Youth Beat May Issue

CONTENT

TH S SSUE 03 04 06 08 11 12 14 16 YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 2

Editor’s Note Religion Edu-News The Innovator Parents as Gardeners in A Child’s Education

Health Tips for Youth You won't find a miracle age eraser in a bottle or magic pill. There's only one secret to looking and feeling younger, and that's better living. These simple steps that will reinvigorate every part of your body, helping you feel stronger...

Travel Travel the Country in a Minute- Russia

Edutech Trends within Edutech

Writing Writing Well Getting Right

18 22 26 28

Education All for Education, Education for All

Career n Shipbuilding and Repairing Will Fulfill Your Dreams n Career Options in Finance After Class 12th

Learning Enhance Yout Career: Learn a Language

Brainomania Fun Facts !

Ed tor’s

Youth Beat Team

note

Dear Readers, I hope that by now you would have finished reading, enjoying, grasping and putting to use some valuable bits of information received from the pages of Youth Beat Magazine. We really hope that you enjoy reading the magazine with equal zeal like you did the last one. We hope to receive your feedback once you are through the pages of this youth magazine. We would like your support in making this better.

Coming to the contents that wait for you inside, we highly encourage you to turn over to our cover story for the issue: Our Parents as our Gardners, their role and support in a child’s education and overall growth. Apart from this, our current issue also covers career options in ‘Shipbuilding and Repairing’show-casing course details, eligibility criteria and further opportunities in the industry.

We also have in this issue the very talked about courses in Finance for class 12 pass outs. A good read for all the aspirants planning to take up Finance as their career. Interesting coverage on how to be a better writer for all the budding aspirants of civil service exams. The most interesting part in the issues yet to come, subtle mind teasers and brain jamming questions that roughen up your mind skills and make you think like never before.

These questions brush your mind thinking skills and entertain you at the same time.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our young writers whose creativity and writing skills have helped us with the ideas behind this magazine and the content of our this month’s issue. We also give deepest gratitude to our patrons, who have done all in their capacity to bring to you topics of ultimate relevance and interest.

With this we have some more surprises in store for you too. Let us know if they delight you.

We look forward to hear from you on the topics being and more on the topics and issues that you would like to hear on from us.

Adios till the next issue. Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards Nikita Singh, Editor, Youth Beat

Editorial Publisher & Printer - Ajay Solanki Chief Editor - Madhu Suri Editor - Nikita Singh Content Writers Meghna Sinha Alexandra Cline Ajachi Anthwal Anushe Shoro Graphic Designer Umang Goel

Nikita Singh Editor, Youth Beat

Educational Consultant & Adviser Puran Chand D.K Bhawasar M.L. Babbar Social Marketing Consultant and Trainer Kriti Shanker Public Relation Director - Amit Gehlot Promoters Ankur Sharma Nivesh Kumar Gaurav Sharma Ezjay Rao Director (Strategy) Vaibhav Suri Marketing & Operation Director - Ameen Kataria Office Address Flat No. 26, DDA Complex, Geetanjali Shivalik Road, Panchsheela Park, New Delhi-110017 Tel.: 011-41402955 E-mail: info@campusneeds.co.in Web.: www.campusneeds.co.in Owner/Publisher/Printer: Mr. Ajay Solanki Published from SRS-48 Nasirpur, Near Dwarka, New Delhi-110045 Printed at Asian Offset Printer, 1-D Shahpur Jat New Delhi-110049

3 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

REliGiON

Importance Of Religion Great Spiritual Masters & Leaders

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o you find going to a temple, boring? Does the long and complex rituals performed on festivals seem pointless to you? Are you one of those people who remember god when their exam results are going to be out ; break a coconut and offer money to somehow sail through this ordeal? Or are you a true devotee, regularly doing puja and enjoy jaagrans and hawans on auspicious occasions? Whichever category you belong to, I am sure each one of you have brought your hands together in sincere prayer and wished for the fulfilment of your desires.

But do you know, it was this very act, which eventually led to the origin of religion.

ORIGIN OF RELIGION Prayer is instinctual to human beings.When we are in trouble, for instance , we instinctively wish to be helped or protected.

People have universally experienced this since time immemorial.They felt this way even though they did not possess any theories or logical explanations for their feelings. They just had a mystic faith in an external supernatural power, which we later called God, to whom they prayed. And religion gradually emerged from this faith. Religion can be defined as an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems and world views that relate humanity to a supernatural power. People across the world follow different religions. India itself has a diverse population with people from six different religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity and Jainism.

Every religion has its own teachings and belief systems, but each one believes in the existence of one God. Their rituals and code of conduct maybe different, but every religion teaches that human beings are all endowed with the virtues of peace, positivity, love, joy and purity.God is a supernatural entity, which is the ocean of these noble virtues and we the children of God also possess them.It is for instance, referred as soul-consciousness in Christianity, and buddhahood in Buddhism.

PURPOSE OF A RELIGION A religion exists to provide people, with a way to connect to God.They originated with the purpose of answering the fascinating questions about life and death and to explain our relationship with God.They provide a philosophy to people, a way to lead their lives.The goal of all religious creeds is to bring peace to people and spread hope and happiness in the society.They exist for the benefit of mankind and spread the

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 4

message of love and humanity.Religion in its true sense, exists to help people experience the peace and joy that exists within the depths of their beings, to experience God and to eradicate war, misery and promote harmonious unity in the world.

In this month’s edition, let us talk about the origin of Sikhism and its teachings.

GURU NANAK DEV & SIKHISM Many great thinkers and philosophers have tried to find out the truth about life, and to answer the questions on the existence of God. One of them was Guru Nanak Dev. He was the founder of the religion of Sikhism and was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born on 15 April 1469 in Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present day Pakistan.His father worked as an accountant, for crop revenue in the village.Nanak was very attached to his elder sister and followed her to Sultanpur after her marriage. At the age of five, Nanak is said to have voiced interest in divine subjects. His childhood accounts refer to strange and miraculous events about Nanak, such as the one in which a sleeping child's head was shaded from the harsh sunlight, in one account, by the stationary shadow of a tree or, in another, by a poisonous cobra.

In 1499 at the age of 30,Guru Nanak had a vision.After he failed to return from his ablutions, his clothes were found on the bank of a local stream called the Kali Bein. The townspeople assumed he had drowned in the river, but no body was found. Three days after disappearing, Nanak reappeared, staying silent. The next day, he spoke to pronounce: "There is neither Hindu nor Mussulman (Muslim) so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow God's path. God is neither Hindu nor Mussulman and the path which I follow is God's."

From this point onwards, Nanak is described in accounts as a Guru, and Sikhism was born.

Guru Nanak’s teachings can be found in the Sikh scripture ,Guru Granth Sahib, as a vast collection of revelatory verses recorded in Gurmukhi.It speaks of the existence of a supreme Godhead, who although incomprehensible ,manifests in all major religions, as the Singular “Doer”, formless and indestructible. Guru Nanak taught that God is one, though we all worship him by different names and methods.He is an ocean of peace, purity, joy and love. Guru Nanak also preached that God was omnipresent and did not adhere to any kind of ritualism or worship patterns.He taught of chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times.This means that we can connect to our eternal father anytime anywhere by remembering him. He warned against hypocrisy and false-

hood saying that these are pervasive in humanity and that religious actions can also be in vain.

Nanak’s Teaching is Understood to be Practised in three ways: Vand Chakko: Sharing with others,helping those who are suffering or in need Kirat Karo: Earning or making a living honestly without exploitation or fraud Naam Japna: Meditating on God’s name to eliminate suffering and live a happy life.

