FROM EDITOR’S DESK
Follow your passion and success will follow MAGAZINE ON EDUCATION VOLUME 1 ISSUE 12 MAY 2014
Managing Editor Dr. Varghese Panthalookaran CMI Editor James Paul Associate Editor Dr. Prasanth Palackappilly CMI
Columns K L Mohanavarma Dr. K.N. Raghavan Sajit Malliyoor Dr. Jos Cletus Plackal Dr. Augustine Thottakara Marketing Manager Varghese Kachappilly CMI Art Sajo Joseph
When we think about what is needed to be successful in life and in our work, we usually think about characteristics like value, talent, ambition, intellect, discipline, persistence and luck. What many of us often fail to include in this recipe for success is passion. The passion we have, or don’t have, for our work should not be underestimated. Sometimes this ingredient could make the biggest difference of all. Passion is the powerful feeling of enthusiasm we all have inside of us. We are all enthusiastic and passionate about something, whether its finance, food or a favorite sport. That enthusiasm is very powerful. When we can combine it with our work, we are setting ourselves up well for achieving true success. When you feel passionate about what you are doing, you radiate energy and enthusiasm. Others pick up on this, consciously or not, and are attracted to it. Passion is magnetic. Passion makes you set goals high. It gives confidence; it gives energy. Passion begets quality–if you are passionate, you don’t want to stop halfway. When you are passionate, you seek out what you want. If you don’t know what you want, it’s impossible to be passionate, and if you do know what you want–and are completely open with yourself–the urge to seek it will be irresistable. Indecision and uncertainty kill passion. Good things come much more readily to those who are passionate. Passionate people seek out what they want–but, in a way, they don’t even have to. If you are passionate, you radiate an energy that brings your desires to you. Passionate people excite others; they tend to make great first impressions. Others are often more than happy to help out the passionate: they may pull strings; they may collaborate; they may simply give their enthusiastic support. But they will do something. Wanting something passionately produces circumstances that lead to getting it. A ‘whole’ life is one whose parts fit together. Such a life is devoid of contradictions; its elements do not compete. Wholeness makes a person complete: it gives a person an identity and selfcertainty that cannot be obtained otherwise. Though a passionate person may not lead a whole life, passion makes wholeness possible. George Bernard Shaw insists that there are passions far more exciting than the physical ones...’intellectual passion, mathematical passion, passion for discovery and exploration: the mightiest of all passions’.
Contact: Rajagiri Media, Rajagiri Valley P.O, Kakkanad, Kochi-39. Phone : 0484 2428249, 39 Extn : 232 Mob: +91 9497711010 Mail : editor@rajagirimedia.com www.pallikkutam.com
To live a whole life, you must know what you want and seek it in all areas of your life. Wholeness allows the elements of life to work together, to aid one another. Wholeness brings a new level of meaning and purpose to life beyond what passion can bring by itself.
C ONTENTS CO VER ST OR Y COVER STOR ORY
30
Follow your passion Passion is the powerful feeling of enthusiasm we all have inside of us. We are all enthusiastic and passionate about something. When we can combine it with our work, we are setting ourselves up well for achieving true success.
Five steps to finding your passion.......................... 32 Discovering and claiming something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life. It’s like a tiny perfect raindrop landing on a previously smooth, unremarkable expanse of water.
Dr. Susan Biali, M.D
Your true passion.................................................. 34 “What qualities do you most love in yourself?” and “What would you do with your life if money was not an issue?” Cheryl advocates clearing out clutter and taking care of basic responsibilities as a first step to following our passion.
Jennifer Claerr
Passionately yours............................................... 38 Like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, my passion tale ended up a plain tragedy. Worse still, my passion which was just beginning to take on life had its last breathe the same hour its twin brother, my first love letter, was signed and executed.
P K G Tharakan
Kpcp-Z£nW 15
Kpcp hμ-\-Øn\v, lrZ-b-Xm-fp-I-fn¬ ImØp-h® abn¬]o-en....
sI.F _o\ 04
EXPERT COUNSEL 20
Learning from success and failures
GUEST COLUMN 62
hni∏pw \∑bpw
His qualities as a match winner in limited overs’ cricket has won for Yuvraj a place in the hearts of cricket lovers of the country.
temIØnse G‰hpw al\obamb I¿Ωw hni°p∂h\v `£Ww sImSp°pI F∂XmWv. kvt\ltØmsS \¬Ip∂ `£WØn\v hbdp am{Xa√, a\ pw \ndbv°m≥ km[n°pw.
Dr. K.N. Raghavan
sI F¬ taml\h¿Ω Pallikkutam | May 2014
MAY 2014 STORIES OF LIFE 26
God is so cruel to me, so I hate him! NEWS..................................................................... 06 VOICES................................................................. 08 INSIGHTS.............................................................. 12 ......................................................... 45 INNO VATION INNOV TION......................................................... RESEARCH............................................................ 50 INFO TECH............................................................ 55
Dr. Jos Cletus Plackal PERSONAL 28
Techniques to improve will power
CONFESSIONS ..................................................... 66
Sajit Malliyoor
AXn-Po-h\w 39
hn[nsb ]gn-°msX..... hn[nsb ]gn-°msX Pohn-XsØ {]m¿∞-\-tbmsS t\cn´ Hcp km[m-c-W- Ip-Spw-_-Øns‚ PohnX-hn-P-b-amWv tPm {^m≥kn-kv ˛sKm-tcm´n F∂ amXm-]n-Xm-°ƒ ]dbp∂Xv. BOOK SHELF 42
ASPECTS 47
Lower knowledge and higher knowledge
TURN TO P AGE 65 PA
Dr. Augustine Thottakara
POLICY WATCH 52
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Competition and quality education
Gabriel García Márquez
Dr D.Dhanuraj
Pallikkutam | May 2014
SUBSCRIBE NOW
05
NEWS
Startup Village CEO invited to take part in the IVLP S
ijo Kuruvilla George, chief executive officer of Startup Village, has been invited to take part in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a prestigious professional exchange programme being conducted by the US
meet experts and build professional and personal networks that I hope will help me serve the community better,” said Sijo. The project has a distinct focus on information technology as a tool for effective administration and socioeconomic growth,
Fellowship programme initiated by venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani in memory of her husband Rajeev Motwani, who was a professor at Stanford and one the world’s most highly respected computer scientists. Now in its second edition, the Rajeev
Department of State to foster professional ties and mutual understanding with other countries. Sijo is the only Indian among the eight participants, all of whom have been identified as potential leaders, at the IVLP on ‘Influential Voices’. They will travel to the US this week to meet their professional counterparts and visit US public and private sector organisations related to the project theme covering digital citizenship, social activism, publicprivate partnership and good governance.
a subject close to my heart, he said. Launched in 1940, IVLP connects current and emerging leaders around the world with their American counterparts. According to the US government, more than 2,00,000 international visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 330 current or former chiefs of state or heads of government. Notable former participants from Kerala include Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and State Planning Board Member and Technopark founder-CEO G Vijayaraghavan.
Circle Fellowship identifies select entrepreneurs from India and flies them to the Silicon Valley for an intense two-week mentorship and networking programme. At Silicon Valley, Sijo will hold discussion with a few people regarding the setting up of the ‘landing pad’ for the Startup Village’s SV Squared programme. Earlier this week, the Kerala government had announced that it would set up a permanent centre in the US to facilitate the visit of student entrepreneurs to that country under SV Squared. “I hope the discussions will help build a much stronger entrepreneurship corridor between Silicon Valley and Indian tech startup ecosystems,” Sijo added.
The three-week programme begins on May 3. “I see IVLP as a fantastic opportunity to observe the best practices in US governance and decision making, to
06
After the IVLP concludes on May 24, Sijo will travel to Silicon Valley to meet participants of the Rajeev Circle
Pallikkutam | May 2014
NEWS
IIT-Guwahati among top 100 young varsities I
IT-Guwahati has made it to the top 100 list of the world’s dynamic young universities - the only Indian entry. The Times Higher Education 100 under 50 university rankings to be announced on Thursday evaluation of the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years - puts India’s lone entry IIT-Guwahati at 87th.
in the top 50, Russia and Brazil had one each. India has joined the top 100 Under 50 for the first time. Phil Baty, editor of Times
The ranking looks to the future by examining a new breed of global universities that have managed to join the world elite in a matter of decades rather than centuries and those with the potential to become the next generation’s Harvard or Oxford. Recently released Times Higher Education rankings had embarrassed India which was the only BRIC nation which did not have a single university in the world top 100 table. While mainland China had two, both
given the country’s great intellectual history and growing social and economic influence. But this new analysis which examines the next generation of global university stars should be encouraging. Of the ‘BRICS’ nations, Russia, mainland China and South Africa do not make the grade so it is cause for optimism that the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, breaks into the top 100.” East Asian institutions lead the 100 Under 50, with universities from South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore claiming top-five positions.
Higher Education Rankings said, “There has been a great deal of soul searching in India over the fact that none of its universities make the World University Rankings’ top 200 - a serious concern
For the third year in a row, the ranking is headed by South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology while its national rival the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology holds on to the third spot it gained last year.
School dropout rate among tribals remains high
T
he fate of tribal students who have to stop their formal education midway still remains the same, even after repeated claims by the authorities that several projects have been envisaged to address the issue. A recent finding by the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society(KMSS), the resource centre that particularly focuses on the empowerment of women in the rural areas, during a visit to tribal hamlets revealed that the dropout rate among tribal students is a perennial issue that needs urgent intervention. “The issue is grave among the tribal groups in Wayanad, Kasargod, Attappady and Nilambur. The reasons for this still remain to be addressed,”
Pallikkutam | May 2014
said Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society project director P E Usha. According to the survey conducted by the Kerala
Institute of Local Administration in association with local bodies and the Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department, the
only comprehensive study on the tribals so far, which is yet to be published in a consolidated form, the average rate of dropout of the tribal children in the state is 36.73 per cent. The age group which was under the purview of the survey was 625. At primary level, the dropout number was 15,364 (46.02 per cent). It was 12, 874 (38.56 per cent) at secondary level and 1,475 (4.42 per cent) at high school level. The dropout level among graduates, during the period which the survey covered, was 492 (1.47 per cent). It was 194 (0.58 per cent) at postgraduate level and 2,021 (6.05 per cent) among those who joined Certificate Diploma courses, survey found.
07
VOICES We need a smart phone type of education — open and connected. Rahul Gandhi
I am Rajiv Gandhi’s daughter.He died for this country. He cannot be compared in my heart and mind to anyone. Priyanka
I have tried to serve this country with utmost dedication, I have not used my office to reward my friends or relatives. Manmohan Singh
In any case of sexual harassment, the culprits must get the strictest punishment within three-six months. Aravind Kejerival
Let us take each student as a celebrity and focus on him or her. That way we can change things. Narendra Modi
An economy growing at 7 % a year, can and must find the resources to improve the lives of its millions of poor. Sonia Gandhi
08
Pallikkutam | May 2014
TRIBUTE
The magician in his labyrinth
Latin America’s literary colossus, died on April 17th, aged 87 Pallikkutam | May 2014
09
TRIBUTE
Since its publication in 1967, more than 25m copies of his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude have been sold in Spanish and other languages. For at least a generation the book firmly stamped Latin American literature as the domain of “magical realism”. It tells the story of succeeding generations of the archetypal Buendía family and the amazing events that befall the isolated town of Macondo, in which fantasy and fact constantly intertwine to produce their own brand of magical logic.
F
ew writers have produced novels that are acknowledged as masterpieces not only in their own countries but all around the world. Fewer still can be said to have written books that have changed the whole course of literature in their language. But the Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez, who has died at the age of 87 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease achieved just that, especially thanks to his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. Since its publication in 1967, more than 25m copies of the book have been sold in Spanish and other languages. For at least a generation the book firmly stamped Latin American literature as the domain of “magical realism”. Born in the small town of Aracataca, close to the Caribbean coast of Colombia, García Márquez (or “Gabo” as he was often affectionately nicknamed) always identified himself with the cultural mix of Spanish, black and indigenous traditions that continue to flourish there. Although later in life he lived in Paris, Mexico and elsewhere, his books returned constantly to this torrid coastal region, where the power of nature and myth still predominate over the restraints of cold reason. This sense of identification with the Caribbean coast was strengthened by the fact that the young García Márquez was forced to leave it when he was eight, so marking out the period of his early
10
childhood as the source of not only his most heartfelt memories, but as the wellspring for his literature. García Márquez has often recalled how, with his father absent as a telegraph operator, he was brought up by a grandfather who told him tales of his heroic deeds in Colombia’s civil wars of the 19th century, and a grandmother whose every move was ruled by superstition. This combination of the ordinary and the extraordinary was the world that later resurfaced to such telling effect in One Hundred Years of Solitude and many other novels.
peripatetic and often wretchedly poor existence that lasted almost a decade. All the while, though, he was using the nights and any spare time to write fiction as well, and his first short novel, Leafstorm, was published in 1955.
Journalism was to remain a passion throughout his life: time and again his fictional stories have their basis in tales he heard as a young journalist, as he explains for example in the introduction to the 1994 novel Of Love and Other Demons. At the same time, whatever fantastic elements are to be found in his novels and short stories, García Márquez learned from journalism García Márquez’s subsequent education the craft of story-telling, showing himself took place in the capital, Bogotá, in the to be an astounding judge of pace, surprise, other, Andean part of Colombia. He and structure. He was also immensely always spoke of these years as of a cold, interested in the cinema. In Rome in the lonely exile. Forced to study law, he 1950s he studied at the Experimental Film sought consolation in literature. At first, like many Colombians, he imagined himself School, and while living in Mexico in the 1960s wrote several film scripts. He also a poet, until one day he discovered Franz dabbled in television soap operas, arguing Kafka and suddenly saw that everything that this was the way to reach the broadest was possible for the modern imaginative writer. Spurred on in this way, at the age of possible audience and satisfy their need for narrative. In the early 1980s he helped 20 he abandoned his law studies and from found an International Film School near the then on devoted himself to writing. Cuban capital of Havana. In 1994, he used In the early 1950s he worked during the some of the huge royalties his works had daytime as a newspaper reporter, first brought him to set up a school of back on the coast and later in Bogotá on journalism back on the Colombian the newspaper El Espectador. His account Caribbean coast, at Cartagena de Indias. of what had happened during the But it is as a writer of fiction, enjoyed by shipwreck of a Colombian naval vessel everyone from untutored readers to brought him renown as a journalist, but academics in universities around the world, also got him into trouble with the that García Márquez will be remembered. authorities. This led to the start of a
Pallikkutam | May 2014
TRIBUTE
As with many other descriptions of literary schools, magical realism eventually came to seem almost as much a curse as a blessing. García Márquez professed himself amazed at the success One Hundred Years of Solitude enjoyed, and declared that he considered his masterly study of Latin American tyranny in Autumn of the Patriarch (1975) to be a more complete work of art. By the mid-1960s, he had published three novels that enjoyed reasonable critical acclaim in Latin America, but neither huge commercial nor international success. His fourth novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude, first published not in Colombia but in Argentina, was to change all that. It tells the story of succeeding generations of the archetypal Buendía family and the amazing events that befall the isolated town of Macondo, in which fantasy and fact constantly intertwine to produce their own brand of magical logic. The novel has not only proved immediately accessible to readers everywhere, but has influenced writers of many nationalities, from Isabel Allende to Salman Rushdie. Although the novel was not the first example of magical realism produced in Latin America, it
Pallikkutam | May 2014
helped launch what became known as the boom in Latin American literature, which helped many young and talented writers find a new international audience for their often startlingly original work. As with many other descriptions of literary schools, magical realism eventually came to seem almost as much a curse as a blessing. García Márquez professed himself amazed at the success One Hundred Years of Solitude enjoyed, and declared that he considered his masterly study of Latin American tyranny in Autumn of the Patriarch (1975) to be a more complete work of art. Almost as powerful were the classical simplicity of Chronicle of a Death Foretold (1981), the tender exploration of the impossibilities of love in Love in the Time of Cholera
(1985), or the study of the collapse of utopian dreams in The General in His Labyrinth (1994). Those dreams were prominent in García Márquez’s speech when he was awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1982. In it, he made a passionate appeal for European understanding of the tribulations of his own continent, concluding that “tellers of tales who, like me, are capable of believing anything, feel entitled to believe that it is not yet too late to undertake the creation of a minor utopia: a new and limitless utopia wherein no one can decide for others how they are to die, where love can really be true and happiness possible, where the lineal generations of one hundred years of solitude will have at last and forever a second chance on earth”.
11
INSIGHTS
Autonomy makes Exposure to water-borne arsenic leads to lower IQ kids passionate
C
hildren and young adults are more likely to pursue sports, music or other pastimes when given an opportunity to nurture their own passion. The study suggests that parental control can predict whether a child develops a harmonious or obsessive passion for a hobby. The results are published in Journal of Personality.
“We found that controlling adults can foster obsessive passion in their children by teaching them that social approval can only be obtained through excellence,” says Dr. Mageau. “An activity then becomes highly important for selfprotective reasons that don’t necessarily correspond with a child’s true desires.” As part of the study, the research team evaluated 588 musicians and athletes from swimmers to skiers. Participants were between six and 38 years old and practiced hobbies at different levels: beginner, intermediate and expert. Kids were recruited from high school or specialized summer camps, while adults were recruited at training camps and competitions. The scientific team used a Likert-type scale to measure how parents supported child autonomy and to evaluate child well-being regarding hobbies. While parents do well to support their children to pursue an activity, such encouragement can graduate to unwelcome pressure. “Children and teenagers who are allowed to be autonomous are more likely to actively engage in their activity over time,” says Dr. Mageau. “Being passionate should not be viewed as a personality trait – it is a special relationship one develops with an activity.”
12
A
study by researchers at Columbia University reported online in the journal, Environmental Health suggests that exposed to arsenic in drinking water experienced declines in child intelligence. The research team was led by Joseph Graziano, PhD, professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), the most often used assessment tool for measuring intelligence in children ages 6 to 16, the researchers found that arsenic in household water was associated with decreased scores on most WISC-IV indices. After adjusting for
maternal IQ and education, characteristics of the home environment, school district, and number of siblings, the children who were exposed to greater than 5 parts arsenic per billion of household well water (WAs e” 5 ìg/L) showed reductions in Full Scale, Working Memory, Perceptual Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension scores. “The strength of associations found in this study is comparable to the modest increases that have been found in blood lead, an established risk factor for diminished IQ,” said Dr. Graziano, the lead author.
Alcohol-brand references in music is too inviting
T
eenagers and young adults are found to like, own and correctly identify music that references alcohol by brand name and get introduced to binge drinking, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh and Norris Cotton Cancer Centre. The results published online in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, recommends policy and educational interventions to limit the alcohol-brand references in popular music to reduce alcohol consumption in teens and young adults. Alcohol is considered the third-leading, lifestyle-related cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the survey, which could be completed either
online or on paper, participants were given the titles of popular songs that include alcohol mentions and asked if they liked or owned the song. They also were tested to determine if they could spontaneously recall what brand of alcohol was mentioned in the lyrics. “A surprising result of our analysis was that the association between recalling alcohol brands in popular music and alcohol drinking in adolescents was as strong as the influence of parental and peer drinking and an adolescent’s tendency toward sensationseeking,” said Dr. Primack, who lead the research. “This may illustrate the value that this age group places on the perceived opinions and actions of music stars.”
Pallikkutam | May 2014
INSIGHTS
iPad app to gauge Science learning in preschoolers
R
esearchers are blending technology with nature, as they present details on an iPad application to examine how young children are learning science skills in naturethemed outdoor play settings. The app, developed in partnership with University of Cincinnati and Kinetic Vision in Evendale, Ohio, is part of a National Science Foundation-supported project to examine preschool-age children’s learning and interest in science through their play and interactions in natural settings, such as PlayScapes. The study locations are the intentionally designed PlayScapes nature environments
set on UC’s campus and at the Cincinnati Nature Centre. The iPad application is being used to streamline a research technique known as behavior mapping. Instead of the pen-and-paper method that has been used over the decades, the iPad app allows researchers to record a number of interactions in the PlayScapes that indicated the children were gaining skills in science, socialization and physical movement. The app also allowed researchers to upload and email their data onto a shared server location, eliminating the risk of potential loss of data. A backup system built into the application saves all data in the iPad’s memory.
Remedial courses are not always useful
T
aking remedial courses at the fouryear college level may hold students back from earning their bachelor’s degrees, but at the community college level remedial education can help earn an associate’s degree, according to researchers from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education. The role of remedial education has been under scrutiny for years, viewed as an essential tool in efforts to raise rates of degree completion. At the same time, critics question whether the courses are appropriate for institutions of higher education.The answer may not be so simple, according to Lynch School researcher Katherine A. Shields and Associate Professor of Education Laura M. O’Dwyer. When the researchers looked at the relationship of taking remedial courses to the chances of two-year college students ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree, the potential benefits of the courses disappeared.
