Gauri Chhabra

The Border Security Force (BSF) is a Border Guarding Force of India. Established on December 1, 1965, it is a paramilitary force charged with guarding India’s land border during peace time and preventing transnational crime. It is a Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs. It is one of many law enforcement agency of India. It currently stands as the world’s largest border guarding force with strength of 2 Lakh personnel in 186 bns.
Border Security Force, one of the largest Para-Military forces in the World, is a versatile force, which is responsible for guarding round the clock vast and volatile borders not only against trans-border criminals but also against heavily armed trans-border terrorism as well. Though guarding the borders is the prime commitment, security forces remain heavily and decisively involved in the interior as well in combating insurgency and militancy in various parts of the country. Because of its friendly and human face, BSF remains the much sought after Force for combating and containing serious law and order situations in the trouble prone States. And in case of hot War, BSF works as a force multiplier and contributes substantially towards over all War efforts of the nation as a credible front line Force.
By virtue of this unique dual role, the Border-men  more commonly known as “PRAHARI” is required to be a perfect Policeman during peace and a professional soldier during War. Management of borders (International Border), restoration of law and order situation in the interior and fighting a Conventional/unconventional War are the three challenging assignments which a border-man is required to carry out. In short, these fundamental essentials make the “Training Trilogy” of BSF. Professional proficiency of any Force is directly related to the standard of Training of that Force and it is primarily due to this commitment that BSF refuses to compromise on its training assignments irrespective of handicaps and heavy orders. BSF believes in sweating during peace to ensure that it does not bleed during War or War like situation.
Organization
The Border Security Force has its Head Quarters at New Delhi and is known as Force Head Quarter (FHQ) headed by a Director General. Various Directorates like Operations, Communications & IT, Training, Engineering, General, Law, Provisioning, Administration, Personnel, Medical and Finance function under the DG. Each Directorate is headed by an IG. The Eastern Theater is looked after by Spl DG HQ at Kolkata and the Western Theater is looked after by Spl DG HQ at Chandigarh. Field Formations in BSF are headed by an IG and are known as Frontiers Head Quarters (Ftr HQ). There is 10 such Frontier under which Sector Head Quarters (SHQ) function headed by a DIG each. There are 31 such Sectors. Each SHQ has under its command 4-5 Duty Battalions. Presently 186 Battalions are sanctioned to BSF. Five major training institutions and 10 Subsidiary Training Centers (STCs) are imparting ab-initio as well as in-service training to its ranks and other CPOs/SPOs including IPS Probationers.
BSF is the only Indian paramilitary force to have its own Air Wing, Marine Wing and artillery regiments, which support the General Duty Battalions in their operations.
The BSF also has a national level school for breeding and training of dogs. Dogs from other CPOs and State Police are sent to National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) to be trained in infantry patrol, detection of explosives, tracking and the like.
The BSF maintains a Tear Smoke Unit (TSU), which is unique in India. The TSU is responsible for producing tear gas munitions required for the Anti-Riot Forces. It also exports a substantial quantity to other countries.
Two battalions of the BSF, located at Kolkata and Guwahati, are designated as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Each battalion maintains 18 self-contained specialist searches and rescue teams of 45 personnel each, including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics. The establishment of each battalion is 1,158 personnel. The NDRF is a multi-disciplinary, multi-skilled, high-tech force for all types of disasters and can deploy to disasters by air, sea and land. The battalions are equipped and trained for all natural disasters including combating nuclear disaster, biological and chemical disasters.