The crux of his teaching was "Equality of Humans" without distinction of caste or creed. Guru Nanak emerged as a religious leader at a critical time when Hindus were suffering from not only autocratic rulers but also superstitions and ill conceived notions. He preached against discrimination and prejudices due to race, caste, status, etc. He didn't only preach these concepts but also took practical steps to achieve it. Guru Nanak was a reformer. He attacked the vicious tentacles of corruptions in society. He strongly protested against formalism and ritualism and carried the message of peace and of love to everybody. He also taught the act of “sewa” or selfless action, and this way urged each individual to respect their fellow human beings through compassionate actions. However it should be noted that he was never in the favour of asceticism, which is a lifestyle characterized with, abstinence from all the worldly pleasures and can be visualized as living away from family, and city life, in the mountains somewhere, like a monk.Instead he taught that one should be inwardly ,i.e. stay in touch with their true self, and with God, while living in the material world among people. Like Sikhism, every religion promotes humanism.We shall be discussing about several other religions in our forthcoming editions. In a world like ours today, which is moving towards globalization, it is crucial that the different religions be aware of their essential purpose and work to serve the people rather than trying to perpetuate their own authority.Through pursuig the path of inter-religious dialogue and mutual encouragement, the unique qualities of each of the world’s religions will come to shine.Then all can come together in pursuit of their common purpose to serve humanity ,becoming a powerful force for achievement of world peace.

RELIGION PROVIDES A WAY TO HAPPINESS AND PEACE Just as Guru Nanak taught, by taking God’s name, i.e. by remembering him, we can awaken to our true nature and

revitalize ourselves. However many questions have been raised on the existence of God. Especially when people’s prayers go unanswered, they begin to doubt if there is any God.But the instant urge, to be protected when a danger arrives, the inherent desire to turn to someone ,when we feel helpless from inside, and the unexplainable hope , that sometimes fills us that somehow everything will turn out to be right, tells that a supernatural power does exist somewhere watching upon us. However I feel it is for each one to experience and then decide what they wish to believe.A small exercise can help you though.Just sit still in a relaxed position, clear you head from all the thoughts and concentrate on your breathing for a while. Now ask this question to yourself, that does someone called God exists, who can fill me with peace, and strength, who is watching upon me and is there to hold me in his compassionate embrace? At that very instant, the way you feel ,will give you your answer.

Spiritualism provides you a way to recognize who you really are, and to fill your being with immense joy and strength. The power of faith is beyond comprehension, it had made many impossible things possible. Religion, at the root of which lies faith and spiritualism, does not only connect us to God but also brings positivity, hope and meaning to our lives! YB

5 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

EDU-NEWS

Firm studying cost-cutting at universities

Whistling Woods opens gates for admission

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he consulting firm hired to cut costs at Iowa’s three public universities will visit the University of Northern Iowa campus to answer questions during a public forum on Monday. The Iowa Board of Regents approved a $2.5 million contract for Deloitte in February to conduct the review.

Officials hope to scrutinize issues such as overlapping management and duplicate academic programs. The review could lead to more online classes and other efforts to limit tuition increases.

“A study like this hasn’t been done for 30 years,” Bruce Rastetter, board president, told the public forum gathered at Iowa State University on Tuesday. “All savings found will be reinvested in the university. … There will be nothing done that isn’t open and transparent in this process.”

But so far, the massive databases being compiled by each university are not accessible to the public.

UNI Provost Gloria Gibson told the Faculty Senate last month that Deloitte requested a huge amount of data on March 17 and asked it be compiled by March 21. But that was the week of spring break when many faculty, staff and students were away on vacation. That due date was pushed back a week to provide more time for data collection.

“It is better to have accurate information than rush,” Gibson said. Virginia Fraser, Deloitte’s point-person for the Iowa study, told the ISU crowd last week that the firm is collecting data from both the academic and administrative parts of each university. Consultants will look at policies and procedures, organizational charts, service areas, programs, budgets, annual reports, technology systems and spending on goods and services. “To be clear, our objective is really to understand how you operate,” said Rick Ferraro, director at Deloitte.

Rastetter added that the company will also measure how often buildings are utilized by faculty, staff and students.

Jerry F. Smith, Faculty Senate chairman, said last month that faculty should not resist the study or push for the status quo.

He asked instead for faculty to get involved in the review process and look for ways to make improvements at the university. YB

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 6

sia’s best and ranked among world’s top ten film schools by Hollywood Reporter; Whistling Woods International along with Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion has announced their dates for All India entrance exams and interviews for July intake. Candidates interested in admissions specialized courses in the field of filmmaking, media and fashion can appear for the pan-India entrance exams to be held on April 12, in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bangalore. The courses are slated to start in first week of July.

Whistling Woods International (WWI) is renowned for programmes and courses that are intensive and offer world-class education in all aspects of animation, film, fashion, media and communication. The school promises learning in a professional environment, where students learn from working professionals and the stalwarts of the industry. The campus includes in-house facilities like studios, high-tech cameras and equipment, faculty, weekly celebrity master classes, specialization curricula and student productions. WWI also boosts of several tie-ups with International Universities such as Bradford College, UK, Deakin University, Australia, Griffith University, Australia amongst others. The international tie up’s have enabled the students of WWI to travel and co-produce Films with other campuses, and get an advanced international exposure. Along with growing internationally, WWI is also expanding itself nationally. It has launched Programs in DY Patil Knowledge City in Pune, and plan to partner with the institution in their other ventures around the country.

WWI is not just updated with the latest technology, but is ahead of professional studios and corporates. The pathbreaking Auro 3D sound technology was recently launched with an objective to provide a first- hand experience in state-of-the art film making technology. YB

British universities contribute £73bn to the economy in a year

MVJ College of Engineering Joins Other Esteemed Engineering Colleges

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ritish universities have generated more than £73 billion in a year for the economy and almost 3 per cent of all employment, a new report has revealed.

Through direct or secondary multiplier effects, higher education institutions contributed more than £73 billion in 2011-12, compared with £59 billion in 2007-08, when the findings were last published in 2009. And for every £1 million of output generated by universities, a further £1.35 million was made in other sectors of the economy. The study, called “The impact of universities on the UK economy”, was released by Universities UK and shows the substantial contributions that higher education institutions make towards the economy.

In 2011, universities directly employed 378,250 people, which accounted for 2.7 per cent of all employment in the UK generated. And for every 100 full-time jobs in universities, another 117 full-time-equivalent jobs were generated through knock-on effects, the report says. The general secretary of the University and College Union, Sally Hunt, said that universities were “substantial wealth creators for their communities and the country” and they generated “vital revenue”. She added: “Every pound of university output leads to £1.35 being generated outside the university as a result of their expenditure. Our university sector is blighted by uncertainty about future funding at the moment and, as we approach the election, all parties should study this report on the importance and impact of higher education.”

Neil Carberry, the CBI director for employment and skills, said: “Universities are at the heart of the economy, delivering ground-breaking research, attracting talent to these shores and playing their part to equip young people with the skills the UK needs for the future. “Together with better vocational training routes, universities will create the next generation of electric car designers, aircraft engineers and British tech entrepreneurs. YB

VJ College of Engineering recently approved and announced the creation of Dr. M. V. Jayaraman Chair of Professorship. By instituting this chair, MVJ College of Engineering joins other esteemed colleges in the country in providing highest quality of research facilities for faculty and bring in national and international visibility for the institution.

The chair of Professorship will be operational across all branches of study and will be tenable for a period of three years. It is the highest academic award that the University can bestow on a faculty member.

The selection process for Dr. M.V. Jayaraman Chair Professorship will be strictly by nomination and on invitation basis.

The incumbent will be delivering high quality research output by way of obtaining extra mural research funding, publications resulting in cited references, and bringing in National and International visibility to the Institution. The Governing Council also approved for the Establishment of Centre for Excellence in Computational Mechanics and Civil Infrastructure to enhance research activities.