Twitter helps describing real-time migraine agony
S
omeone’s drilling an icicle into your temple, you’re throwing up, and light and sound are unbearable. Yes, it’s another migraine attack. But now in 140 characters on Twitter, you can share your agony with other sufferers. It indicates a trend toward the cathartic sharing of physical pain, as well as emotional pain on social media. “As technology and language evolve, so does the way we share our suffering,” said principal investigator Alexandre DaSilva, assistant professor and director of the Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. “It’s the first known study to show the instant and broad impact of migraine attacks on modern patients’ lives by decoding manually each one of their individual attack-related tweets.” “We sought to evaluate the instant expression of actual self-reported migraine attacks in social media,” DaSilva said. Results generated unique information about who suffers from
Pallikkutam | May 2014
migraines and what, how, where and when they use social media to describe their pain. The findings overlapped significantly with other traditional epidemiologic migraine studies, DaSilva and colleagues said. Among other things, they examined the most common descriptors for migraines, including profanities, tweet times and locations, and impact on productivity and mood. Only 65 percent of the migraine tweets were from actual sufferers of migraines posting in real-time. Other tweets were advertising, general discussion, retweets, etc., indicating that not everything in social media is meaningful to the patient, DaSilva said. Among the interesting findings: Females accounted for about 74 percent of migraine tweets; males accounted for 17 percent. The higher global peak of migraine tweets occurred Mondays at 14:00 GMT, or 10 a.m Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
The U.S. accounted for 58 percent of migraine tweets, followed by Europe at 20 percent. In the U.S., migraine tweets peaked at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. The morning tweets peaked later on weekends. Roughly 44 percent of tweets reported that migraine attacks immediately impacted mood. The most common migraine descriptors were “worst” at nearly 15 percent and “massive” at 8 percent. Migraines pose a huge public health problem, harming mood, productivity and overall quality of life. An estimated 12 percent of the Western world population suffer migraine attacks, and of those, 75 percent see reduced functionality and 30 percent require bed rest.
13
14
Pallikkutam | April 2014
Kpcp-Z£nW
Kpcp hμ-\-Øn\v, lrZ-b-Xm-fp-I-fn¬ ImØp-h® abn¬]o-en.... sI.F _o\
Pallikkutam | May 2014
15
Kpcp-Z£nW
Hcp Ip´n°v A≤-ym-]-I≥, A≤-ym-]nI Hcp henb ]mT-]p-kvX-I-am-Wv. AØcw Nne ]mT-]p-kvX-I-߃ `K-h-XvKoX t]mse, ss__nƒ t]mse, Jpdm≥ t]mse Ahsc ]cn-ip-≤o-I-cn-°pw. adn-bmΩ So®¿ AØ-c-samcp ]mT-]p-kvX-I-am-sW∂v ]d-bmØ Hcp inj-yt\m inj-ytbm So®¿°p-≠mhpw F∂v tXm∂p-∂n-√. ad°m\mhn√ B Znhkw.ad°m≥ CjvShpa√, B Hm¿ΩIƒ.. Xncp-h-\-¥-]p-cØv hgp-X-°m-´p≈ "saΩ-dokv' F∂ ho´n¬ adn-bmΩ So®¿ Ah-km\ bm{Xbv°v Hcpßn InS-°p-I-bm-Wv. apJØv im¥hpw kz-ÿ-hp-amb B ]p©ncn D≠v. F{Xtbm ]Xn-‰m-≠p-I-fmbn {]nb-taIp∂ Nncn, B Nncn-bn¬ Hcp-]mSv Ip™p-ß-fpsS Pohn-X-߃ A¿∞]q¿ÆX Is≠-Øn-bn-´p-≠v. F\n°v Hc-ºew t]mse HmSn-s®-√m-\p≈ HcnS-am-bn-cp∂p So®¿.
Ønse kvIqƒ, AXp-hsc I≠dn™ \m´p-ºp-d-Øp-Im-cmb Ip´nI-fn¬ \n∂v Hcp-]mSv am‰ap≈ Ip´n-Iƒ, hSnbpw A®-S-°-hpambn t]Sn-∏n®v ]Tn-∏n-®n-cp∂ ]gb kvIqƒ coXn-bn¬ \n∂v XnI®pw hy-X-ykvXw ˛ sNdp-∏°m-cn-I-fm-b, Nncn-°p∂, kvt\ln°p∂ So®¿am¿. Ip´n-Iƒ°v kzbw Hc-¥ v tXm∂n-t∏m-Ip∂ kvIqƒ A¥-co-£w. Ip∂p-Iƒ, Ib-‰-߃, Cd-°-߃ (in-ip-hn-
So®¿ t]mhp-I-bmWv. So®¿ ]pX-®n-cn°p-∂Xv Hcp Ikhv t\c-y-Xm-Wv. Xebv°¬ Fcn-bp∂Xv \ne-hn-f-°v. Hcp {InkvX-y≥ acW-Øn¬ km[m-cW ImWm-Ø-Xm-Wn-h. ]t£, So®¿ Ah thW-sa∂v iTn-®n-cp∂p, ho´p-Im-tcmSv \n¿∫-‘n-®n-cp-∂p. B ]pS-hbpw hnf°pw shdp-samcp ]pS-hbpw hnf-°p-a-√, Hcm-bncw Ip™p-ß-fpsS lrZ-b-Øn¬ \nd™p Ihn™ kvt\l-Øns‚ shfn-®-am-W-h.
lm¿ kvIqƒ C∂pw Aßs\ Xs∂), Rß-fpsS {]nb-s∏´ Ip¥n-cn°m ac-߃ (A-h-bn-tesdbpw C∂n-√, kvIqfns‚ ]pXnb sI´n-S-߃°v th≠n IY apgp-h≥ ]d-bmw. Ah Hgn™p sImSp-°p-I-bm-bnadn-bmΩ So®¿ Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw hgp- cp-∂p), b£n-∏m-e-Iƒ, ]ns∂ as‰-s¥m-s°tbm ac-߃ ˛ X-°mSv inip-hn-lm¿ bp.-]n. Ip∂n≥ apI-fnse sIm®p ]≈nkvIqfnse slUvan-kv{S v Bbn-cp∂p. \m´p-ºp-dsØ aÆp Xd-bpw, Hme- °q-S-Øn¬ Hcp-]mSv Iq´p-Im-cn-Ifp-am-bn, Ifn-Nn-cn-I-fp-ambn ta¬°q-cbpw HSn™p hogm-dmb Ign™ Imew. Hcp Znhkw s_©p-Ifpw ap-∂nse D∏n-en´ kvIqfnse klmbn a√nI tN®n Imcbv° hn¬°p∂ AΩqΩ-bpw ¢m n¬ h∂p ]d-™p. Hs° \nd™ F¬.-]n. kvIqƒ ""_o\sb adn-bmΩ So®¿ hnfn]T\w ]q¿Øn-bm°n Rm≥ FØnt®¿∂Xv So®¿ "AΩ' bmbn hmgp∂ °p-∂p.'' inip-hn-lm-dn-em-Wv. \K-c-lr-Z-bt]Sn®v t]mbn. Ipkr-Xn-Iƒ°v
16
]n.-F-®v.Un FSpØp sIm≠n-cn°p∂ Rß-fpsS Iq´p-sI-´v, AXnse GXv kw`-h-Øn\v in£n°m-\mhpw So®¿ hnfn-°p-∂-Xv? slUvan-kv{S- ns‚ apdn-bn¬ td®¬ So®-dp-ap≠v (ssZ-h-ta, Fs¥mcp `wKn-bm-bn-cp∂p Cu So®¿am¿s°ms°, Xe-apSn ""]p´∏v'' sNbvXv, Cfw \ndw kmcn-I-sfm-s° DSpØv A¥ v \nd™ Nncn-bpw, `mh-hpw. adn-bmΩ So®-dm-sW-¶n¬ shfpØv XSn®v Nph∂v XpSpØv), Rm≥ t]Sn-®ncn-°p-I-bm-sW∂v I≠v So®¿am¿ Nncn®p. ]ns∂, Bi-zkn-∏n®p sIm≠v adnbmΩ So®¿ ]d™p: ""ASpØ BgvN hm¿jnI Iem-a-’c-ß-fm-Wv, _o\ {]kw-K-Øn-\pw, D]\-ym-k-Øn\pw IYsb-gp-Øn\pw tNcWw.'' F\n°v t]Sn-bm-bn. CsXms° Fs∂-s°m-≠m-hp-tam? So®-dn-t\mSv adpØp ]d-bm\pw aSn. F∂n´v Rm\m a’-c-ß-fn¬ ]s¶Sp-Øp, H∂mw kΩm-\-ßfpw In´n. Fs‚ BZ-ysØ a’-c-hpw, a’-c-hn-P-bhpw Bbn-cp∂p AXv. ]n∂oSv Hcp-]mSv a’-c-th-Zn-Ifpw kΩm-\-ßfpw F\n°v kz-¥-am-sb¶nepw B a’-c-Øns‚ Zo]vX-amb Hm¿Ω-Iƒ, Ah-bv°p≈ kuμ-cyw AXv ]d-™-dn-bn-°m≥ Bhm-ØXv Xs∂-bm-Wv. A∂v adn-bmΩ So®¿ B a’-c߃°v tNcm≥ Fs∂ \n¿∫-‘n®Xv F¥p sIm≠mbn-cp∂p Fs∂\n°v Adn-bn-√, A∂v So®¿ cmPnsbbpw (]n¬°m-eØv \¿Ø-InPallikkutam | May 2014
Kpcp-Z£nW
adn-bmΩ So®¿ B a’-c-߃°v tNcm≥ Fs∂ \n¿∫-‘n-®Xv F¥p sIm≠mbn-cp∂p Fs∂-\n°v Adn-bn-√, ]t£ H∂-dn-bmw, So®-dn\v kvIqfnse Hmtcm Ip´n-sbbpw Adn-bm-am-bn-cp-∂p, Rßsf GXp-h-gn°v \bn-°-W-sa-∂-dn-bm-am-bn-cp-∂p. Hcp So®sd So®-dm-°p∂ G‰hpw henb LS-I-am-WXv F∂v Rm\n∂v a\- n-em-°p-∂p. ߃°phsc R߃ a‰m¿°pw kΩm-\-߃ hn´psImSp-Øn-√. adnbmΩ So®dpw a‰p So®¿amcpw klmbn-Ifpw R߃°v th≠n Fs¥√mw `£-W-km-[-\-ß-fmWv D≠m-°n-s°m≠v hcp-am-bn-cp-∂-Xv? A¿≤-cm-{Xn-tbmfw \ofp∂ a’-c߃°n-S-bn¬ F{Xh´-am-bn-cp∂p So®-dpsS aSn-bn¬ InS∂v Dd-ßn-t∏mbn-´p-≈-Xv! Xe-ap-Sn-bn-g-Iƒ°n-S-bneqsS Hgp-In-sb-Øn-bn-cp∂ So®-
kvIqƒ hrØn-bm-°p-I, ]pXnb sNSn-Iƒ \Sp-I, kvIqfns\ kpμ-cnbm-°pI XpS-ßn-b-h-bmWv ]Wn. R߃ B BgvNbv°v th≠n Hcp h¿jw X]- n-cn-°pw. HIvtSm-_¿ c≠n\v ssIt°m-´p-Iƒ, t]\m-°Øn-Iƒ, Nqep-Iƒ Hs° FSpØv BÀmZ-tØmsS kvIqfns‚ ap°pIƒ, aqe-Iƒ hsc hrØn-bm-°pw. So®¿am¿ ASp-°-f-Øn-c-°n¬. Fs¥-√m-amWv hn`-h-߃. tXßbpw i¿°-cbpw AIØv sh®p-≠m-°p∂ tKmXºv tZmi, km[m-cW tKmXºv tZmi, ]b¿ ]pgpßn tXßm-∏oc C´-Xv, I™n. H∏w Rß-fpsS hoSp-I-fn¬ \n∂v `£-W-km-[-\-߃ FØn-bn-cp-∂p. I¿jI IpSpw-_-amb Fs‚ ho´n¬ \n∂v AΩq-Ωbpw AΩbpw I∏-bpw, a[p-c-°n-g-ßp-sams° ]pgpßn henb Ie-Øn-em°n sImSp-Ø-b-bv°pw. ]mhw Fs‚ {ioam-a≥ ssk°n-fn¬ AXv kvIqfn¬ sIm≠v h∂v Xcpw. kpa-bpsS AΩ D≠m-°n-Ø-∂ncp∂ Ah¬ s\øn¬ hnf-bn-®Xv Ct∏mgpw Ign-°-W-sa∂v tXm∂mdp≈ Hcp hn`-h-am-Wv. F¥n-\mWv "tkh\hmc'߃ \n¿Øn-bXv F∂dn-bn-√, GXp tPmenbpw FhnsSbpw sNøm≥ aSn-°m-Ø-h-cm°n Rßsf am‰n-sb-SpØ B Znh-k߃ Cu Xe-ap-dbv°v BcmWv \ntj-[n-®-Xv?
dpsS hm’-e-yw, GXp kvt\l-_‘-Øn¬ \n∂pw Rm\Xp tamln®p t]mhp-∂p, C∂pw. So®¿ Rß-sfbpw sIm≠v bm{X-Iƒ \SØn, Fd-Wm-Ip-fØv t]mb FkvI¿j≥ Hm¿Ω-fn¬ Dd-ßmsX InS∂v h¿Ø-am\w ]d™ cm{XnbpsS N¥w ad-°m-\m-hp-∂n-√, hg°p ]d™v Dd-t°-≠n-bn-cp∂ kvIqƒ, dh-\-yq, D]-Pn-√m, Pn√m-Xe adn-bmΩ So®dpw IqSn ]mSm-\pw, Nncn-°m-\pw, kwkmcn-°m-\pw. Item-’-h-ß-fn¬ A°m-eØv Nmº-y≥jn∏v inip-hn-lm-dn\v am{Xw A°m-eØv Km‘n-P-b¥n tkh-\hm-c-am-bn-´mWv BtLm-jn-®n-cp-∂-Xv. Ah-Im-i-s∏-´-Xm-bn-cp-∂p. hnhn[ `mj-I-fn-ep≈ ssIsø-gpØv a’-c- HcmgvN kvIqfn¬ ]Tn-Ø-an-√.
kvIqƒ hm¿jn-I-ß-fn¬ kzm-KXw ]d-bp-I, Um≥kv Ifn-°p-I, \mSIw Ifn-°pI XpSßn Hcp-]mSv Imc-y-߃ D≠m-hpw. kvIqƒ eoU¿ IqSn-bm-hp-tºmƒ a‰v DØ-chm-Zn-Ø-z-ß-fpw. Ggmw ¢m nse kvIqƒ tU \S-°p-∂p. a‰v ]cn-]mSn-I-fn-sems° ]s¶-SpØpsIm-≠ncp∂ Fs∂ sXm´-SpØ C\-amb \mS-I-Øn\v XnSp-°-Øn¬ Hcp-°pI-bmWv So®¿am¿. B¨th-j-am-bXn-\m¬ "hnKv' hbv°-Ww. IW-°n√msX ImSv t]mse CS-Xq¿∂v hf¿∂v InS-°p∂ Fs‚ apSn-bn¬
bmbn {]i-kvX-bmb cmPo tKm]m-eIr-jvW≥), _nμp ({]-ikvX sSenhn-j≥ Ah-Xm-cI _nμp {]Zo-]v)hn-s\bpw, amen\n (Xn-cp-h-\-¥-]pcw Ph-l¿ _me-`-h≥ {]n≥kn-∏¬) \rØ-Øn-\pw -sI.-hn. tcWpI (kwKo-X-Øn¬ tUmIvS-td‰v FSpØ kpa (sI.-hn. tcWpI) tPym-Xnt£{Xw F∂ kvIqƒ \S-Øp∂p)sb ]m´n\pw tN¿ØXv F¥p sIm≠m-sW∂pw R߃°-dn-bn-√, ]t£ H∂-dn-bmw, So®-dn\v kvIqfnse Hmtcm Ip´n-sbbpw Adnbm-am-bn-cp-∂p, Rßsf GXp-hgn°v \bn-°-W-sa-∂-dn-bm-am-bn-cp∂p. Hcp So®sd So®-dm-°p∂ G‰hpw henb LS-I-am-WXv F∂v Rm\n∂v a\- n-em-°p-∂p. _‘߃ ]e¿°pw sImSpw-I-bv]p-Iƒ kΩm-\n-°p-∂Xp ImWp-tºmƒ Aº-c∂v Rm≥ Hm¿Øp t]mIm-dp≠v, F\n°v an°-t∏mgpw a[pc anTm-bn-I-fm-Wt√m In´n-bn-´p-≈-sX∂v. ]e anTm-bn-Ifpw temIØv as‰m-cmƒ°pw In´n-bn-´n-√m-Ø-Xp-amWv. adn-bmΩ So®¿ Fs‚ Pohn-XØnse AXn-a-[p-c-amb Hc-\p-`hw Xs∂-bm-Wv. Fß-s\-sbm-s°-bmWv Hcmƒ°v as‰m-cm-fpsS Pohn-XsØ kzm-[o-\n°m-\m-hp-I? G‰hpw Ffp∏w kz¥w PohnXw DZm-l-c-W-am-°ns°m≠v Xs∂-bm-Wv. BtLm-jn°m-\pw, B\-μn-°m-\pw, kvt\ln°m-\pw, hnP-b-ßsf ]p¬Im-\pw, ]c-kv]cw _lp-am-\n-°m-\pw, kaql-Øn\v th≠n Nn¥n-°m-\pw, {]h¿Øn-°m-\pw. So®¿ CsXms° Rßsf ]Tn-∏n-®Xv kzbw Ahsbms° Bbn-s°m-≠m-Wv. AXp I≠v Adn™v hf¿∂ R߃ C∂pw H∂pw ad-°p-∂n-√.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
17
Kpcp-Z£nW
kvIqƒ ap‰Øv Ac-tß-dnb ""Kpcp-h-μ\w'' ˛ kvt\lw sIm≠v, BZ-chv sIm≠v, IrX-⁄X sIm≠v B k‘y ho¿∏p ap´n, kvIqƒ tImcn-Ø-cn-®p. s]m∂m-S-Iƒ AWn-bn-®v, \ne-hn-f-°p-Iƒ \¬In R߃ So®¿am-cpsS ImepIƒ sXm´p hμn-®p. A\p-{K-l-t∏-am-cn-bn¬ Hmtcm-cp-Øcpw hnd-]q≠p \n∂p. HcpXc-Ønepw hnKv icn-bm-hp-∂n-√. ka-b-°p-dhv ImcWw F√m-h-cnepw sS≥j≥. ta°-∏vam≥ ]d™p: ""\ap°o Ip´n-bpsS Ipsd apSn CSbv°v \n∂v apdn®p If-bmw.''
