

I have been constantly reading the success story of startups nowadays. Be it the Bangalore Cleanliness startup or Indore's recent Med startup. Wow! Technically we have so much innovation that just one click and get the most desirable stuff ignoring all the vague.  But isn't it true that the more we are becoming technology driven, the more we are forgetting our values.  In India still only 38 percent people have access to internet. Many rural areas are still facing the issue of water shortage, power shortage, food etc. Here the point isn't to be sympathetic towards them. They better know how to prove their capabilities and strive for what they want.

The only point that is being exaggerated is we as future drivers should understand the value of our natural resources and should not take them for granted. We should be careful if any leakage occurs at our surroundings. We should consume only that much water that we require. I have learnt this value from my 4rth standard student.  One day she asked me for water. I served her full glass of water. She asked me to make it half. I asked her why? She replied ' I don't require full glass I just require half amount of it and we should not waste water. I gently smiled and thanked her for opening my eyes. Children may be small but give us big teachings in simplest ways. I f you see today not just Rajasthan even Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh are equally suffering the problem of water shortage.

Since its Holi, so reminder reminder!! On this occasion we will really prove to be sensitive and tolerant. But to overcome this issue Holi wouldn't be enough we every day need to follow few basics to eradicate this issue such as:

•       Only consume that much of water which is required
•     Use bucket instead of taking a shower
•     Use rice water for washing utensils and mopping
•     In case of any leakage repair it asap

If we all take an oath to follow such basic things we will certainly make this a better nation to reside in.

But the good thing is finally I am out of dilemma. I have found a wonderful way of celebrating Holi. How about celebrating this grand occasion with small kiddos? Because their smile heals every pain and so whole heartedly our AnantAman family invite you on this auspicious occasion of Holi to celebrate it with a social cause on 28^th March 2k16.

This Holi, play safe, go eco-friendly & save water. Dry Holi is best Holi.

Happy Holi

By Poorva Banthiya

OUTDOORS & HEALTH

When I was a kid, summer vacations used to be a most awaited time for me. I could go out to my nani’s place and can visit the farms (natural beauty), play in the garden with my friends until the sun went down. I kept myself quite occupied without any of today’s modern technologies.

Now, exams are about to finish and there are hundreds of television stations, video games, and interactive Web sites that will keep kids occupied for hours on end. Kids staying indoors for a long period of time have prolonged negative effects extending far beyond childhood. They start missing something that is essential for their health and development. Parents think that their child is safe and will not develop any health problems if they stay indoors all the time. The truth is that a child who spends more time indoors gets subjected to Social, Physical and Emotional problems.

There are many health benefits that make outdoor play great for children.

Ø  Control childhood obesity

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing; Part of this huge increase is contributed to less outdoor. It's hard to get enough active play and exercise if you're always inside playing video games or watching TV. And without enough exercise, kids can become overweight.

Ø  Bone health

Vitamin D increases with outdoor exposure to the sun. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends just 10 minutes of early morning sun exposure per day for a good daily vitamin D dose. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption, protect children from heart disease, diabetes and bone problems.

Ø  Reduce stress

Spending time outdoors has been linked with lower stress levels in children. Playing outdoor games for at least 30 minutes every day can do wonders to refresh and rejuvenate physically and mentally.

Ø  Promote creative and innovation

Outdoors, a child learns on multiple levels with each new adventure (Burdette and Whitaker, 2005). With all of the imaginary castles, lands, creatures, the brain develops at a much faster rate than for those who play indoors. There are numerous effects. Not only do they become better learners, and do well in school, but they are more fun to be around (i.e. they make more friends)

Benefits of outdoor games:

Physical development

·         Physical strength

·         Balance

·         Muscular strength

·         Hand eye coordination

·         Flexibility

·         Weight control

·         Cardiovascular endurance

Social development

·         Citizenship

·         Discipline

·         Teamwork

·         Leadership

·         Confidence boosting

·         Communication skills development

·         Feeling of freedom

·         Awareness

Few examples of outdoor games:

Tracking, Cycling, Walking, Gardening, Hide and seek, Jump rope, Ice water, Sports like cricket, football, basketball, badminton etc.

It’s good for our kids to be outside more often. As a parent, it’s our responsibility to provide varied opportunities for outdoor play, exploration and games.

By- Raksha Goyal

Do you have girlfriend or boyfriend or still messed up ?

Well this can be rated as the topmost rated question of the century which at most times is asked by people and sometimes by ourselves (Lol). Just like advancements in technology relationships too have got highly advanced and rapid. Few centuries back people use to jitter when they were supposed to propose their beloveds. While today situation has just gone reverse. People are too confident to confess even those whom they do not love at all may be because of the thought many will come,many will go (56 aayegi, 56 jayegi meri dulhania toh meri mummy hi layegi). Bitter but true. Although I am strong supporter of women empowerment yet I wouldn't hesitate in revealing the truth. Nowadays, girls are no less cunning than boys may be like (3-4 boyfriend ye to aam baat hai.. ye toh aam baat hai).

