Celebration
of Janmashtami Festival
Prof. (Dr)
R.D. Gupta
“Janmashtami”,
also known as
“Krishanashtami”
or
“Gokulashtami”
is a festival dedicated
to Lord Krishna for
commemorating his birth
day. Lord Krishna is
considered to be the
eighth incarnation of the
Lord Vishnu and is
regarded the most
endearing God of the
Hindu Pantheon.This
festival comes off on the
eighth day of the dark
fortnight of the Sawan
(Shravan) or Bhadoon
month according to
Bikrami E ra which
usually coincides with
the August month in
accordance with Christan
Ear. In many places of
India, Janmasthami is
celebrated over two days.
The first day is
Krishnashtami or
Gokulashtami. The second
day is called Kalashlami
or more popularly
Janmashtami. In many
villages of Jammu and
Kashmir especially Jammu
Region, this festival is
celebrated over seven
days. The notable places
where Lord Krishna
birthday celebrations
take place are: Dwarka,
Brindavan (Vrindavan) and
Mathura.
Mathura - an ancient city
- is enumerated among
holiest of the cities in
India because it was here
where Lord Krishna was
born. Situated on the
west bank of the river
Yamuna, this ancient city
abounds in places of
religious and historic
interest. It is located
in the heart of
Brijbhoomi about 145 Km
away from South East of
Delhi. The birth of Shri
Krishna occurred in the
jail of the King Kans who
had imprisoned his sister
Devki and her husband
vasudeva. This was done
on account of foretelling
through echo that eighth
issue of Devki would kill
kans during the time of
Devik’s marriage
which happened more than
5000 years ago during the
Dwapar yuga.
It is believed that prior
to taking birth of Shri
Krishna He (Lord Vishnu)
came in a dream of
Vasudeva to carry Him in
a basket across the river
yamuna to Nand
Gopa’s house at
Gokul and bring the girl
child from there. After
Krishna’s birth,
there was a bright
dazzling light in the
jail, All the prison
guards got sound sleep,
prison chains of his
parents broke and doors
opened. Vasudeva, Thus,
carried infant Krishna
after crossing the yamuna
river to Nand’s
house at Gokul and
brought the newly born
girl child to the prison.
During the night when
Shri Krishna was born,
there was heavy rains the
yamuna was in full spatre
and its water rose to the
level of vasudev’s
neck while he was
crossing the river
carrying basket on his
head having child Krishna
in it. Yamuna actually
wanted to worship in the
form of touching
Krishna’s feet. When
Krishna touched his feet
after drawing from the
basket, the yamuna came
down and provided safe
passage to vasudeva.
After placing, the child
Krishna in
Yashodha’s bed and
taking the girl child
vasudeva returned in the
jail. No sooner he
entered the prision, the
doors got closed, the
guards awakened and
listened the voice of the
girl child, and informed
the king Kans. Kans came
and caught the girl child
and threw her on the
ground. The girl child
who was not an ordinary
girl but a form of
Energy, sprang up in the
sky telling with an
alarming sound to the
king Kans that your
killer has already been
orn at Gokul. On hearing
girl child’s echo,
Kans sent Demoness, Putna
to kill child Krishna by
offering him milk of her
breasts full of poison.
Krishna, however, sucked
her breasts till she
because dead. The King
Kans made a number of
other plans to kill
Krishna but all in vain.
Krishna’s Leela:
Every event of
Krishna’s life was
just like Leela or Rass
(Plays/sports). For
instance, he exhorted the
people to worship, the
Goverdhan mountain
instead of the Goa Indra
known as the deity of
rains. The God Indra
annoyed at this juncture
and rained torrentially
with floods and
destruction of houses,
plants and animals. The
Krishna then lifted the
Goverdhan animals. The
Krishna then lifted the
Governdhan mountain with
his forefinger to provide
shelter to cows, cowherds
and other dwellers of
Gokul. He also killed
serpent Kalia. He often
used to steal butter from
Gopies houses and thus
earned the name of
“Makhan Chor”.
Once Yashoda asked him to
open his mouth while
Krishna was taking soil
(mitti). He opened his
mouth to show cosmic
vision to Yashodha.
Krishna also tried to
reveal his Divinity on
many occasion by playing
a great feats. But
Yashodha could not
understand Him. In
Chapter 11 and verse 47
of Bhagvad Gita, it has
been mentioned that,
“one has a right to
work but can never claim
its fruit”. Even
Krishna showed his
awesome cosmic form to
Arjuna, when the latter
surrendered to the former
to accept him his Guru.