t_-°¿ h® hoSv) Hgn-™p InS-°p∂p-sh∂pw hmS-Ibv°v In´p-sa∂pw Hcp Xnc°pw So®-dn¬ \n∂pw Adn-™-t∏mƒ as‰m∂pw Nn¥n-®n-√, Fs∂ AI‰n \n¿Øn-bn-√, So®hoSns‚ DS-a-ÿ¿ A]¿Æbpw, dns‚ aIƒ dmWn tN®nbpw aI≥ {ioIp-amdpw (F≥.-F≥. I°m-Sns‚ sIm®p tPmbvbp-sams° Rßsf aI≥) kt¥m-j-tØmsS Xmt°m¬ Rm≥ Ae-dn-°-c-bm≥ XpS-ßn. adn- kt¥m-jtØmSp IqSn Xs∂ bmΩ So®¿ h∂p. apSn apdn-°p-I-b- F∂pw kzo-I-cn-®p. So®-dns‚ "saΩ- X∂p. hoSv amdnb Znhkw Rm≥ √msX a‰v hgn-I-sfm-∂p-an-s√∂v So®- dokv' t]mse Hcp hoSv hbv°Ww a\ v \nd™v Nncn-®p. \me©v dn\pw a\- n-em-bn. ""_ot\, apSn ap- F∂v F\n°v henb B{K-l-am-bn- hoSn-\-∏p-dØv AXm ImWp-∂p, ""saΩ-dokv'', Fs‚ adn-bmΩ So®dn-®m¬ hf-cp∂ sNdnb Hcp Imc-y- cp-∂p. hoSns‚ πm≥ X∂v So®¿ at√. \mSIw DSs\ \S-°m-Xn-cp-∂m- ]d-™p: ""Hm¿Ω-I-fpsS hoSv D≠m- dns‚ hoSv. km[\w am‰n-s°m-≠n-cn°p-tºmƒ Xs∂ adn-bmΩ So®¿ tem?'' °m≥ CXv ASn-ÿm-\-am-°n-s°mFØn, `£Ww FØn®p X∂p. Rm≥ H∂pw an≠m-Xn-cp∂v apSn apdn- ≈q.'' R߃ So®dpw Ip´n-bp-sa∂ ]c-º°m≥ kΩ-Xn®p (ho-´n¬ AΩbpw kvIqƒ Ip´n-bn¬ \n∂v Rm≥ cm-KX tdmfp-Iƒ Dt]-£n®v Iq´p\ a‰v kv{XoP-\-ßfpw Im-cn-I-fm-bn. apSn apdn-®p≈ CØcw Hcp-]mSv IY-Iƒ ]dIem-]-cn-]m-Sn-Iƒ C\n ™v, Hcp-an®v `£-W-apth≠ F∂v {]J-ym-]n≠m-°n, kmbm-”-k®p-sh-∂Xpw adn-bmΩ hm-cn-Iƒ sNbvXv So®-dns\ hsc sXdn BtLm-jn-s®mcp ]d-™p-sh-∂Xpw ]dImew. kvIqƒ PohnX tb-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p). ImeØv So®-dns\ \mSIw sIt¶-a-ambn H‰bv°v In´p-∂Xv Xs∂ \S-∂p. t]mb A]q¿Δ-am-bn-cp-∂p, apSn ]ns∂bpw kar-≤a‰p Ip´n-I-fpsS km∂nambn hf¿∂v ≤-yw, Xnc-°p-Iƒ. ]n≥h¿j-ß-fnepw ta°-∏p-Im¿°v DtZ-ym-K-ÿ-bm-bn, `mc-y-bm-bn, AΩCXm Ct∏mƒ So®¿ F\n°p am{Xw sh√p-hn-fn-bp-b¿Øn. bm-bn. Fs‚ aI≥ A∏p Ggmw kz-¥w. ¢m p-Im-c-\m-bn. A°m-eØv RßGgmw ¢m v hsc am{Xta inipfpsS kz¥w hoSmb t]cq¿°-S-bn- ""inip-hn-lm¿ kvIqfn\v Hcp ]q¿Δ hn-lm¿ kvIqfn¬ ¢m p-≈q. ep≈ "A∏p-k≥km¿' hmS-Ibv°v hnZ-ym¿∞n kwL-S\ D≠m-°-Ww.'' Rms\m-Øncn hmin ]nSn-®p, Hcp So®-dns‚ B{Klw km[n-°m≥ sImSpØv hgp-X-°m-t´bv°v h¿jw IqSn Ggmw ¢m n¬ ]TnRmt\mSn \S-∂p. 1950-˛-I-fpsS XpSXmakw amdWw Fs∂\ n°v Iei °mw, kvIqƒ hn´p t]mIm≥ hsø°-Øn¬ D≠m-°nb kvIqfm-Wv. emb B{Kl w. Rm≥ ]Tn® inip∂v. adn-bmΩ So®¿ s\‰n-bn¬ DΩ A∂v apX-ep≈ hnZ-ym¿∞n-Isf hnl m¿, tIm´¨ln¬ kv I qƒ, X∂v ]d-™p: kwL-Sn-∏n-°-Ww. kvIqƒ slUvanhna≥kv tImtf-Pv, BZyw tPmen ""hf-ct≠ _o\-bv°v? hf¿∂p kv{S v im¥ So®-dn\pw Bth-iw. sNbvX Un.-F.-hn.-]n. Hm^o-kv, hf¿∂v henb Bfm-I-Ww. So®-dnHs° B `mK-Øm-bn-cp-∂p. BIm- Aßs\ ]q¿Δ-hn-Z-ym¿∞n kwL-S\Xv ImW-Ww. So®¿ ChnsS Xs∂ i-hmWn Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw \ne-b\-Ifpw ""¢mkvta‰vkv'' kn\n-a-bpImWpw. F∂p thW-sa-¶nepw Øn¬ \yqkv FUn-‰¿ Bbn tPmen sam∂pw Hmf-߃ D≠m-°n-bn-´n-√m_o\bv°v hcmw.'' sNøp∂ ImeØv "hgp-X-°mSv' Hcp sØmcp ImeØv R߃ HØp AsX, So®-dXv ]men-®p. Rm≥ HmSn- ta\nb t]mse Fs∂ Bth-in-®p. IqSn. ]gb Ip´n-Iƒ kvIqfns\ tXSn-sbØn ho≠pw Ip´n-I-fmb sb-Øn-b-t∏m-sgms° So®¿ s\©v Rm≥ Xma-kn-t°-≠Xv A-hn-sSIY tXSn ]{X-߃ FØn. ""Hcp bmWv F∂v Btcm ]db p∂ Xp \ndsb kvt\l-hp-ambn Fs∂ bp.-]n. kvIqfn¬ ]q¿Δ hnZ-ym¿∞n t]mse. Rm≥ hoSv Xnc° nØ pS tN¿Øp ]nSn-®p. ]e-h´w ]d-™p: kwL-S-\-tbm?'' ]ecpw tNmZn-®p. ßn. Ihn hnjvWp-\m-cm-b-W≥ ""_o\bv°v apºv FØp-∂Xv _o\- \ºq-Xn-cn-bpsS ""A]-cm-PnX'' (em-dn- R߃ kvIqfnse apgp-h≥ Ip´n-I-
18
bpsS Nncn-bm-Wv.''
Pallikkutam | May 2014
Kpcp-Z£nW sfbpw saUn-°¬ sN°-∏n\v hnt[b-cm-°n. NnIn-’-Iƒ, acp-∂p-Iƒ \¬In (H-cp-]mSv tUmIvS¿am-cp-≠mbn-cp∂p ]q¿Δ hnZ-ym¿∞n kwL-S\-bn¬), tSmbve-‰p-≠m-°n, Ifn-ÿe-ap-≠m-°n. Ip´n-I-tfmSv kwkmcn®pw Ah-tcm-sSmØv CS-]-g-Inbpw Rßfpw Ip´n-I-fmbn. kvIqƒ "s^b¿sh¬'˛¬ R߃ Bi-zkn-∏n-®p. ""\ap°v ]q¿Δ hnZym¿∞n kwL-S\bns√, Zm Rßsfms° Chn-sS-bn-t√, Ic-b-≠, \nßfpw IqSn-t°m-fq.''
`mKØpw Bbn-cp-∂p. F√m-hcpw tN¿∂v at\m-l-c-amb B k‘-ybn¬ kvIqƒ ap‰Øv Ac-tß-dnb ""Kpcp-h-μ\w'' ˛ kvt\lw sIm≠v, BZ-chv sIm≠v, IrX-⁄X sIm≠v B k‘y ho¿∏p ap´n, kvIqƒ tImcn-Ø-cn-®p. s]m∂m-SIƒ AWn-bn-®v, \ne-hn-f-°p-Iƒ \¬In R߃ So®¿am-cpsS ImepIƒ sXm´p hμn-®p. A\p-{K-l-t∏-amcn-bn¬ Hmtcm-cp-Øcpw hnd-]q≠p \n∂p. adn-bmΩ So®¿ ]d-™p: ""C\n Cu `qan hn´p t]mIm≥ k¶S-an-√, CXn-tesd C\n F¥mWv In´m\p-≈-Xv?''
∂v.'' {io imc-Zm-tZhn kwLw \SØp∂ inip-hn-lm¿ kvIqfn¬ {InkvX-ym-\n-bmb adn-bmΩ So®¿ aXm-Xo-X-ambn Nn¥n-®v, aXm-Xo-Xambn Nn¥n-°p∂ Xe-ap-d-Isf hf¿Øn-sb-Sp-Øp. a\p-j-y-\mIm≥ aXw Bh-i-y-ta-bn√ F∂v R߃°v Ip´n-°m-etØ Dd∏v \¬In. AXpsIm≠v Xs∂ So®dpsS A¥-y-\m-fp-I-fn¬ B B{Klw ]d-™-t∏mƒ B¿°pw FXn¿∏p-≠m-bn-√.
""Rm≥ acn-°p-tºmƒ Fs‚ Ip´n]q¿Δ hnZ-ym¿∞n kwL-S\ Iƒ ""Kpcp-h-μ\''Øns‚ A∂v kvIqfnse Ip´n-Iƒ°v th≠n F\n°v X∂ t\c-yXv ]pX-∏n-°-Ww, kl-hmk Iym-ºp-Iƒ kwL-Sn-∏nAh¿ X∂ \ne-hn-f°v IØn-°®p. {_“-\m-bIw F∂ ]q¿Δ Ww.'' Fß-s\-sbm-s°hnZ-ym¿∞n (k-∂≤ adn-bmΩ So®-dns‚ ap∂n¬ Ah{]h¿Ø-\-Øn\v cmjv{S-]bmWv Hcmƒ°v as‰m-cm-fpsS km-\-ambn \n¬°p-tºmƒ Fs‚ Xn-bpsS saU¬ t\Sn-bna\ v im¥-am-bn-cp-∂p. CXnPohnX sØ kzm[ o\ n° m\ mh pI? ´p≠v {_“-\m-b-Iw) tesd F¥mWv Hcp So®-dn\v Ip´n-Iƒ°v th≠n G‰hpw Ffp∏w kz¥w PohnXw DZm- sNbvXp sImSp-°m-\m-hp-I? Znh-k-ß-tfmfw C\n CXp-t]mse Hcp So®dpw l-c-W-am-°n-s°m≠v Xs∂-bm-Wv. \o≠ Iym-ºp-Iƒ Ip´n-bp-ambn GsX-¶nepw \SØn Ah-tcmSv ]dBtLm-jn-°m-\pw, B\-μn-°m-\pw, P∑w F\n°v kz-¥-am-hp™p: kvt\ln-°m-\pw, hnP-b-ßsf ]p¬Im-\pw, tam? ""a°-tf, kvt\lnFs¥m-s°-bmWv So®¿ ]c-kv]cw _lp-am-\n-°m-\pw, kaq-l°m≥ ]Tn-°q, kl\¬In t]mb-Xv? kl-PoPo-hn-tbmSv IcpW Øn\v th≠n Nn¥n-°m-\pw, {]h¿Øn- hnsb kz¥w t]mse ImWmIm´q, tPmen-bpsS °m-\pw. So®¿ CsXms° Rßsf t\m, kvt\l-amWv F√mal-Xzw a\- n-em-°q.'' Øn\pw tase-sb∂v Adn-bm-t\m, ]Tn-∏n-®Xv kzbw Ah-sbms° ITn-\m-≤-zm-\-Øn-eq-sStb hnP-b-apkl-hmk Iym-ºns‚ k‘-y-I-fn¬ ]q¿Δ hn-Z≠mhq Ft∂m¿°-W-sa-t∂m? Bbn-s°m-≠m-Wv. ym¿∞n-Ifpw kvIqfnse Ip´n]cm-Xn-I-fn-√m-bn-cp∂p So®-dn-\v. Ifpw A≤-ym-]-Icpw tN¿∂v Pohn-X-sØ, a\p-j-ysc, kml-N-c-ykvIqfns‚ ap°nepw aqe-bnepw ßsf hcp-∂Xp t]mse kzo-I-cnAsX So®¿ t]mIm-\p-d-bv°p-I-bm- °m-\p≈ A]m-c-amb Ign-hv, \n¿Ωhnf-°p-Iƒ IØn®p h®p. B hnf-°p-Iƒ Pz-en-∏n® {]Imiw a\- bn-cp∂p. A¿_pZw IS-s∂-Øn-bn- a-X. AXn-\n-S-bnepw Hmtcm \nan-jcp-∂p. NnIn-’-Iƒ, Ak-z-ÿ-X p-I-fn¬ sXfn-™p. Hs° I≠v sØ-bpw BÀm-Z-{]-Z-am-°m-\p≈ Iƒ, So®-dns‚ sXm´-SpØv Xma-knadn-bmΩ So®-dpsS IÆp-Iƒ k∂-≤-X. Xr]vXn sIm≠v Xnf-ßn. Rß-fn¬ °m-s\-Øn-b-Xn¬ Rm\m-i-z-kn-®p. Ah-km\ \mfp-I-fn¬ So®-dn-s\m-∏- Hcp Ip´n°v A≤-ym-]-I≥, A≤-ym]ecpw IÆocv XqIn, B\μw ]nI Hcp henb ]mT-]p-kvX-I-amam-bn-cn-°m≥ {]]©w Hcp-°nb sIm≠v. Iymºv ^b-dp-Iƒ°v Hcp Ah-k-cw. shPn-‰-_nƒ kq∏p- Wv. AØcw Nne ]mT-]p-kvX-INp‰pw R߃ ]m´p-Iƒ ]mSn. ߃ `K-h-XvKoX t]mse, ≠m-°n-bpw, a[p-c-an-√mØ Pyq-kp\rØw sNbvXp. Iƒ \¬Inbpw So®sd Btcm-K-y-h- ss__nƒ t]mse, Jpdm≥ t]mse F∂n´pw "t]mcm' F∂v tXm∂n, Ahsc ]cn-ip-≤o-I-cn-°pw. adnXn-bm-°m≥ Rm≥ ]c-am-h[n {iankvIqƒ R߃°v X∂-Xn-s\m∂pw bmΩ So®¿ AØ-c-samcp ]mT-]p®p. So®¿ CS-bv°nsS ]d-bpw: ]Icw \¬Im-\m-bn-´n-√. Aßs\ "_ot\, C\n F\n-s°mcp P∑-an-√, kvX-I-am-sW∂v ]d-bmØ Hcp B henb kz]v\w km£m-Xv°Im≥k¿ hcp-∂Xv _m°n D≠m-bn- inj-yt\m inj-ytbm So®¿°pcn®p ˛ ""Kpcp-h-μ\w''. 1950-˛-I-fn¬ ≠mhpw F∂v tXm∂p-∂n-√. cp∂ I¿Ω-߃ Xo¿Øv ]cn-ip-≤kvIqƒ Bcw-`n® Imew apX-ep≈ am-°m-\m-sW∂v CubnsS Rm≥ A≤-ym-]n-I-amsc R߃ Xnc™p ]{X-{]-h¿Ø-Ibpw Fgp-Øp-Im-cn-bp-amWv hmbn-®p. thZ-ß-fnepw D]-\n-j]nSn-®p. Ah¿ tIc-f-Øns‚ ]e sI.F _o\. Øp-I-fnepw Aßs\ ]d-bm-dp-s≠Pallikkutam | May 2014 19
EXPERT COUNSEL
Learning from
success and failures Dr. K.N. Raghavan
His qualities as a match winner in limited overs’ cricket has won for Yuvraj a place in the hearts of cricket lovers of the country. His good looks, lazy elegance and natural athleticism have won him millions of fans and admirers who treat him as a national icon. It can be said without doubt that he is amongst the most popular cricketers of his generation.
Y
uvraj Singh made his debut for India in 2000 as part of the side that took part in the ICC Champions Trophy championship. Indian cricket was going through a crisis at that time rocked by allegations of match fixing involving former national captains, but the side performed admirably well defeating Australia to reach the finals. Yuvraj and Zaheer Khan were the “finds” of that tournament for the country and they have served the nations cause ever since successfully. Ever since, the performance of national squad in all international championships till 2011 had hinged on the form of Yuvraj. He was the cricketer who took India to victory in Natwest Trophy finals in 2002, guided the
20
side to the finals of ICC World Up in 2003, powered the side to a win in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and was crowned as the man of the tournament for ICC World Cup in 2011 that India won. He also had to battle cancer immediately following the 2011 World Cup championship but he managed to fight and overcome the malady and returned to active national duty by end 2012. His qualities as a match winner in limited overs’ cricket has won for Yuvraj a place in the hearts of cricket lovers of the country. His good looks, lazy elegance and natural athleticism have won him millions of fans and admirers who treat him as a national
icon. It can be said without doubt that he is amongst the most popular cricketers of his generation. So the angry response of cricket fans to his poor show with the bat during the ICC T20 championship finals must have come as a shock to all concerned. It should be said to his credit that Yuvraj was battling bad form and advancing age during the tournament. However he showed flashes of his old brilliance during the match against Australia that he won almost singlehandedly with an explosive performance with the bat. But in the finals he could not get going despite his best efforts and even worse he could not rotate
Pallikkutam | May 2014
EXPERT COUNSEL
Does one poor performance in one match deserve such a savage response from followers of the game in this country? Has all his past performances which resulted in so much joy and pride to the entire country been forgotten on account of one bad day? Is this a fair and just way of treating a professional sportsman? the strike to give his partner Virat Kohli a chance to push the run rate faster. His 11 off 21 balls was one the factors that resulted in India ending up with a low total which proved to be easy meat for Sri Lankans.
by cricket fans against Yuvraj started flooding in.
It might give some solace for Yuvraj to learn that he is not the first cricketer to have been at the butt of the anger of cricket fans in this country. Ajit Wadekar led India But does one poor performance in one to our first ever series victories in West match deserve such a savage response from Indies and England in 1971. He and his followers of the game in this country? Has team members were hailed as heroes and a all his past performances which resulted in Victory Bat was unveiled in Indore with so much joy and pride to the entire much pomp and fanfare. However when country been forgotten on account of one the team lost during the series in England bad day? Is this a fair and just way of in 1974, the residence of Wadekar was treating a professional sportsman? These stoned and the Victory Bat was defaced. were questions that came rushing to one’s Wadekar was so shocked by the turn of mind when the news of angry responses events that he announced his retirement
Pallikkutam | May 2014
from the game soon after even though he had some more years of cricket at the highest level still left in him. Similarly Kapil Dev led to India to the first even World Cup win in 1983 defeating the mighty West Indies led by Clive Lloyd. The team was hailed as heroes, showered with praises and dined and feted through the length and breadth of the country. West Indies toured India less than six months later and came determined to avenge their loss in World Cup finals. They won the test series 3-0 and the One day Internationals 5-0, thus announcing to the cricketing world that their loss at Lords’ in June 1983 was an aberration. When India
21
EXPERT COUNSEL
Victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin and these two imposters deserve to be treated with equanimity. lost the fifth test at Kolkata by an innings and more, angry fans, disappointed by the poor performance of their heroes, hurled stones at the bus in which the team was travelling. Gavaskar has gone on record that Kapil was the only person in the team bus sitting ramrod erect without any protection while all the others ducked for cover or started wearing helmets. Fortunately nothing happened to the “Haryana Hurricane� who came back to win the love and respect of cricket lovers by his subsequent performances on the field. India is not the only country in the world that comes down heavily on their sporting heroes if they fail to deliver. The Brazilian football team for 1978 World Cup had to face threats and the effigy of their coach Claudio Coutinho was burnt following uninspiring performances in the championship. Worse was the lot of Andres Escobar, a member of the Colombian football side for 1994 World Cup, who had scored a self goal in the match against USA. He was shot and killed by an irate fan upset over the poor show by Escobar and the national squad. It would be worth considering why such instances happen. A win by the national side in an international championship is an occasion for much rejoicing and celebration. In nations like ours where such victories used to happen only rarely one could understand the tendency for jubilation to go overboard. And along with that there exists a propensity to raise the players to the status of demigods. When the performance of the side does not match the elevated expectations in future, the disappointment tends to be taken out on the players forgetting the fact that they are also human beings, capable of erring and making mistakes occasionally. It is not remembered that the player/s involved would be more dejected and disappointed than the fans and the tantrums and shows of anger can in no way help either the player involved or the squad. This brings one to the basic issue of the need for a balance in our emotions and actions. Victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin and these two imposters deserve to be treated with equanimity. One should not gloat too much over success nor let it go into one’s head; similarly failures should not disappoint too deeply and they should be used as opportunities for rectification of mistakes and improvement. Our national cricket side has won more matches than it has lost in the past decade and with so many trophies in the cupboard of BCCI, it is high time the cricket loving public started displaying more maturity and balance in reacting to both success and failures. India is past the stage where victory is a rare phenomenon and fans should also start behaving in a manner befitting supporters of a champion side. The author is the Commissioner of Customs in Kochi.
22
Pallikkutam | May 2014
NO TES ON CREA TIVITY NOTES CREATIVITY
Reconnect life and work with creative passion Dr. Varghese Panthalookaran CMI
The skills solicited from the new generation workers are radically different from that required of their predecessors. Every worker is expected to be creative and critical. Old answers cease to be right. The new generation workers are to be equipped so that they ask fresh questions rather than being custodians of old answers. Paradigm shift in workspace In the Industrial Era the link between life and work was broken and became almost redundant. People were supposed to work on the assembly lines just like any other machine. They were not needed to think, or use their brain, not to say their creative powers. They did a repetitive, monotonous and thoroughly boring job. Everything was programmed, and according to a total plan. Workers were expected to be an active part of this total fabrication process. Charley Chaplain has portrayed such inhuman assembly lines through his famous comical caricatures. It was the time of “alienation or dehumanization of work”, which triggered
Pallikkutam | May 2014
series of revolutions world over. The proletariat waged protests to get their creative freedom back. The times have changed today. It is an Information Era. Redundant human work is outsourced to intelligent machines. Robots are positioned on the assembly lines to attend to repetitive jobs, progressively displacing human work. Networks of intelligent machine components are made to “collaborate” with each other in order to control the entire manufacturing process. Dexterity is not the only skill required of workers anymore. They need to be creative. They need to be trouble shooters. They need to be problem solvers. They need to be specialists. The skills solicited from the new generation workers are
radically different from that required of their predecessors. Every worker is expected to be creative and critical. Old answers cease to be right. The new generation workers are to be equipped so that they ask fresh questions rather than being custodians of old answers. Chasm between Education and Industry-demand Even though transition from industrial age to information age is a reality, the corresponding paradigm shift has not taken place in the education and formation of new generation workers, the new generation students. Students are not trained enough as specialists; rather they are trained as jacks of every trade, but
23
NO TES ON CREA TIVITY NOTES CREATIVITY
The word passion is derived from the Latin root “pati”, which means “to suffer, or to endure.” Passion is what moves someone to persevere at something despite fear, failure or pain attached to it. It is the determination and motivation to push through suffering for the sake of an end goal. masters of none. They are trained for multi-tasking, not for focussed work, specialization or research. Students of the day are not rough and tough. They behave like “touch-me-nots”. They are fragile, not possessing enough moral courage to withstand adversities. They do not rebound after a fall. They do not resurrect after a crucifixion. Students of the day are not sufficiently focussed. Given a large number of choices, they very often shift their interests. They are like monkeys jumping around from one
24
tree to another one.Students of the day are not enough curious. Their unfocussed minds tend to wander instead of wonder. They do not have “ah ha” experience. As Einstein remarked, “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.” Students of the day appear not to be motivated, triggered or passionate. They remain un-stimulated, uninterested, and uninspiring. In short, there is a radical chasm between the demand on the new generation work force and the formation they receive. There are no more jobs for memorizers; however,
students are taught to learn things rote. Internet has replaced all-kind of memoryrelated jobs. However, the students are trained how to stuff the subject matter into their crowded memory, rather than activating their CPU (central processing unit or critical thinking mind). There are rarely any jobs that demands corporal efforts; those jobs being systematically replaced by machines. Creative intelligence is more in demand. However, students are not trained as creative minds but rather as answering machines. However, students are not
Pallikkutam | May 2014
NO TES ON CREA TIVITY NOTES CREATIVITY
The word “passion” has a totally different meaning today. It means “firm commitment”, “unwavering determination” and “perpetual love”. It is defined based on the larger goals in life. It is associated with “doing what one loves to do”. It motivates, triggers, and ignites individuals and makes them glued to their work. introduced to the art of creative problem solving. Students are just not industryready. Education does not equip them to occupy modern workspaces. Radical mismatch exists between the skills they are trained in and those required by the industry. The industry analyzes this scenario and summarizes the key problem associated with modern education: the critical lack of passion in the students. New generation students critically lack in passion quotient. In another words, the ability of new generation students to pursue a goal with total commitment, determination, endurance, love and single-minded attention is on the wane.
and “perpetual love”. It is defined based on the larger goals in life. It is associated with “doing what one loves to do”. It motivates, triggers, and ignites individuals and makes them glued to their work.
