NEW DELHI, Jan 4: In restricted activity, copper remained weak for the second straight day and prices shed Rs 2 per kg on the local non-ferrous base metals market today due to reduced industrial offtake.
Traders said reduced demand from consuming industries put pressure on copper prices.
In the national capital, copper mixed scrap declined further by Rs 2 to Rs 423 per kg.
The following are today’s metal rates per kg:
Zinc ingot 107-113, nickel plate (4×4) 1,070-1,071 gun metal scrap 227, bell metal scrap 229, copper mixed scrap 423, chadri deshi 285.
Lead ingot 134, lead imported 132, aluminium ingots 150, Aluminium sheet cutting 151, aluminium wire scrap 153 and aluminium utensils scrap 150. (AGENCIES)
Copper remains weak on reduced industrial offtake
Steel prices remain quiet in thin trade
NEW DELHI, Jan 4: Quiet conditions persisted on the local steel market today as prices moved in a tight range in limited deals and settled around previous levels.
Traders said scattered deals from constructions units against adequate stocks position mainly kept steel prices quiet.
The following are today’s quotations per tonne:
Saria Kamdhenu: 8-mm 48,800, 10-mm 47,400, 12-mm 46,400, 16-25 mm 47,000
Saria Jai Bharat (TMT): 8-mm 45,800, 10 mm 45,500, 12-mm 44,700, 16-25 mm 44,900.
Amba shakti (TMT): 8-mm 45,500, 10-mm 43,200, 12-mm 42,200, 16-25 mm 42,700.
MS Angle: (50×5) (50×6) 42,000, (40×5) (40×6) 42,800.
Angle Capital (ISI) (40X5) (40×6) 43,800, (35X5) (65X6) 36,900. Girder 125X65 41,000. (AGENCIES)
Sugar ends quiet on sporadic buying
NEW DELHI, Jan 4: The wholesale sugar prices ruled quiet in the national capital today following sporadic demand against restricted supply.
Marketmen said restricted arrivals and small buying support mainly held prices unmoved.
The following were today’s quotations per quintal:
Sugar ready: M-30 Rs 2,970-3,225, S-30 Rs 2,960-3,200.
Mill delivery: M-30 Rs 2,760-3,050; S-30 Rs 2,750-3,040.
Sugar mill gate (including duty): Mawana 2915, Kinnoni 3,050, Asmoli 3,020, Dorala 2900, Budhana 2900, Thanabhavan 2900, Dhanora 2910 , Simbholi 3,020, Modi Nagar Rs 2,900, Khatuli Moisture 2,760, Dhampur 2,870, Ramala 2,870, Bulandshar 2,900, Anupshar 2,860, Baghpat 2,880, Morna 2,870, Sakoti 2,890, Chandpur 2,880, Amroha 2,880 and Nazibabad 2,870. (AGENCIES)
Crowded movie calender in 2014
The film is directed by his brother Sohail Khan. The trailer features the ‘Dabangg’ star fist fighting enemies while Tabu plays a proud sister. After a long time ‘Jai Ho’ will see Danny Denzongpa playing a baddie.
Salman and Eid releases equal to box office success. After the blockbuster success of ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ in 2012, the actor is releasing his second film ‘Kick’ on July 27 this year.
Aamir ended 2013 with ‘Dhoom 3’ and looks set to have another great year in 2014. He has teamed up with his ‘3 Idiots’ director Raj Kumar Hirani for ‘PK’. The story of the film has been kept under tight wraps but it seems that Hirani, who has had a fail-proof directing record so far with ‘Munnabhai’ films and ‘3 Idiots’, is taking on godmen in his next, which will release on June 6.
King Khan as Shah Rukh is known among his fans is also in the race with two films. After the triumphant journey of ‘Chennai Express’ at the box office, SRK is back with his friend Farah Khan with the aptly titled ‘Happy New Year’.
SRK recently revealed that he will star in Yash Raj Films’ ‘Fan’. The film where SRK will play the role of an ardent fan, will be directed by ‘Band Baaja Baarat’ helmer Maneesh Sharma.
The Khan rule for over two decades is facing fierce challenge from newcomers like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Sushant Singh Rajput.
The other films to look forward to in the crowded 2014 slate are ‘Dedh Ishqiya’, ‘Gunday’, ‘Bang Bang’, ‘Bymokesh Baskhi’, ‘Bombay Velvet’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Singham 2’, ‘Action Jackson’, ‘Bhootnath Returns’, ‘Gulab Gang’, ‘Welcome Back’, ‘Jagga Jasoos, ‘Humshakal’, ‘Dawat-e-Ishq’, ‘Hasee To Phasee’, ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ and Main Tera Hero among others.
