15 Little-known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri
2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sad demise. He was the second Prime Minister of Independent India, and Mahatma Gandh’s beliefs and teachings had a tremendous impact on his life. He gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” which means “Hail the army, Hail the farmer.”
Let’s take a closer look at Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd of October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Sharada Prasad Shrivastava and Ramdulari Devi is Ramdulari. He was married to Lalita Devi. He was part of the Indian National Congress (INC) political party. Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away on 11th January 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. A memorial in his honor can be found at the Vijay Ghat, New Delhi.
Early Life
Lal Bahadur Shastri attended Mughalsarai and Varanasi’s East Central Railway Inter College. In 1926, he received his diploma from the Kashi Vidyapeeth. Vidya Peeth bestowed upon him the title “Shastri,” which means “Scholar,” as part of his bachelor’s degree award. He was greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Lokmanya Tilak.
On May 16, 1928, he married Lalita Devi. He became a life member of Lala Lajpat Rai’s Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal). He began working for the upliftment of the underprivileged there, eventually becoming the President of the Society.
Shastri ji joined the Indian Independence Campaign in the 1920s, when he took part in the non-cooperation movement. The British imprisoned him for a period of time.
He also took part in the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, for which he was imprisoned for over two years. He became the Organizing Secretary of the U.P. Parliamentary Board in 1937. In 1942, after Mahatma Gandhi delivered the Quit India speech in Mumbai, he was again imprisoned until 1946. Shastri has served a total of nine years in prison. He read books and became acquainted with the writings of western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reformers during his time in prison.
Achievements in Politics
Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Parliamentary Secretary in Uttar Pradesh after India’s independence. In 1947, he was also appointed Minister of Police and Transport. For the first time as Transport Minister, he appointed female conductors. As the minister in charge of the Police Department, he issued an order instructing officers to use water jets rather than lathis to disperse enraged crowds.
Shastri was appointed General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee in 1951, and he was successful in publicizing the poll and other election-related activities. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in 1952. In 1955, as Railway Minister, he installed the first machine at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory.
Shastri was re-elected as Minister of Transport and Communications in 1957, and then as Minister of Commerce and Industry in 1958. He became Home Minister in 1961, and he established the Committee on Corruption Prevention. He devised the well-known “Shastri Formula,” which included language uprisings in Assam and Punjab.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was elected Prime Minister of India on June 9, 1964. He was a proponent of the White Revolution, a nationwide push to boost milk production. He was also a proponent of the Green Revolution, which aimed to boost India’s food output.
Though Shastri maintained Nehru’s non-alignment policy, he also established a friendship with the Soviet Union. Concerned about the position of Indian Tamils in Ceylon, he struck an agreement with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1964. The Srimavo-Shastri Pact is the name of this arrangement.
In 1965, Shastri paid an official visit to Rangoon, Burma, and re-established excellent relations with General Ne Win’s military government. In 1965, India was attacked by Pakistan again during his presidency. He gave the Security Forces the freedom to react and declared, “Force shall be met with Force.”
On September 23, 1965, the Indo-Pak conflict came to an end. On January 10, 1966, Russian Prime Minister Kosygin volunteered to mediate the signing of the Tashkent Declaration by Lal Bahadur Shastri and his Pakistani counterpart Ayub Khan.
Death
On January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri died of a heart attack. In 1966, he was posthumously given the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was well-known for his honesty and skill. He was a humble, tolerant man with immense inner power who spoke the common man’s language. He was strongly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and was also a visionary leader who guided countries toward prosperity.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s little-known facts
- Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, was born on October 2nd, the same day as Mahatma Gandhi.
2. He was awarded the title of ‘Shastri’ by Kashi Vidyapeeth University in 1926 as a symbol of intellectual achievement.
3. Shastri swam the Ganges twice a day to get to school and wore books on his head because he could not afford to rent a boat at the time.
4. When Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he was the first to employ water jets instead of lathi charges to disperse crowds.
5. He coined the phrase “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and was instrumental in defining India’s destiny.
6. He was imprisoned because he participated in the non-cooperation movement during Gandhi Ji’s Freedom Struggle, but he was released because he was still a minor, aged 17 years old.
7. After independence, as Transport Minister, he mandated the hiring of female conductors and drivers in public transit.
8. He accepted a Khadi cloth and a spinning wheel as a dowry in his wedding. He criticized and protested the dowry and caste systems with his voice up.
9. He took part in the Salt March and was sentenced to two years in prison.
10. While serving as Home Minister, he established the first anti-corruption committee.
11. He had also used the Green Revolution concept to increase demand for India’s food supply.
12. He became involved in the freedom movement in the 1920s and became a senior leader of the Indian National Congress.
13. He had also backed the White Revolution as a means of raising milk output in the country. He established the National Dairy Development Board and backed the Anand, Gujarat-based Amul milk cooperative.
14. On January 10, 1966, he signed the Tashkent Declaration with Pakistan President Muhammad Ayub Khan to terminate the 1965 conflict.
