by Bas Baskaran,CHICAGO,USA
The Stranger
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger
who was new to our small town. From the beginning,
Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer
and soon invited him to live with our family. The
stranger was quickly accepted and was around
from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my
family. In my young mind, he had a special niche.
My parents were complementary instructors: Mom
taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.
But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would
keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,
mysteries and comedies.
If I wanted to know anything about politics, history
or science, he always knew the answers about the past,
understood the present and even seemed able to predict
the future! He took my family to the first major league
ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The
stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem
to mind.
Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of
us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to
say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.
(I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)
Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions,
but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them.
Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not
from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my
ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.
My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the
stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished.
He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments
were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.
I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he
opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved
in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly
as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into
my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over
in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and
watch him draw his pictures.
His name?....
We just call him 'TV.'
(Note: This should be required
reading for every household!)
He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.'
Their first child is "Cell Phone".
Second child "I Pod "
And JUST BORN THIS YEAR WAS a Grandchild:
I PAD
OH DEAR----HOW TRUE THIS IS!!!
How many do you have? T. V., Computer, Cell Phone, i pod, i PAD, etc.?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Shiva Ayyadurai who invented e-mail...!!!
Shiva Ayyadurai who invented e-mail. The Smithsonian.
According to Shiva Ayyadurai, inventor of one of the world’s first email systems for which he received the first U.S. copyright on email, India and China lag behind the U. S. in innovation because of the lack of fundamental freedoms in these countries. He himself developed his system as a 14-year-old working among 60-year-olds, and it was like there was no difference. And this, he feels, is why innovation takes place in the U. S. The Smithsonian Institute has just honoured Ayyadurai by acquiring the tapes, documentation and copyrights relating to his invention. A news story on the development from the Washington Post follows
--------------------------------------------------------------
V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai: Inventor of e-mail honored by Smithsonian
By Emi Kolawole,
The Smithsonian has acquired the tapes, documentation, copyrights, and over 50,000 lines of code that chronicle the invention of e-mail. The lines of code that produced the first “bcc,” “cc,” “to” and “from” fields were the brainchild of then-14-year old inventor V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai.
On Thursday, his name, his 1978 invention documentation, and the associated copyright, were entered in the Smithsonian permanent collection. The documentation will be archived in the National Museum of American History and put into an online exhibit. The documents will be scanned as soon as this week to be featured on a site under the Smithsonian.org domain. The date for the site launch has not yet been determined.
Ayyadurai's path to the Smithsonian started with a series of articles he wrote about the U.S. Postal Service's decline and his concern that the USPS was failing to innovate. His take: The Postal Service, carrying on the spirit of innovation which led to its creation, should have embraced e-mail years ago.
After a profile in Time magazine and a call from the Postal Service Inspector General asking for his ideas, Ayyadurai's alma mater, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, called to insist that it would be improper for the university to take the documentation of his work, and that it belonged in the Smithsonian. Conversations began, eventually leading to the Smithsonian's latest addition and the celebration Thursday.
"My mom just passed away. So, it was unfortunate she wasn't there," said Ayyadurai during an interview at the Washington Post Thursday afternoon. "She represented for me a woman who came from very, very meager backgrounds — struggled to come here and then become a mathematician herself at a time when women weren't supposed to get an education and work at a university as a systems analyst.”
“I think,without my mom,” he continued, “I would not have, as a young person, been introduced to that environment and had the opportunity to work there."
Ayyadurai recounted how a family friend who had heard of MIT recommended that he apply. Reluctant, Ayyadurai filled out his application in pencil, with the family friend standing over his shoulder to make sure he finished.
"I didn't even know about MIT until two weeks before I applied," said Ayyadurai.
When he arrived he entered an environment still shadowed by racism. It was the beginning of the Reagan Administration, and the campus, like the rest of the nation, was still struggling to integrate. And there was another problem: "The people there didn't seem very happy," said Ayyadurai.
"I came in having developed this e-mail system, and when I went to my classes I was very bored. ... I, essentially, got involved in a lot of radical politics," he continued.
Coming from India, which, at the time, had a rigid caste system, he identified with the black and poor white students on campus.
"I was very intrigued by how do you change the system," said Ayyadurai, who balanced his time between studying technology and studying politics. Changing that system, he continued, was more complex than developing an e-mail system.
