Crusade against Corruption

"The dream of India as a strong nation will not be realised without self-reliant, self-sufficient villages, this can be achieved only through social commitment & involvement of the common man."
- Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare, the most admired, respected and loved personality of India today, was born on 15th June, 1937. This 74 year old man brought a revolution in India. As we all know, he was on fast for 12 long days and his mission was to remove corruption from India and secure Indians a corruption free country. He is the voice of common man of India today. Every Indian, whether in India or outside India, today hopes for a better tomorrow only because of a noble vision shown to them [us] by Anna Hazare.

I feel a sense of great honour today to write about him in my blog and before I find myself eligible enough to write about this great saintly man, I had to research and read about him at great length. After reading about him in various newspapers, journals, websites and listening about him in News channels, I feel like writing a few words about him today through whatever little knowledge I could gain in the last couple of days.

Anna Hazare served the Indian Army for 12 years and took voluntary retirement in 1978. He was highly influenced by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and it was from his extensive readings of Swamiji’s books that he decided to lead a life of sacrifice and do render selfless service towards upliftment of mankind.

Anna Hazare transformed his Village from acute poverty and drought-prone to a thriving village based on the principles of sustainable development.

He eradicated social evils of drinking [alcohol] and smoking [cigarettes and beedis] from his village. In order to ensure that no one is hungry in his village, he started “Grain Bank” in his Village, where surplus food grains are stored for use of the needy and hungry and also during natural calamity. He introduced several programmes for social welfare which includes Watershed programme, milk production and education.
He strogly advocated against caste system which is still prevalent in rural India. He also initiated the system of collective wedding ceremonies to help the poor people shoulder the burden of heavy expenses incurred during wedding ceremonies.

Bhrastachar Virodhi Jan Andolan [BVJA] which is a movement against corruption was luanched in 1991 by Hazare.

For the implementation of the Jan Lokpal bill, an anti-corruption bill, he was on fast for 12 long days in New Delhi. People from all over India supported him in this crusade against Corruption. On August 28, 2011 he broke his fast with a glass of coconut water mixed with honey offered to him by two little girls. This is the victory of ‘People power’. Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption brought thousands of Indians on the streets. Thousands of people prayed for him, supported him and believed in his noble cause.

This movement has given people a positive hope towards a corruption-free society. Anna Hazare is a follower of Gandhism by faith, belief and practice. He has inspired, motivated and mobilized Indians particularly the Youth with his magnetism, zeal, enthusiasm,patience, simplicity and commitment..

‘Swabhimaan’

‘Swabhimaan’ a nationwide programme was launched by the Govt. of India in February 2011. This was an initiative to ensure that the banking services are properly utilized and is available for people irrespective of economical restrains. The campaign hopes to create awareness regarding financial services in rural India with a target of opening 50 new bank accounts by March 2012.

Financial Inclusion is the delivery of banking services at an affordable cost to the poor, disadvantaged and low income group of people. It will help this section of people to easily access public goods and services specially banking services. There is a correlation between financial inclusion and social development.

The Reserve Bank of India recently presented State-wise index of financial inclusion. Three basic dimensions were considered by RBI:
banking penetration, availability of banking services and usage of banking services. These dimensions were selected based upon up-to-date availability of data.

Rank 1 : Kerala
IFI Score : 0.54

Kerala has the highest human development index in India. The state’s gross domestic product per capita stands Rs. 39, 815 and its population is 34,403,000.

Kerala’s economy is mainly dependent on Remittances. The other major sources of revenue of the State are Agriculture, Marine products & services and Tourism.

Rank 2 : Maharastra
IFI Score : 0.53

Maharastra is India leading Industrial state. It contributes nearly 40% of India’s National Revenue and 15% of India’s Industrial output.

Rank 3 : Karnataka
IFI Score : 0.53

Karnataka has 158 Biotechnology firms out of India’s total 320, thereby making it the leader in the field of Biotechnology.

Some of the largest public sector industries in India, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Indian Telephone Industries, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Hindustan Machine Tools are based in Bangalore.

The Hindu : Life & Style / Metroplus : Let there be light

The Hindu : Life & Style / Metroplus : Let there be light

10 most powerful Women of the World

According to Forbes[ 2011 survey], the 10 most powerful Women of the World are as follows:

1. Angela Merkel – German Chancellor
2. Hillary Clinton – U.S. Secretary of State
3. Dilma Rousseff – President of Brazil
4. Indra Nooyi – Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Inc.
5. Sheryl Sandberg – COO of Facebook
6. Milinda Gates – Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
[Wife of Bill Gates –Founder of Microsoft Corp]
7. Sonia Gandhi - Chairperson of UPA [United Progressive Alliance] Government
8. Michelle Obama - U.S. First Lady
9. Christine Lagarde – Finance Minister of France
10. Irene Rosenfled - Chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods.

Places of Tourist Interest in the Kingdom of Bahrain

1. The Oil Museum : This museum was inaugurated in the year 1992 [June 2nd] to mark the 60th anniversary of oil discovery in Bahrain. Bahrain was the 1st Country to do so. The museum exhibits Photography, equipments and model of Oilrig.

2. Arad Fort : One of Bahrain's ancient Forts was built in the 15th Century. It is the most significant Forts historically in Bahrain. It is situated in Muharraq, an island which is joined with the mainland of Bahrain by Sheikh Isa bin Salman Causeway.

3. Bahrain Fort : The Fort is very well maintained and it offers a beautiful view of Bahrain. The fort has lot of historical importance. During Portuguese occupation, this fort was used as a military base in the 15th Century.

4. Tree of Life: This acacia Tree has survived all alone in the barrn desert for 400 years.It is still a mystery as to how the Tree manages to survive.

5. The Grand Mosque : The Grand Mosque has been crowned with the World's largest fibre-glass dome, which imparts an impressive sight. Its exquisite architecture and Arabic design offers a breath-taking sight both inside as well as outside. It is the Kingdom's Largest Mosque and is capable of accomodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time.

BAHRAIN

Today I feel like writing few words about Bahrain, the place where I'm residing at present. Kingdom of Bahrain is an island country in the Arabian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa Royal family.

It is a small island country consisting of 33 islands. Towards it west is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is connected with Bahrain through the King Fahd Causeway.

Bahrain will soon be connected with Qatar through Bahrain Qatar Causeway which is still in the planning stage.

The word Bahrain in Arabic means "Two seas".

The Kingdom is ruled by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The economy of Bahrain is flourishing. The expatriate community of Bahrain has the liberty to follow their own religion.

RAMADAN KAREEM

Today is 1st August 2011 and it marks the beginning of month long fasting by Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan teaches its followers the value of Self Restrain and patience. During dawn "suhoor" which means breakfast is eaten and evening after sunset "iftar" which also means "a meal to break the fast" is taken. "Iftar" has its importance in sharing food with others when the entire family sits together and often friends and neighbours are also invited. The holy month of Ramadan emphasizes on charity. It is believed that charity in the form of food, clothes or money to the deprived leads to good deeds which are counted by the Lord. The Almighty God showers blessings in manifold to the person who leads a life of righteousness and good deeds in the form of charity. People offer prayers to God and read the holy Quran several times during the day and also during the night. Usually everyday atleast 1 chapter is read so that during the entire month all the 30 chapters of the holy Quran are read. The month of fasting teaches mankind virtues of self control, self discipline, empathy, sacrifice, charity and above everything love for Mankind.