Communication Barriers

What is Communication?

Communication is an integral instinct of all living things. At its simplest, communication is any exchange of information between two entities. It can be observed to take place at the cellular level between microorganisms, and on a larger scale between members of a herd evading a predator. As modern humans living in a busy world, we rely on good communication every day to make our way through life. Every interaction we have with another person, from a raised eyebrow in a busy checkout lane, to an obscene gesture at another motorist in traffic, to the simple wave to your family as you pull out of the driveway in the morning, is a form of communication. Today, communication has gone from individual levels of conversing to mass communication. The most important aspects of communication are best understood when there is a lack of it. In the following pages, we will discuss different types of communication, common barriers in our daily communication, as well as strategies for overcoming them.

Good communication is not just a process of transferring information from one entity to another. It's an art of first listening or reading the information, comprehending it, processing it and then transferring it. There is a huge amount of effort that goes into communication. Gestures, tone of voice, body language and spoken language are some of the important aspects of communication. If the other person is unable to comprehend any of these factors, then the process fails.

Four Types of Communication

Communication comes in four basic types. Below, we will look at the different types in depth.

Verbal Communication This mode of communication relies on words to convey a message. This is the standard method of communicating that most of us use on a day-to-day basis, though we rarely use it without augmenting it with one of the other communication types. Other cues people use while communicating verbally include, tone, gestures, and body language. Verbal communication helps in expressing thoughts, emotions and sentiments. A phone conversation, chat with a friend, an announcement made, or a speech delivered are all verbal forms of communication. For most of us, it comes with ease. As children, we learned verbal communication through the sounds around us. We soon develop and start understanding the language which helps us to communicate verbally as we grow older. Verbal communication is further divided into four subcategories:


1. Intrapersonal Communication This form of communication is extremely private and restricted to ourselves. It includes the silent conversations we have with ourselves, wherein we juggle roles between the sender and receiver who are processing our thoughts and actions. This process of communication when analyzed can either be conveyed verbally to someone or stay confined as thoughts.
   
2. Interpersonal Communication This form of communication takes place between two individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation. Here, the two individuals involved will swap their roles of sender and receiver in order to communicate in a clearer manner.
   
3. Small Group Communication This type of communication can take place only when there are more than two people involved. Here the number of people will be small enough to allow each participant to interact and converse with the rest. Press conferences, board meetings, and team meetings are examples of group communication. Unless a specific issue is being discussed, small group discussions can become chaotic and difficult to interpret by everybody. This lag in understanding information completely can result in miscommunication.
   
4. Public Communication This type of communication takes place when one individual addresses a large gathering of people. Election campaigns and public speeches are example of this type of communication. In such cases, there is usually a single sender of information and several receivers who are being addressed.


Non Verbal Communication Non-verbal communication is a process of communication without using words or sounds. Non-verbal communication uses gestures, body language, facial expressions, eye contact, clothing, tone of voice, and other cues to convey a message. Like verbal communication, this method of communicating is rarely used alone. Non-verbal communication could be considered like a spice we use when communicating to add a little flavor. You might raise your eyebrows emphatically when speaking to help make a point, or shake your finger at your child when you’re angry. These are all non-verbal cues that help convey a message.


Written Communication Written communication is the medium through which the message of the sender is conveyed with the help of written words. Letters, personal journals, e-mails, reports, articles, and memos are some forms of written communication. Unlike some other forms of communication, written messages can be edited and rectified before they are sent to the receiver, thereby making written communication an indispensable part of informal and formal communication. This form of communication encapsulates features of visual communication as well, especially when the messages are conveyed through electronic devices such as laptops, phones, and visual presentations that involve the use of text or words.