A recommendation for the young inventor
When it comes to today's young people, particularly the 14-year-old eager to become an inventor, Ayyadurai recommends embarking on independent studies, and taking a break from school before heading to college.
"I, in fact, believe people should work before they even go to school," said Ayyadurai, a faculty lecturer at MIT in the Biological Engineering Division. "Many people don't even know why they're going to college."
But he's not against going to college entirely, rather he is a fan of a combination of experiential learning and rote discipline. After all, Ayyadurai is at the front lines when it comes to preparing America's youth for careers in science and technology.
He developed a class on traditional medicine and systems technology and another on systems visualization at MIT. The latter gives students who would otherwise not engage in the arts an opportunity to illustrate a complex concept. The course went from 6 to 32 and now 50 students, becoming one of the most popular classes on campus.
Based on his experience with the class, Ayyadurai recommends teaching the systems first and then bringing in the more complex, detailed math and science.
"The problems of today's world are not just learning how to build a computer better or writing a software program. A lot of that stuff is being outsourced," said Ayyadurai. "The big problems are large-scale systems." Think education, transportation and even relationships, he said.
"If we can teach students that the world is very complex and to understand that complexity you need to have a systems approach,” he continued, "I think that systems approach is what students want to learn."
The intellectual property debate
"I fundamentally do not believe in the patenting of software," said Ayyadurai. "It would be like Shakespeare patenting the tragic love story."
He admits that in his work as a venture capitalist he has had to go against his own belief. But, rather than patents, Ayyadurai prefers copyright, which allows others to innovate using the technology.
By pursuing a copyright on his e-mail work, Ayyadurai opened it up for use, but with credit. Had he pursued a patent, it could have significantly stunted the technology’s growth even as it had the potential to make him incredibly wealthy.
America, freedom and innovation
"We fail to recognize how much freedom we actually have here relative to these other countries," said Ayyadurai when asked what the United States gets wrong when it comes to moving its innovation economy forward.
"That awareness,” he continued, “is what needs to be developed for people."
India and China, two countries making significant strides in technology and innovation still lag behind the U.S., according to Ayyadurai, who says it's due to a lack of fundamental freedoms in those nations.
"We should not really have any types of jobs issues here," continued Ayyadurai, saying that the "basis of American democracy" is innovation.
"Innovation actually demands freedom, and freedom demands innovation," said Ayyadurai. "I don't think there's more money we need to throw at it."
Ayyadurai also has some recommendations for the presidential candidates when it comes to policy proposals that will accelerate rather than slow innovation growth.
"Small businesses, I believe, are the place where innovation really takes place," said Ayyadurai.
With venture capital moving away from mid- and small-tier businesses, those companies are in need of government assistance. "There's this whole strata of small businesses that needs tax credits, I think."
Are we overcommunicating?
"I think people are overcommunicating in the sense they have missed out on what is communication," said Ayyadurai. "A lot of time when people are texting, it's not the content — you don't need to text — but people are doing it just to connect with another human being, so a lot of the information is almost irrelevant."
"I think we're in this phase now in humanity where we have all these communication vehicles but we still are, as humans, trying to figure out how do we connect," he continued, "because that ritual mode of communication is removed from us."
According to Shiva Ayyadurai, inventor of one of the world’s first email systems for which he received the first U.S. copyright on email, India and China lag behind the U. S. in innovation because of the lack of fundamental freedoms in these countries. He himself developed his system as a 14-year-old working among 60-year-olds, and it was like there was no difference. And this, he feels, is why innovation takes place in the U. S. The Smithsonian Institute has just honoured Ayyadurai by acquiring the tapes, documentation and copyrights relating to his invention. A news story on the development from the Washington Post follows
--------------------------------------------------------------
V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai: Inventor of e-mail honored by Smithsonian
By Emi Kolawole,
The Smithsonian has acquired the tapes, documentation, copyrights, and over 50,000 lines of code that chronicle the invention of e-mail. The lines of code that produced the first “bcc,” “cc,” “to” and “from” fields were the brainchild of then-14-year old inventor V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai.
On Thursday, his name, his 1978 invention documentation, and the associated copyright, were entered in the Smithsonian permanent collection. The documentation will be archived in the National Museum of American History and put into an online exhibit. The documents will be scanned as soon as this week to be featured on a site under the Smithsonian.org domain. The date for the site launch has not yet been determined.