15. He was a self-disciplined individual with excellent morals and self-esteem. After becoming Prime Minister, he did not even buy a car.
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Republic Day of India
India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26th, and this year will be the country’s 73rd Republic Day, commemorating the day India became a sovereign republic.
While India acquired independence from the British in 1947, the Indian Constitution did not come into effect until January 26, 1950.
Dr. BR Ambedkar, also known as the Architect of the Indian Constitution, authored the Indian Constitution. The date of 26 January was chosen because the Indian National Congress opposed colonial authority and declared Purna Swaraj, or “full liberation from the British,” on the same day in 1929.
The Indian Constituent Assembly enacted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, and it went into effect in 1950 under a democratic governance structure. This marked the end of the country’s transition to an independent republic.
Every year on Republic Day, the defense forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and paramilitary forces, parade on Rajpath, which is aired on television, in addition to hoisting the Indian flag, singing the national song, and organizing performances and activities.
Stunts on motorbikes, tanks, and other armament systems are also showcased in addition to air shows. They are accompanied by ornately constructed tableaus depicting the diversity and beauty of India’s several states.
Let us bring you a sneak peek at the pertinent details of India’s constitution on this Republic Day.
10 FACTS ABOUT INDIA’S CONSTITUTION:
- The Indian National Congress issued the historic Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) on January 26, 1929, in opposition to British rule.
- On December 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly convened for the first time in New Delhi, at the Constitution Hall, which is now the Central Hall of Parliament House.
- Dr. B R Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of a drafting committee charged with creating the Indian Constitution.
- The Constituent Assembly took over three years to finish its historic mission of drafting the Constitution for Independent India (two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to be exact).
- On November 4, 1947, the Indian Constituent Assembly received the proposed constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly convened in public sessions for 166 days over a period of two years and made improvements.
- The Indian Constituent Assembly approved the Constitution on November 26, 1949.
- Finally, the Assembly members signed two handwritten versions of the Constitution, one in English and one in Hindi, on January 24, 1950, paving the way to the status of republic two days later, on January 26th, 1950.
- The Indian Constitution is the world’s longest written constitution. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of the Indian Union on the same day.
- Under the transitory provisions of the new Constitution, the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist and was replaced by the Parliament of India.
- The Indian Constitution, which replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing document, is hence commemorated on January 26 yearly.
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Diwali – What are its origins? Why do we celebrate it?
What is the origin of the Diwali Festival?
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali does not have the same story across regions of India. In the north, we celebrate the return of King Rama, an incarnation of the God Vishnu, to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after a fourteen-year exile. In the South, a different story is associated with the festival: According to legend, Narakasura, a demon king, tormented people for a long time until the day when the God Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, killed him. The people celebrated the demon king’s defeat and since then the custom has continued. Regardless of the origin of Diwali, Hindus share the idea of celebrating the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness.
How do Indians celebrate Diwali?
Wherever you are in India, prepare yourselves for a splendid day and night – cities are lit up, firecrackers and fireworks are ringing everywhere, paper lanterns brighten the streets, and every household is looking at its best.
The festivities are traditionally spread over 5 days. While traditions and customs differ from region to region, here are some interesting facts:
The 1st day, Dhanteras, is devoted to the preparations. The houses are cleaned, tidied, and illuminated to please Lakshmi, the Goddess governing emotions and refinement, who comes to visit her devotees. People buy new utensils, objects, or jewelry as it is believed that the Goddess will enter homes in the form of new things.
On the 2nd day, Chhoti Diwali, the victory of Shri Krishna over the demon Narakasura is celebrated, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The legend says that Krishna, after killing the demon, took a bath to purify himself. Some Hindu families follow the ritual of taking a bath with natural oils that day before sunrise.
On the 3rd day, Diwali, the festival is at its peak: Mother Lakshmi is celebrated; new clothes are worn, and people adorn themselves with new jewelry. Oil lamps are lit around and inside homes, as well as in the streets. Gifts are exchanged to strengthen bonds with family and friends.
The 4th day, Annakut, is the day of abundance: food is distributed, and offerings are made to the Gods. In temples dedicated to Krishna, the deity is given a ritual milk bath and adorned with his most beautiful clothes and jewelry.
On the 5th day, Bhai Dooj, worship ceremonies, commonly called pujas, are the focal point. This day is also dedicated to siblings. The sisters apply a tilak (a red mark) to their brother’s forehead and pray for a prosperous life, while the brothers bless their sisters with gifts.
Some particularities of Diwali in South India
Firstly, the Southern States celebrate this holiday always one day before the Northern States, and it usually only lasts 4 days. These differences can be explained by divergent beliefs about the origin of Diwali.
The 3rd day of the festival is considered the last of the year, according to the Hindu Vikram calendar used in northern India. And so, the next day is the start of the Hindu New Year. But this is not the case in South India, because another calendar is used, that of Shalivahana.
In Tamil Nadu, on Diwali Day, the oldest family member applies sesame oil on the heads of all family members before sunrise. Then it is an oil bath for everyone, starting with the youngest in the family.
Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. There are several reasons for this: first because Diwali also represents the end of the monsoons and the start of a new harvest season, but, in Kerala, the agricultural season does not start at that time, so it does not coincide. In addition, the weather is not favorable during this period and it is therefore less easy to turn on lights outdoors or start fireworks. Finally, although there are a considerable number of Hindus, there are also many Christians and Muslims in this state.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festivities take place over two days – Naraka Chaturdasi and Deepavali Amavasya. The festivities begin early in the morning. Most of the time, people are engaged in shopping and decorating their homes.
In Karnataka, the festival begins with a religious ceremony called neeru tumbo habba, during which the houses are cleaned, washed, and painted. The next day, Lakshmi puja is performed. On the fourth day, the house, especially the entrance, is decorated with flowers and floor rangolis (drawings of coloured powder or rice powder) to invite the Gods to their homes. A special entrance to the house is built, made of cow dung (gomaya) and sandalwood (siri-chandana).
The common theme of Diwali throughout India is centered around the celebration of abundance and lovingly sharing it with close ones.
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What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is a festival celebrated to commemorate Lord Ram’s birthday. This falls on nineth day of the spring Navaratri festival, which is on the Shukhla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Chaitra as per Hindu calendar. Navaratri is a festival celebrated over nine days, dedicated to Mother Divine. “Nav” means nine and “ratri” means night, which means nine nights. Devotees worship Mother Divine in her aspect of Goddess Durga, which is further subdivided into nine forms. These nine forms are worshiped for nine days by fasting and worshipping, as per the individual’s will and capability.
The spring navratri culminates with the celebration of the birthday of Lord Rama, at noon. Rama is widely worshipped among Hindus and also across the world, where the Indian diaspora is present. He is also known as Seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu as per Hindu mythology. His whole life event has been described and written in the epic RAMAYANA.
Where was Lord Rama born?
As per Ramayana, which was millenniums ago, Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Ayodhya is also known as Rama Janambhoomi( “Janam” means birth and bhoomi means “place”)
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How is Ram Navami celebrated?
People fast for Navaratri and offer oblations to Goddess Durga for nine days consecutively. Navratri is celebrated five times a year. These are named as per month names of Hindu calendar : Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Navratri, Sharad Navratri , Pausha and Magha Navratri. Chaitra month is basically from March to April. On this day people worship Lord Rama and go to temples to offer prasadam (oblation) of fruits and coconut based sweets called ladoos, kheer (sweet dish made of rice and milk), halwa (a mixture of semolina and milk) etc. This is the beauty of Hinduism, everyone allow their heart to influence their mode of worship. All festivals aim at purification of the self from greed and fasting, which has health benefits of its own. To heal internally as well as physically many such festivals are celebrated all over India and that’s this unity in diversity is popular all over the world.
Maha Shivaratri : Night of devotion and faith
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated mainly amongst Hindus. Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, and its evidence can be found in The Vedas which are 5000 years old written texts. Hindus have settled down all over the world. In India, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on the 11th March 2021, date which differs every year, as the Hindu calendar is based on the luni-solar calendar, differentiating it from the Gregorian calendar. If we break down the Maha-Shiva-Ratri word: Maha means big, Shiva is Lord who is worshipped, personified or impersonified, for this is the energy on which the entire creation rests, and Ratri means night which gives rest and comforts one. Hence this night is about contemplating on physical and mental peace along with spirituality.
Actually, Shivaratri happens every month and Maha Shivaratri, once a year. The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month as per Hindu calendar.
Figure: Iconic representation of Lord Shiva known as Shiva Linga
So why is Maha Shivratri celebrated and what is done during the festival?
As per Hindu mythology Maha Shivaratri celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. There are other stories as well behind this festival, and all over India people have personal beliefs linked to their devotion. Shiva is often referred to as the Lord of destruction while Goddess Pravati is known as Goddess of fertility, love and beauty. Many devotees of Shiva fast on this festival, worshipping him in temples or from their own home, in the form of Shiva Linga, an iconic representation of Shiva, reminding one of the impersonal nature of the divine. Many are those who stay awake and worship him all night long, chanting Har Har Mahaadev or Om Namah Shivay.
Figure: Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Shiva temples are usually busy on this particular day, with devoted souls flocking in with offerings of fruits, flowers, milk, honey and seeds.
Devotees do Rudra Abhishek of Shiva Linga where the linga is bathed with different substances like water, curd, milk, honey, Datura fruit as well as other offerings made to Lord Shiva. An offering of Dhatura, scientifically known as Datura stramonium, or Thorn Apple (Datura) is believed to help one get rid of envy, terror, wicked nature or any other negative tendencies. Offerings are made as per one’s own will and capacity.
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Dussehra: The nine nights of celebration of divine feminine strength
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Why do people fast?
Married and unmarried men and women both worship Shiva and typically fast. Fasting is good for health and has many scientific merits to it, as it allows the body to go into autophagy. Some only drink water; some might keep to a fruit diet while others might have only one meal in the evening. It all depends on the individual and his/her faith. There is no absolute path in the Hindu religion.