With his interesting choices be it the deaf-mute character in ‘Barfi!’ or blockbuster ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, Ranbir is climbing the charts as the new heartthrob in Bollywood.
In 2014, he has re-teamed with his ‘Barfi!’ director Anurag Basu for ‘Jagga Jasoos’ besides his role in Anurag Kashyap’s period saga ‘Bombay Velvet’, which releases on Christmas. Ranveer Singh-Arjun Kapoor will be seen romancing Priyanka Chopra in Ali Abbas Zafar’s ‘Gunday’. Based on the coal mafia in Kolkata of the ’70s, the story of two gangsters, is a tribute to Yash Chopra’s 1979 Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Kaala Pathar’. The film releases on February 14. Another rising Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput will play the role of Byomkesh Bakshi in Dibakar Banerjee’s period adaptation of Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s famous character. It is slated to release on December 12.
It should be an interesting year for Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit as she returns to silver screen with ‘Dedh Isqiya’ and ‘Gulab Gang’. Director Abhishek Chaubey’s sequel to ‘Ishqiya’ will see Dixit romancing Naseeruddin Shah. Also starring Arshad Warsi and Huma Qureshi, the film releases on January 10.
2013 was a mix year for Hrithik Roshan. While his outing as a superhero in ‘Krrish 3’ won at the box office, Roshan had to suffer ill health and separation from wife Suzanne.
Hrithik will enter the box office race in 2014 with Sidharth Anand’s ‘Bang Bang’. Starring Katrina Kaif, the film, faced delays due to Hrithik’s head injury and surgery but is now slated to release on October 2. He is also re-teaming with Kareena Kapoor and his ‘Agneepath’ director Karan Malhotra for ‘Shudhi’.
The year’s another big release is not a Bollywood film but has fans from all over India looking forward to it as Rajinikanth’s charm is all pervasive. The megastar’s ‘Kochadaiyaan’, directed by daughter Soundarya Rajnikanth Ashwin, is tentatively slated for mid January release. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is reviving his act of a friendly ghost in ‘Bhootnath Returns’.
Choreographer-turned-director Prabhu Deva had a disappointing year in 2013 with both ‘Ramaiya Vastavaiya’ and ‘R… Rajkumar’ failing to live up to the expectation but he is hoping for a better result this year with Ajay Devgn starrer ‘Action Jackson’.
After ‘Chennai Express’, Rohit Shetty is bringing Devgn starrer ‘Singham 2’. Akshay Kumar has two releases this year with ‘It’s Entertainment’ and ‘Holiday’. Priyanka Chopra has a lot to live up to in her second release where she plays the role of Olympian Mary Kom. Directed by Omung Kumar and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the biopic will tentatively release in July.
Pareeniti Chopra has two releases in ‘Haasee To Phasee’ and ‘Dawat-e-Ishq’.
Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan’s ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ is another film to watch out in 2014.
‘Student of The Year’ stars — Alia Bhatt (Highway’, ‘Two States’), Varun Dhawan ‘Main Tera Hero’ and Siddharth Malhotra ‘Hansee to Phasee’ — will have a busy year.
‘Welcome Back’ will see Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor returning with John Abraham and Shruti Haasan as the new additions.
Kangana Ranaut has been charming in the trailers of ‘Queen’ where she plays a small town girl again after ‘Tanu Weds Manu’.
Sajid Khan is looking forward to put the debacle of ‘Himmatwala’ behind him with another comedy, Saif Ali Khan-Reitesh Deshmukh starrer ‘Hamshakals’.
Director Hansal Mehta and Rajkumar Yadav have teamed up again for ‘City Lights’ after ‘Shahid’. (PTI)
Information Technology and Children
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Raina
Of course the information technology has revolutionalised the world. It has converted this big globe in to a small global village. Transparency and efficiency is being doubled and re doubled after every minute due to it. The small mobile in your hand means a biggest library of the world is in your hand, most efficient and fast post office is in your hand, calculating machine is in your hand and you are well connected with the world. It is great facilitator and helper. It is an admitted fact that invention of Computer is biggest invention of human brain. Today if we consider two questions, (1) list the works which are done by computer and (2) list the works which are not done by the computer. Surely the reply of the former question will be bigger than the reply of the latter. Inspite of this I suggest here that children atleast upto 10th class should not be encouraged for use of information technology devices.