Ayyadurai's path to the Smithsonian started with a series of articles he wrote about the U.S. Postal Service's decline and his concern that the USPS was failing to innovate. His take: The Postal Service, carrying on the spirit of innovation which led to its creation, should have embraced e-mail years ago.
After a profile in Time magazine and a call from the Postal Service Inspector General asking for his ideas, Ayyadurai's alma mater, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, called to insist that it would be improper for the university to take the documentation of his work, and that it belonged in the Smithsonian. Conversations began, eventually leading to the Smithsonian's latest addition and the celebration Thursday.
"My mom just passed away. So, it was unfortunate she wasn't there," said Ayyadurai during an interview at the Washington Post Thursday afternoon. "She represented for me a woman who came from very, very meager backgrounds — struggled to come here and then become a mathematician herself at a time when women weren't supposed to get an education and work at a university as a systems analyst.”
“I think,without my mom,” he continued, “I would not have, as a young person, been introduced to that environment and had the opportunity to work there."
Ayyadurai recounted how a family friend who had heard of MIT recommended that he apply. Reluctant, Ayyadurai filled out his application in pencil, with the family friend standing over his shoulder to make sure he finished.
"I didn't even know about MIT until two weeks before I applied," said Ayyadurai.
When he arrived he entered an environment still shadowed by racism. It was the beginning of the Reagan Administration, and the campus, like the rest of the nation, was still struggling to integrate. And there was another problem: "The people there didn't seem very happy," said Ayyadurai.
"I came in having developed this e-mail system, and when I went to my classes I was very bored. ... I, essentially, got involved in a lot of radical politics," he continued.
Coming from India, which, at the time, had a rigid caste system, he identified with the black and poor white students on campus.
"I was very intrigued by how do you change the system," said Ayyadurai, who balanced his time between studying technology and studying politics. Changing that system, he continued, was more complex than developing an e-mail system.
A recommendation for the young inventor
When it comes to today's young people, particularly the 14-year-old eager to become an inventor, Ayyadurai recommends embarking on independent studies, and taking a break from school before heading to college.
"I, in fact, believe people should work before they even go to school," said Ayyadurai, a faculty lecturer at MIT in the Biological Engineering Division. "Many people don't even know why they're going to college."
But he's not against going to college entirely, rather he is a fan of a combination of experiential learning and rote discipline. After all, Ayyadurai is at the front lines when it comes to preparing America's youth for careers in science and technology.
He developed a class on traditional medicine and systems technology and another on systems visualization at MIT. The latter gives students who would otherwise not engage in the arts an opportunity to illustrate a complex concept. The course went from 6 to 32 and now 50 students, becoming one of the most popular classes on campus.
Based on his experience with the class, Ayyadurai recommends teaching the systems first and then bringing in the more complex, detailed math and science.
"The problems of today's world are not just learning how to build a computer better or writing a software program. A lot of that stuff is being outsourced," said Ayyadurai. "The big problems are large-scale systems." Think education, transportation and even relationships, he said.
"If we can teach students that the world is very complex and to understand that complexity you need to have a systems approach,” he continued, "I think that systems approach is what students want to learn."
The intellectual property debate
"I fundamentally do not believe in the patenting of software," said Ayyadurai. "It would be like Shakespeare patenting the tragic love story."
He admits that in his work as a venture capitalist he has had to go against his own belief. But, rather than patents, Ayyadurai prefers copyright, which allows others to innovate using the technology.
By pursuing a copyright on his e-mail work, Ayyadurai opened it up for use, but with credit. Had he pursued a patent, it could have significantly stunted the technology’s growth even as it had the potential to make him incredibly wealthy.
America, freedom and innovation
"We fail to recognize how much freedom we actually have here relative to these other countries," said Ayyadurai when asked what the United States gets wrong when it comes to moving its innovation economy forward.
"That awareness,” he continued, “is what needs to be developed for people."
India and China, two countries making significant strides in technology and innovation still lag behind the U.S., according to Ayyadurai, who says it's due to a lack of fundamental freedoms in those nations.
"We should not really have any types of jobs issues here," continued Ayyadurai, saying that the "basis of American democracy" is innovation.