How do Indians celebrate when they are not fasting?
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Maha Shivaratri : A day of devotion and patience
This day is an opportunity for people to align with the all-pervasive consciousness by fasting and chanting. Lord Shiva is known as the annihilator of evils and also the first yogi. This is a special day where people pray to seek blessings and perform rituals, which give them immense tranquility and comfort. On this day, we wish everyone a Happy Maha Shivratri and happiness to each and every being on Earth.
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CSR in India
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is taken very seriously in India. In fact, it is the only country to have a mandatory CSR spending law in the world. It was introduced for the first time in India under the Companies Act 2013 under section 135. Its rules were notified in Feb 2014 and came into effect since April 2014.
What is CSR?
The basic principles of CSR: Although the ideals of CSR have a long history in India, its roots can be traced to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of building a self-sustainable society. Gandhiji was of opinion that concentration of wealth with one group of people is of no good to the welfare of the society. Which is why he formulated the trusteeship model so that wealthy industrialists are obligated to invest in the welfare of society. This was, however, limited to very few activities. After Independence and the subsequent liberalization of Indian economy, globalization ensured global standards were met. Although many industrialists like TATA, Birla and even PSUs (Public sector Units) were doing activities in line with current CSR practice, the CSR laws were proposed in India.
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India still needs to improve in terms of development and CSR can catalyse such endeavors because Indian businesses spend around ₹15,000 crore a year on CSR as per pre-pandemic official estimates.
Corporate social responsibility law
This law is applicable to all companies incorporated in India and have either of these in their preceding financial year:
- Net worth of INR 500 Cr or more or
- Turnover of INR 1000 Cr or more or
- Net profit of INR 5 Cr or more
It has also been clearly mentioned that under this law, pure philanthropy or mere donations cannot be considered as CSR endeavors.
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The list of activities and areas under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are defined clearly under CSR law. All organizations have to spend at least 2 % of their average net profit for three consecutive fiscal years as per CSR law. A lot of development has been happening in this space to make every work accountable. The Indian government keep making efforts for impactful results. Many changes have been happening for FDI (foreign direct Invesment) as there were some reports of fund misuse. As many companies which do CSR are not doing what they should do or NGOs which get funds but not making good use of the money. Recently many changes also happened in the CSR policy with amendments in terms and definitions as notified under the MCA ( Ministry of corporate affairs) notifications 2021. Here’s some of the key changes:
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- The definition of administrative overheads has been introduced and it excludes expenses directly incurred for designing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a particular CSR project.
- Now there is compulsory registration electronically with Ministry of corporate affairs so that government knows exactly where and which agencies are doing implementations
- New terms have been included under the international organisation section so that instances like NGOs or any organisation working in this sector can take help from such international organisations in designing, monitoring and evaluation type activities.
- The Impact assessment has been added new in the policy so that any activity done by any the organisation can be verified. It can happen through proper CSR assessment and reporting methodology. To know more about it, view this course, linked below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so such content get pushed to you!
We have only covered a few of the many updates in this topic. There are many rules and policies which keep changing acording to time and requirements.
Currently India stands at a low HDI(Human development ranking ) and much more is needed to remove poverty, hunger and many more issues like child malnutrition, education, the fight towards climate change. The CSR structure has the potential to bring together government, NGOs and international organization to work together for the benefit of the society.
The following videos are valuable knowledge sources for getting a deeper understanding of CSR in India:
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All you need to know: clay in the kitchen
This blog is part of a series on Technological Innovations in Rural India. To read more on how technology is benefitting rural communities across India, read our previous release on Chakda, a promising immediate solution to transportation, and Jhatka, a device preventing wild animals from damaging cultivations by merely scarring them away.
We have come a long way in terms of technology but still whatever research we do or invention we make can’t stand in front of nature. For instance, compare the following: natural air under a tree and acclimated air from air conditioners water from mud pots and from fridges, cooking in clay and cooking in not stick gridles. Natural methods, you will agree, preserve the integrity in taste and does not harm to environment or living beings.
In this blog, we’ll focus on earthen pots and see how this traditional kind of utensil compare to modern industry-manufactured counterparts. We’ll start from the most basic thing used for drinking water, which are earthen pots also known as matka, ghada, paanai(tamil), madike(kannada), kunda(telugu) or surahi, across different parts of India.
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Earthen pot
If we wish to drink cool water, not chilled, which is anyway not recommended by Ayurvedic science, mud pots can help achieve this, without consuming any electricity nor being hazardous to the environment. Made of natural materials, earthenware is a sustainable. But slowly urbanization has led to habits of getting used to cold and chilled water, to the detriment of our personal health, and that of Earth. Many wonder how earthen pots cool water without using any external energy, like fridges. Well the answer lies in the tiny pores in the clay pots through which water evaporates at a slow rate, which is enough to lower the internal temperature of the vessel, and that of the water. This might not be efficient in humid areas due to higher humidity ratio.