The Principal of MVJCE Mr. Shanmuga Aradhya shared, “Endowed faculty professorships and chairs are essential for recruiting and retaining the best faculty. All great institutions have the best minds, the most-creative researchers and the most-engaged teachers.” Through this an institute builds a mighty base of faculty with huge talents which attracts the best students to take admission and study in the college. The other benefit is that with one chair, it can touch hundreds of lives through the courses they teach, the students they mentor, or through their own academic work. The Principal further added, “Having endowed faculty means students get to spend time and get experience with the most talented scholars in the world. Students have the opportunity to work in research labs, for example. They do not learn only from textbooks, but from the real world of innovation and discovery.” YB

7 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

THE iNNOVAT0R

The gardener is neither the one with an acute ‘scientific’ knowledge about the plants nor the one who consumes the output, but someone without whom nothing would grow

Parents as gardeners in

A CHILD’S

EDUCATION

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 8

T

he role of parents can never be impressed upon sufficiently in shaping a child’s life and career alike. Most parents place enormous bets on their children. The successful parents want their kids to be super-successful, while those who couldn’t do much in their lives (as perceived by others) want their children to make up for their shortcomings. In any case, the child is under enormous pressure. To add to this, parents often gauge the lives of their children from a traditional vintage point, without much appreciating the ground realities. The intent is not to blame parents, but to highlight an ongoing tussle between the two generations. The last few decades have, for one, seen a wider realisation of the importance of education, and, secondly, given

A sensible gardener knows well that every plant has a rate of growth, a different requirement in terms of water and nutrients, and the expectations one should have from it. Similarly, the parents should resist, at all costs, comparing their children with other children a greater access and options to children, but how has it affected the relationship between parents and children (students, to be more specific)? Let’s assess. In olden days, children were supposed to carry forward their family business, as was the case with artisans, and education used to happen very much within the family.

The family value systems, routines and rituals, social construct in the community, and conversations were all attuned to pass on the knowledge through the generations. This was appropriate when there were not many business or job opportunities outside of the family and the world was still largely unconnected. Fast forward to today, when there are more and growing opportunities for business and employment alike, not just outside the family or city but also outside the country.

This shift significantly diminished the knowledge and guidance that parents could offer to their aspiring children. The role, hence, gets limited to financial aid and moral support.

How should parents react to such situations? I deem that the role of the parents in modern times is that of a gardener. The gardener is neither the one with an acute ‘scientific’ knowledge about the plants nor the one who consumes the output, but someone without whom nothing would grow.

Five roles Being the gardeners, the parents have five basic roles to play: Being patient and farsighted: When a gardener sows a seed for a new plant, does he dig it up every day to check the progress? Of course, not. This would destroy the seed. Then, how does he know if the seed is actually growing? He has to have faith. The same applies to parents. The harm that a kneejerk reaction could have on a child’s upbringing could be more than any course correction that such a behaviour could achieve. When both the child and the parents are traversing an uncharted path where little internal or external guidance is available, being patient and taking a longer view oflife helps. There is no reason to believe that only those who make it to best of the educational institutions are successful andthat every single one who makes it to such places is successful.

Success is an outcome of certainly more factors than where

you study. If parents don’t think of long term, and the child would be motivated to adopt shortcuts too early in life, that is good for no one. This brings in the importance of family environment.

Fostering a culture of learning in the family: Education might be a temporary phenomenon, but learning is a lifelong journey. Because the child spends so much more time with the family and learns so many things subconsciously, honing a culture of learning in the family is often more important than sending the child to a very good school.

What I mean by a culture of learning is an environment where parents demonstrate the discipline and support for active learning for their own, and hence influence the child. Today, with 300+ TV channels beamed to our living rooms,creating a learning culture becomes utmost important. A father who smokes has no moral right to expect that his child shouldn’t; parents who engage in reckless television watching can’t offer any moral guidance to their children on how to plan their time. Picking up new hobbies, having a small library at home, having some intelligent conversation on the dining table and watching channels like National Geographic and Discovery are signs of building a learning culture.

Never drawing comparisons: A sensible gardener knows well that every plant has a rate of growth, a different requirement in terms of water and nutrients, and the expectations one should have from it. Similarly, the parents should resist, at all costs, comparing their children with other children. Even a comparison among siblings is dangerous. Often, such comparisons are drawn on single dimensions, assuming that everything else is the same. However, let us understand that humans aren’t ingledimensional in character or infinitely mouldable. If a child were not as good on certain aspect as compared to the neighbour’s child, he/she would certainly be better on some other dimension. By comparison, parents may cause a double harm. Firstly, they would

9 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

THE iNNOVAT0R

weaken the child’s morale, and, secondly, they would not allow child to hone what he/she is good at. Instead of shaping a child into what is ‘socially desirable’ or the ‘dominant logic’ at that point in time, it is the role of the parents to allow the child to discover what he/she is good at, and like a gardener provide all necessary support. Remember, if parents can’t support a child, who else should be expected to? Anyway, the world is there to draw comparisons, but at least parents should not.

Striking meaningful conversation Often parents find it difficult to talk to their children, with the result that the divide between the two looms larger. As the child grows, the role of parents has to shift from being caretakers to silent guardians. Imposing one’s value judgement won’t be appropriate at all times; for, what was suitable then may be entirely out of place today. The meaning of socialising, hanging out, shopping, career, importance of money, relationships, entertainment, are all changing so fast that often children become parents and parents become students. To avoid alienation with their kids, parents must strive to engage with them in meaningful conversation. Such conversation must be built on the fabric of mutual respect and learning from one another. Parents should let go their ‘expertise’ and ‘experience’ when talking to their children, and should take keen interest in understanding their style of life. This might also mean change in certain lifestyles and value systems on the part of the parents. After all, if parents can’t change, how

Come mothers and fathers throughout the land And don’t criticise what you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand For, the times they are achangin’.

can they expect their children to, when the latter has all the more reasons not to!

Empower the child When the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong starts to blur, it is often better that the child be allowed to lead the path. The parents may be equally mistaken while choosing a course of action, as would the child be, but finally it’s the child who has to bear the consequences. So, why not let the child make choices about life and career?

The reason why the USA has led the world for most of the last century in science, technology and economic development is the independent thinking that children there develop at an early age. However, it is the same country with so many social problems, ranging from incidences of shootouts, sexual abuses, and drugs! India has to strike the balance. While parents have to empower their children to allow independent thinking and taking responsibility of their lives, theymust, at the same time, be careful of strengthening the moral fabric, and that’s only possible through setting examples. Such a shift in the attitude of the parents requires a delicate balance of control and letting go, and realisation of the fact thatparenting isn’t about protection only, but is also about being a role model. These views and suggestions were based on several interactions I had with the parents and children on various occasions. As I reflect on my childhood, there were elements of these practices present in my family, and I know how crucial the role of my gardeners has been for all these years. YB

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 10

Health Tips for YOUTH…!

You won't find a miracle age eraser in a bottle or magic pill. There's only one secret to looking and feeling younger, and that's better living. These simple steps that will reinvigorate every part of your body, helping you feel stronger, more energized, and youthful -- no matter how many candles you blow out on your next birthday!!

Cut back on fizzy, sugary drinks. Go for sugar-free versions. Even better, drink water instead – try adding a slice of lemon, lime or orange. Drink at least 12-15 glasses of water daily.

Keep a fruit bowl stocked at home for fast and low-kilojoule snacks.

Eat breakfast every day so you’re less likely to snack on junk food at morning tea. A fortified breakfast cereal served with low-fat milk can provide plenty of vitamins, mineral and fibre. Other fast and healthy options include yoghurt or wholemeal toast. Or some amazing Indian breakfast eateries like dhokla, stuffed cheela, porridge, multigrain sprouts burger etc.

Don’t skip lunch or dinner either but make sure the meal size is small. It should have salad serving for sure. Be friends with veggies and you going to love yourself too in future.

Help with the cooking and think up new ways to create healthy meals. Make those old family recipes lower in fat by changing the cooking method – for example, grill, stir-fry, bake, boil or microwave, instead of deep frying.

Reduce the size of your meals. Use smaller plates and increase frequency from 3 main meals to 6 meals a day.

Don’t add extra salt to your food.

Don’t eat high-fat foods every time you visit a fast food outlet with your friends. Many of the popular fast food chains now have healthier food choices on the menu. For instance if you are at KFC opt for grilled chicken rather than fried one.