1. Never complain about the work environment, rather try to adapt in line with your life goals. Try to streamline your creative focus according to what you love to do. 2. Make sure that you are not overly stressed by the work you do. This will kill your creative powers which redeem you from boredom. 3. Assess hidden opportunities in the current job. Ask yourselves if it is possible to fit the current work into the larger goal of your life.
What is Passion? The word passion is derived from the Latin root “pati”, which means “to suffer, or to endure.” Passion is what moves someone to persevere at something despite fear, failure or pain attached to it. It is the determination and motivation to push through suffering for the sake of an end goal. “Suffering” and “endurance” are but two sides of the same coin. Passion marks strong liking for something, enthusiasm to work for it, and a preferential option for it, enlisting spontaneous life-commitment to it. It incorporates boundless enthusiasm and ardent love for the work. Modern renderings of Passion However, the word “passion” has a totally different meaning today. It means “firm commitment”, “unwavering determination”
Pallikkutam | May 2014
natural affinity is and will highlight what you really love to do. If, unfortunately you have landed in a job, which is not your dream job, you may follow the following guidelines to recapture passion at work:
4. Dialogue with likeminded people. Take professional support to unleash passion at your right choice of work at right time. Methods to fill your work with creative passion The first step towards developing creative passion in your work is to know exactly you love to do. To recapture what you really love to do, you may do the following exercise. Rediscover your natural affinity with a revisit to your childhood. What did you really love to do as children? What kind of plays you used to engage in? What kinds of role plays you made? Childhood plays give deep insights into what your
5. Volunteer for smart opportunities even if they appear insignificant. Embrace new ideas in your workspace, so that you may at last find a vent to your right choice. 6. Start doing what you love, as a hobby. Keep parallel interest in what you love to do, in such a way that they both merge at some point of time in future. If nothing works out, don’t stick around and be miserable, just quit the present job for your dream job.
25
STORIES OF LIFE
God is so cruel to me, so I hate him!
Dr. Jos Cletus Plackal
Relatives kept on telling the boys that if they pray sincerely and seriously, Jesus would heal. The children continued praying relentlessly for dad’s cure. Finally, after a long and painful struggle, dad too succumbed to death. Joe and his brother became orphans again, lost all hopes, depressed and sad.
J
oe (not the real name) lives in a big city; fourteen years old, very smart and active; good in studies, has loving parents, an younger brother who is very loving too. Tragedy struck Joe and his family four years ago when his mom was discovered with cancer. Joe was devastated by the news of his mother having cancer and started praying intensely to God to cure mom from cancer. Days and nights Joe would brood over the painful prospect of cancer and the long, agonizing struggle that his mother had to undergo, day after day. Since mom’s death, Joe had to struggle very hard to go to school; dad was very supportive and loving. And dad took over the role of mom in taking care of the family. After a long and adverse painful
26
struggle, mother gave in to the deadly disease and passed away. Ever since her sad demise, Joe was totally lost and felt lonely. He had grudge against God for not listening to his prayers and not saving his mom. But dad was positive in his outlook and started taking the boys under his wings. He would go extra miles with his boys to please them and make them happy and comfortable. Things went on for some time but memories of mother haunted him all the time. No wonder Joe always looked sad and teary eyed. Then, all on a sudden, things went bad to worse. Joe’s father too was detected with cancer! Needless to say that this shocking news completely destroyed the spirit of the boys, especially the elder one. So he was desperately
praying to God to save his dad since dad was the only thing he could hang on to. And his aunt told him if he did pray fervently to Jesus, He would heal dad, and Joe believed it deeply and started praying feverishly to Jesus and started looking for results. However, dad was getting worse and worse, had to be taken from hospital to hospital, and life was in disarray for the boys. Relatives kept on telling the boys that if they pray sincerely and seriously, Jesus would heal. The children continued praying relentlessly for dad’s cure. Finally, after a long and painful struggle, dad too succumbed to death. Joe and his brother became orphans again, lost all hopes, depressed and sad.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
STORIES OF LIFE
Intense and massive separation loss was beyond the capacity of the teenager. He was suffering from depression, and all the attendant negative consequences along with it. He was vengeful to God, for not helping him at a time of grave need. Joe’s simple faith was shattered beyond repair. Joe was reluctant to go to church then on, he refused to join in family prayer, he did not want to attend Sunday Mass. He was sad and mad at a God who was callous and cruel to his mom and dad! All the promises made by his relatives that God would heal, turned out to be futile. Around this time his close friends noticed some strange drawings in his note book. They appeared weird and ominous to his peers. So they brought this to the attention of the class teacher who in turn alerted the family. It was the family who brought Joe to counseling. Initially Joe was reluctant and unwilling to undergo any counseling. He was indifferent to counseling inputs from the therapist. Gradually, as Joe recounted the story of the love that he received from his parents and their painful, untimely loss, the utter loneliness and the depth of his grief was brought to light. This intense and massive separation loss was beyond the capacity
Pallikkutam | May 2014
of the teenager. He was suffering from depression, and all the attendant negative consequences along with it. He was vengeful to God, for not helping him at a time of grave need. Joe’s simple faith was shattered beyond repair. In his deep despair he was searching to vent his anger, it was at this time that he chanced upon a site on the web that displayed satanic cult. Needless to say that he was easily attracted to this occult cult, because he wanted to do vengeance to God! In-depth psychological investigation led to therapeutic intervention that dealt with his unfinished grief, loneliness and despair. Slowly and steadily Joe was led to creative catharsis. Gradually he began to realize and accept the depth of his loss, and the need to reconstruct his life. Many Brain Wave therapies were administered in order to defuse the most intense memories
of parental loss. The therapist enhanced restructuring of extended family’s relationships with Joe who was completely isolated and insulated. Therapist also used support therapy to retrieve his lost affect. The teachers were brought in to bolster his support system in school. After the follow-up sessions, Joe was relieved of his symptoms of depressions and anger; started focusing on his studies, began to improve his relationship with peers and family. He started joining family prayer and even started going to church. He does not even think of any occult club anymore. The extended family took some extra care that enabled Joe to fight back his terrible twin disasters and the consequent colossal loss. The author is licensed clinical psychologist (HRT), Jeevas Centre Aluva.
27
PERSONAL
Techniques to improve will power Sajit Malliyoor
Most acts of self-regulation involve stopping the self from having a response,such as when a dieter refrains from eating a tempting but fattening food. Two primary areas in which self-regulatory efforts are directed are to obtain or maintain control over thoughts and emotions.
Y
our column that appeared in the January 2014 issue of the magazine Pallikkutam, made an interesting reading. You say that learning is hard! Those who succeed are the ones who resist the temptations, who resist the urge to go out for a movie and sit home and study instead. I can very easily relate with that statement. I am 19 years old, into my second year of a professional course. The discipline I chose is very demanding by nature. We are expected to chip in with a minimum of 5hours of home assignments every day. I stay in a hostel. As I am a social animal, almost on every day basis, I find friends going out for a movie in the
28
evenings or, another group throwing a party on some pretext or the other. I find it very difficult to resist. When I come to think of it, this internal control has always been a problem to me. I have difficulty in disciplining my eating habits and as a result I am slightly overweight. Resisting the temptation to eat and diet is a total failure to me so far. Have you got any techniques or strategies to improve my will power? Many of you who read the letter above mightthink, hey, you got company there! You should be really lucky if you didn’t think so, for I, for one, did actually think so! The issue the letter raisesis not entirely
related to the problem dealt with in the previous column, which were character strengths. There is another area of psychological research which was receiving much attention lately, Self- regulation, which is more pertinent to the problem here. Self –regulation failure is central to many of the personal and social problems that currently plague citizen of modern world. These problems include drug addiction and abuse, alcoholism, smoking, crime and violence, under achievement in schools, anger and hostility, failure to exercise regularly and over eating. The list read like the entirety of our social issues and now you know why the psychologists
Pallikkutam | May 2014
PERSONAL
For individuals who wish to achieve better self-control in some specific domain, such as diet, the most effective short-term gains are likely to come from improved monitoring. It seems well established that people cannot control behaviours that they do not monitor. are interested in self- regulation! Selfregulation refers to how a person exerts control over his or her own responses to the external world so as to pursue goals and live up to standards. It is essentially about making oneself do things that one does not want to do, or resisting oneself from doing things that he actually want to do. Living organisms, especially complex ones such as human beings, are constantly responding to both internal and external stimuli, but to act on all these responses would not be optimal or adaptive. Hence, people often override or alter their initial response. Most acts of selfregulation involve stopping the self from having a response,such as when a dieter refrains from eating a tempting but fattening food. There are, however, some instances of selfregulation that entail initiating a response, such as when a sleepy man drags out of bed on a cold morning. Two primary areas in which self-regulatory efforts are directed are to obtain or maintain control over thoughts and emotions. Popular literature is abundant with strategies and techniques to improve your self-regulation; however, much of it lacks scientific evidence or support. In reality, very little is known about how self control is acquired or strengthened. There is some evidence that the trait is acquired in the early ages of the life. It appears to show substantial consistency across development, as indicated by the finding that effective self-control at age 4 predicts positive outcomes in adult life. Some researchers conceive self-regulation as strength, akin to the muscular strength,
Pallikkutam | May 2014
which can be improved with exercises. There is considerable evidence to support the hypothesis that if you continuously exercise your self-control, you may actually improve your controlling skills. If you successfully resist your urge to go out for the movie with friends and sit home and study instead, your chances of succeeding next time is brighter. In order to acquire better self-control, keep exercising it continuously.
limited resource, like strength or energy, and when this resource is depleted, the self is less able to exert control. A dieter, after having exerted self-control in the presence of a chocolate, will have less resource to control his behaviour in another situation demanding regulation, like sitting and studying. Psychologists call this as ego depletion. It is important to recognise that the same, limited resource is used for broad variety psychological functions, and any of these can deplete the resource, thereby impairing all the other functions. If you make multiple New Year resolutions, chances are that these all fail together.
One promising route to increasing self-regulatory abilities involves cognitive strategies and behavioural intentions. Implementation Intention Theory advice people to state the intentions conditionally, such as when certain conditions are present, specific behaviours will be enacted. An example of an implementation intention is when a dieter thinks, “When I am at a For individuals who wish to achieve better restaurant for dinner, I will order only a self-control in some specific domain, such salad.� It renders the response to be as diet, the most effective short-term gains enacted more automatic and, thus, engaging in the response requires less effort and are likely to come from improved energy. If the actions do become more monitoring. It seems well established that people cannot control behaviours that they automatic, then you will be less likely to experience self-regulation failure under do not monitor. Moreover, breakdown in demanding situations. Among all the self-regulation are often associated with strategies discussed here, developing the ceasing to monitor one’s own behaviour, skills of self-monitoring ranks atop, as this such as in eating or alcohol binges. is the primary step in any self-regulations Monitoring can be improved in the short run by keeping written records or securing regime. So do develop the monitoring the cooperation of friends or other people skills. to actively remind you of your goals. The strength-energy model of self-regulation Please send your queries to also predicts that self-control involves a malliyoor@outlook.com
29
Why Why it’s it’s so so impor important tant What does pursuing your passion mean to you? No matter what you do in this life, one of the most happy-making things you can do is follow your passion. Following your passion for work or for hobby helps us all tap into our gifts and talents. The act of following our passion allows us to gain skills in areas we are already strong in and pushes us to become better, which can then be shared with the world. In this way, we begin to create a body of work that will grow and develop over our lifetimes. Feeling happiness and fulfillment: When you take the time to value your talents, giving your time and resources to your passion, you will find some of the greatest bliss you could hope for. Be an expert: You are essentially doing is developing your skills and gifts—this leads to expertise. It’s an area you are already interested in naturally. As you develop your skills, more and more people will seek you out to advise them on your area of expertise, which could lead to countless new opportunities. Opportunities: It’s hard to know what is possible when you begin to follow your passion. With passion comes energy, excitement and motivation which can lead to synchronicity that you cannot imagine until you get there. In other words, if you become an expert from following your passion, the world opens up for you with people and new opportunities. Maybe even career opportunities. A body of work, when the body no longer works: As we get older we have more time to reflect on what we could have done. If you have tested and tapped into your passion you don’t have to look back with regret when you may no longer be able to do the things you had wished when you were younger. You can look back at the legacy you have created and feel good about. An added bonus is that in many cases the passion and expertise you have exerted will help others and will bring joy to the world. You can live with the satisfaction of a life well lived. So how about you? What is your passion? Are you following it?
to to pursue pursue your your passion passion “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.� Georg Hegel
COVER STORY
Five steps to finding your passion Dr. Susan Biali, M.D
Discovering and claiming something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life. It’s like a tiny perfect raindrop landing on a previously smooth, unremarkable expanse of water. The instant the drop arrives, beautiful waves of ever-enlarging rings flow across the entire surface, spreading out virtually to infinity.
A
lmost three decades of my life had passed before I discovered the power of passions. If I hadn’t become severely depressed as an Emergency Medicine resident, desperate to find some other way of earning income, who knows how much longer it would have taken. Luckily I was forced to figure out this piece of life. I can’t imagine myself, my life (and even my income) without the delicious pursuits that my search uncovered. Discovering and claiming something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life. It’s like a tiny perfect raindrop landing on a previously smooth, unremarkable expanse of water. The instant the drop arrives, beautiful waves of
32
ever-enlarging rings flow across the entire surface, spreading out virtually to infinity. Here is how you can start your search: Inventory your talents What are you good at or have a natural aptitude for? Forget about what you are good at but don’t really like doing much. I am talking about the things you have a knack for that delight or happily occupy you. Are there things you like to do that you don’t think you are that good at, that other people have complimented you on? Perhaps you even dismissed or rejected their enthusiasm.
After much digging and questioning (I am a passion hound) I recently discovered that one of my coaching clients loves taking pictures. She rarely picks up her camera, as she didn’t think she was any good. I asked her to email me some favorite shots and they were fantastic. She was skeptical at first, but when I convinced her that I knew what I was talking about (I have earned income from my own photography) she could hardly contain her excitement. She finally had “permission” to fully embrace this pastime that she loves so much. Yet when I had asked about her passions in our first session, she had come up empty.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
COVER STORY
When you deliberately open yourself to noticing things you might enjoy doing, don’t be afraid of getting it wrong. It’s all an adventure, you are learning and growing as you go. Happiness research shows that trying new things increases dopamine levels in the brain, contributing to sustained levels of contentment. So try away! Identifying things you love that you are good at is a great way to unearth potential passions. Don’t be concerned if what you love isn’t practical or common (I get very excited about the uncommon). Please note though that you don’t have to be good at something for it to quality as a passion. You don’t have to ever earn a penny of income from it either. Talent can simply be a clue. When it comes to your passions, the only thing that matters is that you enjoy them.
Think of what you loved to do as a child This is probably the simplest way to unearth what pursuits hold the potential to light up your days. Before the grown-ups get to us with their ideas, most of us know exactly who we are and what would make us happiest.
Pay attention to who makes you annoyed or jealous Are there people doing things that are “frivolous” who annoy you? Take a closer look at that annoyance. Is the truth behind your annoyance that you really wish you could live so freely, that you didn’t have so many serious responsibilities and could be as “immature” as they are? After a lifetime of being an overachieving dowhat-everyone-expects-of-me student, when I embarked on my Mexican adventure at 33 I wanted to give myself a break and find time to pursue my freshly discovered passions for writing and dancing. Most people thought I was nuts, but my father got the angriest. He told me I was wasting my life and should let him help me set up my own clinic instead. He pounded the kitchen table with his fist, shouting “Life isn’t supposed to be fun! When are you going to grow up like the rest of us?” Thankfully I ignored him, as I did everyone else who tried to discourage me. A few years later, when it was clear that living, writing and dancing in Mexico was one of the best decisions (and career moves) I ever made, my dad sold his business. And moved to Hawaii. To write his first novel. I’m convinced he was largely so upset because he wanted to do what I was doing. At the time, I’m quite sure he didn’t know that. But eventually he figured it out!
Pallikkutam | May 2014
love spending great swaths of time teaching and encouraging. I dance flamenco until my legs or body force me to stop. I also love working on my “Health and Happiness Expert” business so much that I have to force myself to stop writing and reading to sleep and eat and play. It’s reverse clock-watching – I get annoyed as time goes by! What a different world. What would you love to spend hours doing, that you never get enough time to do? That’s a passion, and you probably need to do it more than you are. See your passion hunt as a fun, joyful adventure In my coaching and speaking work I see people putting pressure on themselves to find their passion. I do believe it’s critically important to discover and engage in things that light you up, but it’s just as important to cultivate an un-serious child-like attitude of play, wonder and adventure.
Were you obsessed with horses? Maybe you should head to a dude ranch for your next vacation. Loved finger painting or drawing? Sign up for an art class. Sang at the top of your lungs until people begged you to stop? Think about joining a local choir (or starting your own garage band!) Notice when you lose track of time, or what you hate to stop doing When I work at the clinic seeing a long line-up of sore throats and knees, I watch the clock all day until I am finally done. Yet when I have a patient in front of me who is depressed or anxious or newly diagnosed with a condition that would benefit from lifestyle change, I often lose my usual urgency and spend a big chunk of time with them. Not surprisingly, my true passion is life and health coaching, where I have the luxury of time with clients and
When you deliberately open yourself to noticing things you might enjoy doing, don’t be afraid of getting it wrong. It’s all an adventure, you’re learning and growing as you go. Happiness research shows that trying new things increases dopamine levels in the brain, contributing to sustained levels of contentment. So try away! Notice what you love. Notice what makes you feel like a kid. Notice what you long to have more time for. Make time for these things, whatever you can manage, and watch your life start to change. It’s really magical. The author is a medical doctor, media health and wellness expert, life and health coach, professional speaker, flamenco dancer, and the author of Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You.
33
COVER STORY
How to find your true passion Jennifer Claerr
“What qualities do you most love in yourself?” and “What would you do with your life if money was not an issue?” Cheryl advocates clearing out clutter and taking care of basic responsibilities as a first step to following our passion.
Y
our true passion what makes you feel really alive. It’s what fills you with enthusiasm and joy. Some people feel that they don’t know what their true passion is. However, it may be something you already do on a daily basis. Or perhaps you are passionate about many so things that you can’t decide which passion to pursue. The surprising truth is that the various things which fill us with enthusiasm are often linked to one another. Many times they are mutually supportive. It is possible to find your passion, even if you don’t have much free time. There are
34
many different tools available to help you find out what really makes you truly happy. I recommend books most of all, since they help to clarify our thought processes and to outline our specific goals in life.
most love in yourself?” and “What would you do with your life if money was not an issue?” Cheryl advocates clearing out clutter and taking care of basic responsibilities as a first step to following our passion.
Take the passion path of development
Find your passion quotient
A frequent guest on Oprah, life Coach Cheryl Richardson has a practical, stepby-step approach to passion. In her book, Find Your Passion, she provides simple exercises that will help you to figure out what lights your inner fire. She asks questions such as, “What qualities do you
Author Thomas Friedman believes that passion and curiosity are essential in today’s information age. In his book, The World Is Flat, he states that our curiosity quotient plus our passion quotient are greater than our intelligence quotient. That is to say that those who have great passion
Pallikkutam | May 2014
COVER STORY
An understanding of what you are passionate about, and alignment with that passion, is crucial to success in life. Furthermore, whatever you concentrate on will manifest in your life. Therefore focusing on what you don’t want will cause undesirable events to happen. The Passion Test will help you to find the most important goals which you have for your life. and great curiosity will learn more effectively than people who are merely smart. These qualities can help us to compete in the 21st century world of global commerce, in which the playing field tends to be more level than in any other time in history. Take the passion test Janet Attwood agrees that we live in a flat world. She believes that passion is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Her book, The Passion Test, describes the importance
Pallikkutam | May 2014
of clarifying what you love to do. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing with your life, you are missing out on your purpose. An understanding of what you are passionate about, and alignment with that passion, is crucial to success in life. Furthermore, whatever you concentrate on will manifest in your life. Therefore focusing on what you don’t want will cause undesirable events to happen. The Passion Test will help you to find the most important goals which you have for your life. This is just a tiny fraction of the
resources which are available to help you find your true passion. Getting a life coach or attending classes or seminars can get you a step closer to your goals. There are also many websites which offer free tests and guides which you can take. If you just keep trying, you will eventually find out what you really love to do. The author is a professional online writer. She has been published on presigious websites such as Intel.com, Mapquest.com and Texas.com.