Recruitment
In General cadre recruitment is done in the rank of constable, SI and Assistant Commandant whereas in communication it is in rank of ASI, HC(RO) and HC(Fitter). Education qualification for a constable/HC/ASI is Matriculation and age should be 18-23 yrs whereas for SI it is bachelors Degree and age between 20-25 yrs. For AC age is 19-25 yrs and AC (Tech) needs to be BSC and require to pass written test, PET and Interview.  The rank and file of BSF is
Director General
Assistant Director General
Inspector General
Dy Inspector General
Additional DIG
Commandant
Second in Command
Dy Commandant
Asst Commandant
Subedar Major
Inspector
Sub Inspector
Asst Sub Inspector
Head Constable
Constable
Enrolled Follower
Selection Procedure
Written examinations for enrolment into BSF as AC is conducted every year  and on qualifying further you are screened through Interview and Physical endurance test popularly known as PET.
Written Examination
The written examination consists of two papers each of two hours duration.
First paper consists of General Ability, General Science, Current events, Indian polity and Economy and Intelligence. Topics covered are logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, data interpretation, general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation including new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Current Events of National and International Importance in the areas of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalization, and interplay among nations. Indian Polity and Economy includes Country’s political system and the Constitution of India, social systems and public administration, economic development in India.
Second paper consists of Essay, Précis Writing and Comprehension to test your ability to bring to fore your ideas on the given essay topic, arrange them in a coherent, orderly, concise, understandable and lucid manner in effective and grammatically correct language free from spelling errors.
Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests and Medical Standards Tests:
After you qualify through written exam you will be called for Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests and Medical Standards Tests. Those candidates who meet the prescribed Physical Standards will be put through the Physical Efficiency Tests which includes 100 m and 800 m race, long jump, High jump and shot put. Females appearing should not be pregnant
Interview/Personality Test:
Once you qualify Medical Standards Tests, you will be called for Interview/Personality Test to be conducted by UPSC and carries 200 Marks.
In addition to above recruitment  you can also join BSF as PRO, Law Officer and Medical officers including veterinary.
Young, energetic and adventurous individuals are always attracted to a career in the BSF. A career in BSF gives you prestige and honour associated with the job. Majority of Indian citizens look up to men in uniform and dream to be one like them. It is indeed a pride of nation and brings in accolades of praises and appreciation for gallant acts of uniformed personnel’s. India as a nation salutes the brave men and now women too of the elite paramilitary services The BSF.

O P Sharma
The book under review is translation into English of autobiography of Padma Sachdev,  who has made a distinct mark  in Dogri literature. Starting as a Dogri poet, of late, she has been writing in prose as well. Her autobiography came out under the title “   A Drop in the Ocean’’ which was one of the few self-told story of life and works in Dogri language. Her autobiography has now come out in English language with a title “ A Drop in the Ocean” which has been published by the reputed National Book Trust of India, New Delhi.
Two eminent translators of Padma’s autobiographical work  are : Uma Vasudev, former editor of India Quarterly  and Jyotsna Singh,   daughter of Dr Karan Singh and Director, Dara Shikoh Centre  for the Arts, Srinagar. While Uma Vasudev is a reputed writer of politics and fiction, Jyotsna Singh has keen interest in arts and Dogri as also English literature. Both are well qualified for the daunting  job which they have done well by upkeeping the fundamental facts and flavour  of autobiographical discriptions. The result is the 342-page book has its own picture and personality.
Story of Struggle
I was really much impressed by the very title ‘‘A Drop in the Ocean” which remarkably carries deep meaning and significance. I fairly know the Dogri poet, Padma Sachdev but the style and substance of this book made absorbing reading. Numerous new facts about Padma’s life have come out in this narration. Her fateful thorny path to prominence was challenging but her deep faith in  God and her own-self with daunting courage of convictions  her to many attainments .
It is a matter of pride that a daring and  dauntless  Dogra woman has    come to occupy the place of prominence in Indian literary scene. She is recipient of  coveteous  title of Padam Shri and prestigious awards like  Soviet Land Nehru Award,  Sahitya Akademi and also numerous other honours. She is instrumental in enriching the Dogri language by being instrumental  in persuading  most popular Indian singer, Lata Mangeshkar to sing some Dogri songs. This popularised the Dogri language.