Change your meeting place. Rather than meeting up with your friends at the local takeaway shop, suggest a food outlet that serves healthier foods, such as wholemeal rolls with vegetable fillings or sushi.

With these simple tips above have a groomed self and enjoy happy and healthy living.

But do remember eating well doesn’t mean you must be a health food freak – a good diet allows for your favourite junk foods occasionally. YB

11 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

TRAVEl

TRAVEL THE WORLD

IN A MINUTE: RUSSIA

1. Capital: Moscow, Dialing code: +7 2. Area: 17,098,246 km square 3. President: Vladimir Putin 4.Population: 143.5 million 5. Government: Republic, Presidential system, constitutional Republic 6. Covers 1/8th of the earth inhabitant land area 7. Climate: It is a cold country but there are always shades of grey its summers are always warm with a good portion of hot days enabling outdoor swimming in many of the river, lakes and seas.

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8. Most popular tourist destinations in Russia are St. Petersburg and Moscow the current and the former capitals and great cultural centers also known as the world cities 9. Language: Macedonian, Serbian, Czech

Holidays New year holidays (1-5 Jan) are often merged with Christmas and make up more than a week off.

• Orthodox Christmas ( 7 Jan) • People’s unity day ( 4 Feb)

• Borsch: Beet and Garlic soup • Vinegret: Salad of boiled beets, potato, carrots and other vegetables with vinegar • Olivier: Russian version of potato salad • Shashlyk: Various kebabs from the cancasus republic of the former Soviet Union.

Souvenirs: Matryyoshka doll other fts • Samovars: For water heating • Ushanka and Papaha: Warm Hats, fur clothes • Russian Vodka • Caviar, honey, blini, Pelmeni ,borsch

Tourist Attractions: • Museums: Hermitage and Tretyakov gallery • Theatres: Bolshop, Marinsky • Churches: St. Basil cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the savior, St. Issacs cathedral and church of the savior of blood.

• Impressive fortifications like Moscow Kremlin and Peter and Paul fortress.

• Beautiful squares like Red square and palace square • Streets: Tverskaya and Nevsky prospect The most famous natural tourist destination is Lake Baikal named the blue eye of Siberia the unique lake oldest and deepest in the world has crystal clear water and is surrounded

by Taiga mountain ranges. YB

Interesting facts about Russia • Fatherland Defender Day ( 23 Feb) • International Women Day ( 8 March) • The day of spring and labor (1st May) • Victory day (9 May) • Day of Russia ( 12 June) 10. Measurement Units: Russian system of measurement is Metric, the same as the European one. Except to encounter centigrades, Kilometers, Kilograms litres and so on. The archaic units for distance are versta and vershok for weight:LPud.

Russian specialities • Pelmeni: Meat filled dumplings, especially popular in ural and Siberian reion.

• Blini: Thin savoury buckwheat pancakes.

• Black bread: Rye bread • Piroshki: small pies or buns with sweet or savoury filling • Golubtsy: cabbage rolls • Ikra Baklazhanaya: Aubergine spread • Okroshka: Coldoups based on kvass or sourmilk • Schi: Cabbage soup

1. Drinking Etiquette: When having food with hosts do not get up until you are invited to leave the table 2. The host might get quite persistent when offering an alcoholic drink 3. Do not rest your elbows on table 4. if you are to drive with conservative Muslims do not discuss alcohol even slight mentioning of it can hurt their sentiments and they can even sue you out for the misbehave 5. if you are invited to somebody’s house bring gift 6. Do not give yellow flowers 7. Do not give a baby gift until a baby is born in that family 8. Remove your outdoor shoes before entering someone’s house 9. Hotels are rare so its much smarter to seek out and rent a room in a private residence with own kitchen toilet and bath

13 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

EDUTECH

With changing trends Another new trend in online education is e-textbooks.

E-textbooks like the iBooks offered in Apple’s Online Education centre make it easier and more affordable for educators to provide students with relevant, up-to-date resources. Students can carry tablets instead of mountains of heavy textbooks

O

nline education is now available for everyone.

Parents can home school their children from the moment they start kindergarten until they graduate from high school. Online colleges and universities continue to gain legitimacy as more and more people pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees via the Internet. Schools suchas the University of Phoenix no longer stand alone as the only credible online institutions of higher learning. Another trend in online education is e-textbooks. E-textbooks like the iBooks offered in Apple’s Online Education centre make it easier and more affordable for educators to provide students with relevant, up-to-date

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 14

resources. Students can carry tablets instead of mountains of heavy textbooks. Teachers no longer have to wait for new editions to come out. E-textbooks can be updated in minutes whereas their printed counterparts can take months. But those aren’t the only trends and developments going on in the EduTech world. Consider companies like Khan Academy.

Founded by Salman Khan, a fellow MIT alumni and a former Hedge Fund guy, Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation that uses free YouTube videos to help people learn new subjects, languages and more. The site has an impressive video library that students can use for

Hifikids.com is a company that seeks to educate children of all ages through Web interaction across the globe.

Tushar Sayankar founded HiFiKids in 2010 as a way to create a common platform for teachers, students and parents to create quality educational material in terms of quizzes and video tutorials

learning, refreshing their memories or studying for exams. In fact, today, teachers all over the world are using Khan’s videos to teach students, and entire school districts are experimenting with changing the method of education from ‘sage on stage’ to ‘guide on the side’ whereby teachers guide students to learn from Khan’s content, rather than from their own lectures. Hifikids.com is a company that seeks to educate children of all ages through Web interaction across the globe. Tushar Sayankar founded HiFiKids in 2010 as a way to create a common platform for teachers, students and parents to create quality educational material in terms of quizzes and video tutorials. Although it follows a similar model to the one that Khan Academy uses, where HiFiKids differs most is that the students can create their own tutorials to not only teach others but also reinforce their own knowledge of particular subjects. Sayankar’s basic philosophy is that kids learn better when they have to also teach and explain what they have learnt. As such, he shares Kusmik’s vision of ‘kids as creators’ and not just ‘kids as consumers’. Another example of advancements in education technology comes from Insane Logic. Zoe Peden and her co-founder Andrew Jackman founded Insane Logic in 2010 after Peden had spent three years working for a UK-based communications charity that owned a proven lan-

guage program consisting of sign language and symbols that aided language acquisition and development to build effective communication skills in children with learning disabilities. Peden wanted to create something that would satisfy the public’s growing demand for a mobile version of these solutions. She started building a prototype of the language program on the iPad and Insane Logic was the result. Currently, the company has 1,100 paying customers spending and 5,000 customers on the free version of the app.

Today, Peden and Jackman have extended the brand to include a more mainstream audience with the release of a series of three game apps. These are all around building effective language development by using sign language, symbols and pictures. They are aimed at the parental market, specifically for parents with children under five years old, in addition to the special needs market that Insane Logic has with MyChoicePad. The first game, MyChoicePad Memory, should be out in the UK Appstore in September 2012. Of course, iPad apps and educational games have taken the EduTech market by storm. The application of social learning a la HiFiKids is also a significant trend. Finally, EduTech startups in the learning disability space seems to also be an area seeing lots of innovation. YB

15 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

WRiTiNG

Writing Well Getting it Right Clear, precise and direct written expression in english is almost synonymous with success in the Ias examination. Many Civil servants have made a name for themselves as prolific writers. some names that come to mind are B K nehru (of ICs), J n dixit and Mani shankar aiyar (both of Ifs) and upananyu Chatterjee (of Ias). some like Chatterjee and Vikas swarup of ‘slumdog Millionaire’ fame have made it big in the world of letters.