"Innovation actually demands freedom, and freedom demands innovation," said Ayyadurai. "I don't think there's more money we need to throw at it."
Ayyadurai also has some recommendations for the presidential candidates when it comes to policy proposals that will accelerate rather than slow innovation growth.
"Small businesses, I believe, are the place where innovation really takes place," said Ayyadurai.
With venture capital moving away from mid- and small-tier businesses, those companies are in need of government assistance. "There's this whole strata of small businesses that needs tax credits, I think."
Are we overcommunicating?
"I think people are overcommunicating in the sense they have missed out on what is communication," said Ayyadurai. "A lot of time when people are texting, it's not the content — you don't need to text — but people are doing it just to connect with another human being, so a lot of the information is almost irrelevant."
"I think we're in this phase now in humanity where we have all these communication vehicles but we still are, as humans, trying to figure out how do we connect," he continued, "because that ritual mode of communication is removed from us."
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Moral renaissance to salvage the world..!!!
Moral renaissance to salvage the world
By V Sivasupramaniam
Children need to imbibe moral values early in life. File Photo of Prime Minister John Key with the students of the Nanaskar Education Phulwari during his visit to the Centre in Manurewa, Auckland on October 17, 2010.
Every society needs to revive, refurbish and reinforce its morals and values, which are currently under serious threat of erosion by new challenges created by globalisation.
Modern information technology and other emerging scenarios of the global village can easily destroy the virtues and values built over thousands of years.
In this ever-changing world, people must be prepared to overcome the challenges and it is only fitting that due importance is given to ‘Moral Renaissance,’ which is the greatest need of the hour.
Morals are an invaluable guide for any society, particularly for the younger generation. Morals empower them to become mature citizens.
They are the principles of right and wrong, standards of behaviour, norms of life that help to build humane attitudes and foster better human relationship and world peace.
Character and discipline are the cornerstones of a sound moral fabric that take generations to build on sound educational and religious foundation. They form the culture of a society, community and the country.
Cultural essence
This culture forms the basis of nation building.
Culture is organised system of behaviour and is normative because it defines standards of conduct.
According to anthropologist Edward Burnett Taylor, “Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, morals, customs and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of a society.”
The destiny of a nation is built on character.
Spiritual strength is character and the spirit of the people is their greatest asset, which builds discipline or regulated way of life at all levels.
The world is for living unitedly by all people. Moving with many people and living with them in harmony, sociability and understanding another person’s nature and stature is culture.
What is the basis for the uninterrupted continuity of human history?
Humankind was saved from destruction by cultured people of mature wisdom, not by emperors or those in battlefields.
The blood that Jesus Christ shed when he was crucified on the cross was the symbol of a culture; if his blood had not done so, the sins of the sinners would not have been washed away.
The teachings of Lord Buddha and Prophet Mohammed were the essence of a culture. They made the world a continuing history.
In the modern era, Mahatma Gandhi led India to freedom through the culture of non-violence, sans enmity.
The beauty of the interior (mind) is culture; the exterior beauty is civilisation.
Culture and civilisation are like the two sides of a coin. Culture within civilisation and civilisation within culture should articulate themselves.
Moulding youth
It is a great responsibility on the parents, teachers, community leaders, religious leaders, policy makers and the media to build, instil and propagate the values of discipline and character in the younger generation to empower them to become balanced leaders and model citizens of their respective countries. This should be an ongoing exercise vital for any country.
As a multi-cultured nation, New Zealand could be a model for religious tolerance and cohabitation. It should lead the process of building valuable traditions, emphasising value-based education, religious involvement and inter-religious harmony.
Continuous education
Education is eternal and is much more than gaining knowledge.
Knowledge is power and love gives us fullness.
Education moulds the character and prepares one to face challenges in life; it promotes humility and correct attitudes to harmonise human relationship to foster world peace.
Education is not limited to schools and teachers; it overflows into the home, workplace, community and the environment; parents, peer groups and elders become participants and promoters of lifelong education.
Education should strengthen the minds and hearts of the youth.
Community and religious leaders, elders and teachers should shoulder responsibility. They should be positive in their community-based attitudes devoid of personal ego and selfishness and lead by example.
Education should be based on values, such as reading, recording, rewriting, recalling and reviewing. It should promote discipline and concentration in children during their formative years.