Krishna himself said,
“ I have been
through many births and
so have you. While I know
it, but you do not. I am
unborn; imperishable and
assumes a body through my
own power of illusion
(maya). I take birth in
every yuga to look after
those who follow moral
precepts, perform their
duties and assist the
others and punish the
gulities”.
Thus, Shri Krishan is a
living example of his own
teachings in the Gits.
All his activities were
full of grace, perfection
and dyanmism. In the
Shiva Sutra, it has been
exhorted that there comes
a stage when any thing
that the yogi does,
becomes a divine deed.
And Shri Krishna, The
yogi of yogis was,
infact, living out a life
from such a high state.
He although was the
beloved of all gopis yet
he was the divine lover
of the Goddess Radha.
Shri Krishna was very
kind hearted also as
could be deciphered from
his 100 forgivenesses
shown to the King
ShishuPaul (His cousin
brother i.e., son of
aunt- Bau) and finally
killed him. His principle
of life was to protect
Dharma”.
Celebration of Festival:
Janmashtami is celebrated
with gaiety and religious
fervour. A fast is
observed. Some people
keep fast as
“Nerohar” which
means that they do not
take any thing including
water till and night. At
mid night when the moon
rises i.e, at 123 PM,
special worship with
chanting of hymns and
bhajans are held in every
home and temple.
Devotees throng the
temples of Lord Krishna
to have his darshan.
Millions of devotees
assemble at Mathura to
take part in the special
function of mid night.
There is a great rush of
devotees at Dwarika to
have darshan of Shri
Krishna. There is live
telecast of the
programmes from Mathura
and Dwarika temples,
Janmashtami is also
celebrated in Jammu and
Kashmir with great
religious fervour. The
temples are well
decorated. The swings are
prepared inside of which
the idols of Lord Krishna
and His consort the
Goddess Radha are kept.
In Jammu, religious
procession (the
“shova yatra”)
is taken out oneday
before the festival which
starts from Raghunath
temple and after moving
from a number of bazars
again culminates at
Raghunath temple. As the
procession passes through
the bazars, large number
of people are seen linked
upon the road side.
Entire function is
generated emotional
atmosphere and nostalgic
memories.
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Sabardhar
The Abode of Sheshnag
S.R. Kotwal
If we scan
the pages of ancient
history we know that
Bhadravakasa was the
original name of present
Bhaderwah. The aborigines
of this hill territory
has their lineage from
Nagas of Northern India,
and thus Naga cult is the
dominant creed of the
locality, and Vasuki
being patron divinity was
the first Raja of
Bhaderwah.
Vasuki Nag was highly
revered and miraculous
Naga leader and may have
organised the scattered
nation for struggle and
that was the reason
Vasuki was elevated as
deity.
Vasuki had two brothers
one of them was Shesh Nag
(popularly known in
Bhaderwah as Sabar Nag)
who was more powerful of
all, the native Nagas.
When Vasukinag became the
Rcija of Bhaderwah, he
divided his kingdom and
gave right side of Neru
stream to his brother
Shesh Nag who had his
establishment at Sabardar
(Sabar means Sheshnag I
dhar means a small bin) a
place of salubrious
climate, thick forests,
enchanting view of hills
mountains and postures,
besides big and small
hamlets at a height of
9000 feet from sea level.
Thus Sabarnag had his
sway over a large area
comprising Chinta,
Bhalra, Bedore, Chiralla
and other adjoining
villages.
Accordingly a divine
edifice stand erected at
a commanding site in the
shape of a temple long
back. The plinth of the
temple is in a 24 square
feet high platform
leading a handsome flight
of steps from the ground.
The square cella of the
temple is built in stone
masonry of 15 feet hi~
accommodating an idol of
Shesh Nag covered with
coiled serpents in black.
The outer cover of the
temple is with projecting
portico on each side. The
cone being 61/2 feet with
a steel kalash on top
having a commanding look.
Shesh Nag popularly known
as Sabar Nag is
considered a supreme
power among Nagas. The
early legends and
traditions show that Naga
Lords often manifest to
noble souls and sometimes
appearing in human from
and talked to them face
to face.
An interesting and widely
acknowledged legend leads
us to miracles of Sabar
Nag.
One Godan clan of Chinta
were Nagkul Rajputs and
one of the scion residing
in Jalga were spiritually
associated with Sabar Nag
and one of their
ancestors a sage was a
top in spiritual virtues
having close association
with Sabar Nag, would
often visit Sabardhar
while tending his flock
of sheep in the meadows
and sit with Sabar Nag to
play chess (a game played
by two with 16 beads) and
would discuss certain
worldly & spiritual
problems too. This was
usual programme of the
two.