Well let me put few illustrations of our society. If a girl is cute or beautiful then she is perceived as reserved and if not a guy would love to be with her. Like if a boy is tall, dark,  handsome or bearded every girl would covertly admire him to be hers. Just a few set of perceptions and we people go crazy. The hilarious segment is that very soon we people start forecasting our future with that particular guy or girl because of just those trivial physical appearances. This is how fast we are.

I remember one of the most common played games among youngster. Can you guess it? Yeah I am talking about ‘Truth and Dare’. Every time people think of this there is bombardment of similar set of questions such as do you have bf or gf? , did you had someone in past? What sort of girl or guy you want in your future?  Well levels of questions vary but these are some hackneyed questions. Enjoyment is okay but what's wrong with us. Why we are so much interested in others life. Aren't we happy with our lives? No doubt globalization has changed lives it has raised our standards. But every time adapting that London culture is mere foolishness. If they people have the culture of witching from one to another. Why are we not following it. We aren't followers, we are achievers, innovators.

Our Indian culture says that ' if you want a husband like Shree Ram you have to practice to become goddess Sita and vice versa. But it is unfortunate that we Indian people have become so much adamant that we have forgotten Indian values. It's candid that our Indian culture is flexible and welcoming. But excess flexibility of our cultural values just to become adaptive can break it.

I remember a very small incident that happened to me recently. While I was teaching a 9th standard student his cell was continually beeping. I asked him to off his data connection. As soon as he did it off just few moments and his cell rang. He replied very sweetly ' Hey sweety! Right now I am outside I'll call you back soon. I was stunned I asked him who was she (although I knew).  He replied my latest gf. I was like if you will do these chores at early years what will be left for your mature years then?

Well this is how things are nowadays. But still if somebody questions you whether you are single or in relationship. Do not hesitate. Reveal the truth.  I have seen many hesitate while saying that they are single. But the best part is if you are single you are living your life to the fullest. You are yours and you should be proud of it as you are not blindly following that flock of sheep. But yeah just saying a no won't do. You should respond really well with a big smile and a small piece of advice that I believe in the most ' I am single I need not give justification but one thing that I can pass on is  ' Build less amorous relationships and more work relationships'. Nothing is awesome than that. This will certainly turn the coffee more hot and chocolaty.

Love being single.  Don't regret. You are at your best.  Rest is all your thought process.

All the best.

By Poorva Banthiya

ORGAN DONATION- THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME

Indore has now entered among the top Indian cities in organ donation. We are now ranked second (amongst cities) when a sum total is calculated for eye, skin and cadaver donations. We have now started making a green corridor and transporting the organ to other cities by air.

This news has captured everyone’s eyes last week, but there are still few myths related to this. Let’s understand the whole stuff…

What is organ donation?

Organ donation is the donation of biological tissue or an organ of the human body from a living or dead person to a living recipient in need of a transplantation. The donor of the organs plays a role of God in the life of organ transplanted person. One organ donor can save more than 8 lives in his life by donating his well function organs. 

A reality check

More than 5 lakhs of the Indians are dying every year just because of the failure of their major functioning organs anytime.

·         200,000 people die of liver disease

·         50,000 people die from heart disease

·         150,000 people await a kidney transplant but only 5,000 get one

·         1,000,000 people suffer from corneal blindness and await transplant

Law for safe organ donation

To prevent the commercial dealing in human organs a Transplantation of Human Organs (THO) Act was passed in 1994. Aim of this act is to regulate the removal, storage and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes only.

Who can donate?

·         A deceased donor, after brain death or cardiac death

·         A living donor, who can give a kidney, or a portion of the liver, lung, intestine or pancreas

Which organs can be donated?

Up to 25 different organs and tissues can be donated for transplantation.

Transplant able organs include :-

·         Heart

·         Kidneys

·         Liver

·         Lungs

·         Pancreas

·         Small intestines

Transplantable tissues include

·         Blood, blood vessels

·         Eyes

·         Skin

·         Bones

·         Bone marrow

·         Cartilage

·         Connective tissues

·         Heart valves

Maximum time span between recovering organs/ tissues and transplantation

Lung                    (4-6 hours)

Heart                   (4-6 hours)

Liver                    (12 hours)

Pancreas             (12 hours)

Kidney                 (12 hours)

Skin                     (6-12 hours)

Corneas               (14 days)

Reason for low organ donation rate

Most of the people do not have proper awareness about the organ donation, which organs can be donated, when they can donate, how to get registered for the organ donation, etc. Some people do not interested in the organ donation or do not show their independent desire for organ donation because of the family pressure or their own fear and myths.

How to donate

There are two ways to donate organs:

1.   

By pledging for organ donation when a person is alive

2.   By consent of family after death

Indian Society of Organ Transplantation was initiated the Transplant Registry in India in 2005. There is a facility of online organ registry for the people all over India who are willing to donate organs on their own will. Organ registry ensures the proper organ donation as well as the fair use of donated organs in the future according to the priority of need and requirements of the organs to the recipients.  Please visit the following website for registration :-

1. Mohan Foundation: http://mohanfoundation.org/

2. Shatayu: http://shatayu.org.in/

3. Gift Your organ: http://giftyourorgan.org/

4. Gift a Life: http://giftalife.org//