35
COVER STORY
People who follow their passion and became successful Steve Jobs One of the most successful companies in the world today is Apple. When we think of Apple we also think of Apple’s ex-CEO, the late Steve Jobs. Carmine Gallo wrote an article called, “The Seven Success Principles Of Steve Jobs,” which outlines seven key factors that are responsible for Jobs’ success. The article is based on multiple interviews with Apple employees and Steve Jobs himself. Believe it or not, the No. 1 principle in this article is, “do what you love.” Steve Jobs believed in the power of passion, and once said, “people with passion can change the world for the better.” Jobs claimed that the passion he had for his work made all the difference.
Chris Gardner Chris Gardner, the once homeless man turned multi-millionaire stockbroker that Will Smith plays in the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” once expressed what he believes is the secret to success. He stated that he believes the secret is to “find something you love to do so much, you can’t wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again.” He explains that the most inspiring leaders are those who don’t work at a job, but pursue a calling.
Warren Buffett Warren Buffett, known as “the Oracle of Omaha” and probably one of the greatest investors of all time, usually talks about his secrets to successful investing, but even Buffett knows there is more to success than money. In Parade’s article, “10 Ways To Get Rich: Warren Buffett’s Secret That Can Work For You,” Buffet ends off his list of advice with, “know what success really means.” He explains the importance of finding what it is that brings true meaning to our lives, what makes each day important and to make this our focus.
Mark Zuckerberg These days we cannot talk about success without mentioning Facebook and Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. The 27-year old billionaire has changed the world we live in. In David Kirkpatrick’s book, “The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of The Company That is Connecting The World,” Kirkpatrick lists what he believes are Zuckerberg’s ingredients for success. One of these ingredients is, you guessed it, follow your passion - not money. Zuckerberg suggests to “follow your happiness,” and explains that even if you don’t end up making a fortune, you’ll at least be doing what you love. The Bottom Line: True success is much more than having a lot of wealth and fame. Enjoying the work you do is, in some ways, more important than having a large bank account. Plus, if you enjoy the work you do, there is a greater chance you will do great work and get paid accordingly. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, or just struggling with this in your own personal career, you may need to think about what you are passionate about. It may not be easy, but chances are it will be worth the effort.
36
Pallikkutam | May 2014
COVER STORY
Is education killing creativity in the new economy? Our economy has changed. Just as the world’s agrarian society gave way to manufacturing in the 19th century, so the industrial age has now given way to the information age. At the same time, our ability to stay ahead of this change has diminished.
T
here is never been a perfect formula for success, but a generation or two ago, things were arguably more straightforward. If you worked hard in high school, got good grades, graduated, and went on to college or a vocational program, you would find yourself well on your way to a solid career. You could safely rely on an education as a way to improve your life. Our economy has changed. Just as the world’s agrarian society gave way to manufacturing in the 19th century, so the industrial age has now given way to the information age. At the same time, our ability to stay ahead of this change has diminished. Thomas Friedman calls it the “Great Inflection”—this “hyperconnected” era in which “the skill required for every decent job is rising as is the necessity of lifelong learning.” And not only do workers today need more skills, they need vastly different skills than they did a few decades ago—skills that for the most part are not being emphasized in primary, secondary, or higher education. Friedman argues that
Pallikkutam | May 2014
success in this new age requires more “individual initiative;” he cites the importance of “P.Q. (passion quotient) and C.Q. (curiosity quotient)” in addition to plain old I.Q. This is undoubtedly true— but passion and curiosity won’t materialize out of thin air. We have to give people the room and ability to flourish. More specifically, we need to ensure every student and young person has the foundational knowledge and skills he or she needs to play a role in this new economy. And not only play a role, but revolutionize. We need people who can help solve the big problems of our time—food shortages, access to education, climate change, income inequality, the global water crisis and so on.
in gaps of knowledge at the same time they build upon them—and so instead of continuing to grow into more sophisticated thinkers, learners, and doers, they spend all their time just trying to keep their heads above water. Outstanding teaching, education content, and instructional design, in combination with personalized learning tools, will address this issue. Teachers can do even more of what they do best: motivate, provide individualized instruction, provoke discussion, and encourage critical thinking. Meanwhile, personalized learning tools facilitated by innovations in technology can ensure that high-quality and highly relevant content is delivered to each student in the most effective way, allowing every learner to How do we cultivate such people? master fundamental skills more efficiently Continuing to increase the emphasis on and freeing up time for deeper learning, STEM, as well as reading, writing, and creative thinking, and tinkering (think critical thinking skills, is key. Without a about how Apple and Facebook were proper foundation in these areas, students founded). Those that are struggling with a will inevitably struggle as they move through secondary and higher education and given subject can quickly get back on track and gain confidence; meanwhile, those that into the workforce. Phil Regier, Dean of are already excelling can extend themselves Arizona State University Online, calls this the “Swiss cheese effect.” Students can’t fill to new heights.
37
COVER STORY
Passionately yours.... P K G Tharakan
Like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, my passion tale ended up a plain tragedy. Worse still, my passion which was just beginning to take on life had its last breathe the same hour its twin brother, my first love letter, was signed and executed.
T
hat was how I chose to close my first love letter, the very first (and the last too), ever. Beneath I signed twice, one ordinarily and the other pretty passionately. Misfortune had followed me those days of my life as if my own shadow, no exception this time too. After carefully signing and folding my literature piece, I thought I had safe-kept the letter inside my pillow covers before going to the toilet but by the time I returned it had disappeared. “Oh my loving God, I don’t care if the letter lands in anyone’s hands except my fearsome mom’s” I prayed ardently, heartily. But it hadn’t reached anyone else than her. “My mother is an angel”, Abraham Lincoln had muttered several times. Maybe Lincoln had never entertained the idea of sending a love letter to his dream girl as it was not a need there in the US then. Looking at my mom’s cruelly silent eyes in the following days, I truly thought that my passion, together with her cousin emotions within my tender mind lay quietly buried albeit brutally murdered. Like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, my passion tale ended up a plain tragedy. Worse still, my passion which was just beginning to take on life had its last breathe the same hour its twin brother, my first love letter, was signed and executed. In utter disappointment, my groaning mind started drafting an epitaph to be etched on the tomb of my passion after Thomas Grey’s Elegy written in a country churchyard. “Full many a song of purest passion dead The dark unfathomed caves in my mind bears Full many a bond is crushed
38
and trampled down And waste its sweetness due an angel mother’s wrath” Years passed by. Many cell phone revisions made sudden appearances and faster disappearances, likewise. And then came the day of my marriage. I knew it was time for me to restore my passion bonds. I had learnt distinctly that neither pre-marital love nor post marital life would
the woman she had selected for me. She seemed having grasped the meaning of my look and the angel in her responded with a smile along the corner of her lips. I felt settled down. Closing our bed room door behind her, my lady walked to my bed side later the day, sat against me and passed some papers into my hands. A thousand flash bulbs hit my eyes turning me blind. Along with my resurfaced passion, the same old letter too had made a come-back. Surprise and anguish rolled over me like the Jap tsunami. “Mummy had passed me the letter the very next day you wrote it” she screamed and fell backward laughing loud. And I whispered to her “Passionately Yours forever”. “Vice versa too” she muttered, shaking her head mildly. After a spell of silence she added. “But for your mom, I am not sure if I would have married you”.
“You mean if I had passed you my first and only love letter you would survive without true passion for each other. have discarded me?” I asked her in I started dreaming about the phoenix bird disbelief. constantly. Luckily by the time, mom had “Maybe” she said and pointed the closing developed softer considerations due aging salutation of my letter. There were some and maturing. Apparently her sleuth spirits additions, alterations from how I had had waned, evaporated. closed it. And it read “Passionately Yours, Removing the heavy tomb stone, my mother-in-law too” in mom’s hand. passion resurrected, resurfaced, My thoughts wandered away as I collected reappeared. I had little doubt in my mind her close onto me; yes passion is epidemic. that Passion is omnipotent although not omnipresent. At the altar of wedding, I turned around to look into my mother’s eyes as if to assure her that human passion, like truth itself, lives on and that I would take good care of
The author is a practicing lawyer in Ernakulam and an ardent public speaker. He has represented Toastmaster’s Club in District level contests in Sri Lanka.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
AXn-Po-h\w
hn[nsb ]gn-°msX..... hn[nsb ]gn-°msX Pohn-XsØ {]m¿∞-\-tbmsS t\cn´ Hcp km[m-cW- Ip-Spw-_-Øns‚ Pohn-X-hn-P-bamWv tPm {^m≥kn-kv ˛-sKm-tcm´n F∂ amXm-]n-Xm-°ƒ ]dbp∂Xv. c≠p-a-°fpw _[nccpw aqI-cpw. ]t£ hn[n Xf¿Ønb PohnXtØmSv tXm‰p sImSp-°msX C—m-i-‡nbpw ITn-\-{]-b-Xv\hpw sIm≠v hnP-bw-h-cn®p. tIƒ°p-∂h¿ CXv kXytam F∂v A¤p-X-s∏Sp-amdv A{X-ta¬ Akm-[m-cW-amWv Cu IpSpw_IY.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
39
AXn-Po-h\w
i_vZ-ß-fpsS temIw Rß-fpsS a°ƒ°v Xncn-®-dn-bm-\m-In-s√∂ bmYm¿∞yw BZy-sam-∂pw Aw-Ko-I-cn-°m-\m-bn√. A-ßs\ hnNm-cn-°m≥ t]mepw Ign-bp-am-bn-cp-∂n-√.- ]t£ Zp:Jß-fn¬ Xf¿∂n-cp-∂n´v Imcy-an-s√∂v a\- p-]-d-™p. -D-W¿s∂-gp-t∂‰v {]h¿Ønt® Xocq. -]n-∂o-Sp-ff PohnXw a°ƒ°v th≠n am{X-am-bn. -A-h¿°p th≠n-bm-bn-cp∂p k¿Δ-kz-hpw.- Ah¿X-s∂-bmWv Rß-fpsS kºm-Zyhpw. m-co-cnI sshI-ey-߃ _m[n® Ip´n-Iƒ C∂sØ ImeØv ho´p-Im¿°pw kaq-lØn\pw henb _m[y-XbmWv. F∂m¬ Ch-cpsS a°-fmb tkm^nbbpw,dn®m¿Upw kaq-lØn\v amXr-I-bmbn amdn-°gn™p.^m-j≥˛tam-U-enwKv cwKØv kz¥amsbmcnSw Is≠Øn tkm^nb Z£n-tW-¥y-bnse {]ikvX tamU-embn amdn.dn-®m¿Um-hs´ ]Tn-°m≥ anSpanSp°-\pw.-
bmYm¿∞yw BZy-sam-∂pw Aw-KoI-cn-°m-\m-bn√. A-ßs\ hnNm-cn°m≥ t]mepw Ign-bp-am-bn-cp-∂n-√.tUm-IvS¿am¿ BZy-ambn B hnhcw ]d-™Xv s\©n¬ CSnØo hnWXp-t]m-se-bmWv Rm\n∂pw Hm¿°p∂-Xv.- ]t£ Zp:Jß-fn¬ Xf¿∂n-cp∂n´v Imcy-an-s√∂v a\- p-]-d-™p. D-W¿s∂-gp-t∂‰v {]h¿Ønt®
an° kv°qfp-I-fnepw Ib-dn-bn-dßn.- a-{Zm-knepw t]mbn. -]t£ HcnSØpw AUvan-j≥ In´n-bn-√. -R߃ H∏-an-√m-Ø-Xn-\m¬ Ahsc t_m¿Un-ßn¬ A-b-bv°m\pw Ign™n-√.- H-Sp-hn¬ Fd-Wm-Ip-fsØ eb¨kv ¢_p-Im-cpsS kv°qfnse cm[nI So®-dm-Wv tkm^n-bsb en]v aqhvsa‚ v ]Tn-∏n®p XpS-ßn-b-Xv. -BZy-sams° F¥p-sN-bvXmepw Ip™v Np≠v Xpd-°n-√m-bn-cp∂p.- hn-c-ep-Iƒ sIm≠v So®¿ Np≠n¬ X´n-X-´n-bmWv Xpd-∏n®Xv. Fcq¿ `h≥kv kv°qfnse sshI-ey-ßsf AXn-Po-hn®v A≤ym-]n-I-bmWv `mcy B c≠p-Ip-´n-Ifpw apt∂-dp∂ sKmtcm´n. -A-ßs\ \memw hbImgvN a‰p-≈-h¿°v amXrI n¬ tkm^n-bsb `h≥kn¬ Xs∂-bm-Wv.-a-°sf Db-c-ß-fnamt\-Pvsa‚ns‚ {]tXyI te°v ssI]n-Sn-®p-b¿Ønb klm-b-tØmsS a‰v Ip´nCu amXm-]n-Xm-°-fsS Iƒs°m∏w ]Tn-°m≥ kl\hpw Hmtcm amXm-]n-XmtN¿Øp. -Ahƒ a‰v Ip´n-I-sf°ƒ°v {]tNm-Z-\hpw {]Xymt∏mse F√m-°m-cy-ßfpw i-bp-am-Wv.- B IY tPm thKw ]Tn-®p. -kvt]m¿Svknepw {^m≥ko-kns‚ hm°p-I-fn\∂mbn Xnf-ßn. -`-h≥knse eqsS..... A≤ym-]-I-cmWv Ahsf angn-Iƒ \nd™ Imew kvt]m¿Svkn-te°v Xncn-®p-hn-´-Xv.Ggmw ¢m v hsc F√m hnj-bRß-fpsS B-ZysØ Ip™v Øn\pw F π v Ic-ÿ_[n-cbpw aqI-bp-am-bXv Pohnam°nØs∂ ]T\w apt∂-dn.X-Øns‚ F√m {]Xo-£-Ifpw ssl-Pw-]nepw _mkv°‰v AW-®p-I-f-™p. -At_mfnepw, lm≥Uv t_mfnepw hƒs°mcp XpW-bm-hs´ tjm´v ]p´n-epw, -Un-kvI v F∂p-I-cp-Xn-bmWv c≠m-asØ t{Xmbnepw Ahƒ Ignhv sXfnIp™n-s\-°p-dn®v Btem-Nn-®bn-®p.- `-h≥knse a¬k-c-ß-fnXv.- ]t£ hn[n-sb-∂-√msX se√mw AhƒX-s∂-bm-bn-cp∂p F¥p-]-d-bm≥. -A-\n-b\pw H∂mw ÿm\-°m-cn.- CsX√mw tN®n-sb-t∏mse Xs∂-bm-bn. Xocq.]n∂ oS pf f PohnXw a°ƒ°v ]n∂oSp-ff Rß-fpsS Pohn-Xtkm-^n-bbpw dn®m¿Upw Aßs\ th≠n am{Xa mb n. A h ¿°p th≠nØn¬ BlfmZw \nd-®p. i_vZ-Øns‚ temI-Øv \n∂v A\ybmb nc p∂p k¿Δk zh pw.Ah ¿Xcm-bn.-a°-fpsS Cu Ahÿ F√m-Ønepw H∂m-a-Xmbn Fs∂bpw `mcy-sbbpw Xf¿Øn-°- s∂-bmWv Rß-fpsS kºm-Zyhpw . Ggmw ¢m n\p tijw tImX-aw-Kf-™p.-kln-°m-\m-hp-∂-Xn\pw ]T-\-h-gn-bn¬ esØ kvt]m¿Svkv kv°qfn¬ A∏p-d-am-bn-cp∂p. -H-∂nepw Ipd-hn-√m-Ø-Xmbn tN¿sØ-¶nepw tlmÃ-ense _p≤ni_vZ-ß-fpsS temIw Rß-fpsS Ahcpw hf-c-W-sa∂v B{K-ln-®p.ap-´p-Iƒ ImcWw ]T\w XpS-cm≥ a°ƒ°v Xncn-®-dn-bm-\m-In-s√∂ ]Tn-∏n-°m-\mbn tIc-f-Ønse H´pIgn-™n-√.- ]Øpw ]Xn-s\m∂pw Pallikkutam | May 2014 40
i
AXn-Po-h\w
Pohn-XsØ £a-tbmsS t\cn-SWsa∂mWv RßfpsS A\p-`hw. X-f¿∂p-t]m-bm¬ \ap-s°m-cn-°epw Db¿sØ-gp-t∂¬°m≥ Ign-bn-√.AXp-sIm-≠p-Xs∂ Pohn-XsØ {]Xo-£-tbmsS ImW-Ww. ]{¥≠pw ¢m p-Iƒ \mj-W¬ C≥kn-Ãyq´v Hm^v kvt]m¿Svkv kv°qfn-emWv ]Tn-®-Xv.- \√ sadnt‰msS F√m ¢m p-I-fnepw ]m mbn.- C-Xn-\n-S-bn¬ _[n-c-˛-aqI hnZym¿∞n-Iƒ°p-ff kvt]m¿Svkv ao‰n¬ tjm´v ]p´nepw,Un-kvIkv t{Xmbnepw F´v XhW kwÿm\Øpw aq∂v XhW tZio-b-X-eØnepw tkm^nb Nmºy-\m-bn.^mj≥ tamU-enwKv cwK-tØ°v \√ Db-chpw kuμ-cyhpw tkm^nbbv°v Df-f-Xp-sIm-≠mWv Ahsf tamU-enw-Kn-te°v hn´-Xv.-- ]Xn-\mdmw hb- n¬ dmw]n-eq-sS-bmWv tamUenwKv cwKØv kPo-h-am-Ip-∂-Xv.Ign™ h¿jsØ ankv kuØv C¥y a’-c-Øn¬ ankv I¨Po-\nbm-en‰n BbXpw tkm^n-b-bm-Wv. 2011 ¬ _nKv _km-dns‚ {_m≥Uv A_m-kn-U-dpam-Wv. -ankv sIm®n a¬kc-Øn¬ ankv t]gve-Wm-en-‰nbp-am-bn. Ign™ amkw \S∂ anÿ B‚ v an v t_mUns]¿^IvSv a¬k-c-Øn¬ tkm^n ankv sF‰n-t°‰mbn sXcs™-SpØp.37˛maXv t_mUn s]¿^IvSv a¬k-c-Øn¬ aq∂mw ÿm\hpw e`n-®p. Iyq≥ Hm^v C¥y,- ankv kuØv C¥y XpS-ßnb kuμ-cy-a-’-c-ß-fnse√mw ]Xnhv ]¶m-fnbpw a¬k-chn-P-bn-bp-am-Wv. ku-μcy a¬k-cPallikkutam | May 2014
ß-fnse Iym‰v hm°n¬ tkm^n anI® {]I-S\w ImgvN-sh-°m-dp-s≠¶nepw kwkm-c-ti-jn-bn-√m-Ø-XpsIm≠v tNmtZym-Øc thf-bn¬ ]X-dn-t∏m-Ipw.Iw]yq-´¿ ]T-\hpw tkm^nb anI® coXn-bn¬ Xs∂ ]q¿Øn-bm°n.- I-c-Iu-ie D¬∏-∂-߃ \n¿Ωn-°p-∂-Xnepw Ahƒ anSp-°nbm-Wv.- ^vf-h¿ ta°nMv, I¿´≥ ta°nMv,- s]-bv‚ nMv XpS-ßnb cwKØv tkm^nb kPo-h-am-bp-≠v. sNdp∏w apXte hml-\-ß-tfm-Sn°m≥ tkm^nb Xmev]cyw ImWn®n-cp-∂p. -A-ßs\ ss{UhnwKpw ]Tn-®p-. -]-Xn-s\´v hb v Ign-™mep-S≥ dn®m¿Un\pw ss{UhnwKv ssek≥kv FSp-°pw. -Ah≥ FdWm-Ip-fsØ kzImcy kv°qfn¬
]Ømw ¢m n-em-Wv. ]Tn-°m≥ Ah\pw Gsd anSp-°-\m-Wv.- tN-®nsb-t∏mse tamU-enw-Kn-t\mSpw dn®m¿Un\v CjvS-am-Wv. -dn-®m¿Uv F√m hml-\-ßfpw HmSn°pw. tN-
®nsb kv°q´¿ HmSn-°m≥ ]Tn-∏n®Xv Ah-\m-Wv. Zo¿L-Zqcw ImtdmSn-°p-∂-XmWv tkm^n-bbv°v Gsd CjvSw.- B-eph sk‚ v tkthygvkv tImtf-Pn¬ _n.F Cw•ojv en‰-td-®dn\p ]Tn-°p∂ tkm^nb Znhkhpw Xr∏q-Wn-Øp-d-bn¬\n∂v Beph hsc kv°q´¿ HmSn-®mWv t]mIp-∂-Xv. a°ƒ ssZh-Øns‚ kΩm\w Pohn-XsØ £a-tbmsS t\cnSWsa∂mWv RßfpsS A\p-`hw. X-f¿∂p-t]m-bm¬ \ap-s°m-cn-°epw Db¿sØ-gp-t∂¬°m≥ Ign-bn-√.AXp-sIm-≠p-Xs∂ Pohn-XsØ {]Xo-£-tbmsS ImW-Ww. Ip´n°mew apXte tkm^n-b-sbbpw dn®m¿Un-s\bpw hf¿Øn-sb-Sp°m≥ R߃ Gsd _p≤n-ap-´n. -As∂√mw km¥z-\hpw klm-b-hpambn \n∂Xv Cuiz-c≥ am{X-am-bn-cp∂p. Be-∏pg Xptºm-fnbnse I√p-]pc-bv°¬ IpSpw-_mw-KamWv Rm≥.]-Xn-t\gmw hb- n¬ ]´m-f-Øn¬ tN¿∂p. 84 ¬ ]´m-fØnse tPmen Ahkm-\n-∏n®p. Ct∏mƒ lnμp-ÿm≥ s]t{Sm-fnbw Iº-\nbpsS Iogn¬ s\Sp-ºm-t»cn hnam-\Øm-h-f-Øn¬ {Ku≠v Ãm^mbn tPmen-sN-øp∂p.- Ip-º-fßn IÆt¶cn Xd-hm-´nse AwKamWv `mcy sKmtcm-´n.