One day the Nag Lord
interdicted the Sage not
to visit on the day of
Kunjatra (day of Nagas)
because as usual an
important meeting of the
Nagas was to be held to
perform certain Naga
rituals on that
particular day. As
kunjatra is the day of
Nagas which generally
takes place 15 days
before the commencement
of local jatras
celebrated in honour of
the Naga Lords.
But the sage
inadvertently happened to
reach there on the same
day, and to his great
surprise he found that a
grand darbar of Nag a's
was being held under the
patronage of Sa bar Nag.
It was a secret meeting
of the Nagas to perform
certain Naga rituals and
the appearance there
other than the Nagas was
undesirable.
The Nagas resented the
presence of the mankind
there and cursed him to
face death after seven
days when the first rays
of the morning sun would
touch the peak of the
Kailash Kund.
The sage did not mind it,
but asked one favour from
Sabar Nag that he would
personally come to bring
down a wood on his pyre.
The Sabar Nag agreed and
promised.
On the appointed day when
the first rays of the
rising sun touched the
peak of the Kailash Kund
the sage breathe his
last. The family members
and -relatives bade
farewell to the departed
soul and marched towards
crematorium to perform
last rites. it about 500
yards on the way there
was a big old Mohru tree
and the bier of the dead
was kept under the tree
as was agreed in the
promise. Then a twig of
the tree was plucked and
placed gently on the bier
and a big black snake
appeared heading the,
dead march up to
crematorium, when reached
there dead body was
placed on the prayer the
snake hissed and
disappeared there and
then. The legend is still
preserved and narrated to
the coming generations.
The Sabar Nag showers
blessings to the devotees
when propitiated with
faith and religious
devotion.
Another notable incident
pertaining to the
blessings of Naga Lord (
Shesh Nag) also found
recorded in the annals of
ancient Bhaderwah. It is
said that Raja Amar Singh
Younger Brother of
Maharaja Pratap Singh got
Bhaderwah as a Jagir from
his brother but the Raja
had no issue despite
performing certain
rituals and ablutions.
The Raja was sad. Once a
saint came across to Raja
Amar Singh and predicted
that his desire for a
heir apparent shall be
fulfilled provided he (
the Raja) propitiated
Shesh Nag at Sabardhar in
his Bhaderwah jagir. The
Raja took these words as
divine command and
visited Sabardhar where
he worshiped the Shesh
Nag and performed
religious rituals and
ablutions for some days
there. He honoured the
deity with golden
ornaments and chattar
too.
Next year the Raja
celebrated the birthday
of an illustrious,
benevolent and just son
who latter on became the
Maharaja of Jammu and
Kashmir.
The locals of Bhaderwah
have firm faith and
celebrate c-olourful and
specific festivals with
devotion to Sabar Nag,
but a grand meta takes
place every year one day
earlier to Baisakhi
festival at Sabardhar
when the spring is in
full swing on the tops
and valley and the people
forgetting the rot of
winter perform rituals
for getting the blessings
of their Lord deity. It
is indeed an unique
occasion at Sabar Dhar
when thousands of men,
women and children throng
there in colourful and
customary dresses to
worship and make
rejoicings.
This hill top abode of
Shesh Nag at Sabar Dhar
is an unique panoramic
place for the development
of religious, cultural
and adventurous tourism
in Bhaderwah which the
authorities should
incorporate in their
tourism map.
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Dashnami
Akhara Poonch
K.D Maini
During the
Raksha Bandan festival,
Dashnami Akhara Poonch
becomes the center of
religious tourism as
thousands of pilgrims
reach in the Akhara to
participate in Chari
Mubarakh Yatra which
starts from Dashnami
Akhara Poonch and leads
towards Swami Budha Amar
Nath temple Mandi. The
main function organized
in Dashnami Akhara Poonch
two days before the
Raksha Bandan on the
pattern of such type of
function which was
organized in Dashnami
Akhara Srinagar before
militancy and leading
towards Swami Amar Nath
Cave in Pahalgam area.
The religious rituals
starts from early morning
in which thousands of
devotees, pilgrims,
sadhus and local people
fromJammu province and
abroad participate with
devotion to accopmany the
yatra. After the Havan,
Pervachans of Mahant of
Akhara, Bhajan, Kirtan
and Purn Ahuti the
religious precession
starts at 9 a.m. with the
salute of a contingent of
police force to holy
silver coated Chari
Mubarakh and Mahant who
leads the procession
followed by Sadhus,
Pilgrims and thousands of
local people of Poonch
town and cillages. Kirtan
Mandalies also accompany
the procession and make
the function colorful.