With evolution, humans started using copper, steel and plastic as they don’t break and are durable. Nowadays, in rural areas, many plastic pots can be spotted as they are lightweight and easy to carry. Clay pots are, however, at an advantage from a sustainability point of view, as well as for its natural cooling properties.
Clay cooking utensils
Another thing which is now making a comeback are clay cooking utensils, as they propose some health benefits, as recommended by the science of Ayurveda. If we compare the materials used today, like non stick tavas, many people don’t know that the layer which is coated on the metal surface is a carcinogenic timebomb. Clay is a traditional utensil for sure, but properly adapted for our biology.
- Some benefits of clay cooking are: Steam circulation is very good in the clay vessel and this provides adequate moisture, reducing oil needed for cooking
- It keeps the flavour integrity of the food.
- Due to the alkaline nature of clay pots, pH balance of the food is maintained.
- They are of priced competitively.
- They are eco friendly
- It is also said that nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium get added to the food due to their presence within the clay. These are among the essential nutrients for the body.
Next example of such innovation is Mitticool which has been recognized by various organizations at national level in India. The origin of its invention is quite interesting
MittiCool Clay Refrigerator
Source: http://nif.org.in/
Mitticool Fridge
The mitticool fridge is a refrigerator which was invented to tackle the problem of electricity. In 2005 Mansukhbhai-Prajapati- an entrepreneur from Gujarat’s rural area, came up with his fridge called Mitticool. His inspiration stems from the sight of a broken fridge after an earthquake in 2001 in Gujarat. He performed some research for several years and came up with this invention. The National Innovation Foundation also recognized his initiative in 2005. Let’s get an understanding of how it works and how it is different from electric fridges which are widely in use today.
The Mitticool Fridge works on a very basic principle of latent heat of water for cooling. Water from the upper chambers drips down just like in a desert cooler and it lowers the temperature from inside. Water is stored at the top and from there a passage is present to allow circulation of water.
- This fridge is made from a different kind of clay, terracotta clay, which has the unique property of maintaining the cooling effect.
- It does not need any electricity for cooling.
- It can store vegetables and fruits for 2 –3 days and can even be used for cooling water The water won’t be as chilled like in refrigerators but is cool enough for those hot summer days.)
- A person who buys it does not need to worry about rising electricity bill.
- This fridge is portable and can be easily carried.
There are some challenges as well
- Its performance depends a lot on external temperature and humidity.
- Outer body need to be cleaned at 2-3 days interval so that pores are not obstructed.
- It is advised to keep it in ventilated area.
Mitticool is now a brand and sells various items made of clay like drinking water bottle, clay cooking utensils and many more. Even Mansukhbhai has several patents within this theme.
The above three examples portray the simplicity and innovativeness of clayware and their practical implementation in daily life; for instance their prevalence, to date, in many rural locations. The use of clay in modern days is a good example of bringing back practices from the past, which have been tested over centuries and have proved to be sustainable in the long term.
The challenge nowadays is adaptation to current lifestyle. Initially many habitats were nearby pollution-free rivers, but nowadays, the environmental conditions have drastically changed.
The earth is abundant and can cater for our needs. The choice lies in the choices we make: fulfillment of needs and desires, and to what extent.
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Jhatka machine: electric fencing safeguarding wild animals and cultivations
This blog is part of a series on Technological Innovations in Rural India. To read more on how technology is benefitting rural communities across India, read our previous release on Chakda, a promising immediate solution to transportation.
Indian agriculture and challenges
In India, agriculture is the primary source of income for about 60% of the population. It also employs more than 50% of the work force. This very sector contributes 17-18% of the Indian GDP. Which explains its vital role for a vast majority of people, irrespective of being in an urban or rural setting. But this sector gets affected by many factors like climate change, water scarcity, lower yield, crop damage by wild animals, among others. Many problems can’t be solved by farmers themselves, but some challenges can be tackled with, like crop damaged by animals.
What can be the solution to crop damage by animals
Animals like Nilgai(Asian Antelope), pigs, rabbit, elephant or buffalos can cause damage of up to 80-90% of crops, putting farmers into a precarious situation. Hence farmers either barricade the whole field by wires or wooden logs. Sometimes farmers electrify the barricades, which can even kill the wild animals, which is by the way illegal. Although many innovations have been done in fencing systems, market penetration can be slow, leaving people needing such systems in despair. DC fencing and solar fencing have recently become famous in many areas of India. This accessible piece of technology is famously known as JHATKA machine in many rural areas.
Is a technological revolution going on in India? This insightful video interview of two eminent people shall shed some light.
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So what is Jhatka Machine?
This is a simple equipment which supplies DC (direct current) into the fencing wires of farm fields. AC current is banned by the government, which makes this system a nice solution to the sleepless nights of farmers. This machine can work for 12 or 24 hours, depending on the brand and model. Some machines have both the options which the farmer can choose accordingly.
How this machine works and what can be cost of installation
So how does this supply DC current?
It has a converter which turns AC to DC. If there is no electricity then the farmer can also install a battery which can be charged to supply power when needed. Animals experience a high voltage and low current for a very short time, and they run away after getting a small shock. Many state governments are supporting this system by subsidizing them as it protects the crops from damage and ultimately the farmers’ investment.