Visual Communication This form of communication involves the visual display of information, wherein the message is understood or expressed with the help of visual aids. For example, topography, photography, signs, symbols, maps, colors, posters, banners and designs help the viewer understand the message visually. Movies and plays, television shows and video clips are all electronic form of visual communication. Visual communication also involves the transfer of information in the form of text, which is received through an electronic medium such as a computer, phone, etc. Icons and emoticons are a form of visual communication. When these icons are used in a public place, phone or computer, they instruct the user about their meaning and usage. One of the greatest examples of visual communication is the internet, which communicates with the masses using a combination of text, design, links, images, and color. All of these visual features require us to view the screen in order to understand the message being conveyed. Media communication is developing at a meteoric rate in order to ensure clarity and to eliminate any ambiguity. The aforementioned four types of communication have played a vital role and continue to do so, in bridging the gap between people, commerce, education, health care, and entertainment. There are many reasons why interpersonal communications may fail. In many communications, the message may not be received exactly the way the sender intended and hence it is important that the

Communication Barriers

There are many reasons why interpersonal communications may fail. In many communications, the message may not be received exactly the way the sender intended and hence it is important that the communicator seeks feedback to check that their message is clearly understood. The skills of Active Listening, Clarification and Reflection, which we will discuss shortly, may help but the skilled communicator also needs to be aware of the barriers to effective communication. There exist many barriers to communication and these may occur at any stage in the communication process. Barriers may lead to your message becoming distorted and you therefore risk wasting both time and/or money by causing confusion and misunderstanding. Effective communication involves overcoming these barriers and conveying a clear and concise message.

Some common barriers to effective communication include:

• The use of jargon. Over-complicated or unfamiliar terms.
• Emotional barriers and taboos.
• Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver.
• Differences in perception and viewpoint.
• Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.
• Physical barriers to non-verbal communication.
• Language differences and the difficulty in understanding unfamiliar accents.
• Expectations and prejudices which may lead to false assumptions or stereotyping. People often hear what they expect to hear rather than what is actually said and jump to incorrect conclusions.
• Cultural differences. The norms of social interaction vary greatly in different cultures, as do the way in which emotions are expressed. For example, the concept of personal space varies between cultures and between different social settings.

A skilled communicator must be aware of these barriers and try to reduce their impact by continually checking understanding and by offering appropriate feedback.

Barriers to Communication by Category

• Language Barriers Clearly, language and linguistic ability may act as a barrier to communication. However, even when communicating in the same language, the terminology used in a message may act as a barrier if it is not fully understood by the receiver(s). For example, a message that includes a lot of specialist jargon and abbreviations will not be understood by a receiver who is not familiar with the terminology used. As nurses, we are especially prone to making this mistake. We must remember to use language that can be understood by the receiver.
  
• Psychological Barriers The psychological state of the receiver will influence how the message is received. For example, if someone has personal worries and is stressed, they may be preoccupied by personal concerns and not as receptive to the message as if they were not stressed. Stress management is an important personal skill that affects our interpersonal relationships. Anger is another example of a psychological barrier to communication. When we are angry it is easy to say things that we may later regret and also to misinterpret what others are saying. More generally, people with low self-esteem may be less assertive and therefore may not feel comfortable communicating - they may feel shy about saying how they really feel, or read negative sub-texts into messages they hear.
  
• Physiological Barriers Physiological barriers may result from the receiver’s physical state. For example, a receiver with reduced hearing may not grasp the entirety of a spoken conversation, especially if there is significant background noise.
  
• Physical Barriers An example of a physical barrier to communication is geographic distance between the sender and receiver(s). Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more communication channels are available and less technology is required. Although modern technology often serves to reduce the impact of physical barriers, the advantages and disadvantages of each communication channel should be understood so that an appropriate channel can be used to overcome the physical barriers.
  
• Attitudinal Barriers Attitudinal barriers are behaviors or perceptions that prevent people from communicating effectively. Attitudinal barriers to communication may result from personality conflicts, poor management, resistance to change, or a lack of motivation. Effective receivers of messages should attempt to overcome their own attitudinal barriers to facilitate effective communication.

Overcoming Barriers

Most of the above mentioned barriers can be overcome by the skilled communicator. Obviously, bridging gaps in geography and communicating through disabilities are a topic for a different discussion. Below, we will look at some tools that can be used to bridge barriers in everyday communications.