Education with good behaviour weans children away from negative attitudes, puts them on the correct path and helps to build confidence and knowledge.
Mental training, mental fitness and mental alertness make them good decision makers in life. Emotional intelligence helps them to develop anxiety, anger, worry and danger controls to make them good community leaders.
Self-motivation, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-reliance are traits that build determination, persistence and perseverance in life.
The essentials
Education should promote the Three ‘Rs’ in children: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all their actions. In later life, these qualities would keep them away from drug abuse, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour.
Respecting elders, teachers and a high sense of gratitude should be inculcated in the young minds from their early age and these should grow with them. They should be taught high values of accountability and transparency in public life.
It is equally important to teach children to be open to meaningful changes, without allowing their values swept away by the fast moving world.
They should be trained to share their knowledge. A well formed, harmonious home is the forerunner for development of the child.
The home is the child’s first experience of the world. A loving and caring atmosphere is the real foundation for a child’s life.
An ideal family is an ideal university.
Teachers’ role
Teachers should be committed to faith and the future of humanity, country and the world. They have a vital role in building an ideal nation.
Teaching is not a trade but a calling, a vocation and above all a mission.
For children, percept and practice are more important than preaching. They live more by example than by words. Elders should live the way they preach; there should be a close inter-relationship between word and deed.
More than 2000 years ago, Thiruvalluvar, one of the greatest poets of all time wrote in his famous ‘Thirukkural,’ “Karka Kasadara Karka; Katrapin Nirka Atharuku Thaga.” Translated into English, this means, “Learn well what should be learnt; and thereafter, behave and live accordingly.”
Religious values
Religion is a binding force that deepens the solidarity of the society; all religions require us to look upon life as an opportunity for self-realisation.
Religion is the inspiration for life. It should not be confined to dogmas or rites but should help people develop abiding faith in absolute values of truth, love and justice.
A child should be made to realise that truth is God. True knowledge is supreme and is eternal. Religion should help to appreciate and achieve the values of humanity.
The need for religion, a system of thought and devotion to a cause are all intrinsic elements of human nature. A religious system that is capable of responding creatively to every fresh challenge is healthy and progressive and hence should be appreciated and welcomed by all.
If religion becomes alive and real, the face of the world may change.
Every religion is sacred and hence should not be misused to attain other ends.
There should be an inward change through discipline and any change without discipline is only outward show, which amounts to cheating one’s own self.
Shrinking world
The fast changing technology, scientific innovations, space exploration, thirst for consumerism and the world as a global village are all pushing people to find solace in traditional values of religion for peace of mind to sustain the human system.
Hence, it is appropriate to fall back on high moral values built on sound educational principles, high religious values and strict discipline and conduct. This is also the sure way of empowering the youth to become ideal citizens of tomorrow’s world.
V Sivasupramaniam is a former employee of Education Service in his native Sri Lanka. He has also worked in Nigeria and Seychelles. He is a freelance writer resident in Auckland.
By V Sivasupramaniam
Children need to imbibe moral values early in life. File Photo of Prime Minister John Key with the students of the Nanaskar Education Phulwari during his visit to the Centre in Manurewa, Auckland on October 17, 2010.
Every society needs to revive, refurbish and reinforce its morals and values, which are currently under serious threat of erosion by new challenges created by globalisation.
Modern information technology and other emerging scenarios of the global village can easily destroy the virtues and values built over thousands of years.
In this ever-changing world, people must be prepared to overcome the challenges and it is only fitting that due importance is given to ‘Moral Renaissance,’ which is the greatest need of the hour.
Morals are an invaluable guide for any society, particularly for the younger generation. Morals empower them to become mature citizens.
They are the principles of right and wrong, standards of behaviour, norms of life that help to build humane attitudes and foster better human relationship and world peace.
Character and discipline are the cornerstones of a sound moral fabric that take generations to build on sound educational and religious foundation. They form the culture of a society, community and the country.
Cultural essence
This culture forms the basis of nation building.
Culture is organised system of behaviour and is normative because it defines standards of conduct.
According to anthropologist Edward Burnett Taylor, “Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, morals, customs and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of a society.”
The destiny of a nation is built on character.