The main components of Jhatka machine:
- An electronic setup having a transformer and siren for alarming the farmer
- A battery
- Wire for fencing the farm field
- Poles
- Solar panel if farmers want to install that as well with the system, which will increase the initial investment
Price of the machine, with battery, can vary from Rs 10,000 to 15,000. Price depends on material and brand a person buys. Also, different states practice different prices. Wires which are used can range from Rs 50 to 70 per kg, depending upon the material being used. Good quality wires can last up to 6 years . Farmers can use their own poles but it is advised not to use wooden logs for if wires touch the wooden log which is grounded in soil, then the battery will get drained. Hence an insulator is planned at the poles, to which wires are hooked. It is best to have 3 to 4 parallel wires as they can save from both small and large animals . Increasing amount of wire will result in more cost. Larger areas of cultivations will require bigger initial investment. But this can effectively save the tones of crop and unforeseeable damage in night or day which can happen when a farmer is not watching over the farm land.
Fencing, attached to Jhatka machines, keep crops safe.
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Jhatka electric fencing system coupled with solar’s advantages
Now Jhatka machine has become more famous in recent years after people have started coupling solar panel with it, specially in those areas where electricity is not available. Here are some
Advantages:
- solar energy is available free and is a reliable energy source which makes DC fencing system more accessible to many parts of India.
- Even if the weather not good it has back up power to safeguard the farming land
- If nothing major happens then it does not require any maintenance for long times as well
- It provides better protection than other fences as animals will flee as they get a small shock
Do’s and don’ts while setting up
These are some of major precaution once should take while installing the Jhatka machine setup
- Earthing must be done properly to complete the pulse circuit and give an effective shock to animals
- Proper insulation is needed where wire is tied on the pole
- Grass must be cleaned nearby wire otherwise grass will touch the wires and battery power will get drained
- The battery needs to be checked from time to time
- The fences must be checked regularly for occurrence of sparks as some animals may damage the wires
- Use of thin wires, as the thinner wire results in minimized loss of power
- Avoid wooden logs
- In summer, wires expand and elongate. Keep tight in summer and adjust for winter.
- This can also lead to killing of several small animals like rabbits, peacock and porcupine etc.
- Locally manufactured machines can lack proper fuse, which can be hazardous to humans as well. Going for a trusted brand is must.
Grass touching wire can be hazardous
Challenges
As we explored, this DC fencing system looks like an ingenious idea but it’s a costly investment for the farmers. Farmers with vast cultivations cannot really afford it. While many state governments are giving subsidies to this initiative, it still needs better policy and intervention. Also the government needs to come up better action plan to solve the wild animal’s issue as most farmers cannot afford this or use this for small lands. This is just one of the challenges for farmers, with bigger challenges remaining climate change and inadequate rainfall. About 70% of agricultural land in India is rainfed, hence efficient water utilization, for instance the revival of natural water aquifers, is imperative for the future of agriculture in a sustainable way.
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Diwali – The Festival of Light
There is a wonderful celebration in India that takes place over several days. It is with joy in the heart that people, from all walks of life, exchange sweets with their relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, to anchor the values associated with this celebration of light, Diwali. Let’s find out how this celebration unfolds in this blog from masteringindia.org
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Why celebrate light?
The light symbolizes victory over ignorance, hatred and lethargy. It is with this in mind that everyone, everywhere, illuminates their homes, workplaces and businesses. Traditionally lit with earthen lamps filled with oil, and nowadays with electric garlands, the night of Diwali, said to be the darkest of the year according to the lunar calendar, turns into the most sparkling one. There are many stories linked to this story. The most popular ones are that of Rama, an incarnation of God Vishnu, who returned to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, in Southern India. The other story is that of Krishna, still an avatar of God Vishnu, having been instrumental in the release of a thousand damsels taken captive by the demon Narkasura. If you want to know more about these stories, leave us a comment ☺
The celebration of Diwali is unique. Everyone partakes in it. Shops and houses are lit up. Shopping for new clothes and decorative items begins a few weeks earlier, as does maintenance and painting. Everything must shine to welcome good luck into ones home.
Who says celebration says… sweets!
This is one of the great specialties of Diwali, sweets of all kinds! India is vast, and it is also a mix of traditions unique to each ethnicity spread across the states of India. The exchange of cakes is done for the pleasure of everyone. Do you have Hindus around you who offer you sweets on Diwali? Wish them “Happy Divali,” they will certainly appreciate it very much.
Discover these famous dessert ideas that will be all the rage if you serve them to end a dinner with loved ones!
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The unfolding of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated over five days.
Day One: The Dhanteras marks the start of the festivities. The houses are cleaned again from top to bottom, decorated with electric bulbs, rangolis (multicolored designs in mandala style on the floor), flowers and earthen lamps. The God of Ayurveda and Health, Dhanwantari, is celebrated to obtain his blessing. Before nightfall, a lamp made of flour is lit with sesame oil at the back of the house in the southern corner, out of respect for Yama, the God of death, asking for his protection from any premature death.