There are maximum chances that the children will be spoiled when they are allowed to use computers in early classes up to 10th. It has been seen that children who spent most of the time in just playing games and watching of different CDs when they operate computers. Social networking facebook etc are also consuming lot of their time and energy. Availability of internet connection on mobile phones is also very harmful because they can make negative use of it. Initially television was the only main source of entertainment and information and of course it was less harmful for the children as they watch it mostly in presence of their parents and hence watching of immoral programmes was restricted to some extent. Moreover only landlines telephones wear also a controlled source of connectivity. The availability of mobile phones with children is an uncontrolled source of entertainment and connectivity with them. Due to their immaturity they are making excess and negative use of it and hence spoiling their career by sparing less time for their study.
I think the stage of education up to 10th class is most important. During this period the students should spend their maximum energy in making their hand writing, learning of writing skill, learning of pronunciation, doing of mathematics and try their best to grasp as much bookish knowledge as possible. Any weakness of student in these things will not be improved easily in future and he/she will always feel that his foundation is weak. Gandhiji wrote in his autobiography, “I do not know whence I got the notion that good handwriting was not a necessary part of education, but I retained it unit I went to England. When later, especially in South Africa, I saw the beautiful handwriting of lawyers and young men born and educated in South Africa, I was ashamed of myself and repented of my neglect. I saw that bad handwriting should be regarded as a sign of an imperfect education. I tried later to improve mine, but it was too late. I could never repair the neglect of my youth. Let every young man and woman be warned by my example, and understand that good handwriting is a necessary part of education”.
At present it is seen that some brilliant students are not showing good performance in examinations inspite of having very good I.Q. What is the reason for it? In my opinion students are not giving sufficient time to their study because of availability of computers, T.V., Mobile etc with them. Some times 8th class students are seen online on social net work through out the night.
Hence children should avoid information technology devices and parent should keep strict vigil on their children so that they may not be spoiled by this modern technology. We know strong nation depends upon its strong, morally upright, brilliant, honest and dedicated young generation, hence we all should try our best to protect our this asset from any type of destruction.
(The author is Associate Professor and HOD Mathematics at Govt. Degree College ThannaMandi)
‘Feminism in Urdu Literature’
Lalit Gupta
Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani’s latest book in Urdu ‘Feminism in Urdu Literature’, being first of its kind comprehensive account about feminist writing in Urdu literature by a writer from Jammu and Kashmir, is undoubtedly a significant scholarly work.
Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani, who hails from village Behota, Marmat, Doda, and having 25 years experience as teacher in School Education Department, is well known writer of short stories, scholar and critic. His Ph.D. thesis later published as a book was titled ‘Takseem Ke Baad Urdu Novel Mein Tehzeebi Bohran’. His other publications in Urdu include two anthologies of short stories; ‘Hazaron Gum’ and ‘Meetha Zehar’ and two works on Research and criticism; ‘Aina Dar Aina’ and “Etibar-o-Mayar’.
The present book-an abridged version of the mammoth thesis submitted by the author to Rohil Khand University, U.P., for the successful award of Doctor of Literature (D. Lit) degree-is an encyclopedic work which while tracing the socio-cultural status of women in major ancient civilizations also takes into account the 19th and 20th century women rights movements in America and Europe that led to the unprecedented freedom of expression and action enjoyed by the fairer sex in the modern times.
Today, the Feminist consciousness emerging as a spirit of the age has emerged as a global trend. It has now become a movement or school-of-thought popular among the writers of modern sensibility. The whole movement of feminism, feminist theory and criticism has been the rediscovery of a hidden tradition of women’s writing and the rediscovery and republication of a number of novels and other works by women.
Like other parts of the world, educated women in the sub-continent are also fully aware of their rights and the problems faced by them. Urdu literature is becoming richer by women’s writings and enjoys a certain amount of freedom of expression in this segregated society. The history of women’s writing in Urdu literature is not a recent phenomenon. But unfortunately, the male politics as present in Urdu circles kept this view suppressed for a long time and only recently there is an effort to highlight the writings of feminist writers.
Feminist writing in fiction writing can be traced in modern Urdu fiction and Ismat Chughtai is the first feminist fiction writer in Urdu. Other important fiction writers include Quratulain Haider, Khalida Husain, Fatima Hassan, Gillani Bano, Bano Qudsia, Zahida Hina, Mumtaz Shireen, Jameela Hashmi and Azra Abbas and many more. They have enriched Urdu literature with their writings. The name of Quratulain Haider is not comparable with other writers. She is one of the greatest novelists in Urdu and her novel ‘Aag Ka Dariya’ is a masterpiece of fiction writing. She has written her novel in the technique of stream of consciousness, such as Virginia Wolfe and James Joyce. She has also written short stories such as ‘Sita Haran’, ‘Jila Watan’ and an autobiographical novel, ‘Gardish-i-Rang-i-Chaman’, a cultural historical document about changes in history and culture. Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani’s book is divided into seven major chapters. The first chapter traces the rise of feminist socio-cultural movements in America, Great Britain and Germany along with situation of women in Indian society. The second chapter deals with feminism and world literature as well as traces development of women writing in Urdu in India by enumerating names and their works.