Spiritual strength is character and the spirit of the people is their greatest asset, which builds discipline or regulated way of life at all levels.
The world is for living unitedly by all people. Moving with many people and living with them in harmony, sociability and understanding another person’s nature and stature is culture.
What is the basis for the uninterrupted continuity of human history?
Humankind was saved from destruction by cultured people of mature wisdom, not by emperors or those in battlefields.
The blood that Jesus Christ shed when he was crucified on the cross was the symbol of a culture; if his blood had not done so, the sins of the sinners would not have been washed away.
The teachings of Lord Buddha and Prophet Mohammed were the essence of a culture. They made the world a continuing history.
In the modern era, Mahatma Gandhi led India to freedom through the culture of non-violence, sans enmity.
The beauty of the interior (mind) is culture; the exterior beauty is civilisation.
Culture and civilisation are like the two sides of a coin. Culture within civilisation and civilisation within culture should articulate themselves.
Moulding youth
It is a great responsibility on the parents, teachers, community leaders, religious leaders, policy makers and the media to build, instil and propagate the values of discipline and character in the younger generation to empower them to become balanced leaders and model citizens of their respective countries. This should be an ongoing exercise vital for any country.
As a multi-cultured nation, New Zealand could be a model for religious tolerance and cohabitation. It should lead the process of building valuable traditions, emphasising value-based education, religious involvement and inter-religious harmony.
Continuous education
Education is eternal and is much more than gaining knowledge.
Knowledge is power and love gives us fullness.
Education moulds the character and prepares one to face challenges in life; it promotes humility and correct attitudes to harmonise human relationship to foster world peace.
Education is not limited to schools and teachers; it overflows into the home, workplace, community and the environment; parents, peer groups and elders become participants and promoters of lifelong education.
Education should strengthen the minds and hearts of the youth.
Community and religious leaders, elders and teachers should shoulder responsibility. They should be positive in their community-based attitudes devoid of personal ego and selfishness and lead by example.
Education should be based on values, such as reading, recording, rewriting, recalling and reviewing. It should promote discipline and concentration in children during their formative years.
Education with good behaviour weans children away from negative attitudes, puts them on the correct path and helps to build confidence and knowledge.
Mental training, mental fitness and mental alertness make them good decision makers in life. Emotional intelligence helps them to develop anxiety, anger, worry and danger controls to make them good community leaders.
Self-motivation, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-reliance are traits that build determination, persistence and perseverance in life.
The essentials
Education should promote the Three ‘Rs’ in children: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all their actions. In later life, these qualities would keep them away from drug abuse, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour.
Respecting elders, teachers and a high sense of gratitude should be inculcated in the young minds from their early age and these should grow with them. They should be taught high values of accountability and transparency in public life.
It is equally important to teach children to be open to meaningful changes, without allowing their values swept away by the fast moving world.
They should be trained to share their knowledge. A well formed, harmonious home is the forerunner for development of the child.
The home is the child’s first experience of the world. A loving and caring atmosphere is the real foundation for a child’s life.
An ideal family is an ideal university.
Teachers’ role
Teachers should be committed to faith and the future of humanity, country and the world. They have a vital role in building an ideal nation.
Teaching is not a trade but a calling, a vocation and above all a mission.
For children, percept and practice are more important than preaching. They live more by example than by words. Elders should live the way they preach; there should be a close inter-relationship between word and deed.
More than 2000 years ago, Thiruvalluvar, one of the greatest poets of all time wrote in his famous ‘Thirukkural,’ “Karka Kasadara Karka; Katrapin Nirka Atharuku Thaga.” Translated into English, this means, “Learn well what should be learnt; and thereafter, behave and live accordingly.”
Religious values
Religion is a binding force that deepens the solidarity of the society; all religions require us to look upon life as an opportunity for self-realisation.
Religion is the inspiration for life. It should not be confined to dogmas or rites but should help people develop abiding faith in absolute values of truth, love and justice.
A child should be made to realise that truth is God. True knowledge is supreme and is eternal. Religion should help to appreciate and achieve the values of humanity.
The need for religion, a system of thought and devotion to a cause are all intrinsic elements of human nature. A religious system that is capable of responding creatively to every fresh challenge is healthy and progressive and hence should be appreciated and welcomed by all.
If religion becomes alive and real, the face of the world may change.