Day Two: The monkey-headed God, Hanuman, is celebrated, asking for his help in obtaining divine grace. Some traditions also celebrate Kali and Krishna and their victories over demons and their benevolence in liberating souls in torment. The second day is also the day where delicious cakes are made or purchased.
The most important day is the third, which coincides with the darkest night of the lunar calendar. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is celebrated, thanking her for her benevolence and asking her to maintain it perpetually. At sunset, the oil lamps are lit, often by the children, and fireworks and firecrackers are detonated.
The fourth day: The Govardhan Puja is celebrated. Sweets are offered to the God Krishna, another avatar of Vishnu, to commemorate the story about him protecting his childhood village from torrential rains by lifting Govardhan Hill on his finger. It is also customary for men to give gifts to their wives on that day.
On the fifth day, it is Bhai Duj, which anchors the bond between siblings. Usually the brother will visit his sister, unlike Raksha Bandhan, another festival celebrating brotherhood.
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Time for a prayer
A popular mantra from Vedic times demonstrating the importance of enlightenment in this part of the world is as follows: “Om Asatoma Sat Gamaya, Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya, Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya. This prayer translates as follows:
Take me from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to enlightenment, from mortality to immortality.
Diwali propagates this message of Vedic times so well, this fundamental wish to be transported to the light. These small earthen lamps which sparkle all night long, encourage cohesion, to join them for the dissipation of darkness. What kind of darkness do we want to free ourselves from? Discontent, stress, dissatisfaction, misery, anger, lack of enthusiasm, … To get out of the many evils that surround us, let us light the lamp of joy in our hearts, thus bringing internal illumination. May we attain internal enlightenment, may the supreme light awaken your mind. May we attain the spiritual wealth of the Eternal. May we prosper gloriously in material as well as spiritual reality.
The importance placed on knowledge and working tools for Diwali
One thing that stands out for a foreigner like me is the importance placed on working tools during Diwali. Books, charge books, computers,… are blessed with prayers on the eve of Diwali, also known as the Choti (Small) Diwali, or Dhanteras. The avatar of Vishnu, Dhanwanteri, who is the God of Health and Ayurveda, is also celebrated on this day.
Diwali Gifts
Diwali is a time for gifting loved ones and friends. While there are many suggestions always doing rounds on what would be the best gift to give, our recommendation as a learning platform, would be, to gift a book! Here are some suggestions on Indian authors who write in English.
Must Watch: Indian writers following the English era
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The effigy of grace in its simplest form
Laxmi, the Goddess of abundance, unconditional love and refinement, is celebrated by the Hindu people for Diwali, asking her for her perpetual grace in order to support their lives and those around them. Many don’t know this, but the grace of abundance doesn’t just mean financial wealth. Eight aspects are related to Ashta (eight) Laxmi:
Adi Lakshmi – The Primordial Mother Goddess
Dhana Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of material wealth
Dhanya Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of the harvest and grain
Gaja Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of power and strength
Santana Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of children and offspring
Veera Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of courage and perseverance
Vijaya Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of success
Aishwarya Lakshmi – The Mother Goddess of comfort
Are these eight attributes important to the successful development of an individual? Share your opinion in the comments.
Diwali is a universal celebration symbolizing sharing, acceptance, respect, refinement and volunteerism. It’s easy to lose the sense of the importance of the most important things in life. Taking time by participating in this kind of event helps to refocus and value the relationships that we share with others.
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Ayurveda, science or pseudoscience?
What is the Ayurvedic diet?
Alternative medicines are often criticized for their effectiveness due to the low number of scientific research on these various modalities. These techniques are nevertheless effective, given the demand for these treatments and their inclusion in medical reimbursement by Swiss insurers. Ayurveda is one of the alternative medicines with increasing demand. Let’s find out what Ayurvedic science is, a medical knowledge dating back thousands of years, originating in India.
Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that focuses on promoting balance between your body and mind. The Ayurvedic diet, which has been around for thousands of years, is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing the different types of energies present in the body in order to improve health.
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Unlike other diets, Ayurvedic nutrition provides personalized recommendations on what to eat and what not to eat based on an individual’s body type. It also promotes better mental health.
According to Ayurveda, five elements make up the universe – vayu (air), jala (water), akash (space), teja (fire) and prithvi (earth).
These elements are believed to form three different doshas, which are defined as types of energies that circulate in the body. Each dosha is responsible for specific physiological functions.
For example, pitta dosha controls hunger, thirst, and body temperature. The vata dosha keeps the balance and the movement of electrolytes, while the kapha dosha promotes joint function.
Each person, being different, will have personalized guidelines on when, how and what foods to eat according to their dosha or body type.
Here are some of the main characteristics of each dosha to help you determine which type is right for you:
Pitta (fire + water): Intelligent, hardworking and decisive. People under this dosha typically have an average corpulence, a hot temper, and may suffer from conditions such as indigestion, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Vata (air + space): Creative, energetic and alive. People with this dosha are usually thin and light and may have digestive issues, fatigue, or anxiety if they are out of balance.