The third chapter is about a brief survey of feminist tendencies in pre-Independence Urdu women poets. While the fourth chapter highlights feminism in poetry of post-Independence female poets with special reference to poems and gazals starting from Ada Jafri to Frida Rehmat Allaha. The fifth chapter deals with feminism in Urdu novels of Deputy Nazir Ahmed, Rattan Nath Sharshar, Mirza Mohammad Haji Ruswa, Rashada Al Khiri, Prem Chand, Krishan Chander, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Nazar Sajjad Haider, Razia Sajjad Zaheer, Ismat Chugtai, Jamila Hashmi, Bano Qadisa, Razia Fiaz Ahmed, Jeelani Bano, Wajida Tabussum, Farida Rehmat Allah and others.
The sixth chapter takes into account the feminist elements in Urdu short stories starting with Nazar Sajjad Haider and followed by Mumtaz Shireen, Rasheed Jahan, Ismat Chugtai, Quratulain Haider, Ameena Abu-al-Hasan, Bashri Rehman, Zakia Mashehadi, Wajida Tabussam, Asha Prabhat, Qamar Jahan, Nigar Azim, Tarunam Riyaz, Qamar Jamali, Shakeela Rafiq, Sultana Mehar, Nagma Zia-ul-Din, Zahida Hina, Nazma Usmani, Kehkashan Parveen , Kehkashan Anjum, Farida Rehmat Ullah, Renu Behl, Sayeeda Nighat Farooq and others. The seventh chapter contains conclusion followed by bibliography.
Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani’s present book by presenting a broad survey of Feminism in Urdu Literature has thus emerged as important scholarly resource for scholars as well as lovers of Urdu. Other than providing an overview of feminism in Urdu literature, the book would be especially beneficial to the large number of students of Urdu literature in Universities, colleges and schools of the State as a ready reference for the study of general history and development of literature in Urdu as well.
How to make work from home work for you
Gauri Chhabra
One trend that MNC culture has brought with it is ‘flexi timings’ and ‘work from home’. Today, in this flat and fluid world, many companies are giving their employees the flexibility to work from home.
As a result,more and more employees are working from home.
Yet company bosses are busy renting more office space. Why? Because work from home does not seem to work. Resistance comes from companies that would normally be expected to support it.The common feel…Speed and quality are often sacrificed when we work from home.
Here are some things to avoid while working from home:
Not being available on calls:
Most of the MNC’s have employees working in diverse geographical settings and time zones. The employees are required to have meetings on Lync/skype during overlap timings. You need to make sure you are present on such calls at least 5 min before the scheduled time.That would establish your commitment for work. The most important fact you need to keep in mind is when an employer sees you in theoffice, there’s a certain level of trust, whether it’s earned or not. If you’re late to an in-office meeting, people assume you were finishing up an email. Well, if you are late in a meeting while working from home, it is assumed that you were dozing or watching TV. It would cast a serious blot on your seriousness.
So, make sure you are available over all conference calls and meetings.
Distractions and noise:
At times it so happens that during a call, there would be the sound of a doorbell ringing, or the clutter of utensils in the kitchen or the sound of the telephone ringing, or the interrupting shriek of a toddler. Definitely don’t let people hear the familiar sound of clattering dishes on a call-it’s distracting and unprofessional.These interruptions, though unavoidable at times, can make your employer lose faith in you. During my conversations with my onsite counterpart, I learnt that nothing can be more damaging to someone’s image as a professional is the sound of the doorbell.
Stay away from chaos and distractions, your home could be incomplete without them, but your work would be in serious jeopardy with them.
Procrastination:
One tragic flaw or ‘hamartia’ that people indulge while working from home is that they tend to procrastinate their work thinking that a lot of time is available to them as if the day is of 48 hours instead of 24. When you do so,the impression you make is you have completed everything in a hush and it has affected the productivity and quality.Yes, you can take care of your baby on your lunch break, or throw the laundry in the dryer between calls, but be careful not to let distractions creep into time you planned to work.Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can keep postponing your work and try to work it back during the weekends.
Those who hired you have more wisdom than you do…
Not having a routine:
You chose to work from home not only because you do not wish to commute through the serpentine traffic but also because your kids might need you, you need to take care of an ailing spouse and so on and so forth. In this case, set a routine and make sure your employers know your tentative schedule. They will not jump to all kinds of wrong conclusions when you do not pick up their phones.Besides, it will help to have a room, a workstation or at the very least a desk in a quiet area in your home. Here is where you keep your laptop, fax machine or phone, work documents like reports and invoices. Remember, it is your call to set a space and routine for yourself.