The muslims of Chandak
and Mandi town presents
light drink and
refreshment to yatries.
By this way the function
becomes the symbol of
composite cultural
heritage of this soil.
Suitable arrangements are
made by the Sanatan
Dharam Sabha Poonch for
the proper boarding and
lodging of pilgrims. The
district administration
Poonch also made
elaborate security and
other arrangements in and
around the Akhara complex
during these days.
Presently Akhara complex
is spread over 26 kanal
area which comprise of
old Hanuman temple, Shiv
temple, Langar building,
Ashram building of Mahant
of the Akhara, Samadi
Sathal, Sarai building
for yatries, old well,
water tankies, kitchen
garden and a piece of
cultivable land. The
complex is located inthe
southern corner of Poonch
town which is touching
Bag Deodi gate of Poonch
from northern side and
Shanker Nager Mohalla
Poonch falls inthe south
of shrine complex.
Dashnami Akhara Poonch is
also a symbol of
tolerance and composite
culture of this soil
because this temple was
got constructed by the
Mulsim Raja Rustam Khan
Rathre of Poonch during
1760 to 1787 AD. There is
an interested story
behind the construction
of this temple. As per
Tariq-e-Aqwama-e Poonch
written by Mohd Din Fooq.
Raja Mohd Zan Khan of
Poonch was killed in
revolt in 1749 AD and his
minister Latief Ulla Khan
becomes the Raja. Latief
Ulla Khan also tried to
kill Ali Ghore Khan the
son of late Mohd Zan Khan
Rathore but he was
escaped. In the mean time
Latief Ulla flicked from
Poonch town and took
shelter in Kahuta village
which is 12 kms from
Poonch and located in the
foot hills of Hiji Peer
now in POK. Ali Ghore
changed his life style
and becomes a hired man
to hide his identity from
locals. One day when he
was grazing goats in the
slopes of Haji Peer, a
Hindu hermit after
crossing the pass of Haji
Peer entered in Kahuta
village of Poonch area.
He was extremely thirsty
and searching water
spring. He saw Ali ghore
who was grazing goats in
that area, hermit
requested him for a glass
of water. Ali Ghore told
that water spring is for
away from this place and
then offered fresh cup of
goat milk to hermit with
devotion. Hermit becomes
very kind to Ali Ghore
and after knowing his
family background he
blessed him that he will
become Raja of Poonch
very soon. Then he
suggested Ali ghore to go
to Kashmir, get help from
Kashmir Governor and
capture Poonch. The
hermit left for Poonch
and started meditation at
present Akhara site.
On the other hand Ali
Ghore on the directions
of hermit left for
Kashmir in 1760 AD along
with his mother. At that
time Kashmir was taken
over by AFghans who were
against Aslam Yar Khan,
the Mughal Administrator
of Poonch. Therefore
Afghan Governor well
comed Ali Ghore Khan,
given him a big force and
designated him as Raja of
Poonch. Latter he assumed
the name of Raja Rustum
Khan. Ali ghore along
with Kashmiri force
reached Poonch and after
a small resistance from
Aslam Yar Khan caputred
the principality.
After the death of Raja
Rustam Kahn (1760-1887)
Poonch remains ruled by
Muslim Raja Shah Baz
Khan, Bhadur Khan, and
Ruh Ulla Khan Sangu up to
1819. These Rajas had
given full respect to
Dashnami Akhara Shrine.
When Moti Singh (1852-92)
became the Raja of
Poonch, Swami Jwaher Giri
Ji was the Mahant of
Akhara. Keeping in view
his spiritual power, Raja
Moti Singh designated
Swami Jwahar Giri Ji as
Raj Guru. Moti Singh also
sanctioned more jagirs
with the srine and
constructed the temple in
Akhara where Sadhus and
swamis were used to stay.
After Jwaher Giri ji,
Swami Shama Nand Ji,
Swami Shankera Nand Ji,
Swami Padam nand ji,
Swami Satya Nand Ji etc
remain the Mahants of
this shrine.
There is a need of more
publicity of Dashnami
Akhara Poonch along with
Swami Budha Amar Nath
Temple Mandi so that this
place could be exploited
for religious tourism
purposes. At least four
public conveience and siz
beded tourist hut near
the Akhara building is
proposed for the
convenience of the
pilgrims who used to
visit Dashnami Akhara
during Raksha Bandan
festival. By this way the
economy of the people
shall also get boost.