• Active Listening Active listening is a skill that can be acquired and developed with practice. However, this skill can be difficult to master and will, therefore, take time and patience. 'Active listening' means, as its name suggests, actively listening. That is fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just ‘hearing’ the message of the speaker. Active listening involves listening with all senses. As well as giving full attention to the speaker, it is important that the ‘active listener’ is also ‘seen’ to be listening - otherwise the speaker may conclude that what they are talking about is uninteresting to the listener. By providing this 'feedback' the person speaking will usually feel more at ease and therefore communicate more easily, openly and honestly. There are both verbal and non-verbal cues that convey active listening. Non-verbal signs include smiling (if appropriate), making eye contact, nodding at appropriate times, and avoiding distractions. Theses non-verbal cues convey the message that you are interested in what the speaker has to say, and that your attention is fully invested. Offering verbal signs of active listening can also be useful. Reflecting on something the speaker has said by asking a clarifying question is a terrific way to do this. Paraphrasing involves finding slightly different words to repeat the main idea of the speaker, and is also great way to show active listening.
  
• Use Simple Language It’s important to remember the audience that you’re speaking to, and use language that can be easily understood. Avoid using medical terminology or jargon when speaking to clients and their families. People are often intimidated by such language, and can be afraid to admit that they don’t understand the message being delivered. An important tool to use when speaking is to pause occasionally and ask questions to ensure that your message is being understood as intended. You may also allow the listener to ask questions to clarify any points.
  
• Give Constructive Feedback Remember that feedback was part of the communication chain we looked at on the first page. While the feedback that you give the speaker/sender may occasionally be negative, it is important that it be constructive in nature. The intent of the feedback should be to further the abilities of the speaker. This will strengthen the interpersonal relationship, and enhance future communications.

Summary

As living beings, we need to express and understand the expressions of others. Like it or not, human society thrives on communication. Civilizations have risen and fallen based upon how good they were at maintaining sound relations with the rest of the world. Communication is, indeed, the very lubricant that makes the machinery of human relations function smoothly. Therefore, the significance of communication cannot and should not be underestimated. Sometimes, difficult situations in life can be resolved by just sitting down and talking it out. Similarly, most personal, professional and social disasters can be averted by maintaining clear, appropriate and unambiguous communication. All we need is some effort on our part to identify and avoid barriers to effective communication to make our lives and the lives of those around us better.

Your New Apple iPhone 11 Could Cost As Little as Rs 51,700 With Amazon Preorder Offers

Buy Now: https://amzn.to/2M2HftT

You can now preorder your new Apple iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max on Amazon now. The listings for the latest iPhones have gone live with a bunch of offers as well, which includes exchange offers, cashbacks, flat discounts on HDFC Bank credit and debit cards, cashbacks on HDFC Bank debit cards as well as discounts with HSBC cards and Axis Bank EMI transactions. You can prebook the iPhone 11 line-up now, and shipping starts September 27. But what does it mean for you and how much would you pay for the new iPhone 11 line-up?

There are offers galore for the iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you preorder now. First up, there is the exchange offer in place which gives you as much as Rs 7,200 for your old phone, if you wish to trade one in, depending on the device, the model and the condition. If you decide to pay for the iPhone 11 with an HDFC Bank credit or debit card, and this includes EMI transactions as well, there is a straight discount of Rs 6,000 on the new iPhone 11 as well as the new iPhone 11 Pro, and Rs 7,000 discount on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. There is also a 5% cashback on a minimum transaction of Rs 2,000 on HDFC Bank debit cards. If you wish to pay using the Axis Bank EMI option, there is a 5% Instant Discount on Axis bank Credit EMI and 10% Instant Discount on Axis Bank Debit EMI transactions. There is also a 5% instant discount on HSBC Cashback card up to a maximum of Rs 250.

Let us start with the iPhone 11, the entry point to the new iPhone line-up. This is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options. The entry price is Rs 64,900 for the 64GB storage option, while the 128GB variant costs Rs 69,900 and the 256GB option is priced at Rs 79,900. This is the successor to the iPhone XR and does solve the biggest complaint that people had with the iPhone XR—the single camera, though that didn’t stop it from becoming the largest selling smartphone in the world by a huge margin in the first half of this year. The iPhone 11 gets a dual camera setup at the back, with a new wide and a new ultra-wide camera, working with the updated Smart HDR and image processing algorithms as well as a Night Mode. The updated specs include the new Apple A13 Bionic chip and the immense power and AI prowess it packs in, faster Face ID, longer battery life, support for faster LTE and new colour options as well. This retains the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, though that has been tweaked for better colours and brightness. There will be three variants on sale in India. The very fact that this year’s entry point into the iPhone line-up is Rs 10,000 or so lesser than last year itself is a massive advantage.