Facing Facts
Her contribution to Dogri language and literature is monumental indeed. Equally touching was the story of her life’s hard struggle coupled with the blessing of the Supreme Nature to clear her path to great heights. Her autobiography should be inspiring for the younger people to draw proper lessons and chart out their own plans to pinnacles of glory in the service of the people through their attainments in various fields.
Last word is that Padma is not merely a proud Dogri poet but is a  noted fiction writer of Dogri and Hindi, endowed with faculty of story teller and drama in a  picturesque manner, she has  an inimitable style to sustain the interest of readers. More autobiographical and biographies must be attempted by Dogri writers for the sustained progress of their mother-tongue in future as well.
Courage of Coviction
In the preface,  Padma Sachdev observes : ‘‘Life is like an ocean. An individual is just a drop. But when I sit down to look back in my life, I discover a virtual sea of people events, situations and relationships of a bewildering variety.’’ She is right and has drawn a graphic picture of her life and struggle, which is very instructive.
In translator’s Note, Uma Vasudev has  stated that real challenge of translating Padma Sachdev’s biography into English was to retain the buoyancy of her language and the astounding optimism with which she could translate tragedy into the will to live, and not only live, but to prove that the life was worth living.’’  This has been done superbly well.
The present well produced book in English will open up  new window of  opportunity for wider non-Dogri readership as well.
It also augurs well for Dogri language and its poetess Padma Sachdev. This 347-page finely printed book with some good photograhs has been moderately priced and will certainly  evoke keen interest among large segment of the people.
( Starline Syndicate Service)

Lt Col R K Langar

What is dependence
To be dependent on other means that we have not developed ourselves inwardly and we depend on others for finding our way in life. As a child one is totally dependent on his parents. But when one grows up one should stand on his own feet and face worldly problems with confidence. You can face outer situation in a purposeful manner only when inwardly you are strong and balanced. As is the inner, so shall the outer will appear.
Root of dependency is expectation where we are totally dependent on others and expect them to solve our problems.  Expectation puts you on a wanting mode. Those who depend upon others lead a miserable life whereas those who are depended upon by others are assets to the society. Dependency on others may appear satisfying to you but in the long run it will make you unhappy. Relationship should be governed by love for others and not on expectation from others. The worst type of expectation is the emotional dependency. The beauty of our relationship with others is not to expect in return for directing our love and good behavior towards others. Dependency spoils relationship.
Take the case of our happiness. Many of us depend upon others for our happiness. If I meet so and so I shall be happy. You will be happy to meet the person you wish to meet but as soon as the person leaves, your happiness will end, if not at once but after sometime after the person leaves your company. What is the use of short term happiness which is dependent on outer circumstances. Dependency weakens us mentally, emotionally and even intellectually.
How to be independent
At an average state of existence or consciousness we all want to be independent without any interference from others. We do not like to be tied down as we feel we can do what we want. This tendency is more found in teen age groups. But this independence is not the real independence since we think we are independent based on what our mind tells us. But mind is not everything in a  man. There is our intellect, the discriminatory power and our soul or Atma which is the major component of our personality. To become independent, we have to unlock our divine potential by aligning ourselves to a higher ideal. We are potentially divine as our soul is divine. We have all the treasures within us and these treasures are human values, moral values and spiritual values. The innate qualities of our soul are truth, knowledge and bliss – SAT CHIT ANAND which contain all higher values of life which we have to manifest to become independent. We not only have to know higher values of life but we have to practice them and live them to become self reliant and independent. Human values are those values which a man must possess as a human being. Value is something which gives maximum benefit to maximum number of people. As human beings we will have the intellect which has the power of discrimination to differentiate between what is righteous and what is unrighteous. The other important human value is our will power to act in a righteous way. Will power is a positive function of mind and intellect, which impels us to move in a right direction and also discard wrong or unrighteous actions.