Many Ias aspirants are not aware that sita Kant Mahapatra, the Gyanpeeth winning litterateur was an Ias officer

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any aspirants may be interested to know that Lord Macaulay who was instrumental in shaping the Indian administrative and modern education systems was a child prodigy who mastered even Milton’s classics at the age of eight. He could recite ‘Paradise Lost’ backwards when he was just ten. His draft of the ‘Indian Evidence Act’ is a classic example of great legal drafting. In today’s criminal jurisprudence of complex technological crimes, so different from the days it was written, Judges find no ambiguity in the general scheme of appreciating evidence it lays down. It is said that Macaulay drafted the entire Act in one sitting in one night. So how does one learn to ‘write’ and is it learnable at all? First of all, no writer is born. Almost all are made. We must understand that good writing is the expression of a clear mind. Without clarity in thought as to what has to be said, no writer can express him/herself best. So the best way to write better is to think better and longer. Remember, good writing is as simple as it can be. A very wide vocabulary helps but one must use words with economy. In today’s world of micro-blogging where

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earth shattering ideas are put forth economically by microbloggers, not an extra word should be used. Cut expression to bare minimum. Always develop a habit of sticking to the word limit. For example when I draft this column, my Editor insists that I am allowed 1200 plus 50 words only, within which I have to say what I want. Thinking your writing through is the right way to control the world limit. Some principles of commercial advertising are applicable in structuring good presentation. The key question the writer/presenter must ask self is that “What is the key message in my written piece?” This can be called the central idea the writer/creator wants to convey. For instance the central idea I amattempting to convey in this piece is “to develop a perspective on practical writing skills” After I am clear about the central thrust or objective, I need a plan to introduce the story. This is generally an “appetizer” or introduction bit describing how my central message is important to the reader. This, I have attempted by introducing the potential advantage of being a good writer. Here, one has to use somewhat lucid language and familiarizing sequences. Description of a popular icon, figure, actor or recent event can excite reader’s interest. An eye catching and thought provoking quote can come in handy. The introduction is like the flight announcement in an airplane. It is meant to prepare the reader for a potentially boring and possibly turbulent flux of ideas and effort required to capture them. The Central idea may also be accompanied by secondary points which may have a rank order of importance. For example, in this piece I am going to deal with practicing skills, brain storming tools, editing skills and publishing skills. The ideal way to move towards clear, pointed and deliberate writing is to chart out the Central theme and the contributing areas in the form of a schematic in a chart size paper. Use sketch pens and write down the central theme precisely. Remember the central theme is also the objective of your writing and also gives the

title of your essay/article. The sub themes either contribute or explain the minor ideas that flow from the central analysis.

The sub areas can also appear under sub headings in the essay if you are using a 2000-2500 word format. It is ideal if you split central theme to 60% of the length, meaning about 1400 words and present the sub areas in 200-250 word formats. Remember, continuity and logical sequencing must be intact if you are describing sequential events. Concluding is also an art of its own where a reference to the ‘impact’ and use of the central idea, future projections, matters that need further exploration which could not be considered at depth in

this piece etc. could be referred to. Quotations are better avoided at the end of essays since here the writer must talk directly to the reader. Once the blue print is ready, sit down to write. While you are preparing to train yourself do not write for 3 days. Look at the chart and keep changing. The chart might completely change over the 3 days you look at it. If you think for 15 minutes daily, on your brain storming chart your final product will be much more structured and imaginative than a directly written piece. To write effectively is to train oneself to think effectively. As time goes by, this will become a mind game which is done without the physical paper or chart. Editing is not just curing mistakes; it is bettering overall appeal and expressions every time. It is completely necessary to re-read your answer and correct potential istakes. You have a ‘no so good’ hand writing, it is important to read and ensure that writing is readable for the examiner. If in doubt, score off and re-write, poor handwriting can reduce score on same matter by 20-25% determining failure and success in the exam. It is good to publish what you write. These days you can blog your written stuff and get your friends/teachers to comment online. Magazines like CSR also offer opportunities like Essay contest etc. Take advantage of them. If you practice regularly, important papers like Times of India, Hindu, and Economic Times etc. many like to publish you in their open-edit pages or letters. Do send your creative public interest pieces to them. Your name in print will add confidence. So, to conclude, please do not take good writing as something writers are born with. Writing is talent, yes, but it can be learnt to a good extent. Of course, deep and wide reading habit is key, but a practiced hand is also vital. Amateurishness in expression comes through easily. Examiners will detect it and decide to test you again, next year. I am sure you want to avoid it. YB

17 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

EDUCATiON

According to the latest calculations by Education for All Global Monitoring Report team, $26 billion is needed annually to achieve basic education for all in poor countries by 2015. Sounds impossible! But it seems to be practical if governments, private contributors, development agencies and civil societies ensure their active participation in funding education in lower income groups. The UNESCO Education for All initiative is upbeat about providing basic and lower secondary education of good quality for all children in poor countries. Education Insider takes a look at various aspects of the UNESCO Education for All initiative

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ithout education, man is a splendid slave, reasoning savage” If a country fails to provide quality basic education to all, then the country will be in a state of anarchy and it can’t survive. Not money, only education matters in a civilised world. That’s why, Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” But how can we achieve the goal of providing basic education to all in the world? That’s a big question before the civilised community.

Funding is the major obstacle before this great objective. To address the issue, a global commitment unfurled in Dakar, Senegal, in 2000 under the aegis of UNESCO’s Education for All (EFA) initiative. The UNESCO EFA movement is a global commitment to provide quality basic education to all children, youth and adults. At the World Education Forum in Dakar, in 2000, 164 governments pledged to achieve EFA and identified six goals to be met by 2015. Governments, development agencies, civil societies and the private sector are working together to reach

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the EFA goals. As mentioned, insufficient finance is the major setback in achieving the goal. But, now, the dream of providing quality basic education to all is going to be a reality. A new analysis by the EFA Global Monitoring Report team points out that if governments and donors make concerted efforts to meet the promises they made in Dakar, basic education for all could be achieved by 2015. According to reports, around 200 million young people aged between 15 and 24 in the developing countries never finish primary school. One in eight of them are unemployed. According to the United Nations, every dollar spends on a child’s education results in $10-$15 increase in economic growth. So spending on education is not a waste. It’s a reserve or a great investment for the future. So how we can bridge this financial gap for achieving basic education by 2015 as the gap is widening year by year. That’s what the EFA’s new report is all about. The governments, policy makers and private contributors have to play a very active role to make this great vision a reality.

19 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

EDUCATiON

The gap widens According to a 2010 analysis by EFA Global Monitoring Report, it would take another $16 billion a year of external financing to achieve good quality basic education for all in low income countries by 2015. Basic education means preprimary and primary schooling and basic life skills for youth and adults. At the World Education Forum in Dakar, 164 countries committed themselves that no country will be prevented from achieving education for all due to the lack of resources.

But EFA pointed out, in 2010, that donors have failed to meet the commitment. “In reality, aid has stagnated in recent years, with an average of just $3 billion being allocated to basic education annually over the past four years.This has left a massive shortfall which, coupled with inflation, has resulted in doubling of the funding gap,” the latest EFA report says. But due to the economic growth in low income countries, an additional $3 billion has been raised for basic education annually. According to the EFA Global Monitoring Report team, $29 billion per year is required between now and 2015 to achieve basic education for all. When we take the $3 billion currently provided by donors, there still exists a huge financial gap of $26 billion. So the question here is how to fill this gap? The EFA report points out that prioritising government and donor resources to those most in need will help fill the gap.With a short time left before the 2015 deadline, closing the remaining financing gap of $26 billion might sound impossible.But according to the new calculations of the EFA GMR team, it can be possible with the active participation of donors from different corners.

How to fill financing gap?