The iPhone 11 Pro is the first time the Pro moniker has been used for an iPhone. The prices for this are very similar to the pricing of the iPhone XS from last year—Rs 99,900 for the 64GB option, Rs 1,13,900 for the 256GB storage and Rs 1,31,900 for 512GB storage space. Triple camera, a very powerful A13 Bionic chip, a new Night Mode for photography in low light, a new textured matte glass at the back as well as the improvements in performance and security that iOS 13 brings to the table are just some of the many highlights. This has a new 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display which supports the HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) standards as well.

Then there is the larger iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. In fact, apart from the all the power, the new triple cameras and the AI capabilities, the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s battery life is as much as 5 hours more than last year’s iPhone XS Max. The prices are also similar to the launch prices of last year’s iPhone XS Max—Rs 1,09,900 for the 64GB option, Rs 1,23,900 for the 256GB option and Rs 1,41,900 for the 512GB option.

You can also get the no-cost EMI with Amex, Axis, ICICI, Amazon Pay ICICI card, HDFC, Citi Bank, SBI, IndusInd, Yes Bank, Kotak, RBL, HSBC, Standard Chartered credit cards as well as select debit cards.

A sample memo report.

NATIONAL MARKETING COUNCIL RESEARCH DIVISION NEW DELHI INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM

To: Marketing Manager, National Marketing Council

From: Research Officer

Date: 18 September 2019

Subject: Purchasing power of consumers across the nation during Jan-Mar 2015 

Please refer to your letter no. MM/IM/001 in which you have asked me to study the purchasing power of consumers across the nation during January March 2015 I would like to present my findings and recommendations.

Findings

The data for the report was collected from distributors retailers and customers of our Market Sector. Digital data was collected with Facebook AI and advance algorithm for monitoring customer behaviour. A preliminary look into the status first add people in middle income group spend 10% less on food than in earlier quarter. There was no change on expenditure of tobacco and liquor. Zero demand in housing sector was seen. Clothing sector shows a 15% decrease. 5% increase in medical care expenditure was seen. No change is observed in education sector.

Expenditure on public transportation remained same while there was a decline of 20% in sales of new vehicles.

Overall expenditure on necessities like food, clothing, housing and medical care remains same while expenditure on other items decreased.

People spent as usual on tobacco and liquor while still cutting cost on their other expenses.

Overall expenses of people

It is observed that there is a downfall in economy after recent national elections due to which overall purchasing power of people have decreased. 10 to 15% dismisal of employees in all sector is observed, which also effects the data and purchasing power of consumers. Due to wind fall of economy prices of raw material and transportation cost of it to processing plant have increased significantly which has lead to increase in prices of commodities.

Recommendations

Given below are few suggestions which may help in overcoming the problem of consumers.

• Removal of some parties in supply chain and integrated it with enterprise resource planning software will lead to cost cutting in production and will help in keeping price constant and retention of customer in purchasing same quantity of items.

• Decreasing quantities tightly and keeping the prices also help in detention of consumers as observed from past experiences.

• Establishing with Company online and doing E-Commerce help cut cost and easy management of inventories. I hope that this report will give you an insight into the nature of problem and also its possible solutions.

I would be glad to provide any clarification or additional information regarding required in this regard.

Neeraj Kumar 

Research Officer

10 Year Old Kid Creates Paytm Account; Steals Rs 35,000 From His Dad’s Bank Account!

In a bizarre case of Digital India gone wrong, a class 4th student, aged 10 years, not only created a Paytm account in his father’s name, but also stole Rs 35,000.

How did this happen?

And more importantly, why did he do that?

Rs 35,000 Stolen From Fake Paytm Account For Online Games

The case happened in the capital of Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow.

A class 4th student, aged no more than 10 years, is addicted to online games.