Kapha (land + water): Naturally calm, grounded and loyal. Those with kapha dosha often have a heavier build and may have problems with weight gain, asthma, depression, or diabetes.
The benefits of the Ayurvedic diet
Promotes whole foods
Although the Ayurvedic diet has specific guidelines for each dosha, the diet as a whole encourages the consumption of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Your health can benefit greatly, as these foods are rich in many essential nutrients.
This type of nutrition also discourages processed foods, which often lack essential fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Numerous studies show that consuming large amounts of processed foods may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease, cancer and even death.
The Ayurvedic diet can thus help protect against chronic diseases and promote better health.
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Promotes weight loss
Since the Ayurvedic diet emphasizes nutrient-dense whole foods, it stimulates weight loss in many cases.
Although there is limited research available on the Ayurvedic diet and weight loss, some studies have shown it to be effective in this regard.
For example, a study of 200 people with pitta or kapha doshas found that following the Ayurvedic diet for three months resulted in significant weight loss.
Another study found that following an Ayurveda-based lifestyle modification program that included dietary changes and yoga classes resulted in an average weight loss of 6kg over 9 months.
photo credit: thevedicchef.com
Promotes the contemplation of food
In addition to the foods to consume, contemplation is another major part of the Ayurvedic diet.
Contemplation is a practice that involves paying close attention to how you feel in the present. In particular, mindful eating emphasizes minimizing distractions during meals to focus on the taste, texture and smell of the food.
According to a small study of 10 people, mindful eating reduced body weight, depression, stress and binge eating. Mindful eating can also improve self-control and promote a healthy relationship with food.
Foods to eat
In Ayurveda, foods are classified according to their physical qualities and how they affect your body. This helps determine which ingredients work best for different doshas.
Speaking of consumption, it is also thanks to Ayurveda that spices such as pepper, cinnamon and ginger are used all over the world today. Wasn’t that one of the reasons behind the popularity of the route to India.
Pseudoscience?
Like all other traditional medicines, Ayurveda is often criticized for validating its formulas and results from a contemporary scientific point of view. But research continues to advance and should facilitate global acceptance in the near future. Traditional medicine has a rich repertoire of non-invasive and side-effect free treatments, tested over thousands of years, which can inspire modern medicine.
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Here are some of the recommended foods according to the dosha.
The dosha determines the foods that must be consumed to promote inner balance.
Pitta
Dairy products: milk, ghee, butter
Fruits: sweet and ripe fruits such as oranges, pears, pineapples, bananas, melons and mangoes
Vegetables: Sweet and bitter vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, zucchini, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and Brussels sprouts
Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, lima beans, black beans, red beans
Grains: barley, oats, basmati rice, wheat
Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut
Herbs and spices: small amounts of black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, dill, turmeric
Vata
Dairy products: milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ghee (clarified butter)
Fruits: ripe, sweet and heavy fruits, such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapefruits, mangoes, peaches and plums
Kichiri, tridoshic meal harmonising all the doshas | Photo credit: Ayurveda.com
Vegetables: cooked vegetables, including beets, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, turnips, carrots, and green beans
Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, mung beans
Grains: cooked oats, cooked rice
Nuts and seeds: all, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds
Herbs and spices: cardamom, ginger, cumin, basil, cloves, oregano, thyme, black pepper
Kapha
Dairy products: skimmed milk, goat milk, soy milk
Fruits: apples, blueberries, pears, pomegranates, cherries and dried fruits such as raisins, figs and prunes
Vegetables: asparagus, leafy greens, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, radishes, okra
Legumes: all, including black beans, chickpeas, lentils and white beans
Grains: oats, rye, buckwheat, barley, corn, millet
Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds
Herbs and Spices: All, including cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, basil, oregano and thyme
Foods to Avoid
Here are some of the foods you should limit or avoid depending on your dosha.
Pitta
Red meat, seafood, egg yolks
Dairy products: sour cream, cheese, buttermilk
Fruits: sour or unripe fruits, such as grapes, apricots, papaya, grapefruit, and sour cherries
Vegetables: peppers, beets, tomatoes, onions, eggplants
Grains: brown rice, millet, corn, rye
Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, sesame seeds
Herbs and Spices: All spices not included in the list above
Vata
Red meat
Fruits: dried, unripe, or light fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, pomegranates, and pears
Vegetables: all raw vegetables, plus cooked broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes and tomatoes
Legumes: beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, and white beans
Grains: buckwheat, barley, rye, wheat, corn, quinoa, millet
Herbs and Spices: Bitter or astringent herbs like parsley, thyme, and coriander seeds
Kapha
Red meat, shrimps, egg yolks
Fruits: bananas, coconut, mango, fresh figs
Vegetables: sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers
Legumes: soy, red beans, miso
Grains: rice, wheat, cooked cereals
Nuts and seeds: cashews, pecans, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts
For a healthy body for decades to come, eat healthy! Adopt the Ayurvedic diet and share your experiences with us!
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