41
BOOK SHELF
One Hundred Years of Solitude One Hundred Years of Solitude (Spanish: Cien años de soledad) is a 1967 novel by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez that tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family, whose patriarch, José Arcadio Buendía, founds the town of Macondo, the metaphoric Colombia.
T
he family chronicle centers on five generations of descendants of José Arcadio Buendía and his wife Ursula, who sometime early in the 19th century founded the village of Macondo on a river of clear water somewhere in South America. The uncertainties about time and place, like other factual puzzles in the book, are not fashionable evasions on the part of the author but genuine reflections of the minds of the people about whom he is writing. From the beginning we are told that Buendía knew nothing about the geography of the region. He comes to love maps and compasses, but his sense of where he is remains very much his own. He plays with an astrolabe and sextant, but, with characteristic excess, almost contracts sunstroke “from trying to establish an exact method to ascertain noon.” The book is a history, not of governments or of formal institutions of the sort which keeps public records, but of a people who, like the earliest descendants of Abraham, are best understood in terms of their relationship to a single family. In a sense, José and Ursula are the only two characters in the story, and all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are variations on their strengths and weaknesses. José, forever fascinated by the unknown, takes up project after project, invention after invention, in order among other things, to make gold, discover the ocean and photograph God. He eventually goes mad, smashes things, refuses to speak except in Latin and is tied to a giant chestnut tree in the middle of the family garden. Story One Hundred Years of Solitude is the story of seven generations of the Buendía Family in the town of Macondo. The founding patriarch of Macondo, José Arcadio Buendía, and Úrsula Iguarán, his wife (and
42
Pallikkutam | May 2014
BOOK SHELF
García Márquez uses colours as symbols. Yellow and gold are the most frequently used colors and they are symbols of imperialism and the Spanish Siglo de Oro. Gold signifies a search for economic wealth, whereas yellow represents death, change, and destruction. first cousin), leave Riohacha, Colombia, to find a better life and a new home. One night of their emigration journey, while camping on a riverbank, José Arcadio Buendía dreams of “Macondo”, a city of mirrors that reflected the world in and about it. Upon awakening, he decides to found Macondo at the river side; after days of wandering the jungle, José Arcadio Buendía’s founding of Macondo is utopic. Founding patriarch José Arcadio Buendía believes Macondo to be surrounded by water, and from that island, he invents the world according to his perceptions. Soon after its foundation, Macondo becomes a town frequented by unusual and extraordinary events that involve the generations of the Buendía family, who are unable or unwilling to escape their periodic (mostly self-inflicted) misfortunes. Ultimately, a hurricane destroys Macondo, the city of mirrors; just the cyclical turmoil inherent to Macondo. At the end of the story, a Buendía man deciphers an encryption that generations of Buendía family men had failed to decode. The secret message informed the recipient of every fortune and misfortune lived by the Buendía Family generations. Symbolism and metaphors A dominant theme in One Hundred Years of Solitude is the inevitable and inescapable repetition of history in Macondo. The protagonists are controlled by their pasts and the complexity of time. Throughout the novel the characters are visited by ghosts. “The ghosts are symbols of the past and the haunting nature it has over Macondo. The ghosts and the displaced repetition that they evoke are, in fact, firmly grounded in the particular development of Latin American history”. “Ideological transfiguration ensured that Macondo and
Pallikkutam | May 2014
the Buendías always were ghosts to some extent, alienated and estranged from their own history, not only victims of the harsh reality of dependence and underdevelopment but also of the ideological illusions that haunt and reinforce such social conditions.” The fate of Macondo is both doomed and predetermined from its very existence. “Fatalism is a metaphor for the particular
illustrate the feeling of entrapment that ideology can performatively create. García Márquez uses colours as symbols. Yellow and gold are the most frequently used colors and they are symbols of imperialism and the Spanish Siglo de Oro. Gold signifies a search for economic wealth, whereas yellow represents death, change, and destruction. The glass city is an image that comes to José Arcadio Buendía in a dream. It is the reason for the location of the founding of Macondo, but it is also a symbol of the ill fate of Macondo. Higgins writes that, “By the final page, however, the city of mirrors has become a city of mirages. Macondo thus represents the dream of a brave new world that America seemed to promise and that was cruelly proved illusory by the subsequent course of history” Images such as the glass city and the ice factory represent how Latin America already has its history outlined and is, therefore, fated for destruction.
Overall, there is an underlying pattern of Latin American history in One Hundred Years of Solitude. It could be said that the novel is one of a number of texts that “Latin American culture has created to understand itself”. In this sense, the novel can be conceived as a linear archive. This archive narrates the story of a Latin America discovered by European explorers, which had its historical entity developed by the printing press. The Archive is a symbol of the literature that is the foundation of Latin American history part that ideology has played in and also a decoding instrument. maintaining historical dependence, by Melquíades, the keeper of the historical locking the interpretation of Latin American history into certain patterns that archive in the novel, represents both the deny alternative possibilities.The narrative whimsical and the literary. Finally, “the world of One Hundred Years of Solitude is seemingly confirms fatalism in order to
43
BOOK SHELF
One Hundred Years of Solitude, while basically chronological and “linear” enough in its broad outlines, also shows abundant zigzags in time, both flashbacks of matters past and long leaps towards future events. a place where beliefs and metaphors become forms of fact, and where more ordinary facts become uncertain”
in it, the reader must be prepared to meet whatever the imagination of the author presents to him or her.
lives and Macondo’s history, García Márquez allows room for several other interpretations of time:
Technically, use of particular historical events and characters narratively renders One Hundred Years of Solitude an exemplary work of magical realism, wherein the novel compresses centuries of cause and effect whilst telling an interesting story.
García Márquez blends the real with the magical through the use of tone and narration. By maintaining the same tone throughout the novel, García Márquez makes the extraordinary blend with the ordinary. His condensation of and lackadaisical manner in describing events causes the extraordinary to seem less remarkable than it actually is, thereby perfectly blending the real with the magical. Reinforcing this effect is the
He reiterates the metaphor of history as a circular phenomenon through the repetition of names and characteristics belonging to the Buendía family. Over six generations, all the José Arcadios possess inquisitive and rational dispositions as well as enormous physical strength. The Aurelianos, meanwhile, lean towards insularity and quietude. This repetition of traits reproduces the history of the individual characters and, ultimately, a history of the town as a succession of the same mistakes ad infinitum due to some endogenous hubris in our nature.
The subjectivity of reality and magic realism Critics often cite certain works by García Márquez, such as A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings and One Hundred Years of Solitude, as exemplary of magic realism, a style of writing in which the supernatural is presented as mundane, and the mundane as supernatural or extraordinary. The term was coined by German art critic Franz Roh in 1925. The novel presents a fictional story in a fictional setting. The extraordinary events and characters are fabricated. However the message that García Márquez intends to deliver explains a true history. García Márquez uses his fantastic story as an expression of reality. “In One Hundred Years of Solitude myth and history overlap. The myth acts as a vehicle to transmit history to the reader. García Márquez’s novel can furthermore be referred to as anthropology, where truth is found in language and myth. What is real and what is fiction are indistinguishable. There are three main mythical elements of the novel: classical stories alluding to foundations and origins, characters resembling mythical heroes, and supernatural elements” Magic realism is inherent in the novel - achieved by the constant intertwining of the ordinary with the extraordinary. This magic realism strikes at one’s traditional sense of naturalistic fiction. There is something clearly magical about the world of Macondo. It is a state of mind as much as, or more than, a geographical place. For example, one learns very little about its actual physical layout. Furthermore, once
unastonished tone in which the book is written. This tone restricts the ability of the reader to question the events of the novel. However, it also causes the reader to call into question the limits of reality. Furthermore, maintaining the same narrator throughout the novel familiarizes the reader with his voice and causes him or her to become accustomed to the extraordinary events in the novel. The fluidity of time One Hundred Years of Solitude contains several ideas concerning time. Although the story can be read as a linear progression of events, both when considering individual
The novel explores the issue of timelessness or eternity even within the framework of mortal existence. A major trope with which it accomplishes this task is the alchemist’s laboratory in the Buendía family home. The laboratory was first designed by Melquíades near the start of the story and remains essentially unchanged throughout its course. It is a place where the male Buendía characters can indulge their will to solitude, whether through attempts to deconstruct the world with reason as in the case of José Arcadio Buendía, or by the endless creation and destruction of golden fish as in the case of his son Colonel Aureliano Buendía. Furthermore, a sense of inevitability prevails throughout the text. This is a feeling that regardless of what way one looks at time, its encompassing nature is the one truthful admission. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that One Hundred Years of Solitude, while basically chronological and “linear” enough in its broad outlines, also shows abundant zigzags in time, both flashbacks of matters past and long leaps towards future events. One example of this is the youthful amour between Meme and Mauricio Babilonia, which is already in full swing before we are informed about the origins of the affair.
IIT-Delhi has been ranked 13th of the best universities.
44
Pallikkutam | May 2014
INNO V ATION INNOV
Electricity from body heat World of selfhealing plastics W
I
s it not wonderful, if the scratches in a car finish or cracks in polymer material heal itself? Scientists of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and Evonik Industries have developed a chemical cross-linking reaction that ensures good short-term healing properties of the material under mild heating. The research results have now been published in the Advanced Materials journal. The self-healing materials repair themselves by restoring their initial molecular structure after the damage. The advantage is that the self-healing mechanism can be initiated any time by heat, light or by the addition of a chemical substance. “Our method does not need any catalyst, no additive is required,” says Professor Barner-Kowollik, the leader of the research team. At comparably low temperatures from 50°C to 120°C, the network exhibits excellent healing properties within a few minutes. Reducing the time needed for healing and optimizing the external conditions, under which the healing process takes place, are the major
earable smart devices have been hailed as the next generation of mobile electronic gadgets, from smart watches to smart glasses to smart pacemakers. For electronics to be worn by a user, they must be light, flexible, and equipped with a power source, which could be a portable, long-lasting battery or no battery at all but a generator. How to supply power in a stable and reliable manner is one of the most critical issues to commercialize wearable devices. A team of researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea headed by Byung Jin Cho, a professor of electrical engineering, proposed a solution to this problem by developing a glass fabric-based thermoelectric (TE) generator that is extremely light and flexible and produces electricity from the heat of the human body. Professor Cho came up with a new concept and design technique to build a
flexible TE generator that minimizes thermal energy loss but maximizes power output. His team synthesized liquid-like pastes of n-type (Bi2Te3) and p-type (Sb2Te3) TE materials and printed them onto a glass fabric by applying a screen printing technique. The pastes permeated through the meshes of the fabric and formed films of TE materials in a range of thickness of several hundreds of microns. As a result, hundreds of TE material dots (in combination of n and p types) were printed and well arranged on a specific area of the glass fabric. Professor Cho explained that his TE generator has a self-sustaining structure, eliminating thick external substrates (usually made of ceramic or alumina) that hold inorganic TE materials. These substrates have taken away a great portion of thermal energy, a serious setback which causes low output power.
Construction of satellite towns poses threat to poor
S challenges of research relating to selfhealing materials. The self-healing properties can be transferred to a large range of plastics known. Apart from self-healing, the material is given another advantageous property: As flow-ability is enhanced at higher temperatures, the material can be moulded well. A potential field of application lies in the production of fibre-reinforced plastics components for automotive and aircraft industries.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
atellite city projects across the developing world are putting an increasing number of poor people at risk to natural hazards and climate change, according to a new study from the University of Colorado Denver. Throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America ‘new towns’ are rapidly being built on the outskirts of major cities with the goal of relieving population pressures, according to study author Andrew Rumbach, PhD, assistant professor of planning and design at CU Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning. The towns often sit in high flood risk zones but designers have minimized the dangers through land elevation, new building codes and quality construction. The problem, Rumbach says, are the informal settlements that invariably crop up beside these new cities and
supply their labor force. When cyclones or monsoons occur, they suffer flooding along with diseases like cholera, hepatitis and dysentery. The study is to be published in the journal Habitat International. Many nations are aggressively creating new towns. In India, the government has set an ambitious plan to build 100 of them with a million people each by 2020. Rumbach focused his research on Salt Lake, a fully mature new town on the outskirts of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). With a population of 300,000, Salt Lake is an affluent city, home to many of Kolkata’s elite. It sits in an area of frequent flooding but drainage systems, underground sewers and elevated pumping stations mean it rarely suffers from natural disasters, said Rumbach who lived in Salt Lake during his study.
45
INNO VATION INNOV
Porous silicon produces hydrogen using sunlight
P
orous silicon can be used to generate hydrogen from water, according to a team of Penn State mechanical engineers. The invention has applications in batteries, biosensors and optical electronics. The results are in Nature Communications. Wang’s team uses a chemically based method that builds up the silicon material rather than etching it out. The researchers start with silicon tetrachloride, a very inexpensive source of silicon. They then treat the material with a sodium potassium alloy.
dissolve the salt, leaving pores that range from 5 to 15 nanometers. Because sodium potassium alloy is highly reactive, the entire procedure must be done away from the oxygen in the air, so the researchers carry out their reaction in an argon atmosphere.
Because these silicon particles have lots of pores, they have a large surface area and act as an effective catalyst when sunlight shines on this porous silicon and water. The energy in sunlight can excite an electron “The bonds between silicon and chlorine in that then reduces water, generating silicon tetrachloride are very strong and hydrogen gas. This process is aided by the require a highly reducing agent,” said Wang. material’s larger-than-normal band gap, “Sodium potassium alloy is such an which comes from the nanoscale size of agent.” the silicon crystallites. Once the bonds break, the chlorine binds with the sodium, potassium and silicon, potassium chloride and sodium chloride — table salt — become solid, forming a material composed of crystals of salt embedded in silicon. The material is then heat-treated and washed in water to
“This porous silicon can generate a good amount of hydrogen just from sunlight,” said Wang. The researchers are also looking into using this porous silicon as the anode in a lithium ion battery.
Bringing prehistoric and extinct plants to life
T
he centennial issue of the American Journal of Botany brings out a report from Jeff Benca, a graduate student in the Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Paleontology at UC Berkeley, describing a new species of long-extinct lycopod. Benca described this 400-millionyear-old fossil lycopod, Leclercqia scolopendra, and created a life-like computer rendering. Benca’s realistic, fullcolor image could be a life portrait, except for the fact that it was drawn from a plant that lay flattened and compressed into rock for more than 375 million years.
Called Leclercqia scolopendra, or centipede clubmoss, the plant lived during the “age of fishes,” the Devonian Period. At that time, lycopods – the group Leclercqia belonged to – were one of few plant lineages with leaves. Leclercqia shoots were about a quarter-inch in diameter and probably formed prickly, scrambling, ground-covering mats. Today, lycopods are represented by a group of inconspicuous plants called club mosses, quillworts and spikemosses. Both living and extinct lycopods have fascinated Benca since high school. When he came to UC Berkeley last year from the University of Washington, he brought a truckload of some 70 different species, now part of collections at the UC Botanical Garden.
Synthetic collagen promotes natural clotting
S
ynthetic collagen invented at Rice University may help wounds heal by directing the natural clotting of blood. The material, known as KOD, mimics natural collagen, a fibrous protein that binds cells together into organs and tissues. It could improve upon commercial sponges or therapies based on naturally derived porcine or bovine-derived collagen now used to aid healing during or after surgery. The lab of Jeffrey Hartgerink, a chemist and bioengineer based at Rice’s BioScience Research Collaborative, developed synthetic collagen several years ago. The lab’s analysis of KOD for use as a hemostat, or clotting agent, appears this month in the American Chemical Society journal Biomacromolecules.
46
Hartgerink and lead author Vivek Kumar, a postdoctoral researcher at Rice, viewed
clotting as a good avenue of investigation for practical application of KOD, a synthetic protein made of 36 amino acids that self-assemble into triple-helix
nanofibers and hydrogels. Lab tests showed KOD hydrogel traps red blood cells to stop bleeding and, unlike commercial barriers, binds and activates platelets that form clots to promote healing. The tests also determined KOD does not promote inflammation. While validation is needed for KOD to be used in operating rooms, the researchers are already considering applications for wound healing and graft support. “We have the flexibility to incorporate higher levels of complexity within our peptide matrix,” Kumar said. “We can incorporate cell adhesion or degradation sites to recruit cells or draw in different components from native tissue.”
Pallikkutam | May 2014
ASPECTS
Lower knowledge and higher knowledge Dr. Augustine Thottakara
What is invisible, ungraspable, unoriginated and attributeless; what has neither eyes, nor ears, nor hands, nor feet; what is eternal, all-pervading, immeasurable, subtle and limitless in manifestation, - that imperishable Reality is what the wise men perceive as the source of all these created things.
T
he Mundaka Up. begins with a short story. Sage Angiras was an eminent knower of Brahman. He received this sacred wisdom from his saintly ancestors. There lived at that time in his place a famous householder named Saunaka, who was a true seeker of the knowledge of Brahman (brahma-jijnasu). Once he approached Angiras in the proper manner prescribed in the scriptures, namely, with sacrificial fuel as a gift to the revered teacher, and asked him: “Revered Sir, what is that, knowing which everything else in the world becomes known to us?� (I.1.3). To him Angiras replied: There are two kinds of knowledge to be acquired, as
Pallikkutam | May 2014
indeed the knowers of Brahman of old have said, namely, the lower knowledge and higher knowledge. Of these the lower knowledge consists of the wisdom of ÂŞgveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, science of phonetics, laws of rituals, grammar, etymology, poetical metrics and astronomy. And the higher knowledge is that by which the Imperishable is realized. What is invisible, ungraspable, unoriginated and attributeless; what has neither eyes, nor ears, nor hands, nor feet; what is eternal, all-pervading, immeasurable, subtle and limitless in manifestation, - that imperishable Reality is what the wise men perceive as the source of all these created things (I.1.4-6).