Unable to source money to buy newer versions of games, and to make in-game purchases, he devised a plan.

Using his father’s name, he created a Paytm account, and then started using the wallet for purchasing new games, and to buy in-game products from his favourite games.

He regularly added money to this fake Paytm account from his father’s bank account.

How Did This Happen?

The most interesting aspect of this bizarre case is the fact that the 10 year old kid was able to add his father’s bank account into this Paytm account.

And then, gradually, he used to add money into the wallet, and continued his purchases of games.

Initially, the father didn’t notice, but after a year of this incident, he realized that Rs 35,000 has gone from his bank account.

Since he never created his own Paytm account, he never realised how this happened.

Once he came to know about this ‘theft’, he contacted cyber crime department.

How The Kid Was Caught?

The case was pretty easy: The cyber crime department quickly found out that the Paytm number into which the money from his bank account was deposited, and the phone number linked with bank account are the same. 

Hence, they knew that it was an ‘inside job’, and someone close from the family was conducting this ‘fraud’.

They talked with the kid, and soon, he gave in, and admitted that he was the culprit.

The cyber crime officials and police personnel at the Hazratganj station counseled the kid, and then let him go. 

Our Opinion

If we try to extract the positivity from this news, then it would be the fact that even a class 4th child can create Paytm account (and mobile wallet), attach bank account with the same, and then use it to buy products/services online.

But the bad news is that, the process has become so easy, and anyone, even a class 4th kid can do this, and his father had no idea how the money is being spent from his bank account.

Do we need more awareness about digital transactions or we need to make the process even more sophisticated?

This incident has certainly ignited an interesting debate.

Do share your opinions and viewpoints by commenting right here!

Sulabh Article: A clarion call to protect, preserve the environmen...

Sulabh Article: A clarion call to protect, preserve the environmen...: A clarion call to protect, preserve the environment Environment sustains all living creatures. It has been the topic of discussions on telev...

Cashless Society/Economy

Cashless Society/Economy

Introduction

A cashless society describes an economic state whereby all the financial transactions are done using cards or digital means. The circulation of physical currency is minimal.

Such a concept has been discussed widely, particularly because the world is experiencing a rapid and increasing use of digital methods of recording, managing, and exchanging money in commerce, investment and daily life in many parts of the world, and transactions which would historically have been undertaken with cash are often now undertaken electronically. Some countries now set limits on transaction sand transaction values for which non-electronic payment may be legally used.

How Can We Do This?

We might think how a cashless economy is possible when money is the major source to run day to day life. Well, such an economy might have been a bad dream if it was planned to be implemented a century ago.

We are now living in a world where Internet has taken over every place. Wherever we go, we carry our Debit Cards and Credit Cards. If we were to apply the concept of Cashless Economy keeping in mind the age old practice of seeing Money as a paper, may be the cashless economy would sound like a pointless scheme. But when we think of such an economy with the appliance of today’s technology where no liquid money is used, the whole idea of Cashless Economy can be understood.

Advantages of Cashless Economy

A cashless economy will allow less tension of tackling a wallet full of notes along with us, which is not at all safe in a world full of anti-socials. We can rather use our mobiles as a one stop solution for all kinds of transactions such as bill payments, fees payments, funds transfer, recharge etc.

Crime rates will be diminished due to cash ban as most of the terrorist activities are funded with black money. In addition to this, other crimes such as burglary, extortion, bank robbery etc. will also decline.

One of the biggest advantages is the increase in the span of the income tax.

Conclusion

Above all, the cashless economy will lead to the most convenient and secure economy for all. In short, a cashless economy can only be possible with sufficient infrastructure and planning that are required for supporting an economy like India.

The Two-Child Rule for Population Control

The Two-Child Rule for Population Control

It is true to a certain extent that population does put pressure on limited resources. Employment is just not possible to create for such large numbers. So, to that extent even poverty is an outgrowth of unchecked population growth. At the same time, the tendency to have a large family is also a consequence of poverty.

The problem with the decision to impose the two child norm is that it has not taken into consideration several factors that impinge on the population issue. Why impose it only on prospective members of Panchayati Raj and then only on candidates for political posts?