Moral values are those values which are taught in our different religions like love for all, truth, non violence, peace, purity and compassion.  Moral values when imbibed motivate us to work selflessly. Morality is a big factor for self motivation. Spiritual values are the values of soul or Atma which is Absolute truth, Absolute knowledge and Absolute Bliss. Truth as a value also contains honesty, loyalty, purity, non deceitful which brings to us trust worthiness and honor to our character. Truth is the real nature of soul that makes us bold, courageous and straight forward. The second value of soul is knowledge which is to understand that soul is the essence of man and soul and body are different. Other values under knowledge are humility, integrity, patience, tenacity, self control, self effacement, non attachment, equal mindedness to all desirable and undesirable happenings and whole hearted discipline. The third value of soul is Bliss or Ananda which has no opposite. Real sense of independence comes in us when we become spiritual. Foundation of spirituality is practice of moral and human values, so that morality goes into our blood. Spirituality is recognizing the Divine principal in man and growing with it. Spirituality empowers you to become independent by virtue of the values inside you. Besides becoming independent you feel oneness with others, you love others unconditionally and you perform your works in a spirit of service for the mankind.
Interdependence is the law of life
First and foremost, it must be clearly understood that interdependence is not depending. Man is not an island where he lives  cut off from the rest of the world. World is one big family where we cooperate with each other in extending to others thing which are needed for days to day living. All persons are in different professions. They are doing different jobs. If everyone was doing the same job then it would not be possible for a human being to exist. Man needs food, water, shelter, job to sustain his worldly living and for all this he has to depend on others who can provide him with all what he needs. The others also depend upon him for what he purchases from them. Those who provide things to other depend upon others for the own sustenance. Such interdependence makes the world a functional outfit with each one contributing towards the welfare and needs of others. Such interdependence is natural which does not affect your independence. As every part of a machine must work properly for smooth running of the machine, similarly all individuals must perform their allotted tasks in the own profession for smooth running of the society.  Interdependence is the law of life. There is no superior or inferior profession. You only understand the true meaning of interdependence when you have evolved yourself from being dependent to independent. Then you realize that interdependence is not depending but a team work based on the basis of cooperation, so that the needs of the society are met in a purposeful manner. Interdependence to be effective people must put in their best in the respective professions. All men are equal in essence. Realizing this shall remove apparent difference of high and low status in which different people in society are placed. Interdependence is a blessing from God Almighty for all living creatures in the world. Interdependence is interconnection where you maintain your own identity and yet remain independent. It must be clearly understood that world is a living hole with vast interconnectedness having cosmic harmony and sustained by one God without a second.

Dr. Vivek Sharma
“The Smith’s dog sleeps at the noise of the hammer, and wakes at the grinding of teeth.”
~ Unknown
Sleep bruxism is an involuntary mandibular momvement with tooth grinding during sleep. The prevalence of sleep bruxism in children is high. Approximately 35% of children grind their teeth and this may lead to frequent arousals with altered day time functioning.
Bruxism comes from a greek word “bry chin”, which means to gnash the teeth. It begins in the first 5 years of life. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times – when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habits after these two sets of teeth have come in.
Why does my child grind his teeth
Certain factors are responsible for bruxism.
*    It is associated with day time anxiety & stress.
*    Improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth.
*    Chronic illnesses in children.
*    Medical conditions e.g. nutritional deficiencies, allergies, hormonal disorder, dehydration etc.
MYTHS
Bruxism while sleeping is a serious sleep disorder which needs early attention. There are number of myths related to Bruxism. Some of the say them worms cause this disorder while other stories that abound tell of young children recalling experiences of previous births. All these tales have no scientific bases and are more of grandmother stories.
Is it Bad for my child?
In most cases, teeth grinding isn’t harmful. It is very unlikely that your preschooler is doing any damage to his teeth, and its very likely that he will soon outgrow the habit. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth and temperomandilular joint damage. Untreated bruxism may create problem with dental occlusion. Persistent Bruxism requires dental treatment and may present as muscular or temperomandibular joint pain.