The Upanisad continues to say that the higher knowledge can be obtained only with the help of competent guru. The following Upanisadic sentences depict succinctly but clearly the nature and role of a guru, and the characteristics and duties of a disciple. After having carefully examined the worlds gained by deeds, an intelligent seeker should become indifferent to them, because deeds, which are transient, cannot win the supreme Being, who is unoriginated. Therefore, to know that Being, let him, with sacrificial fuel in hand, approach a guru, who is well-versed in the scriptures and already established in Brahman. To such a disciple, whose mind
47
ASPECTS
The basic means for right knowledge are three, namely, perception (pratyaksa), inference (anumana) and verbal testimony (sabda). All the knowledge and information we acquire through all these right means for right knowledge actually belongs to the lower form of knowledge (apara vidya). is tranquil and senses are controlled, and who approaches the guru in the proper manner, let the wise teacher impart the science of Brahman in its very essence – the science by which one knows the true, imperishable Being (I.2.12-13). This text in a way eminently enunciates the Upanisadic vision of a real guru and a genuine disciple. A guru should be a wise man with the great power of discernment (vidvan); he should be a knower of the sacred texts (srotriya), which embody the eternal truths about God, soul and matter; and he should live in constant union with God, that is, should be already established in Brahman (brahmanista). The text also indirectly declares that a guru should be accessible and approachable to a genuine seeker. Based on this text, Sankaracarya in his famous work Vivekacudamaòi (“The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination”) elaborates the specific characteristics of a real guru: “He is a man well-versed in the sacred scriptures and is straightforward, who is not tormented by desires, who is the best among the knowers of Brahman, who has taken refuge in Brahman only, who is calm, and is like the fire which has consumed all its fuel, who is an ocean of unconditional mercy, and who is like a close relative to those who take refuge in him” (verse 33). In the same text Sankara declares that there are three noble and rare things that can happen to a migrating self, namely,
48
‘birth as a human being, the genuine desire for liberation in that birth, and the possibility of taking refuge in the care of a perfected person (guru) (mahapurusasamsrayah)’ (v.3). The discussion here is evidently on the two types of knowledge. According to the philosophical tradition of India, the basic means for right knowledge are three, namely, perception (pratyaksa), inference
(anumana) and verbal testimony (sabda). The Upanisad here very emphatically declares that all the knowledge and information we acquire through all these right means for right knowledge actually belongs to the lower form of knowledge (apara vidya). Even the divine and sacred knowledge enshrined in the revealed holy texts about supra-mundane and supernatural realities, even the wisdom we gather from the mouth of the revered teacher – all these knowledge data belong
to the lower level of knowledge. The Upanisad specifically mentions the four Vedas, the most sacred, the most authoritative and normative and most important body of the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, and boldly states that these hallowed texts too impart only lower knowledge. The orthodox Hindus believe that the Vedic (Sruti) texts are eternal, authorless, uncreated, self-evident and infallible. The Upanisad categorize this sacred body of scriptures as containing only lower type of knowledge. What is then the higher knowledge or the supreme wisdom (para vidya)? The Upanisad defines it as ‘the knowledge by which the Imperishable is realized’. The immediate and sure means for Godrealization is this supreme knowledge. This is an inner experience (anubhava) and is in the form of intuitive, immediate, direct, mystical knowledge of the Divine. The spiritual seeker reaches this state of inner experience at the end of his spiritual pilgrimage, and there is no return from this ultimate point of his material existence. This is the goal of all his spiritual endeavours (sadhanas). His/her body will break down and he/she will merge into the Divine, or be united to God, the object of his love and devotion. A guru has to be a srotriya, that is, wellversed in the sacred scriptures and other allied subjects. This holy erudition may belong to the lower level of knowledge as the Upanisad sees it. But this knowledge
Pallikkutam | May 2014
The higher knowledge or the supreme wisdom is ‘the knowledge by which the Imperishable is realized’. The immediate and sure means for God-realization is this supreme knowledge. This is an inner experience and is in the form of intuitive, immediate, direct, mystical knowledge of the Divine. and enlightenment are the immediate means for the supreme knowledge (para vidya), which in turn is the immediate and definite means to reach the goal. Through the lower types of knowledge we gain correct spiritual perspective and select right options for life, which would in turn purify our mind and make us receptive of the higher form of experiential mystical knowledge. Needless to say that the guru is steeped in the spirit of the sacred scriptures. It is evident that the lower knowledge (apara vidya) is the remote means and the supreme knowledge (para vidya) is the immediate and definite means to reach the goal. Through the lower types of knowledge we gain correct spiritual perspective and select right options for life, which would in turn purify our mind and make us receptive of the higher form of experiential mystical knowledge. The
Pallikkutam | May 2014
Yoga of Patanjali declares that the highest goal of the spiritual journey of a yogin through the eight-membered yogic psychosomatic discipline is samadhi, and that too the supra-conscious samadhi (asamprajnata-samadhi). It is a kind of blissful trance and total absorption into the object of meditation where the spiritual aspirant is not even conscious of himself/ herself. It is a form of transcendental ecstasy from where there is no return to the world of matter and realm of sense experiences. Likewise, the fourth noble truth advocated by the Buddha consists of the eight-fold path. The ultimate stage of the journey through this path is the right concentration (samyag samadhi). In the same way Advaita philosophy speaks about the final and decisive advaitic experience. It is the blissful enlightenment and awakening that descends on the seeker about his/her total identity with Brahman, the realization of aham brahma-asmi-
consciousness. All these supra-normal states of human existence, namely, the supra-conscious samadhi of Yoga, the samyag samadhi of Buddhism and the advaitic anubhava of Vedanta, are in fact, other expressions of the para vidya, explained in the Upanisad under consideration. These deliberations have practical implications in our life. All the philosophical and theological wisdom we acquire through reading, personal study, discussions, debates, lectures, group study, seminars, meditative reflections, etc. is actually only the lower form of knowledge. This type of knowledge is not an end in itself. This knowledge should eventually lead us to the higher knowledge. We cannot and should not stop short at the lower level of wisdom. Final and total enlightenment is our aim. For that we need this pilgrimage through the lower realm of knowing and consequent acting.
49
RESEARCH
Shortage of skilled manpower in infrastructure sector: Study ASSOCHAM has suggested that India should enhance the quality of vocational education and training as per the demands of infrastructure sector. Besides, there is also a need to improve the efficiency of the departments, divisions & training centres and especially the quality of training services in order to the meet industry standards.
I
ndia’s infrastructure industry is facing a significant 20 per cent dearth of project managers leading to project delays and cost overruns, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said today. “India is currently facing an annual paucity of over 10 lakh project management professionals, moreover employability is also a key factor in this regard as most of the already employed workers in infrastructure construction space have not received any vocational training,” according to a study titled ‘Road Sector Role in Futuristic Development of India,’ conducted by The Associated Chambers of
50
Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). “Infrastructure sector is basically a ‘projectised industry,’ as such project management is of very high importance in this sector where the product is tangible, the cost high and mobilization of resources from related industries central,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the study. “As the projects in infrastructure sector are becoming increasingly complex and with wider scope, the sector is suffering from skilled manpower shortage,” said Mr Rawat. “Many of the large size infra
projects like mega highways and others involving greater interdependence and increased regulatory compliance requirements are in limbo as they require coordinating with multiple vendors and optimizing allocation of resources which require professionals possessing project management skills.” Project management requires and involves an interplay between organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other departments, tremendous manpower management, vendor management and strict budgeting.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
RESEARCH
Most of the project managers in infrastructure sector lack requisite managerial skills, while the highly qualified ones are shifting to sectors like information technology (IT), finance and others. With dozens of contractors and subcontractors, hundreds of vendors and thousands of workers spread across miles of project site, they present a unique set of challenges that more often than not lead to severe delays and serious cost overruns, said the ASSOCHAM study. Most of the project managers in infrastructure sector lack requisite managerial skills, while the highly qualified ones are shifting to sectors like information technology (IT), finance and others.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
According to the government sources, over 550 infrastructure projects across India are facing huge escalation in overall project costs to the tune of about Rs two lakh crore due to a series of factors like land acquisition, environmental rules and regulatory approvals and shortage of welltrained, skilled, certified, and competent specialists in infrastructure sector like engineers and other such professionals. In its study, the ASSOCHAM has suggested that India should enhance the
quality of vocational education and training as per the demands of infrastructure sector. Besides, there is also a need to improve the efficiency of the departments, divisions & training centres and especially the quality of training services in order to the meet industry standards. Need for skilled workforce has become all the more important owing to prevalance of an overall difficult economic situation, asserted the ASSOCHAM study.
51
POLICY WATCH
Why market competition hasn’t delivered quality education? Dr D.Dhanuraj
In the past ten years, private school managements and school teachers had to push their maneuverings in the art of sales by offering freebies such as free bus services to attract the kids to their schools. Naturally, this would have raised the competition among the schools and raised the quality of the standards of education in Kerala.
T
he fact that achievements of Kerala state in education and health sectors are comparable with the developed countries is widely known. The recognition for the value and the role of education in social development came as early as in 1817 in the form of a royal declaration in the princely state of Travancore, which stated “universal education, paid for by the state, was an objective of state policy”. The role played by religious organizations and progressive movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries supported by the rulers of that time to establish schools set a new era in
52
education sector of Kerala by the time India attained independence in 1947 unlike other parts of the country. Education bill of 1957 was another milestone in the history to universalize education in Kerala at the school level. Schools owned by private management were given incentives in the form of Aid and Recognition which eventually lead to the proliferation of schools in the Aided Sector by 70’s and 80’s. Gender discrimination in school education was unheard of in this part of the world by 80’s and the respect and professionalism in the sector (guaranteed by 1957 Education Act) attracted the
toppers in the university education to the teaching job. With the onset of liberalization, job opportunities mushroomed in other sectors (even though it was not in Kerala as such). There were two immediate impacts on education sector due to this development; first, talented and able graduates started looking for other professions than teaching unlike in 80’s. and second, quality of school education deteriorated and resulted in subsequent deterioration of the quality of the higher education in the increased number of professional colleges which depended on the feed from the schools.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
POLICY W ATCH
The decision of the state government to give weightage to the marks scored in the higher secondary examination in the entrance examinations for professional courses has changed the preferences of the parents again. With the increase in pass percentage and the higher marks given to those students passing the SSLC examination, most of the parents are bringing their kids back to Kerala syllabus. With the job market revolving around sprucing up of overall talent and soft skills, realignment of thought process among the parents did take place during this time. They started believing that English medium education will do tricks for their wards in their careers later on. Many started questioning the quality of the education in many Government and Aided schools which led to the revision of syllabus and introduction of new tools and techniques in pedagogy. With the lack of transparency and inability of the policy makers to communicate effectively with the affected parties (parents and kids), parents started opting for CBSE schools in turn. Increased demand for private education (this was natural since private became buzz word of 90’s) and liberal stand taken by the State Government of that times, augmented the setting up of more and more privately managed recognized (by CBSE) schools in Kerala. Along with this, the change in the demographic level (with the low fertility rates)increased the competition among the schools in Kerala, (as the number of children started declining). In the past ten years, private school managements and school teachers had to push their maneuverings in the art of sales by offering freebies such as free bus services to attract the kids to their schools. Naturally, this would have raised the competition among the schools and raised
Pallikkutam | May 2014
the quality of the standards of education in Kerala. But the evaluation of the sector poses many doubts about how this market principle has been practiced in Kerala and raises many questions that remain unanswered. . The evolved practice of the Ministry of Education becoming the regulator and sole authority for issuing licenses in the education sector(remember, party in the
power holds the key which does not have any independent outlook), it has become a political tool for any party in the power to boast their prowess by declaring the SSLC results by the Education Minister himself. One is forced to wonder, why is the Minister required to declare results while the examination is conducted by Board of Secondary Education, which retains independency and accountability. The trend has become obviously churlish in the last couple of years with every Government started influencing the valuation settings by making it more and more liberal. This has led to quantum jumps in examination results of Kerala in
the last decade. This year, the pass per centage is 95.47 per cent which is the highest in the history. It means ‘it is difficult to fail in SSLC exams in Kerala’. Going by the political overtures, it is very difficult for any Government (as long as Education Minister declares the results, at least) to give attention to the merit and quality while evaluating the answer papers. Some may argue that the quality of the education has improved over the years and this is being reflected in the SSLC results. But one can evaluate these students performance in the higher education level and their standing in the job market years later. As of now, it is not so rosy as we expect based on the higher results in SSLC. Percentage of pass in higher education has not raised or reflected quid pro quo to SSLC. Since the limited number of seats in Higher education would have brought the cream out of the best in this scenario but it never happened. Interaction with the college teachers and management points to the situation that many students are not able to communicate effectively even after graduation level. Companies have opted out of Kerala market for recruitment by stating that majority of them is not suitable for their work place for lack of understanding of concepts and soft skills. Many of the professional education institutions are stressed out as a result of
53
POLICY WATCH
The participatory nature of the institutions in Kerala has the in-built mechanisms to correct and set the level playing field if the system had flawed in the due course. poor quality feed which in a sense contradicts the quality based at the SSLC level. The decision of the state government to give weightage to the marks scored in the higher secondary examination in the entrance examinations for professional courses has changed the preferences of the parents again. With the increase in pass percentage and the higher marks given to those students passing the SSLC examination, most of the parents are bringing their kids back to Kerala syllabus. In a way, this saves many Government and Aided schools from being closed down otherwise. This would have also helped the uneconomic schools and protected teachers over all. Pressure is also on CBSE schools to be more liberal in their evaluation process. Government has also taken a position not to issue NoC to any more private schools. The debate in this article is not whether the quality is better
54
in CBSE or State schools but the choices and options given to the parents and kids. If there is a demand in the market, it reflects the state of affairs in the sector. If the investment is of the private parties, they would have done due diligence in this effect. It should not be the sole decision of the Government of the day to finalize the matters in the education sector in their favor. It distorts a competitive market which in effect would have improved the quality of the education in Kerala. The participatory nature of the institutions in Kerala has the in-built mechanisms to correct and set the level playing field if the system had flawed in the due course. What we require is ranking system for schools in a more efficient and transparent manner similar to what Pratham does with AISER every year. With the high density of schools in Kerala, the market offers opportunities for the survey for ranking of
schools. Though it may sound very difficult in the school education field unlike the ones among in higher education, surveys are very much possible in Kerala. Not only the pass percentage and enrollment, but the indicators like location, infrastructure including the condition of the school building, toilets, drinking water facility, play grounds, qualification of the teachers, pupil-teacher ratio etc could be incorporated in the survey for ranking of schools. In addition, number of students enrolled for higher education and their pass percentage etc could be tracked in the longer period. This information available in the open domain could be a more balanced approach to improve the quality of the school education and not by mere pass percentage. The author is Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research
Pallikkutam | May 2014
INFO TECH
Android Silver: All you need to know
R
umours of a new Android programme, Android Silver, have been swirling for some time — but it seems that Google’s latest big idea is much more than the support service we’d initially heard about.
that phone owners will be able to uninstall them. It also means that you’ll be able to buy handsets without wondering if you’re getting the most up to date version of Android or whether the firm will bother supplying Android updates after a few Multiple sources say that Silver is going to months. be a very big deal indeed — and that could be good news for phone fans and a big What’s in it for the manufacturers? blow to Samsung. Money — as much as $1 billion of it. What is Android Silver? Silver should help the smaller players compete with the 500lb gorilla of Android: Silver is a bit like a more advanced Nexus programme, but instead of working with one manufacturer on one device, Google will work with multiple firms on multiple devices. Google supposedly wants to help manufacturers to deliver a premium Android experience, so participating firms will get help from Google with their development and marketing costs, and their devices will get preferential treatment when it comes to software updates.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
When is it going to happen? We don’t know. The leaks are based around documents from the tail end of last year and the rumours of a new Nexus 10 tablet at this summer’s Google I/O suggest that if the Nexus programme is being replaced, it isn’t happening imminently. Google is already cracking down on the way Android is presented, though: Both the HTC One (M8) and Samsung Galaxy S5 boot screens feature the words “powered by Android”.
Control. By limiting what manufacturers do with Android, Google can ensure consistency and quality across devices — something that isn’t always the case at the moment. By working more closely with manufacturers, Google can ensure that Silver customers get the best possible Android experience. That sounds sensible enough, but there’s another theory doing the rounds: Silver is antiSamsung insurance.
Why is that good for me?
The devices must “closely adhere to Google specifications” and will “sharply limit the number of non-Google apps that can be pre-installed on devices” or ensure
LG and Motorola have been named as the most likely candidates for initial devices. Others are expected to follow.
Why is Google doing this?
There will be Android Silver kiosks in shops and an Amazon-style video support service for Silver users, but the existing Nexus programme will be stopped.
It should mean a wider choice of high-end Android devices at reasonable prices, and those devices will be free from the bloatware, unwanted apps and over-the-top customisation that plague some firms’ handsets. That’s because participating firms will have to agree not to mess around with stock Android in much the same way Microsoft’s Signature programme banished bloatware from participating PCs.
Who is taking part?
Samsung. Companies that don’t have Samsung’s massive R&D and marketing budgets will be able to benefit from Google’s deep pockets. The downside, however, is that by becoming part of the Silver programme the manufacturers may find it harder to differentiate their products from one another: If the rumours are correct and Google is specifying the hardware as well as the software (as it does with its own Nexus devices) there won’t be much the manufacturers can do to make their devices different from their rivals’.
Google gives away Android because it wants users’ data and Samsung’s dominance is a threat to that: Samsung’s plans to eventually drop Android are well documented, and if it forks or drops Android that will leave an enormous hole in Google’s data gathering. By putting the Android brand at the centre of multiple firms’ marketing and helping those firms better compete with Samsung, Silver could be an attempt to minimise the damage Samsung could do. If Silver is successful, it might just persuade Samsung to stick with Android for longer.
55
INFO TECH
Two new iPhone cases that think different W
ith the barrage of smartphones releasing every month, the phone case manufacturing industry is thriving and constantly innovating. Manufacturers are trying different things to attract users ranging from battery packs on the case to
solar-powered charging cases. There is no dearth of options. Two manufacturers recently announced innovative cases that dare to think different. One of them is an established player in the accessories segment and the other is a fairly new entrant. Logitech Case+ Modular smartphones may become a reality in the near future (read: Project Ara), but Logitech on Thursday introduced to the world a unique modular iPhone case - Case+. Logitech’s Case+ essentially acts as the system’s base and has an exposed back metal plate which works as a magnetic mounting point for accessory add-ons. There are four ‘+’ add-ons that are currently available. The +Tilt add-on for the Logitech Case+ resembles an iPad
56
Smart Cover and is offered in two different cover materials. It features a magnetic mounting system that attaches a connected iPhone to any metal surface. It can also be converted into a kickstand for viewing videos and headphones can be wrapped around the phone and locked in place in one of the tri-panel. The +Energy is an external battery pack that can be attached to the iPhone for charging it. The +Drive is a standalone product which features a twist-to-lock suction cup base that can latch onto a windshield or dashboard. A universal adapter is also included for use with any other device. Finally, and as the name suggests, the +Wallet lets users carry credit cards, keys and cash on the back of their phone. The accessory manufacturer states that a ‘Magnashield’ technology will block the Case+ from demagnetizing cards with magnetic strips.
purchase individual attachments separately later. Lunecase Lunecase is a kickstarter project of Concepter based out of Ukraine. This interesting iPhone cover uses LEDs to
display notifications on the cover using the electromagnetic energy emitted by the phone.
The Logitech Case+ iPhone case is expected to go on sale in the U.S. later this The developers explain how the month for a hefty price tag of $200 electromagnetic energy conversion works. (approximately Rs. 12,042) and will ‘Electronic devices emit very small amounts of electromagnetic energy. The energy surrounds most technological products in our daily life. People have endeavoured to harness this energy and make it usable. We decided to transform the unused energy from the iPhone into a notification system on the back of the phone. Thus, we started to use the unused.’
include all the ‘+’ accessories. We have no word on whether users will be able to
The Lunecase does not have any internal battery and just needs to be snapped on for it to work. Also, it only works on GSM networks. The notifications do not identify the caller when someone calls or display any line of the text message.
Pallikkutam | May 2014
INFO TECH
Cognizant acquires US-based digital video solutions firm itaas C
ognizant will acquire digital video solutions firm itaas for an undisclosed amount, a move that will help the IT services major to expand its service offerings for multiplatform video formats. The deal, which sources suggest is a multimillion dollar tuck-in acquisition, will strengthen New Jerseybased Cognizant’s media and entertainment services business. Cognizant reports media and entertainment, commmunications and hi-tech revenue in the ‘others’ category that represented 11.2 per cent of the total revenues in 2013. Founded in 1999, itaas is headquartered in Atlanta, US, and employs about 200 people across the US, Canada and India. It enables broadcasters and television providers deliver live streaming and video services on digital platforms. It has development centres in Noida and Chennai in India. itaas has worked with ARRIS, Cisco, Comcast, Cox Communications,
Charter and Time Warner Cable among others. “The acquisition will enable Cognizant to capitalise on the growing demand for greater interactivity, higher personalisation and innovative content delivery in the multi- screen and video
market,” Cognizant said in a statement. The end-to-end digital video engineering and multiplatform capabilities of itaas will extend Cognizant’s existing capabilities serving the communications, media, and hitech industries. Commenting on the deal, Cognizant IT services CEO Rajeev Mehta said the company’s strategy is to “acquire for capability and not capacity”. “We
continue to focus on organic growth and make strategic tuck-under acquisitions to help expand our geographic footprint, enhance our solutions spectrum, and strengthen our domain and consulting capability. “While our definition of tuckunder is up to USD 200 million in target company revenue, the sweet spot is between $20 million and $80 million,” he added. Cognizant has made acquisitions like Equinox in France and six companies of the C1 Group in Germany, MediCall and PIPC in the past. The expanded capabilities will also help Cognizant support other industries like banking, retail, and healthcare, which are rolling out advanced customer and business platforms centered on video. “Cognizant’s global reach, experience and entrepreneurial culture will allow us to offer our current and future customers greater scale, a broader range of services, comprehensive solutions, and world-leading consulting and delivery expertise,” itaas President and CEO Vibha Rustagi said.
Motorola website ‘discloses’ Moto X successor’s name
I
t seems the rumours that Motorola is using the same naming scheme as Dungeons and Dragons are true. The successor to last year's popular Moto X will be called the Moto X+1, according to a report that popped up in April, and some hard evidence to support the name just appeared on Motorola's own website. This has since been corrected, but for a time if you changed the URL for Motorola's Moto Maker website (from FLEXR1 to FLEXR2), you got a placeholder site with the name "Moto X+1" on it, according to the German site mobiFlip. Unless the people building Motorola's websites are getting their info from the same place we are, that's a
Pallikkutam | May 2014
pretty good indication that Moto X+1 is the phone's real name. All will be revealed
Besides the moniker, little is known about the next Moto X, though what could be its
specs appeared on a benchmarking site last week. The site pegged a phone called the XT912A with a 5.2-inch 1080p HD screen, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 1.7GB of memory (probably more like 2GB), 24GB of internal storage and Android 4.4.3 KitKat. There's good indication that the XT912A refers to the Moto X+1 — including the fact that the Moto X used the same model number — but it might also be a Droid Razr successor, so there remains some doubt. In fact, all the rumours about the Moto X+1 so far come with a pinch of doubt, but given the original Moto X was announced in summer 2013 it's probably safe to bet that a reveal is coming soon.
57
CAREER
The art of
career planning Yulin Peng
List out things that motivate you, that you aspire for, your dreams things you would want more than anything else in the world. Find your fit between the person you are and the dream you wish to achieve. As this picture gets clearer you become more aware, confident and purposeful.