“By prioritising existing government and donor resources for education, and basic education in particular, the gap can be filled. Such targeting is in line with the recommendation that governments should spend up to 20 per cent of their budget on education,” the report says. It adds that governments in low income countries could raise an additional $7.5 billion just by spending 20 per cent of the national budget on education and allocating 50 per centof these resources towards basic education. But the case of poorest countries is different. Poorest countries cannot fill the gap on their own. Even at its low levels, aid in poor countries accounts for as much as one-fifth of education budgets. “In nine sub-Saharan African

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countries, donors fund more than a quarter of public spending on education. This has already helped to get millions of children into school in countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique and the United Republic of Tanzania,” the 2012 EFA Global Monitoring Report finds. “Of the average of $5.8 billion in aid contributed to basic education between 2008 and 2011, for instance, less than half was allocated to poor countries. If donors were to increase the share of their aid that goes to education from 9 per cent to 20 per cent by 2015, and half of this funding were allocated to basic education (the same proportions expected of governments), this alone would raise $4 billion to help fill the funding gap,” the new EFA GMR 2013 paper says.

Aid should reach the poor Another most important thing is the world has to ensure that aid resources reach poor countries. According to EFA, currently around one-quarter of total direct aid to education never even leaves donor countries.This money is spent on scholarships and imputed costs for students in the developing countries to study in donor countries. Allocating three-quarters of these funds to basic education in the poorest countries would contribute $2.4 billion. Together with the $4 billion in financing that could be raised by targeting aid to basic education, this means that an additional $6.4 billion could be raised. The report analyses that the combined total of $14 billion raised by reallocating finance from governments and donors could go a long way to filling the financing gap, reducing it to $12 billion.

Hike domestic tax base Another solution the new report put forward is increasing the domestic tax base. According to EFA GMR, it provides a sustainable solution to closing the financing gap. As the ultimate responsibility for providing basic education for all falls on national governments, they have to increase the funding for education.“While many governments in poor countries are already showing their commitment, they could raise more money by broadening their tax base–for example, by reducing the prevalence of tax avoidance. If governments in poor countries were to increase the share of gross domestic product that is available for government spending, and allocate 10 per cent to basic education, this would contribute an additional $7.3 billion, leaving a remaining financing gap of

$5 billion,” the recently released ‘Making Education for All affordable by 2015 and beyond’ report suggests.

Donors’ commitments Plus there is an important suggestion; the donors must meet their commitment to allocate 0.7 per cent of gross national income to aid. The EFA GMR states, “Economic austerity is no excuse for donors to abandon their pledges to the world’s poorest children. European donors are committed to allocating 0.7 per cent of their gross national income (GNI) to aid, but most have not reached this target, and some are far off or even going backwards. If those making this commitment were to keep their promise, it would add $1.3 billion to the resources available for basic education.” “These reforms would collectively reduce the financing gap for basic education in the poorest countries from $26 billion to just $3 billion.

This gap could easily be filled if, for instance, the United States were to increase its aid commitment to 0.7 per cent of gross national income and target spending at basic education. The gap could also be filled if philanthropic organisations gave as much to basic education as they have given annually to the health sector, on average, over 2005-2010. If these targets are too ambitious to achieve before the deadline of the existing goals, they should certainly be feasible after 2015,” the new report adds.

Increase private sector’s contributions January 2013, the private sector contributions to education are less than 0.1 per cent of profits of two of the world’s biggest oil companies. Current private contributions to education in the developing countries, totaling $683 million a year, are equivalent to only 5 per cent of all aid to education– and less than 0.1 per cent of the profits of the world’s two biggest oil companies, Exxon and Shell. The paper called for the active participation of private sector in achieving basic education for all. The private sector, which benefits from an educated, skilled workforce, should take a much bigger role in funding education worldwide. The new policy paper shows how little education receives compared with other private sector contributions to development; 53 per cent of US foundations’ grants are allocated to health but only 8 per cent to education. Just five corporations – Banco Santander, Cisco, Intel, Coca Cola, and Exxon – make up the majority (60 per cent) of the private sector contributions to education. To give an idea of the small scale of those contributions, Coca Cola’s $24 million amounts to less than 0.3 per cent of its latest reported annual profits. Exxon, the world’s biggest company, contributes 0.06 per cent. Pauline Rose, director of the EFA Global Monitoring Report, says: “Education doesn’t have a high-profile supporter like Bill Gates encouraging other private organisations to contribute. The private sector shouldn’t need to be told the importance of investing in education, but it does need someone to champion its cause and remind them that they are one of the first to benefit from an educated, skilled workforce.” “For political and business leaders our message is simple: as populations grow, if funding con-

The 2012 EFA Global Monitoring Report makes four recommendations to increase funds from the private sector: All private organisations should be transparent about the amount and purpose of their commitments. This would allow scrutiny to ensure that business interests do not override collective goals, while also giving information on the amount of resources available to fill the EFA financing gap.

To have a lasting impact on EFA, private organisations need to provide sufficient funding over several years to assure the sustainability of initiatives because education is a long-term endeavour.

Better evaluations need to be carried out on the impact of private sector interventions.

Private organisations should align their support with government priorities and countries’ needs. The Global Partnership for Education could play a larger role in pooling and disbursing funds to this end.

tinues to stagnate, the world will end up with more children out of school than today – exactly as we are already seeing in sub-Saharan Africa. Companies must recognise what a good case for investment this is: If all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills, poverty would fall by 12 per cent, and that’s good for business.” Two of the top five contributing foundations (Carnegie Corporation of New York and Ford Foundation) and the top corporation (Banco Santander) allocated 80 per cent of their grants towards scholarships and higher education even though most developing countries are struggling to achieve good quality primary education and 61 million children are still out of school. Pledges by the private sector at the Global Partnership for Education replenishment meeting in 2011 and the launch of the Global Education First Initiative in 2012 show there is considerable untapped potential to finance post-2015 goals.The Global Business Coalition for Education already provides a platform for mobilising such resources. “Ensuring all young people, regardless of their circumstances, have an equal chance to gain the skills needed to find stable, well-paid work by completing universal lower secondary education. Including equitable and good quality lower secondary education would add $13 billion per year until 2015 to the $29 billion annual additional resources needed–a total of $42 billion. Taking into account the amount donors are currently spending, the total financing gap would become $38 billion per year. This larger financing gap will be more difficult to fill by the 2015 deadline. There is, however, no reason why a lackof finance should hold back progress after 2015. Government and donor prioritisation of basic and lower secondary education alone would reduce the financing gap to $7.6 billion. But the more ambitious education goals post-2015 widens the financing gap to $38 billion,” the UNESCO EFA GMR paper states. YB

21 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

CAREER

Shipbuilding and Repairing Will Fulfill Your Dreams Make a career in the shipbuilding and repairing/ Naval Architect

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owever, these opportunities require aspirants to successfully complete either a B SC in shipbuilding and repair or B Tech in Naval architecture. Successful completion of these academically intensive requires a lot of study and hard work.

According to official records, students successfully completing these programs not only achieve 100 per cent placement, but also four job offers on the average. Employment options and prospects are limited only by imagination!

Nature of work Due to the complexity associated with operating in a marine environment, shipbuilding and repair, naval architecture is a co-operating effort between groups of technically skilled individuals who are specialists in particular fields, often coordinated by a lead naval architect.

Graduating students will work as a part of a group that is responsible for the design, construction, repair of ships, boats, other marine vessels, and offshore structure both commercial and military including:

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• Merchant ships- oil tankers, gas tankers, cargo ships, bulk carriers, container ships.

• Passenger, vehicle ferries, cruise ships.

• Warships- frigates, destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious ships.

• Submarines and underwater vehicles.

• icebreakers.

• High speed craft- hovercraft, multi- hull ships, hydrofoil craft.

• Workboats- barges, fishing boats, anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessels, tug boats, pilot vessels, rescue crafts.

• Yachts, power boats and other recreational watercrafts.

• Offshore platforms and subsea development.

Some of the vessels are amongst the largest (such as supertankers), most complex (such as Aircraft carriers), and highly valued movable structures. They are typically the most efficient method of transporting the world’s raw materials and products. Modern engineering on this scale is essentially a team activity conducted by specialists in their respective fields and disciplines. Naval architects integrated these activities. This demanding leadership role requires managerial qualities and the ability to bring together the often- conflicting demands of the various design constraints to produce a product that is a fit for the purpose.