Can I do anything to help my Child?
Some tips to prevent teeth grinding and helping the child find ways to reduce anxiety and help in overcoming the problem.
*    Bed time can be made more enjoyable.
*    Child can be relieved by reading or talking to him.
*    Permitting review of fears or angers experienced during the day.
*    Praise and other emotional support are useful at these times.
*    Make sure your childs’ diet include plenty of water. Dehydration may be harmful.
”    Avoid or cut back on foods and chinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, coffee.
*    Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your joint muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
*    Train your self not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clinch or grind during day, position the top of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your joint muscles to relax.
The fact remains that bruxism is a worrying sleep disorder that must be treated with affection, care and if required with consultation of a doctor.
(The writer is consultant Paediatrician based in Jaipur and can be contacted at drvivek_sharma@rediffmail.com)

Shahnaz Husain
The products for skin care should be adjusted according to seasonal needs. Here are some of the products you should look for.
Sunscreen SPF 20
Apply a sunscreen lotion 20 minutes before going out in the sun. It acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the harmful effects of sun-exposure. Look for a  a non-greasy, sweat and water proof formulation, which is easily absorbed, leaving the skin with a sheer, matte (non-shiny) texture.
Skin Toner:
Skin toner is useful in summer to refresh the skin, remove sweat and oil, refines the pores and keep the skin healthy and glowing. Rose water may also be used. It is a natural coolant.  Keep it in the fridge to cool and refresh the skin.
Cleansing Milk or Lotion
Choose a light cleansing milk or lotion for the summer months. It is best to select one, which contains sandalwood and lemon. This would help to reduce surface grease and also protect the skin from heat rash and related problems. Sandalwood cools and protects the skin, while lemon is a powerful natural cleanser, which restores the natural acid-alkaline balance.
Or Face Wash
A soap-free face wash containing ingredients like neem, tulsi, lemon peel, aloe vera, help to restore the normal balances. At the same time, it protects the skin from eruptions and rash. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer, while neem and tulsi have germicidal properties. Lemon helps to reduce oiliness and add a glow.
Face and Body Scrubs
A deep cleansing treatment benefits the skin during summer, especially if the skin is normal to oily. A scrub helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin cleaner, brighter and vibrant. An important benefit is that the cleansing of dead skin cells would help to improve the regeneration of new skin cells. The scrub should be rubbed gently on face, neck or any other part of the body and washed off with plain water. It can be used two or three times a week. While walnut cleanses and nourishes the skin, aloe vera is a powerful natural moisturizer. Lemon oil helps to cleanse the skin and keep it healthy.
Day Cream – A matte moisturizer, which is basically a non-oily day cream, is ideal for hot and humid weather. It moisturizes the skin and yet, prevents the oily look. It can also provide a pearly glow.
Sandalwood Protective Cream
The skin can be prone to rashes and eruptions during summer. This is a common problem with oily skins. In such cases, a non-oily cream containing sandalwood helps  to soothe and purify the skin. An ideal summer treatment would be to first cleanse the skin with rose-based skin tonic and then apply the cream. Wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes. This can be an ideal preparation for the skin before applying make-up and is particularly suited to normal to oily skins, as well as combination and sensitive skins.
Sandalwood Body Shampoo
Sandalwood is ideal for the summer because it helps to protect the skin from rashes and prickly heat. A body shampoo containing sandalwood will have a gentle action on the skin, leaving the body clean and fresh, without disturbing the normal balances. Sandalwood is also fragrant, so it would help to prevent body odour and leave the body perfumed.
Waterproof Mascara – Go for a roll on waterproof mascara for summer. You can even apply it when you go swimming.
Lip Gloss – Ideal for the cool look in summer. Lip gloss gives the lips a sheer, natural and dewy look. Look for lip gloss containing natural oils and extracts.
Deodorant – Choose a scent that is light and lemony for summer. Not too overpowering!