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SEAT
OF SHAKTI
O P Sharma
 The people
of Jammu region and even
outside have unshakable
faith in Mata Mahakali
temple situated in Bahu
Fort, Jammu premises.
Thousands of devotees
frequent the ancient
temple all round the year
and especially during the
Navratras, this holy
place is centre of
attraction for the
devotees.
Dr Om Goswami, a noted
scholar and former
Additional Secretary of
Cultural Academy, has
authored this book on the
spiritual, historical and
other aspects of this
temple. He has narrated
some mythological stories
and few legends
associated with the
Shakti in this part of
the country. He has also
mentioned a number of
folklores and legends
associated with this
place of worship held in
high esteem by people of
all faiths.
Shakti Kali
The people have been
worshippers of Mahakali
goddess and various other
forms: Maha Laskshmi,
Sarswati. It is
noteworthy that there are
many temples of different
goddesses across Jammu
region. Many magnificent
temples of goddesses like
holy Vaishno Devi cave,
Sukhrala Devi near
Billawar, Lakhsmi at
Pacca Danga, Jammu and
numerous others of
Parvati- Shiva,
Radha-Krishan.
While this land known for
peace and harmony, it is
inhabited by brave and
deeply spiritual people
who have full faith in
their own religions but
also have due regards for
other religions.
Different rajas of Jammu
held in high esteem this
holy place of Bahu Fort
temple and always paid
obesecience to seek
Mahakali Devi’s
blessings.
Years back, the devotees
used to cross Tawi river
on boats or walk over the
“ temporary”
bridge to track upto Bahu
Fort. There has been
upgradation of amenities
and also beautification
of the complex.
Mythologies mentioned
Quoting various
scriptures and folktales,
Dr Goswami has narrated
many mythologies and
legends about this
powerful goddess who is
incarnation of Shakti
Mata. This is premier
temple of the Shakti,
Mahakali Maa in the
northern India. This
temple is in Bahu Fort,
atop a hillock on the
bank of river Tawi, near
Jammu. It is well
connected by road. Many
Vaishno Devi pilgrims and
tourists to the winter
capital of J&K do
visit this sacred place.
A number of folksongs and
folktales are prevalent
about this diety and a
few of which do find
space in this book.
Unshakable Faith
The people in Jammu have
unshakable faith in
Shakti which has
different forms like
Vaishno Devi : Mahakali
popularly known as
Bahbeywali and also
Sukrala Devi, among
others.
Hundreds of devotees
visit the Mahakali temple
at Bahu Fort, Jammu daily
round the year but during
the Navratras the rush is
very heavy and special
arrangements are made.
Thousands of pilgrims to
holy Vaishno Devi cave
also pay obesience at
this temple.
This 192-page Hindi book
has absorbing reading
material and few good
colour pictures do add to
its value. It has been
priced at Rs 50, probably
to make it within the
reach of maximum readers.
Dr Goswami has made a
singular contribution by
highlighting some of its
spiritual signifance, its
historical importance and
economic aspects to
promote further
pilgrimage to Mahakali
temple at Bahu Fort,
Jammu.
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Role
of Exercise in pregnancy
Dr. Mrs.
Sanjogita Soodan
 Pregnancy
is a normal physiological
process in females. A
Regular exercise is an
important part of a
healthy pregnancy. During
pregnancy women encounter
many problems, like
excessive weight gain,
varicose veins, insomnia,
and laxity of joints,
fatigue, psychological
stress fear of labor and
child birth.
Exercise during pregnancy
will have a better
posture, improved
circulation, reduced
incidents of back ache,
increased stamina, muscle
strength and can decrease
stress on the ligaments
and joints. Good physical
condition, strength and
endurance help during
labor. Only a well
balanced exercise program
can offer these benefits.
Regular exercise
increases the efficiency
and potency of
body’s own insulin.
This may allow to keeps
the blood sugar in the
normal level. Maintaining
the correct weight gain
is very important in high
blood sugar levels. But
if you are not been
exercising regularly
before you get pregnant,
remember that pregnancy
is a physically demanding
condition. One can expect
to gain 25 to 35 ponds of
weight, heart will pump
about 50% more blood,
body will consume up to
20% more oxygen while at
rest and even more when
at exercise. Stop
exercising if pain,
dizziness, shortness of
breath, faintness,
palpitation, back or
pelvic pain or vaginal
bleeding. It is important
to prevent dehydration
during exercise
especially during
pregnancy. The American
College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists CACOG)
recommends drinking
fluids prior to an other
exercise, and if
necessary, during the
activity to prevent
dehydration.