In addition to this leadership role, a naval architect also has a specialist function in ensuring that a safe, economic, environmentally sound and seaworthy, design is produced. TO undertake all these tasks, a naval architect must have an understanding of many branches of engineering and must be in the forefront of high technology areas. Naval architects must be able to effectively utilize the services provided by scientists, lawyers, accountants and business people of many kinds.

As a new course in engineering, Ship building and relate courses provide huge career opportunities. The courses in shipbuilding, naval architecture and shipping technologies provide detailed insight of ship design, construction, maintenance and repair of mode of transport on sea like ship and submarine.

Course details Ship – building and repair; naval architecture and other related courses deal with the design construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures. Naval architecture involves basic and applied research, design, development, design evaluation and calculations during all stages of the life of a marine vehicle.

Preliminary and details designs of the vessel, construction, trials, operation and maintenance, launching and dry-docking are the main activities involved. Ship design calculations are also required for ships being modified (by means of conversion, rebuilding, modernization, or repair). Naval architecture also involves formulation of safety regulations and damage control rules and the approval and certification of ship designs to meet statutory and non – statutory requirements.

Students study the concepts of ship geometry, hydrostatics, calculation and drawing of the curves of rom. They explore concepts of intact and damaged stability, hull structure strength calculations and ships resistance. Project work includes analysis of ship line drawings and ship model testing.

Eligibility Eligibility criteria for admission to the 3-year program in BSc: Ship building and repair are: 10+2 or equivalent, A minimum of 55 percent marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics: 50 percent in English in 10th and 12th, Age: 17 years as of August of the year of admission- maximum age is 25, relaxable for SC and ST candidates, A valid and eligible CET score of the Indian Maritime University (IMU). Only candidates who have

cleared the Common Entrance Test conducted by the Indian Maritime University will qualify for the counseling session and admission to the affiliated institutes. The common entrance test consists of 180 questions across physics, chemistry, mathematics, english, general awareness and reasoning.

BOX ITEM ENDS>> Shipbuilding and repair courses can be done in Indian Maritime University, Cochin University of science and Technology (CUSAT). Some institute also provides B.Tech in Ship Building.

B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Marine engineering.

B.Sc in ship building and repair is a three year course. To get an admission in this course, candidate must have completed twelfth standard or equivalent. The minimum percentage in the Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics must be fifty five(55).

Candidate must have at least 50 percent in English in tenth and twelfth standard. The candidate should be atleast 17 years as of August of the year of admission and maximum age is 25 (relaxable for SC and ST candidates). Only students passed in the Common Entrance Test (CET) will be given chance to go through the slection process. Selction process consists of the written test by Indian Maritime University(IMU) and counseling session of the candidate. written test contains 180 question in PCM/English, General Awareness and Reasoning and Said Mr.Sanjeev Kulshreshtha Director hind Institute of Nautical Science and Engineering.

Opportunities and remuneration After graduation, students are optimally qualified for employment in any shipping company, sea-port, and ship – yard, marine logistic company, container terminal, merchant navy as well as marine insurance and chartering companies.

Salaries are extremely attractive! The average salary offered is around Rs. Six lakhs per annum that could shoot up to Rs 11 lakhs for a posting in a foreign country as well as into lakhs as one moves up the management levels.

When compared with other jobs of today, a career in shipbuilding and repair, naval architecture not only has much better entry level remuneration, but also has much better growth and salary prospects. YB

Important institutes 1. india Maritime University (iMU), Kochi Website: www.imu.edu.in 2. indian Maritime University (iMU), Vizag Website: www.imu.edu.in 3. Hind instutite of Nautical Science and Engineering (HiNSAE), Sikandra Rao, Aligarh Website: www.hinsae.com 4. Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) Website: www.cusat.nic.in 5. Rl institute of Nautical Sciences, Madurai Website: www.rlinstitutes.com

23 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

CAREER

-BY VANi BAJAJ (Chief Mentor, ICFP)

CAREER OPTIONS IN

FINANCE AFTER

CLASS 12th Knowledge is the beginning of all great things and the following shloka sums up the importance very aptly.

Na chor haryam, na raaj haryam, na bhratra bhajyam na cha bharakaari, vyaye krate vardhate eva nityam, vidhya dhanam sarva dhan pradhanam

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he above shloka highlights the importance of gaining knowledge. It is only by using knowledge as a tool can one hope of building a successful career. After creating a good base in school one must start exploring various avenues in high school itself. The options

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available to students completing their class 12th or intermediate are plenty. With so many options and without proper guidance one can feel lost. A wrong decision after 12th can completely change the direction one’s career might take.

Making the right choice depends on various factors ranging

from the aptitude and interest of the candidate in a particular field, marks scored in the board exams, the financial condition, of his family etc. For a student interested in finance in particular, he/she must show an aptitude in subjects like math’s accounts and economics to a certain level. The understanding of this, form the base for anyone wanting to pursue finance for further studies.

The scope for finance as a career is extremely promising. Since finance forms the backbone of any industry the key job opportunities are generated in this sector.

As per recent surveys a position in the finance sector has been rated as the top 5 most respectable jobs in the job markets both internationally as well as in India.

Taking the example of our Indian government the importance of our Finance Minister is almost parallel to that of our honorable Prime Minister. In simple terms knowledge in the field of Finance can eventually put you in one of the key positions of an organization based on your performance.

In order to take the first steps towards a career in finance one may opt for a Bachelors degree in economics or commerce from a reputed University. The cut offs usually range from 90%above for a good college of a good university. Hence the first goal should be to strive towards a good percentage in board exams by focusing on the main subjects.

Enrolling yourself for a BBA program with a specialization in Finance from a good Private Institute could also be an option for those who do not make the high cut offs of Central Universities.

If your family income allows it one can think of applying abroad to good Universities, the options being multiple in this case.

The appropriate guidance may be sought through counselors for foreign education. Hence identifying the category that you would fit in much before the exams and results could prove crucial. Making this decision would have to be realistic and logical, not based on some hypothetical assumptions and dreams.

A logical decision made at the right time can help you focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Meaning: The wealth that cannot be stolen, neither abducted by state, nor can be divided amongst brothers, Neither it is burdensome to carry, The wealth that increases by giving, That wealth is knowledge and is supreme of all possessions.

Getting into a good undergraduate program would only be the beginning to the journey towards building a great career. It is usually seen that students forget to concentrate on their studies after getting into the college. This attitude may ruin all the efforts you may have put in to get a great start in the right direction. The scores in your graduation are of high priority as most Banks, research firms and KPO’s look at the 12th marks as well as a minimum of 60% in graduation in finance stream. It is important for students to maintain a focus on their studies to eventually be eligible for such high profile and well paying jobs as mentioned above.

Having crossed the milestone of under graduation one has the option for opting for a placement or go for further studies. In the current scenario the value of an undergraduate degree may not suffice in the long term. Students are getting picked up many MNC’s only to realize later that a post graduation is what will help them get ahead professionally. An MBA would obviously be the preferred candidate over someone who has done only bachelors unless they show great promise to the organization which could be a one in a thousand case.

The next logical step is to look for a post graduate/MBA program from a reputed university. Here the importance of preparing yourself for entrance examinations like CAT, MAT, and XAT come into play. Aiming at getting a high score is the only way to get into a good college since most reputed Institutes only accept these scores. Again having a logical goal based on your aptitude would help you focus on the right path. Preparation for group discussions and Personal Interviews is also extremely important. One must present themselves as a complete package comprising of knowledge, confidence, and common sense, and will for continuous learning.

Having accomplished an entry, one must ensure proper dedication to the program. This would be the final deciding factor in getting a good placement in a good organization. Most colleges offer placements on campus. It is important that one opts for this and makes the most of the opportunities given.

To summarize, my advice would be to give it your 100% and focus on your dreams and you shall build a great career in Finance. YB

25 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

lEARNiNG

Unfortunately we british are notorious for our lack of motivation when it comes to learning languages. But we need to shake off this stereotype, and fast, as learning a new language could actually enhance our careers in a big way.