Children covered in dust, with runny noses and matted hair, begging at street corners or playing and lolling about at construction sites, overcrowded schools, traffic jams, slums, shortage of water, electricity and other amenities, environmental degradation, indeed, any failure of the infrastructure and we attribute it to growing population.

Why do the poor tend to have more children? Expert opinion has it that the poor do not know how many of their children will survive. Nor the poor well aware of the contraception methods or how to avail of them, at the root of our burgeoning population is the indifferent, if not non-existent, health care services, neither material nor child health care has got the importance it deserves in the country.

Besides the health and education infrastructure, the cultural traditions of this country have deep roots and in that culture the son has a place that is very difficult to dislodge.

The son is seen, even in the light of increasing evidence to the contrary in today’s social situation, as the provider for old age. More deep-rooted is the conviction, at least among Hindus, that the last rites must be performed by the son in order that one may gain ‘moksha’.

Deep rooted beliefs may be prejudices, have never been tackled with the reformist zeal they require. The ability to think independently and fearlessly, the spirit of questioning that is basic to positive social change and the courage to act against the mediocre tide are not encouraged; in fact they are suppressed in men and women alike. In the circumstances, the desire for a son is almost universal.

A compulsion to limit the family has resulted, even among the so-called educated middle classes, in female infanticide and foeticide. Technology-the ultrasound facility-is unscrupulously used to identify the gender of the unborn child and kill it off if it is female. This is specially, so if the firstborn is a girl. Two children are ideal, but one, at least must be a son.

It is easily seen that China, besides its totalitarian system, also has a good health care system in place. So, do most developing countries that have achieved a modicum of success in limiting population growth. Nor has education, the other important impetus behind limiting family size, been spread to all sections of the country’s population. It is the combined effect of education and health care security that will make people aware of the benefits of a small family. Changes in population numbers take place over time. The change can be speeded up with better education, widespread and prompt delivery of health care services and constant efforts at building up an awareness of religious superstition which had best be left aside.

Demonetisation

Demonetisation

Introduction

Demonetisation is the act of removing a currency unit of its status as legal money. Demonetisation is necessary whenever there is a change of national currency. The old unit of currency must be retired and replaced with a new currency unit.

Reason of Demonetisation

There are multiple reasons why nations demonetise their local units of currency. Some reasons include combating inflation, to combat corruption, and to discourage a cash system. The process of demonetisation involves either introducing new notes or coins of the same currency or completely replacing the old currency with new currency.

History of Demonetisation

In 2016, the Indian government decided to demonetise the 500 and 1000 rupee notes, the two biggest denomination notes. These notes accounted for 86% of the country’s cash supply. The government’s goal was to eradicate counterfeit currency, fight tax evasion, eliminate black money gotten from money laundering and terrorist financing activities, and provide a cashless economy.

In 2015, the Zimbabwean government demonetized the Zimbabwean dollar as a way to combat the country’s hyperinflation that was recorded at 231,000,000%. Fiji, Singapore and Philippines were other countries to have opted for currency demonetisation.

Another example of demonetisation occurred when the nations of the European Monetary Union adopted the euro in 2002. In order to switch to the euro, authorities first fixed exchange rates for the varied national currencies into Euros. When the euro was introduced, the old national currencies were demonetized. However, the old currencies remained convertible into Euros for a while so that a smooth transition through demonetisation would be assured.

Impacts of Demonetisation

It has major impact on corruption and also on financing of terror activities. It also will curb the menace of black money and will help check storing of funds to a large extent.

Conclusion

The demonetisation always affects some extent to the general public, but for larger interest of the country, such decisions are inevitable. Also it may not curb black money fully, but definitely it has major impact in curbing black money to large extent.