POST PARTUM EXERCISE: is
also a very important
aspect of fitness. Many
pregnant women are
concerned about when they
can safely return to
exercise after the baby
is born. The period of
time before exercise can
be restarted depends upon
the number of
complications during
labor and delivery. If
labor and delivery are
uncomplicated, a post
partum woman can return
to aerobics exercise
usually once vaginal
bleeding from delivery
has stopped and on her
post partum check is
normal. Some importnat
Exercises are:-
Butterfly: This exercise
strengthens and stretches
muscles in the back,
pelvis and improves the
posture, it can help keep
pelvic joints flexible,
improve blood flow to
lower, body and ease
delivery.
The butterfly position
features outstretched
kneels with heels in
toward groin. Sit on the
floor with your back
straight, the bottoms of
your feet together and
knees dropped
comfortably. You should
feel a stretch in your
inner thighs.
If this is difficult for
you, try using a wall to
support you’re back
put cushions under each
thigh or just sit with
your legs crossed.
Changing the front leg,
occasionally. Remember to
keep your back straight.
Kegal Exercise:
Kegal exercises are
performed by contracting
your pelvic floor
muscles. Tighten the
muscles as if you’re
stopping a stream of
urine. Try it at frequent
intervals for 5 seconds
at a time, 4 or 5 times
on a row.
Squatting:
Sitting and squatting are
beneficial because they
open the pelvic outlet an
extra on quarter to
on-half inch, allowing
more room for your baby
to descend. You’ll
probably spend much of
your time in labor
walking and sitting.
Squatting for a few
minutes every so often
will help open your
pelvic. Sitting is very
easy enough, but
squatting is tiring.
Practice it frequently
during pregnancy to
strengthen the muscles
needed.
Pelvic tilt: This
exercise strengthens your
abdominal muscles, helps
relieve backache during
pregnancy and labor,
eases delivery and
encourages your baby to
turn if it’s in the
posterior position. It
can also improve your
back’s flexibility.
Wall Slide: Position your
feet about shoulder -
width apart and support
your back flat against
wall. Slide your back
down the wall until you
are in a position similar
to sitting on a chair -
only there’s no
under you. Rest your
hands on your thighs for
better balance.
Don’t slide down far
enough to let your knees
extend over your toes.
Keep your knees and feet
pointing forward? Hold
the position for a few
seconds. Slide back up
repeat the slide three to
five times, working up
gradually to 10
repetitions.
Each exercise session
should start with 5 to 15
min of warm up and end
with 5 to 15 min cool
down exercises at a lower
intensity. The type of
aerobic exercise
recommended are walking,
low impact aerobics
|
)****************************************************************************************
“Film
Families Take Over
Bollywood”
Inder Jeet
S. ‘Prince’
 Gone are the
days when all sorts of
nobodies came to Mumbai
from distant corners of
the country, with no
money & no contacts -
and went on to become big
marquee names. Like Dev
Anand, Dharmendra,
Jeetendra, Javed Akhtar
Salim Khan & many
others. Today their
children have moved in to
centre stage. What we are
witnessing is the coming
of age of the next
generation in all these
film families. And as it
so happens, this
generation, almost to the
last man has opted for
show-big. And they all
know each other.
That explains why
Bollywood with young
actors, actresses and
young directors all of
whom are from film
families. The cream is
drawn from Kapoors,
Khans, Bawejas, Roshans,
Johars, Deols &
Bachchans. Karan Johar
& Aditiya Chopra call
Amitabh has acted in
their fathers’
Films. Remember Tushaar
Kapoor’s (Son of
Jeetendra) debut making
film was opposite Kareena
Kapoor who was an
established actress at
that time. Kareena agreed
to work opposite Tushaar
(a new corner) only
because they have grown
up together.
The industry too has
welcomed these star sons
and daughters with open
arms. They come with a
sheen of stardom already
in place. The tag of a
film family can seduce
even the most established
& dedicated
film-maker. When J.P.
Dutta, riding high on the
wave of super successful
film ‘BORDER’,
made “Refugee”,
he could have cast
anybody in Mumbai . But
he chose Amitabh’s
son Abhishek &
Karishma’s sister
Kareena Kapoor.
New comers have no such
market value. Also, in no
other profession in the
world can you hope to be
completely unqualified
& yet earn so much
money, fame and
adulation. That explains
why film-makers spent
tens of crores for the
successful launch of
their sons, daughters or
close relatives in the
Bollywood.