C
areer planning is an exercise that is well worth the time invested in it because it sets you going on the path that leads to where you would like to go. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity regarding your career objectives as well and it best done before you embark on your job search. Often most people get stuck at the very beginning of the planning process itself. There seem to be too many choices that are throwing themselves at you with all kinds of material gains, fame and wealth, comfort and luxury, glamour and beauty. From acting to singing, writing to banking, software programming to business, choices confuse you. Naturally feelings of selfdoubt might creep in at this stage. Am I
58
good enough for that, you may ask, or how do I become successful at this. After some time of pondering over many career paths you may end up thinking that maybe you are no good for any of these things after all.
worry, many have tread this path and quite successfully at that too) and in the second you are carefully working your way to your reward which could be clearly spelt out to be a consequence of your work or occupation.
Here is where a bit of career planning helps. There are two ways of starting off. One is to find out what you really like doing and do it irrespective of the gains and growth patterns and the second is to find out what really motivates you, find out which among the careers gives you what you want and build up competencies for it. Either way you will get what you want - in the first method the journey itself is your reward (though many will discourage you on this path, but don’t
Whichever path you choose, it is most important to know your individual strengths and weaknesses. Sit down and assess yourself honestly. Think of all your accomplishments, of all the compliments you got, of all the work that really inspired you, of the times when you worked with passion at and jot them all down. You will find that as you note down your victories, your achievements etc a pattern will emerge. You can find that you are good at organizing, at making people
Pallikkutam | May 2014
CAREER
All careers without exception would certainly require a good writing and verbal communicating ability so please work on that, a pleasing and well-mannered personality, a professional work ethic and good inter-personal skills. comfortable, at leading, at solving puzzles, at physical activity, at playing music or games. Each of these represents a career option by itself or throws up some characteristic in you - qualities that could be good assets in your future career options.
goal to set up your own firm or to head a large company (the same may not be possible if you inherently like to paint for long hours). It is best to be honest with yourself at this stage because most people take decisions based on glamorous misconceptions about certain careers and later change them. For example if you wish Now list out things that motivate you, that to be an airhostess, check out the sources you aspire for, your dreams - things you available to the kind of work that is would want more than anything else in the associated with being an airhostess. Only world. Find your fit between the person if you really enjoy doing that kind of work you are and the dream you wish to and the rewards that come with it must achieve. As this picture gets clearer you you opt for it. Else look further for what become more aware, confident and really fits you. Growth, rewards, purposeful. Attributes that serve you well recognition and most importantly job along the way. You have now formed a satisfaction and a good quality of life come sharp picture of yourself with specific from one thing -loving your job. Having saleable qualities. Based on your aspiration decided on a particular direction, build level and your aptitude, you can also competencies. Specific careers need identify the careers that offer the kind of specific education and training. Whichever lifestyle or returns that you wish. If you area you choose to be in, you will fare well wish to frequently travel and be in if you strive to be the best in it. Leave command of a dynamic business you can your individual brand on it. Learn the zero down to careers in marketing with a
Pallikkutam | May 2014
ropes by acquiring information, by taking up courses, by taking up internships and summer jobs, by learning the economics of the job, by adding special skills that help in handling the job with greater proficiency. All careers without exception would certainly require a good writing and verbal communicating ability so please work on that, a pleasing and wellmannered personality, a professional work ethic and good inter-personal skills. Work on these important soft skills along with as you plan your career. A final word! If you have a goal then be clear about it and start walking towards it. You will learn along the way. You will acquire skills and competencies that help you along. The important thing is to start the journey. The author is a recruiting researcher and the owner of http://www.job-employmentguide.com.
59
HEAL TH WATCH HEALTH
Improving your concentration Become a highly disciplined time manager. There are roughly 168 hours in a week. This surely allows plenty of time for achievement of the many goals we desire to accomplish. Be ruthless with your time. Set aside a few minutes each morning to plan your day.
H
ere are a few tips to help you Improve your concentration
1. To enhance your concentration and powers of focus, count your steps when you walk. This is a particularly strong technique. Take six steps while taking a long inhale, hold your breath for another six steps, and then exhale for six steps. If six steps is too long for the breaths, do whatever you feel comfortable with. You will feel very alert, refreshed, internally quiet and centered after this exercise. So many people allow their minds to be filled with mental chatter. All peak performers appreciate the power of a quiet, clear mind which will concentrate steadily on all important tasks.
60
2. Enhance your will-power; it is likely one of the best training programs you can invest in. Here are some ideas to strengthen your will and become a stronger person: a) Do not let your mind float like a piece of paper in the wind. Work hard to keep it focused at all times. When doing a task, think of nothing else. When walking to work, count the steps that it takes to get all the way to the office. This is not easy but your mind will soon understand that you hold its reins and not vice versa. Your mind must eventually become as still as a candle flame in a corner where there is no draft.
b) Your will is like a muscle. You must first exercise it and then push before it gets stronger. This necessarily involves short term pain but be assured that the improvements will come and will touch your character in a most positive way. When you are hungry, wait another hour before your meal. When you are laboring over a difficult task and your mind is prompting you to pick up the latest magazine for a break or to get up and go talk to a friend, curb the impulse. Soon you will be able to sit for hours in a precisely concentrated state. Sir Issac Newton, one of the greatest classical physicists the world has produced, once said: “if I have done the public any service,
Pallikkutam | May 2014
HEAL TH W AT CH HEALTH
To enhance your concentration, read a passage in a book you have never explored. Then try to recite it verbatim. Practice this for only 5 minutes a day and enjoy the results which follow after a few months of effort. it is due to patient thought.� Newton had a remarkable ability to sit quietly and think without interruption for very long periods of time. If he can develop this so can you. c) You can also build your will-power by restraint in your conduct with others. Speak less (use the 60/40 Rule = listen 60% of the time and speak a mere 40%, if that). This will not only make you more popular but you will learn much wisdom as everyone we meet, every day has something to teach us. Also restrain the urge to gossip or to condemn someone who you feel has made a mistake. Stop complaining and develop a cheerful, vital and strong personality. You will greatly influence others. 3. Become a highly disciplined time manager. There are roughly 168 hours in a week. This surely allows plenty of time for achievement of the many goals we
Pallikkutam | May 2014 60
desire to accomplish. Be ruthless with your time. Set aside a few minutes each morning to plan your day. Plan around your priorities and focus on not only those tasks which are immediate but not important (i.e., many telephone calls) but especially on those which are important but not urgent, for these allow for the greatest personal and professional development. Important but not immediate activities are those which produce longterm, sustainable benefits and include exercise, strategic planning, the development of relationships and professional education. Never let the things which matter most be placed in the backseat as compared to those that matter least. 4.The Two Minute Mind is an excellent exercise for developing concentration. Simply stare at the second hand on your
wristwatch for two minutes and think about nothing else for that time. At first your mind will wander but after 21 days of practice, your attention will not waver during the routine. One of the greatest qualities a person can develop to ensure his success is the ability to focus for extended periods of time. Learn to build up your concentration muscles and no task will be too difficult for you. 5. To enhance your concentration, read a passage in a book you have never explored. Then try to recite it verbatim. Practice this for only 5 minutes a day and enjoy the results which follow after a few months of effort. 6. 83% of our sensory input comes from our eyes. To truly concentrate on something, shut your eyes and you will remove much distraction.
Pallikkutam | April 2014 61
GUEST COLUMN
hni∏pw \∑bpw sI F¬ taml\h¿Ω
temIØnse G‰hpw al\obamb I¿Ωw hni°p∂h\v `£Ww sImSp°pI F∂XmWv. kvt\ltØmsS \¬Ip∂ `£WØn\v hbdp am{Xa√, a\ pw \ndbv°m≥ km[n°pw. \ΩpsSb{Xbpw `mKyan√mØ P\Øns‚ hni∏p am‰pI F∂Xv \ΩpsS hnImcw B°n°qtS ? ΩpsS PohnXØns‚ e£yw F¥mWv ?
\
\msa√mw hn`n∂cmWv. icocØns‚bpw a\ ns‚bpw Ignhnepw Ignhn√mbvabnepw. At∏mƒ e£yhpw hyXykvXamImsX \nh¿Ønbn√. ]s£ \Ωƒ F√mhcnepw Hcp tIma¨ Unt\mant\‰¿ D≠-v. \ΩpsS Bbp pw BtcmKyhpw ¢n]vXamWv. ssZh\n›bw F∂p ]dbmw. F√mhcpw acn°pw. H∂pw Akm≤ya√ F∂v hoºSn® s\t∏mfnb\pw temIw apgph≥ IogS°ntb ASßq F∂p hmin ]nSn® AeIvkm≠-dpw acn®p.
62
]pcmWØnse F√m AXnImbcpw, IYm]m{Xßfn¬s∏Sp∂n√. F¥n\v {iocma\pw {ioIyjvW\pw lncWyIin]phpw cmhW\pw t]mepw acn®p. X] p sNbvXv acWan√mXm°m≥ hcw t\Snbn´pw ^eap-≠mbn√. `mcXob]pcmWØn¬ Ggp almhnjvWp AhXmcsaSpØv NncRvPohnIfp≠-v. acWØn¬ ChcpsS PohnXØn\v \n∂v Hgnhm°s∏´h¿. Xnc»oebn´p. Aiz∞mamhv, alm_en, l\pam≥, hn`ojW≥, Iy]mNmcy¿, ]cipcma≥, hymk≥. Chscms° a\pjys‚ ASßmØ hnhn[ kz`mhsshcp≤yØns\ {]Xn\n[oIcn°p∂hcmWv. ]s£ Chcmcpw kzbw Hcp X´Iw kyjvSn®v temIsØ \bn® \qdp IW°n\v ]pcmW
At∏mƒ \Ωƒ acnt® ]‰q. ssSw enan‰p≠-v.]s£ AXp hsc Pohn°Ww. \mw ]nd∂p hogp∂ \nanjw apX¬ Pohn°m≥ A\nhmcyambXv, H∏w th-≠Xv, izkn°m≥ ip≤hmbphpw IpSn°m≥ ip≤PehpamWv. AXp Ign™m¬ `£Ww. ]ns∂ Ifnbpw. Blmchpw Ifnbpw Pallikkutam | May 2014
GUEST COLUMN
C¥ybn¬ Hcp aWn°q¿ tPmen°v G‰hpa[nIw ]Ww Iqenbmbn e`n°p∂ hy‡nIfnsemcmfmWv XangIØns‚ kq∏¿ kq∏¿Ãm¿ cP\oIm¥v. aWn°qdn\v G‰hpw Ipd®v hne e`n°p∂ C¥y°mcn¬ HcmfmWv IeymWkpμcw. ]s£ X߃°p In´p∂ ]WØns‚ D]tbmKw h®p t\m°nbt∏mƒ IeymWkpμcØns‚ aWn°qdpIƒ°mWv hne IqSpX¬ F∂v hni∏v F¥msW∂v Ip´n°meØv Adn™ncp∂ cP\oIm¥n\p tXm∂nbncn°Ww. cP\n IeymWkpμcsØ AO\mbn ZsØSpØp. am{XamWv temIsØhnsSbpw Ip™pßtfmSp tNmZn®m¬ Ah¿°v CjvSap≈Xmbn ]dbp∂Xv. kzm¿∞hpw B¿Ønbpw Akqbbpw \ΩpsS IqS∏nd∏mWv. H∏w kvt\lhpw km¥z\hpw Zbbpw \¬Im\p≈ Ignhpw \ap°p≠-v. Cu anIvknemWv \mw hfcp∂Xv. acn°p∂Xp hsc kt¥mjw Is-≠tØ≠-Xv. \ΩpsS IgnhpIsf ]q¿Æambn hnIkn∏n®v Cu kt¥mjw ssIhcn°pI F∂Xp am{XamWv A¥naambn \ap°p \ΩpsS PohnXØns‚ e£yambn kzoIcn°mhp∂Xv.
Bibw Fs∂ Akzÿ\m°n. temIØnse G‰hpw al\obamb I¿Ωw hni°p∂h\v `£Ww sImSp°pI F∂XmWv. kvt\ltØmsS \¬Ip∂ `£WØn\v hbdp am{Xa√, a\ pw \ndbv°m≥ km[n°pw.
C¥ybn¬ Hcp aWn°q¿ tPmen°v G‰hpa[nIw ]Ww Iqenbmbn e`n°p∂ hy‡nIfnsemcmfmWv XangIØns‚ kq∏¿ kq∏¿Ãm¿ cP\oIm¥v. aWn°qdn\v G‰hpw Ipd®v hne e`n°p∂ C¥y°mcn¬ HcmfmWv IeymWkpμcw. ]s£ X߃°p In´p∂ ]WØns‚ D]tbmKw h®p t\m°nbt∏mƒ IeymWkpμcØns‚ aWn°qdpIƒ°mWv hne IqSpX¬ F∂v hni∏v F¥msW∂v Ip´n°meØv Adn™ncp∂ cP\oIm¥n\p tXm∂nbncn°Ww. cP\n IeymWkpμcsØ AO\mbn ZsØSpØp.
Fßns\ Cu anIvkv skeIvSp sNøpw ? \ap°p hni∏n¬ \n∂p XpSßmw. tbip{InkvXp A©∏Øn¬ \n∂v Aømbncw kyjvSn®Xv PmehnZy Bbncp∂n√. {]`mjWw tIƒ°m≥ h∂ F√mhtcmSpw Ah¿ sIm-≠p h∂ `£Wsa√mw HcnSØp \nt£]n°m≥ {InkvXp`Khm≥ Bhiys∏´p. Zcn{Z\v H∂pan√mbncp∂p. CSØc°mc\v c-≠pw [\hm\v \qdpw Ipt_c\v AXn¬ IqSpXepw. Ahsb√mw H∂n®n´v hoXw h®t∏mƒ F√mh¿°pw hbdp \ndbv°m\mbn. _m°n hcnIbpw sNbvXp. DkvXmZv tlm´¬ F∂ kn\nam CubnsS ho-≠pw I-≠t∏mƒ, s]s´∂v AXn¬ AXni‡ntbmsS XneI\`n\bn® Icnw F∂ tImgnt°m´v tlm´¬ \SØp∂ IYm]m{Xw a\ nem°nØ∂ Pallikkutam | May 2014
Hcp AO≥. t]cv IeymWkpμcw. At±lØn\v a°fn√. At±lw hnhmlw Ign®n´n√. ]s£ At±lw a°sft∏mseImWp∂ \qdmbncw Ip´nIfp-≠mbncp∂p. At±lsØ°pdn®v tI´ cP\oIm¥v At±lsØ AO\mbn ZsØSpØp.
F\n°p thsdmcp IY Hm¿Ω h∂p. a°fn√mØ AO\Ωam¿ Ip™pßsf ZsØSp°pw. cmPm°∑m¿ \oec‡w kncIfntemSp∂ A\¥cmhImin C√msX h∂m¬ _‘pIpSpw_ßfn¬ \n∂v Ip´nIsf ZsØSp°pw. kaqlw AwKoIcn® \m´p \S∏mWv. ]s£ AOs\ ZsØSpØmtem ? ]Ww F¥n\msW∂v I≠-p]nSn®
IeymWkpμcw kv°qfn¬ ]Tn°p∂ ImeØmbncp∂p 1962 se Ct¥m ssN\m bp≤w. Bthiw ]q≠-v Ah≥ Xs‚ GI kzØmbncp∂ kz¿Æ ame Hcp s]mXp thZnbn¬ h®v bp≤^≠nte°v apX¬°q´m\mbn A∂sØ a{Zmkv apJya{¥nbmbncp∂ ImacmPn\v ka¿∏n®p. Cu XymKw ]{XØn¬ hm¿Øbmbn√. IeymWkpμcw hm¿Ø hcpØm≥ B\μhnIS≥ amknIbpsS ]{Xm[n]sc kao]n®p. F√mw IuXpItØmsS tI´n´v At±lw ]d™p. Cu ame
63
GUEST COLUMN
Ggmw hb n¬ \mSI{Sq∏n¬ tNcm\mbn hoSphn´v HmSnt∏mb Fw Pn B¿ kn\nabnepw cmjv{SobØnepw D∂X\mbn. ]s£ At±lØns‚ e£yambn amdnb \∑bpsS anIvkv hni°p∂h\v Blmcw \¬Ip∂Xnbmencp∂p. C¥ybnse BZysØ kv°qƒ D® `£W]cn]mSn k¿°m¿ ]≤XnbpsS `mKambn \S∏nembXv Xangv\m´nembncp∂p. \o kz¥ambn ]WnsbSpØv D≠m°nbX√. \ns‚ AO≥ X∂XmWv. C\n \o F∂v kz¥ambn D≠-m°nb ]Ww \√ ImcyØn\mbn Zm\w sNøp∂pthm At∏mƒ \o ChnsS hm. Rm≥ AXv hm¿Øbm°mw. IeymWkpμcw ]Tn®p. ]co£Iƒ ]mkmbn. ap∏Xp h¿jw sset{_dnb\mbn tPmen sNbvXp. iºfhpw s]≥j\pw e`n®Xn¬ \n∂v Hcp cq]m t]mepw kz¥mhiyØn\v FSpØn√. apgph≥ ]Whpw Zcn{Z¿°p `£Ww \¬Im\pw \ncmew_cmb Ip´nIfpsS ]T\Øn\pw th≠n Nnehm°n. kz¥w BlmcØn\v sse{_dn tPmen Ign™v Hcp tlm´en¬ s_bddmbn ]WnsbSpØp. kmaqly tkh\Øn\mbn Xs‚ hcpam\w apgph≥ Nnehm°nb At±lsØ tIw{_nUvPnse C‚¿ \mjW¬ _tbm{K^n°v sk‚¿ temIØnse G‰hpw t{ijvThy‡nIfn¬ Hcmfmbn {]Io¿Øn®p. bpssW‰Uv t\j≥kv Ccp]Xmw \q‰m-≠nse {]apJcpsS ]´nIbn¬ tN¿Øp. Atacn°bn¬ \n∂v At±lØn\v Cu ans√\nbØns‚ a\pjy≥ F∂ _lpaXnbpw 30 tImSn cq]bpw e`n®p. B ]WØnepw Hcp cq]m t]mepw At±lw kz¥mhiyØn\v Nnehm°nbn√.
64
]-≠v Hcp kn\na°mc≥ Xangv\mSv apJya{¥n, \ΩpsS aebmfn Fw Pn B¿, Zn√nbn¬ πm\nwKv IΩojs\ sh´nem°nb IYbp≠-v. Xangv\mSns‚ πm≥ _P‰n¬ kv°qƒ Ip´nIfpsS D® `£WØn\mbn 200 tImSntbmfw cq]m Bhiys∏´Xns\ FXn¿Øv AXv t\m¨ πm≥ B°n am‰m≥ \n¿t±in®p. ]©h’c]≤XnbpsS `mKa√mØ Nnehv hnIk\®neh√. AXn\v
]Ww kwÿm\w Xs∂ I≠-p ]nSn°Ww. Fw Pn B¿ πm\nwKv IΩojt\mSv ]d™p. Fs‚ \m´nse H∂masØ hnIk\ ]≤Xn Ip™pßfpsS hni∏p am‰pI F∂XmWv. kv°qfn¬ t]mbm¬ hni∏p amdpw F∂p a\ nembm¬ Ah¿ Xo¿®bmbpw kv°qfn¬ t]mIpw. F∂n´v At±lw πm\nwKv IΩoj\nse saºd∑mtcmSv ]d™p. \nßfmcpw hni∏v Adn™n´p≈hc√. _meyImeØv `£Ww In´m\n√mØXp ImcWw hni∂v Ic™n´p≈hc√. Rm≥
Ic™n´p≠-v. Ggmw hb n¬ \mSI{Sq∏n¬ tNcm\mbn hoSphn´v HmSnt∏mb Fw Pn B¿ kn\nabnepw cmjv{SobØnepw D∂X\mbn. ]s£ At±lØns‚ e£yambn amdnb \∑bpsS anIvkv hni°p∂h\v Blmcw \¬Ip∂Xnbmencp∂p. C¥ybnse BZysØ kv°qƒ D® `£W]cn]mSn k¿°m¿ ]≤XnbpsS `mKambn \S∏nembXv Xangv\m´nembncp∂p. Cu te‰Ãv thƒUv _m¶v IW°pIƒ t\m°q. temIØnse 42 iXam\w _elo\cmb Ip™pßfpw C¥ybnemWp≈Xv. `mcXk¿°mcns‚ Xs∂ hnZKv≤ dnk¿®v ÿm]\ßfpsS \nKa\Øn¬ 6˛9 hb pImcnse 58 iXam\hpw 10˛13 hb pImcnse 78 iXam\hpw _elo\cmWv. t]mjImlmc°pdhpw {]mbØns\mØ `mcan√mbvabpw Cu GPv {Kq∏pIfn¬ 94 iXam\hpw 96 iXam\hpw BWv. CXns‚ BZysØ Imjzmen‰n hnZym`ymktaJebmWv. Ign™ h¿jw 6˛13 hb p≈ Ip´nIƒ kv°qƒ hnZym`ymkw ]q¿Ønbm°msX hgn°p h®v \n¿ØnbXv 60 iXam\ambncp∂p. \\ΩpsSb{Xbpw `mKyan√mØ P\Øns‚ hni∏p am‰pI F∂Xv \ΩpsS hnImcw B°n°qtS ? Pallikkutam | May 2014
CONFESSIONS SURAJ VENJARAMOODU
I have nothing against anyone as the outlook of people differ. The outlook of the national jury was different, so is the outlook of the jury in Kerala. Printed and Published by Fr.Varghese Panthalookaran CMI on behalf of Rajagiri Media, Rajagiri Valley PO, Kakkanad, Kochi-39 Ph: 0484-2428249. Printed at Five Star Offset Printers, Kochi. Editor: James Paul