Every religion is sacred and hence should not be misused to attain other ends.
There should be an inward change through discipline and any change without discipline is only outward show, which amounts to cheating one’s own self.
Shrinking world
The fast changing technology, scientific innovations, space exploration, thirst for consumerism and the world as a global village are all pushing people to find solace in traditional values of religion for peace of mind to sustain the human system.
Hence, it is appropriate to fall back on high moral values built on sound educational principles, high religious values and strict discipline and conduct. This is also the sure way of empowering the youth to become ideal citizens of tomorrow’s world.
V Sivasupramaniam is a former employee of Education Service in his native Sri Lanka. He has also worked in Nigeria and Seychelles. He is a freelance writer resident in Auckland.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Anything that brings spiritual, mental, or physical weakness, touch it not with the toes of your feet. - Swami Vivekananda
A beautiful message - .............By...Navendren
Sairam,
Anything that brings spiritual, mental, or physical weakness, touch it not with the toes of your feet. - Swami Vivekananda
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2011.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
Sairam,
Anything that brings spiritual, mental, or physical weakness, touch it not with the toes of your feet. - Swami Vivekananda
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2011.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Dealing with an insult?
Subject: Dealing with an insult?
The Buddha explained how to handle insult and maintain compassion.
One day Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shouted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake."
Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man "Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?"
The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "It would belong to me, because I bought the gift."
The Buddha smiled and said, "That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself."
"If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, you yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy......"
Beautiful Quotes
If you are right then there is no need to get angry.
If you are wrong then you don't have any right to get angry!
Patience with family is love...
Patience with others is respect...
Patience with one self is confidence...
and Patience with GOD is faith...
Never Think Hard about THE PAST,
It brings Tears...
Don't Think more about THE FUTURE,
It brings Fears...
Live this Moment with a Smile...
It brings Cheers.
Every test in our life makes us bitter or better,
Every problem comes to make us or break us,
Choice is ours whether we become victim or victorious!
Search a beautiful heart not a beautiful face...
Beautiful things are not always good...
but good things are always beautiful...
Remember God is like a pressed flower in your Notebook.
It may not have any fragrance
but will remind you of HIS existence forever in your life!
Do you know why God created gaps between fingers?
So that someone who is special to you comes and fills those gaps by holding your hands forever!
The Buddha explained how to handle insult and maintain compassion.
One day Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shouted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake."
Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man "Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?"
The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "It would belong to me, because I bought the gift."
The Buddha smiled and said, "That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself."
"If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, you yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy......"
Beautiful Quotes
If you are right then there is no need to get angry.
If you are wrong then you don't have any right to get angry!
Patience with family is love...
Patience with others is respect...
Patience with one self is confidence...
and Patience with GOD is faith...
Never Think Hard about THE PAST,
It brings Tears...
Don't Think more about THE FUTURE,
It brings Fears...
Live this Moment with a Smile...
It brings Cheers.
Every test in our life makes us bitter or better,
Every problem comes to make us or break us,
Choice is ours whether we become victim or victorious!
Search a beautiful heart not a beautiful face...
Beautiful things are not always good...
but good things are always beautiful...
Remember God is like a pressed flower in your Notebook.
It may not have any fragrance
but will remind you of HIS existence forever in your life!
Do you know why God created gaps between fingers?
So that someone who is special to you comes and fills those gaps by holding your hands forever!
Monday, October 31, 2011
A GREETING POEM TO PROF.NADARAJAH SHANMUGARATNAM, NOR-AGRIC, UMB, ÅS,NORWAY.!!!
A GREETING POEM TO PROF.NADARAJAH SHANMUGARATNAM, NOR-AGRIC, UMB, ÅS,NORWAY
WE SAY "LONG LIVE WITH HAPPINESS & GREAT RESPECT" TO YOU SIR! DO MORE TO THE NEEDY HUMANITY!
SUFFERING PEOPLE OF ASIA,AFRICA,LA AS WELL AS INNOVATIVE GLOBAL RESEARCHERS NEED YOU SIR MORE!
PLEASE OFFER YOUR GREAT SERVICES TO ALL AS YOU HAVE TREMENDOUS KNOWLEDGE & CAPACITY TO OFFER!
WE 90 MILLION WORLD TAMILS ARE PROUD OF YOU! AS YOU CONTRIBUTED YOUR GREAT SERVICE TO HUMANITY!