Film-maker Raakesh Roshan
successfully launched
Hrithik Roshan in
“Kaho Na Pyar
Hai”, Dharmendra
produced “Socha Na
Tha” to launch Abhay
Deol Ranveer Kapoor (Son
of Rishi Kapoor) and
Sonam (Daughter of Anil
Kapoor) made their not so
successful debut in
Sanjay Leela
Bhansali’s
“Saawariyan”
last year. They were
simply offerred the roles
on grounds that they too
belonged to
film-families.
Producers Harry
Baweja’s multi
crores budgeted film
“Love Storey
-2050” was his
launch pad for his son
Harman Baweja. Film
Starring Priyanka Chopra
opposite Harman
nose-dived at the
box-office.
Aamir put his all efforts
to launch his cousin
Imran Khan in “Jaane
Tu, Ya Jaane Na !”.
Film hits the bull’s
eye at the box-office.
However, it is also a
bitter truth that most
industry children who
enter films have never
been to college; many
don’t even complete
school. But, even if
industry offsprings go to
the extent of getting
degrees like Fardeen Khan
or Tushaar Kapoor they
still opt for films as a
profession. “Well it
is axiomatic that the son
of a barber becomes a
barber, the son of a
businessman becomes a
businessman , so it is
natural for someone from
a film family to opt for
films” says
film-maker Mahesh Bhatt
& adds, “I
entered films because my
father was a film-maker
& I was not qualified
for anything else. I was
a college drop-out. In
may time you, could
either become a doctor or
an engineer. I could
clearly become
neither.”
In the end, it can be
said that Bollywood still
is a place where the
talented can find a place
for themselves,
regardless of whether
they’re from film
families or not. Names
like Shahrukh, Akshay,
Manoj Bajpai are held up
as examples. In the words
of Aamir Khan, “
There are no rules in the
industry If you have
energy, creativity &
talent, you will find
work the only advantage
for people from film
families is that they are
already familiar with
their industry. They
don’t have to start
from a zero.”
The fact remains that it
is extremely tough for
outsiders to enter films.
They have to struggle a
lot. They need a God
father, someone to
promote them, like Mahesh
Bhatt promoted Imraan
Haashmi, Manoj Bajpai
& Ashutosh Rana. Or
Subash Ghai who promoted
Madhuri, Manisha &
Mahima years ago!
*************************************************************************
Engineering
and Engineers
Er. Rabinder
Shekher
 The
term “Engineer”
and
“Engineering”
are the most
misunderstood, misused,
misinterpreted and
misrepresented
nomenclatures and that no
precise definition of
these terms exist in our
country or perhaps,
elsewhere in the world.
In some countries,
however there is
Engineers Act which
defines who is an
Engineer in that
particular country.
However, this definition
varies from one country
to another.
In contrast, almost all
other professions are
very clearly and candidly
defined and identified.
For example, in medical
profession
“Doctor” is
well defined legally and
statutorily in every
country. Similarly in the
case with professions of
Law wherein to practice
the profession the lawyer
has to acquire the
qualifications and
experience specified by
the statutory authority.
C.A. and Architecture are
other examples of
professions which legally
debar anyone from
practicing the profession
unless possessing the
specified educational
qualifications as well as
experience. In India,
owing to the absence of
any law to regulate the
engineering profession,
the law does not
recognize the profession
of Engineering. As such
any one who has a little
or even no knowledge of
engineering is free to
designate himself/herself
an engineer irrespective
of his/her
qualifications,
experience and
competence. Moreover in
civil engineering, one
who knows how to draw the
line with pencil or can
draw the figures calls
himself/herself an
engineer. Why, such? The
answer is simple; there
is no statutory/legal
authority/legal authority
to regulate the
profession under an act
of the Parliament.
What Is Engineering?
Commonly accepted
definition at present is
“Engineering is the
application of
mathematics & science
to create something of
value from natural
resources”
On the basis of this
definition it has been
said that
“Scientists discover
the world that exists and
the engineers create the
world that never
was”
The other simple but
clear definitions of the
engineering in use are:
* Applied science,
applied with eye toward
ethical behavior.
*Applying technology
toward human needs.
* The art of applying
science to the optimum
conversion of natural
resources to the benefit
of humankind.
* The bridge between
science and art.
From the definitions, it
comes to the conclusion
that:
Some call it an art, some
a science and some both.
Nearly all recognize that
engineering is an act
performed in response to
some human need or
another. Most agree that
engineering cannot be
performed with
indifference to
“ethics’”
or without
“professionalism”.
Some even consider a
“moral
element”. Almost all
agree that engineers
enhance the quality of
life by inventing new
ways to solve problems
and mastering old ways to
meet needs.
What Engineers Do?