There is nothing more frustrating than the internet dongle going haywire during a call or the earphone wires dangling and staring at you, carrying everything sans the voice you had to hear…
Out of sight, out of mind…
The problem most managers have with their employees working from home is that they can’t keep an eye on them.Depending on what has been ironed out in the contract you will be expected to deliver certain working hours for your work-from-home job. The good news with working from home is that nobody is keeping track; the bad news is nobody is keeping track.Most of the employers are expecting a daily status from you whether in the form of a mail, a phone call or an update on a shared space. When you are at home, make sure you send an accurate and timely status of what was expected from you and how much of the work have you done. Out of sight should not be out of mind. If you do the work and frequently forget to send a status update, the message you are sending is you virtually did nothing.
The organization can do without you, which it would eventually…
Thinning boundaries:
Work from home is not the same as time off. You are still expected to do a day’s work. Make sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand that. They should know that just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you’ve got time on your hands.It’s definitely easier to understand that you are not to be disturbed when you are at the office than when you are in the back room.You can’t be held responsible for all household maintenance just because you’re in the house. When you work from home, treat it like how you would treat your old office.
Take breaks as you would in the office. Do not make it a solitary confinement. Move out of the house, you can sit in a coffee shop and go out for walks. Rejuvenate yourself. It would help you increase your productivity.
Hampering productivity
One thing that should always be at the back of your head is that your productivity should not diminish when you work from home. If it is counterproductive for you to be working from home, what’s to stop your employers from making you brave the traffic and parking wardens to turn up at the office again? They will never want to compromise on productivity and quality.
Sweating it out
Some of you might like to sweat it out and choose the other extreme by working too hard. If you do so, you might find yourself sleeping over your laptop every evening. This would also prove detrimental in the long run as the employer might feel that he can always hire you as a consultant. After all, he does not need to pay for the employee morale boosting activities that organizations keep having. The result- you miss out the fun and become a sweat shop.
Therefore, next time you land yourself in a work from home assignment, take it very seriously and make it work for you.
After all, it is all about work that works… and work that matters…
What your stars say
Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )
The year 2014 begins on a positive note for you, and you can be sure of being in an enthusiastic, raring-to-go mode, as the year begins. However, it is still advisable that you go slow. Avoid being impulsive, since there is a possibility of you committing an error of judgement. As far as your love life is concerned, uncertainty and tentativeness may continue to prevail, for most part of the year ahead. In fact, according to Ganesha, love matters may actually become a cause of concern for you. Beware! For this may also cause resultant ripples in your professional life – leaving you clueless or confused. On your career front, there will be some definite movements – which may also mean a new assignment, a change that will be, most likely, pleasant. Ganesha also predicts that your career may take a specially positive turn, during the last few months of the year 2014. Financially, you may face problems during 2014, especially as there may be some issues regarding the balance between inflow and outflow of cash. Cut down unnecessary expenditure!
Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May)
Opportunities and challenges are a part and parcel of life. This year, you need to be ready to tackle them both with full and equal enthusiasm. More so, because with success some failures are foreseen too in 2014 for you. Be confident, otherwise the setbacks may seem more disappointing than they actually are. Plus, if you lose momentum, you may only take more time to acquire back the momentum. Matters of the heart may be somewhat dull and boring, during the initial few months of 2014. You will also need to put in enough efforts to nurture your relationship and make it stronger. Financial security is of utmost importance to you, and in all likelihood, you will try and strengthen your financial stability in the coming year. The rising value of your investments may be much helpful in this endeavour. As for your career, Ganesha says that you will need to positively accept the change to make your growth as a professional more visible. Success and fame may not come right away, though. Business shall function smoothly.
Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )
During the year 2014, you need to take a good care of yourself. Ensure at all times that your health and energy levels are in top shape, or the other aspects of your life may get adversely affected. In the matters of heart, this doesn’t seem to be a very exciting year, especially if you happen to be single or unattached at the moment. Occasional romance, flings and flirty exchanges may come your way, but a serious relationship is not on the platter in 2014. However, if you are married or are in a committed relationship, you may have a wonderful time with your beloved – the going shall be smooth, in short. You will try to strengthen your bond, and shall come closer to each other. In matters other than theses, the planetary positions strongly suggest that you keep a close watch on your finances, or a financial crunch may become unavoidable. Competition on the business front may get fiercer during 2014, hence ensure that you make foolproof strategies. Take career-related decisions only after considering all the pros and cons. A work change may be unavoidable, but avoid furious job-hopping at all costs!
Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )
Family and finances shall take the centre-stage for the better part of the year. If you are single, be prepared to wait for some more time to meet your soul-mate. Well, there will be some romantic encounters but none of them is likely materialise into a serious relationship. Those in a committed relationship may find stars in their favour if they take their relationship to the next level this year. Financially, you will be in a much better position during 2014. On the business front, you may have to take risks to expedite growth. But the decision to push your luck may be a delicate one as your progress is at stake. Look before you leap, advises Ganesha. On the job front, the year ahead may prove to be a favourable one as the planetary alignment indicate that salary increment and promotion are in store for you. You may also consider changing your career altogether. However, don’t take an impulsive decision about it.
Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )
You may go through some major changes in the coming year and some long-cherished dreams may now be realised. The planetary positions indicate a love affair in your life, so if you have feelings for someone, go ahead and propose to them, and get ready to embark on an amorous, romantic journey. However, for the married ones, the going may get tough this year, especially owing to certain domestic matters, which may cause conflict. The first half of the year is not very favourable for monetary matters too. Ganesha strongly advises you to be careful with your finances, and urges you to banish any thoughts of taking loans to invest in get-rich-quick schemes. On the business front, you may be tempted to push your luck and introduce some experimental strategies. Behold, for the first few months of the year may not be very helpful. However, the scenario may change during the second half of 2014, so you can shift gears then. Be patient! Similar may be the case on the career front. Avoid any impulsive decision regarding your career issues.
Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )
Ganesha predicts that you will kick start the year on a positive note. During the first half of 2014, your love life may blossom. In fact, there is a strong possibility of you falling head over heels in love. If you are married, spend quality time with your spouse and work on your relationship even if there may be no major problems at this point in time. Financially, you will find yourself in a much better position during 2014. However, keep in mind that the outflow of cash may increase after July. Hence, you better create enough cash reserves before that. Plan your budget in such a way that you don’t have to ask for monetary help when the expenses shoot up. Since Saturn is transiting through your charts, business growth may be much slower than your expectations. You should avoid risks, and take the tried and tested route on the business front. The transiting Saturn may also affect the job front and slow down your progress.
Libra (23rd September to 22nd October )
The planetary alignment indicate that you will have trouble controlling your temper during the year ahead. Be very careful of your words and actions as even petty issues may go out of hand in no time. As far as your love life is concerned, there will some ups and downs during year 2014. Be unbiased and practical while sorting out issues with your beloved, else you will not be able to stop things from going bad to worse. This year, you need to be very clear about how you are going to handle your finances. According to Ganesha, you should pay special attention to your spendings and cash outflow. Whereas for your business, it may prove to be an excellent year. In all likelihood, you will come across lucrative business opportunities. The transiting Jupiter may bring you a favourable period on the career front in the form of a promotion or an increment. Well, be prepared to accept more responsibilities.
Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )
Ganesha foresees you making sincere efforts to organise your life and be disciplined. However, your hard-work may not fetch expected results. You may wish to propose to someone special and get into a serious relationship. But it is advisable that you first ensure that you two are compatible enough. Some sort of uncertainty may creep in your married life. You may need to handle the relationship very carefully, else the differences may widen the abyss (if any) between you. Financially, you will have a smooth sailing during the year ahead. However, don’t take the good times for granted. Besides, a lot will depend on your ability to manage money when expenses shoot up just out of nowhere. The growth of your business may be very slow and disappointing to an extent. On the job front, you may expect rewards and recognition for your hard-work and sincerity. A promotion or an increment is foreseen, but be patient.
Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )
The first few months of year 2014 may be quite dull. However, things will gradually gain some pace and soon you may find yourself busy with matters related to finance, family and work commitments. The year ahead may prove tricky for your married life as there are chances that you will have a tough time maintaining your loyalty towards your spouse. There may be temptations, instigating you to stray from your relationship path. Watch out! Saturn’s transit through the 12th House from your Sign may make it difficult for you to strike a balance between inflow and outflow of cash. Cut down on unnecessary expenditure to dilute the intensity of the issue. Nevertheless, it may be an auspicious period for your business. However, pay enough attention to the financial aspect of your business. At work, you will get a number of opportunities to showcase your skills and creativity, foresees Ganesha. Make the most of this favourable period!
Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )
Workaholic that you are, there is a strong possibility that you may become highly ambitious this year, and may end up putting everything else on the sidelines. This imbalance between your professional and personal life may create a communication gap between you and your loved ones. If you desire to get into a serious relationship, avoid popping the question during the first three months of 2014. Also, the first quarter of 2014 may be rather tricky for those in committed relationships. Hence, handle matters related to your love life tactfully and maturely. In business, you may remain confused about what to do next. Rather than leaving it all to chance, you should trust your abilities and decisions, and take definitive action. The negligible movements and momentum on the work front, though, may make you want to change your job. Ganesha suggests that you should first focus on your current job, and make adjustments according to the demands of your job profile. However, make sure that your co-workers don’t take you for granted, or treat as you a pushover.
Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )
During the course of the year 2014, you may become more open-minded, gaining respect for your changed outlook and attitude. This enhanced positivity will affect all the other areas of your life. Whether you are single or married, you will enjoy a wonderful time on the love front. However, as far as the financial matters are concerned, an average year is foreseen for you. You will end up getting involved in a number of activities to generate more income. But, in all likelihood, only a few of these endeavours will actually increase your income. On the business front, you will chalk out some expansion plans, deciding and itching you to put these plans in practice at the earliest. However, Ganesha advises you to put those plans on hold – as the planets are not favourably aligned for your business. At work, there may be some disappointments and many a times, you may not be rewarded or appreciated for your hard-work and sincerity. But, it is advisable that you stay focussed and objective despite such setbacks.
Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )
The year ahead may bring some tough challenges for you, but if you channelise your energies in the right direction, you will be able to deal with the tough times in a much better manner. When it comes to matters related to your love life, you hardly listen to anyone. Ganesha suggests that you should utilise the year ahead to resolve your love life related issues. Financial matters too shall be handled carefully. Plan your expenses, set a budget for them and avoid shopping sprees by all means, and you will be just fine. Business may fetch substantial profits, and it is recommended that you save some money now, instead of pumping them back in the business. The savings will help you absorb losses or lower profits nicely. As for your career, Ganesha predicts that things may drastically change post June 2014. If you are offered a job that requires you to relocate to another city, check all the pros and cons of your decision, before accepting the offer and making a major move.
Paramahansa Yogananda A mighty spiritual personality
Brij Mohan Sharma
Every man born on this planet creates a world of his own by his good or bad actions. While his goods deeds and selfless service to humanity confer infinite divine joy and glory on him, his meum and unending lust for selfish materialistic desires darken his days by distorting his basic divine nature. He makes no scruples to perform lowest of the low acts actuated by self interest. Instead of listening to the call of reason and voice of morality, he prefers to obey the demon of materialism. He is average to honest labour but versed in the cunning arts necessary to achieve his nefarious and avaricious ends. Interestingly, such persons though possessing a heart of gall have, unbelieveably, a honey tongue to fleece their victims.
By opposition to materialism, we never mean that we should neglect the improvement of our material life by honest means, which is very necessary for the development of body and mind. Nevertheless, we need to the cautious not to make materialism an end in itself, which could distract us from trhe very purpose of our existence and hamper fulfillment of our innate desire to know the supreme. An earnest realization of this truth can help us in transmuting our matter consciousness into spiritual consciousness.
The Lord abides in the hearts of all beings. If, in our ignorance, we forget this deepest truth, the truth does not alter. If we live consciously in His truth, we will resign all actions to God and escape our ego. If we do not, even then the truth will prevail,and sooner or later we shall have to listen to our inner voice and surrender ourselves to the will of God.
“People generally identify themselves with the body, which is supported by food, but they fail to realize that the basic source of bodily existence is prana (life energy). No food or other outer aid can revive a man from whom the cosmic current has withdrawn,’’ Says Paramahansa Yogananda, to whose memory this article is dedicated. As such, people desirous of following the path of truth should learn to live a life that is materially and spiritually harmonious. Physical and material comfort without mental and spiritual peace is meaningless.
To acquire such a state of mind, however, we need to have wisdom born out self-realization-knowledge of one’s own soul and of its oneness with God. This is the only knowledge that can eradicate our imperfections and unite our isolated human consciousness with the ocean of cosmic consciousness-God. In the words of Paramahansa Yogananda: “your knowledge must quench its thrist by drinking the wisdom of God; your peace can be complete only with the peace of God; your existence can be immortal only with the immortality of God; your consciousness can be unceasing only when attached to cosmic consciousness of God; your joy can be unending, ever-entertaining joy only when combined with the ever-new bliss of God.”
Great spiritual teachers of India long ago discovered a psychophysical scientific method of self-realization known as Yoga. The whole essence of Yoga is the realization of the oneness of man and his creator-the ultimate purpose of every religion and necessity of every soul.
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was a great master of Yoga. He received highest credentials from his spiritual contemporaries and from seekers of God in all parts of the world. His firm resolve to find God led him to his Guru Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who taught him the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. This unique scientific technique had come to Sri Yukteswar from Lahiri Mahasaya, a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, the deathless master who had revived and clarified this ancient science in this age. Kriya yoga is both a transcendent technique of meditation and an art of living that leads the union of soul with God.