YOUR ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN GLOBAL ISSUES! SUCH AS ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT! CONFLICTS & PEACE!
POVERTY & NATURAL DISASTERS! GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABLITY! HUMAN SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTS!
MAN-MADE DISASTERS & POLITICAL CRITICISMS! SOCIAL FUNCTIONS & LITERARY EVENTS! TNH,NTF ETC! ETC!
AS A GOOD FATHER, HUSBAND, FRIEND, ADVISER,YOU DID A GREAT TASK! LONG LIVE SIR!
WE LOVE LISTENING TO YOUR TALK EVER SIR!!!
SHAN NALLIAH,
GANDHIYIST, LEADER-DHKS, SECRETARY-DTVF
http://worldtamilthinktank.blogspot.com
WE SAY "LONG LIVE WITH HAPPINESS & GREAT RESPECT" TO YOU SIR! DO MORE TO THE NEEDY HUMANITY!
SUFFERING PEOPLE OF ASIA,AFRICA,LA AS WELL AS INNOVATIVE GLOBAL RESEARCHERS NEED YOU SIR MORE!
PLEASE OFFER YOUR GREAT SERVICES TO ALL AS YOU HAVE TREMENDOUS KNOWLEDGE & CAPACITY TO OFFER!
WE 90 MILLION WORLD TAMILS ARE PROUD OF YOU! AS YOU CONTRIBUTED YOUR GREAT SERVICE TO HUMANITY!
YOUR ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN GLOBAL ISSUES! SUCH AS ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT! CONFLICTS & PEACE!
POVERTY & NATURAL DISASTERS! GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABLITY! HUMAN SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTS!
MAN-MADE DISASTERS & POLITICAL CRITICISMS! SOCIAL FUNCTIONS & LITERARY EVENTS! TNH,NTF ETC! ETC!
AS A GOOD FATHER, HUSBAND, FRIEND, ADVISER,YOU DID A GREAT TASK! LONG LIVE SIR!
WE LOVE LISTENING TO YOUR TALK EVER SIR!!!
SHAN NALLIAH,
GANDHIYIST, LEADER-DHKS, SECRETARY-DTVF
http://worldtamilthinktank.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 13, 2011
OH MY FELLOW HUMANS..!!! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU..? READ THIS.!!! YOU REALISE THAT.!!!
OH! MY MOTHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR MILK,FOOD,CLOTHS,PROTECTION &LOVE IN NEED!
OH! MY FATHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING ME EDUCATION,GUIDANCE,ADVICE AS YOUNG!
OH MY SISTERS &BROTHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR AFFECTION,TRUE CRITISM &HAPPINESS!
OH MY WIFE! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR AFFECTION,CARE,PROTECTION,TOLERANCE&TASTY FOOD
OH MY CHILDREN! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LAUGHTER,PROGRESS,AFFECTION & COURTECY!
OH MY UNCLES & AUNTS! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE,LAUGHTER,FRIENDLINESS&SMILES!
OH MY FRIENDS &RELATIVES! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR JOKES,LAUGHTER,HOSPTALITY,SMILE!
OH MY POLITICAL,RELIGIOUS,SOCIAL,SPRITUAL,MENTORS!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE!
OH MY VILLAGE! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY NATURE,GREEN VIEWS & LOVELY TEMPLES!
OH MY JAFFNA! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT-HISTORY,EDUCATION,CULTURE&HOSPITALITY!
OH MY LANKA!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR NATURAL-BEAUTY,SEA,NICE FOOD & WARM CLIMATE!
OH MY NORWAY! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME&MY FAMILY PROTECTION,SAFETY,LIFE& CARE!
OH MY WORLD!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR REGULAR DAY&NIGHT;SUMMER&WINTER CYCLE SAFELY!
OH MY SUN!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR LIGHT/HEAT FOR ALL!NOT COME CLOSER OR GO FAR AWAY!
OH MY UNIVERSE!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING HARMONY!NOT DESTROYING LOVELY WORLD!
OH MY GOD!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR THIS LOVELY WORLD/UNIVERSE&MY HEART WORKING SO FAR!
SHAN NALLIAH...DRAMMEN, NORWAY 13-10-2011
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