Engineers are people who
solve problems and focus
on making things work
more efficiently and
effectively. Engineers
apply the theories and
principles of science and
mathematics to research
and develop economical
solutions to technical
problems. Their work is
the link between
perceived social needs
and commercial
applications. Broadly
engineers have following
assignments:
* Engineers design
products, machinery to
manufacture these
products. Think, a
stethoscope for a doctor
is made by an engineer.
* They design highways,
bridges, railways and
transit systems.
* Engineers design dams,
irrigation canals,
aqueducts and power
houses.
* They develop and
implement improved ways
to extract, process, and
use raw materials such as
petroleum and natural
gas. They develop new
materials that both
improve the performance
of products and take
advantage of advances in
technology.
* Engineers analyze the
impact of the products
they develop or the
systems they design on
the environment and on
people using them.
See running metro in
Delhi, one can salute the
engineers and their
innovation. With such a
vast and varied nature of
their activities, it is
not difficult to
understand why the title
“Engineer”
cannot be defined
precisely like titles of
other professions. Yet,
if engineering is a
profession then the title
“ENGINEER” must
be defines candidly. When
any engineer designates
himself as engineer, we
should know his
competence to do the
engineering he is
expected to do.
|
Benefits
of Meditation
Meenakshi
Sharma
 What Is
meditation ?
Meditation is normally
understood by people as a
spiritual practice.
Although true, it is only
half the truth.
Meditation is far more
important and a useful
practice than is
generally thought of.
When we talk about
meditation, we instantly
think about people
sitting in lotus
positions with closed
eyes chanting some
mantras or sitting in
quiet contemplation.
This is not a complete
picture. Meditation is
simply put -- a way of
life. In ancient Hindu
scriptures, lot of stress
is given to it and it is
considered a part of a
daily ritual in addition
to physical and breathing
exercises that is Yoga
and Pranayams.
Meditation has long been
used by our ancestors
especially in Indian way
of life as a means of
salvation. But no one
ever tried to look at the
beneficial effects it has
on our body related to
our physical health.
Recent developments from
some quarters in trying
to introduce Yoga to
western countries have
resulted in lot of
scientific research into
the effects of mediation
on our health. The
results have been
astonishing to say the
least.
Its Benefits
Now it is an established
fact that meditation in
all its forms has a
positive and beneficial
effect on people's
physical health in
addition to their mental
and emotional wellbeing.
It has long been proven
that meditation helps to
calm and control our mind
and makes us better
equipped to handle
emotional and mental
stress. By practicing
meditation daily, people
have bettered their lives
across the whole world.
But now more promising
news is on the way. It
has been scientifically
proved that people who
practice meditation daily
- have lower instances of
heart attacks, do not
suffer from high blood
pressure and are less
prone to anxiety and
stress related diseases.
In our body, many stress
related hormones decrease
during meditation
practice and stabilize at
lower levels as the
meditation is practiced
daily.
The Health benefits
* It increases mental and
emotional strength.
* It reduces stress and
calms the mind.
* It helps in lowering
core body temperature
(thus helping longevity)
* It helps to control our
blood pressure.
* It reduces risk of
heart attacks and heart
related diseases.
* It helps in controlling
drug addiction by
reducing stress.
* The meditation
techniques have also
proven useful in chronic
pain related ailments
such as arthritis. As the
person practices
meditation , his overall
stress reduces and thus
they feel less pain as
against others who are
more stressed .It is not
that it relieves pain ,
but it helps people to
deal with pain more
effectively. It is
actually all about
keeping your mind over
body. If we can control
our minds, we will feel
lesser pain.
* The pregnant women who
practice pranayams - the
breathing exercises, feel
lesser pain than those
who don't. It is again
due to much calmer mind
which helps women to deal
with their labor pains.
* And since people feel
more in control of
themselves, they respond
better to traditional
methods of treatments and
pain management. In fact,
the patients with
diseases such a cancers,
tumors etc are also known
to respond better to
treatments if they are
practicing meditation
This is the reason why
meditation is considered
a Way of Life as it helps
us to not only perform
better in our daily life
, but also helps in
dealing with stressful
and difficult situation
in our life with more
control and calm mind.
|
Human
Intellect versus Animal
Instinct
Dr Harish
Chandra
All
conscious beings have an
individual soul within.
The soul has the property
of consciousness inherent
within it, thus
differentiating life from
death. As soon as death
occurs, that is, the
departure of the soul
from the body, the
redundant body must be
disposed off.
An important
philosophical question
that is often asked is,
how do we humans differ
from other species? Is
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