LOST IN TRANSLATION? When using a translator messages can get misconstrued and worse still, the translator is able to make a better connection with the potential client than you are - this doesn’t reflect well on you or the company. Furthermore, if you are exchanging documents with foreign companies, learning the language can save time as the client you’re exchanging with no longer has to translate documents before sending them. So cut out the middle man and become your own translator.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS If you can make the client feel at ease and show your efforts to learn their language, it will put you in good stead to make that perfect partnership. Everyone feels more comfortable making deals when speaking their native language, so give the potential client this luxury. But don’t stop at the language itself. By learning the cultural rituals that come hand in hand with a language, you will help to build a better relationship with your potential client.

OPEN DOORS You will be amazed by the many doors that will open if you take the time to learn a second language. You can take on new

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opportunities and responsibilities in your career that you never thought you would have the chance to do. Whether this is a translator for important meetings or even moving to your company’s offices abroad. It may even lead to a different full-time position within the company, that you never knew existed, and never realised how much you would enjoy.

LANGUAGE LEARINING APPS. If you have the money to invest in this new venture and would rather learn in the comfort of your own home, then Rosetta Stone is the best option for you. They offer a great service which involves teaching the ‘new language directly, not translating’.

However, you might prefer to go to evening classes where you can meet like-minded people and practice with new friends.

Visit languagecoursesuk. co.uk to help you find the right course in your area, or you could try asking at your local college.

A free option is to download language apps or use online sources so you can learn on the go. Rosetta Stone’s new and free Travel App is available in French, German, Italian and Spanish. It’s great for holidaymakers as it teaches the basics which are invaluable when travelling abroad. The app includes three free lessons and it even provides pronunciation training.

Duolingo is another great website and also has its own free app for you to download on your tablet or Smartphone. YB

Brainomania

Fun

Facts!!

Find some more bizarre facts and play around with some fun brain teasers‌ There's alcohol IN SPACE! in 2006, astronomers discovered a cloud of alcohol in part of the Milky Way where stars are forming from gas and dust. The good news: the alcohol cloud is 463 billion kilometers (about 288 miles) across. The bad news: the cloud is made of methyl alcohol, the undrinkable cousin of ethyl alcohol (drinking alcohol).

This discovery challenges the old conventional view that complex organic molecules, like alcohol, couldn't exist in the middle of space. it's possible that molecules like the ones found in this cloud helped create life on Earth.

The UK is the center of Wikipedia Ever look up an article on Wikipedia and after clicking on different links find yourself looking at something completely different? if you started researching the United Kingdom, in a few clicks you could be anywhere.

On average it takes only 3.67 clicks to get from the article about the United Kingdom to any of the other 2,111,479 articles on Wikipedia. Strangely, the first runner-up for the title of "Center of Wikipedia" is former tennis pro Billie Jean King (3.68) followed closely by the United States (3.69).

And while rumor has it that everyone is 6 degrees of separation away from Kevin Bacon, the average Wikipedia page is only 3.98 clicks away from him.

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 28

Fun Brain Teasers 1. What do these 3 have in common?

Superman, Moses, The Cabbage Patch Kids

If you have six fingers, your kids probably will too Only about 2 in 1000 births result in "polydactyly" (having extra fingers and toes). However, many cases of genetic polydactyly come from a dominant mutation. if a person with the mutation has children with someone who does not have that mutation, there's a 50% that their children will have it. if two people who have the mutation have children, 100% of their offspring will have it.

It cost 7 million dollars to build the Titanic and 200 million to make a film about it The film “Titanic” was incredibly successful. it won 11 Academy Awards and launched the careers of its leads, Kate Winslet and leonardo DiCaprio. in order to make such an epic film, the producers had to spend a lot of money.

Specifically, it cost $200 million. Part of the cost of the film was building a partial replica of the ship itself. The movie actually cost more than the real Titanic. in 1910-1912 when the Titanic was being built, it cost about $7.5 million. in 1997 dollars, when the movie was made, that would be about $120-$150 million.

2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?

3. FOUR is HAlF of FiVE. is this statement True or False?

4. What is the next 3 letters in this sequence? O t t f f s s _ _ _ 5. Bill bets Craig $100 that he can predict the score of the hockey game before it starts. Craig agrees, but loses the bet. Why did Craig lose the bet?

Answers 1. They were all adopted!

2. The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture (film) of her husband, developed it and hung it up to dry.

3. It's True. The Roman Numeral FOUR (IV) is in the middle of the word Five: F(IV)E 4. "e n t " They represent the first letter when writing the numbers one thru ten.

5. Bill said the score would be 0-0 and he was right. Before any hockey game starts, the score is always 0-0.

Source: http://www.omgfacts.com

29 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT

EVENT

Josh Talks: A Dose of Spark and Inspiration for Delhi Students

J

OSH, an innovative initiative started by a few college students in Delhi/NCR, aims to inspire and motivate today's youngsters to get up and follow their passion and turn their dreams into reality. Their first conference - JOSH Talk 2014 - held at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi on the 6th of April, featured a panel of 11 speakers from extremely different backgrounds and saw enthusiastic participation from a varied audience.

The speakers included many young entrepreneurs and people from different walks of life, all of whom had amazing stories to share.

Angad Nadkarni, Founder of Examify gave the audience a powerful lesson when he said - " 'I don't have the experience, is a bullshit excuse." He started fiddling with computers as a child and has been unstoppable ever since. His wise words: "Start with what makes you curious."

YOUTH BEAT | MAY 2014 | 30

Sujata Sahu of 17000 ft Foundation introduced the audience to the interesting concept of "Voluntourism", a program where volunteers can tour Ladakh while also spending time interacting with children in the small schools in the remote region.

Akshar Pathak, a Graphic Designer, showed everyone the basic difference between good and bad design, and how good design can do wonders for a company's image. Shabir Momin, of Zenga Group, gave many hope when he said he was never a brilliant student, but he was always good at the subject he loved - Computers, which is what he made his career.

Tenzin Tsundue, who is dedicated to the cause of a free Tibet started off by saying "There are challenges, and there are impossibilities. What I'm doing is the latter". His passion for attaining the 'impossible' was in itself tremendous motivation.

Jodie Underhill of Waste Warriors received a standing ovation,

for her eorts to "Clean Up India".

However, the most inspiring story, by far, was that of Vicky Roy. He went from living on the platform at the railway station and working as a dishwasher, to being one of the four people who were chosen to photograph the reconstruction of the World Trade Centre in New York, all because of his relentless pursuit of his passion for photography. He has now travelled the world, published his own book "Home Street Home" which is his life in pictures, and also given talks at Google, Facebook and Stanford University!

Papa CJ, the global face of Indian comedy had the audience in splits with a laughing exercise (and of course his witty anecdotes). Being a comedian by profession, he nevertheless gave the audience some pretty serious advice: "Go out there and try new things, you never know what might click. Fail. It's the only way you learn and discover what you're passionate about."

Other speakers included Anurag Batra (Chairman, exchange 4media and Businessworld), Parth Vasadeva (Founder, De Paix

Yatra), and Sunil K Goyal, Founder & CEO, Yournest, a company that assists start-ups mainly through angel funding. Being an interactive session rather than a formal conference, the audience got to ask questions and interact with the speakers, making it a more enriching experience. Ranging from high school & college students in search of guidance and direction, to working professionals and budding entrepreneurs, the conference brought together over 250 delegates - an impressive turnout for a venture that's barely 4 months old!

The event also featured enthralling dance and music performances by 7 year old Surbhi Mittal and one-man-band Dhruv Visvanath, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.

Adding to inspiration, Vikas Shishodaya and Ashish Thapa, two budding musicians with beautiful voices, finally got out of their comfort zones and performed for the first time on stage for a live audience.

All in all, JOSH Talk 2014, was everything it set out to be and more. It was engaging, inspiring and extremely enjoyable. YB

31 | MAY 2014 | YOUTH BEAT