Paramahansa Yogananda entered this world in India on January 5, 1893 and left it in America on March 7, 1952. In compliance with the wishes of his revered gurus, he began his mission in America in 1920, and was the first great master of India to live in the West for over thirty years. He initiated about one lakh students into Kriya yoga, and found people everywhere eager to received his message. The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in his life. His goal was to unite East and West by Spiritual understanding and to awaken divine yearning in every heart. He was practical in his method his teachings and life be spoke the wisdom of a true man of God.
Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi” is an absorbing account of a singular search for truth. The practical wisdom of this world-acclaimed spiritual classic has helped hundreds of thousands of its readres all over the world to face difficult problems with courage and unfaltering faith. Somewhere in its pages the reader finds a message of hope that seems specially meant for him. “When you resign completely to God, when you are never tempted to pray for selfish ends, and when you are sure that God is your spirit, that He is your soul and everything else-then you are free,” says Paramhansa Yogananda. However, all this cannot be achieved by mere intellectual willingness.Enlargement of consciousness by meditation and yoga practice can guide us to this divine union.
Every time you take his name, you should find a fresh flow of joy-a fresh flow of love pouring into your heart, pouring into your consciousness. Whatever you do in this world, do it with great enthusiasm and sincerity but always with the thought that “I am doing it for you, my God.”
Today, more than ever, Parmahansa Yogananda is recognized as a world teacher an enlightened exponent of the universal science of yoga, a benefactor of mankind and a great God-realized master. He lived for uniting mankind as one family, and taught us to accept the entire world as our common home and all peoples as children of God. In the words of Swami Sivananda, founder of the Divine Life Society, Paramhansa Yogananda “was a rare gem of inestimable value, the like of whom the world is yet to witness…..”
(The writer is former Additonal Secretary to Government).
Several landmark judgements
A landmark judgement on preventing convicted politicians from occupying elected posts, dealing with accusation of molestation of an intern by a retired judge and a ruling against “decriminalising” homosexual relationships marked the year in the Supreme Court.
The Apex Court order on July 10 barred persons convicted or undergoing trial in criminal cases from membership of elected bodies,contesting or even voting in elections.
A Bench comprising Justices A K Patnaik and S J Mukhopadhaya had struck down as “unconstitutional” Section 8 (4) of the Representation of the People Act that allowed convicted lawmakers a three-month period for filing appeal to the higher court and get a stay on the conviction and sentence.
As a result Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad lost his Lok Sabha membership on September 30 after he was convicted and sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a 17-year-old fodder scam case. Janata Dal (U) Member Jagish parshad Sharma also lost his seat. Congress member Rashid Masood was unseated in the Rajya Sabha after being convicted in a criminal case.
Former Supreme Court judge A K Ganguly, who is at present heading West Bengal Human Rights Commission was accused of molesting a law intern during a visit to Delhi. A three-member committee, appointed by the Supreme Court found “prima facie” evidence against him.
However, the panel said no action was required against Justice Ganguly since he is already retired. “No further follow up action by Supreme Court is required on account of Justice Ganguly’s superannuation on the date of the incident,” Chief Justice P Sathasivam said. He also said such matters would not be entertained in future as representations against former judges of the apex court were not entertainable by Court administration.
Towards the close of the year, the apex court overturned the Delhi high Court ruling decriminalising consensual homosexual acts between two consenting adults in a private place.
The High Court in 2009 had struck down Section 377 IPC framed during the British colonial rule in 1860 that put homosexuality under “Unnatural offences” punishable with imprisonment up to ten years coupled with fine.
However, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi (since retired) and S J Mukhopadhaya ruled that the High Court order was constitutionally unsustainable as only the government was empowered bring changes in the law.
Till such time that Parliament passes amendments to the law, the existing provisions would continue to apply that criminalizes sex even private sex between consenting adults, the bench said.
The Government and the NAZ Foundation have already filed review petitions in the case in the Apex court.
In another landmark ruling, the Supreme Court also granted the voters ‘Right to Reject’ in elections thus strengthening democracy in the country. Accordingly, the Election Commission allowed an additional button “None of the Above” in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the first time in the just concluded Delhi assembly elections.
The apex court ruled that an investigating agency need not seek sanction of the Government for interrogation and prosecution of high ranking public servants in the court monitored cases.
It also disapproved the conduct of the UP Government which brought a notification stating that only minorities would get compensation in Muzaffarnagar riots and ruled that all riot victims would get compensation irrespective of their religion and caste. (UNI)