CHANGING INDIA

Today the politics have changed very much and every one can see but can't believe. Because they have casted votes and believed that development would take place but nothing happened than signing MOUs, foreign trips for 1/3 of work time, and completing their personal errands. The media is not at all true and is working now to just earn revenues. They show what that can bring them money and nothing else. For example: They showed that their were fake 10 rupees coin but didn't show the order by RBI given later stating that all the coins were real and acceptable. They didn't want to show later because it won't fetch them money. They have forgotten the public interests.
The government have turned down into a co-operative society which pays attention to their benefits only if they want to raise their salaries up they will without any discussions or disputes in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. But when it comes to catering public interests they will cry for their only benefits, share and commissions. That's how the government of today works. The center wants their commission and the state want theirs.
Talking about bullets, years have passed but still talks are being going on but the government is so lazy to develop its own bullet trains in the time it boasts of IITs and brilliant students from there. They have forgotten that they are not more than learning machines which can learn all the formulas and equations but can't apply in real life.
In this time we need to experiment with our ideas to keep pace with this ever and fast changing world, but we are dependent on others to provide us technology advancements so the middle mens (other politicians and businessmen's )can earn. profits.
The time has come where we are looking at our great past and have been consoling ourselves that something good will happen and it will change.
Getting credit for others work is not something by which you will improve and become distinguished in that field because the secrets and command lie in the hands of original owner itself.

A clarion call to protect, preserve the environment

A clarion call to protect, preserve the environment

Environment sustains all living creatures. It has been the topic of discussions on television and in newspapers, indicating its gradual degradation. Various civic agencies have been crying hoarse to conserve environment as living and non-living organisms are dependent on it.

Activities of human beings created both positive and negative impact on environment. Actions such as deforestation, commercialized construction, neglecting water resources and not making optimum use of non-renewable sources of energy are taking a toll on our health and the mother Earth.

Small and concrete steps in routine life can bring huge changes in the long run. It is time to vow to go for car pooling, adopt rain water harvesting, using bicycles and public transport, segregate recyclable and non-recyclable articles, avoid using disposable items, planting saplings to add greenery around, saving electricity, using rechargeable batteries as well as opting articles made of biodegradable substances like cloth and paper bags to make our planet clean and green.

Advancements in science have made our life comfortable, but overuse of non-recyclable articles and batteries as well as depletion of forests has added misery to environment.

Energy production is one of the major causes of pollution and natural resource depletion by human beings. Conserving energy not only reduces the consumption of energy, and thus the need for energy production, but it also cuts down on air and water pollution by reducing the burning of fossil fuels.

Failing to take actions to create a sustainable environment for future generations could indicate extinction of many species of plants and animals. It is time to pause and think what we are striving for. Do we want natural as well as energy resources such as oil, coal and petroleum become a thing of the past?

Lost childhood

 "There is no darkness but ignorance"

— William Shakespeare

MILLIONS OF children in India are engulfed in this darkness. Their innocence and childhood lost in the bid to eke out a living. Books, school and toys are beyond their reach as they are grounded in the harsh reality of being poor.

Many children work as domestic servants in houses, sweeping, dusting and performing other such innumerable household chores. Often at traffic signals young children can be spotted selling indifferent articles, while their financially better off counterparts are busy at school. Poor children in a bedraggled condition beg in front of temples, flocking devotees and reciting well-rehearsed lines, to evoke their sympathy. It is heartrending to see young rag pickers hunting for food in garbage dumps and fighting amongst themselves for it.

These street urchins enter the adult world much before their time and learn to fend for themselves at an early age. The carefree attitude and effervescence of childhood are alien to them. They are either orphans or their parents are too poor to provide for them. The future does not hold much promise for these unfortunate children. Eventually they are sucked into the quagmire of crime and languish in juvenile homes, where they are often ill-treated.

The true potential of underprivileged children is not channelised in the right direction. Poverty is the bane of their life and education, which can be instrumental in their upliftment, is denied to them. This is the scenario in our country where the `Right to Education' has been incorporated in the Fundamental Rights, guaranteed to citizens, by the state. How can our country boast of technological advancement and development when millions of children are wallowing in the darkness of ignorance and poverty? The vision of a strong and powerful India cannot be envisaged until every child becomes equipped with the tool of education.

Every year we celebrate Dasara by burning the effigy of Ravana to symbolise the triumph of good over evil while Deepavali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by decorating houses and lighting lamps. Instead of mere pomp and show associated with these festivals, we must ensure that knowledge prevails over the evil of illiteracy and the light of education dispels the darkness of ignorance.