The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer Research and Treatment (ISTAART) is a professional society for individuals interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia science — including scientists, physicians and other professionals involved in the causes and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
The ISTAART mission is to increase the rate of progress of Alzheimer and dementia research. The Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, is uniquely positioned to bridge disciplines and focus on the ISTAART mission.
Why join
Currently there is no collegial group that represents all areas of Alzheimer disease investigation. ISTAART will give researchers and other professionals a place to connect with each other and share the most current news and information. If you join any membership group this year, ISTAART should be the one.
So join Now here and know more : http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_istaart.asp
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
“GOLDEN YEARS - PART II '' - Neurological Problems in the Elderly
Geriatric Cell & Public Health Welfare Sub Committee of INDIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION MUMBAI WEST BRANCH
Presents an innovativeDedicated Programme for Senior Citizens
“GOLDEN YEARS - PART II ''
Day & Date : Wednesday , 20th AUGUST 2008
Time : 02.30 p.m. to 04.30 p.m.
Venue : Lupin Auditorium, I.M.A. Building, Behind Chandan Cinema, J. R. Mhatre Marg,J.V.P.D. Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai - 400 049.
PROGRAMME
Neurological Problems in the Elderly : Stroke, Dementia, Alzheimer's - Dr. Ashutosh Shetty
Questions & Answers Session
High Tea
REGISTRATION FEES: FREE BUT PRIOR REGISTRATION IS MUST.
FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT :
MS. SEEMA / MS. SUNITA
IMA OFFICE, TEL. NOS :022- 2620 6517 / 2625 4368
DR. ANIL SUCHAK : President
Dr.Jayesh Lele: Hon Secretary
DR. BAKULESH S. MEHTA
DR. KUSUM DOSHI
DR. AKIL CONTRACTOR
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Anjali aims to achieve systematic change in mental health
Anjali is a national level mental health and human rights organization. We are based in Kolkata. We aim to achieve systematic change in mental health care and treatment in India. We believe that individuals, especially young people should be engaged in civil society initiatives. Thus we have Lattoo, our youth directed programme, to bring in a deep and meaningful understanding of mental wellness, human rights in young persons and fostering their leadership skills, so that they may become advocates for mental health in their communities.
Anjali is delighted to announce a brand new initiative for young changemakers of Kolkata - the Lattoo Academy and Fellowships.
The Lattoo Academy and Fellowships is a five day residential course/institute on rights, development and leadership for social justice. It will be hosted by Anjali in Calcutta from 19 October 2008 to 25 October 2008. 20 students and professionals with demonstrated track record and engagement in social justice will be selected to participate. In addition to robust learning, action projects and discussions with social justice pioneers, they will also be eligible for small grants to develop and implement projects in the public domain of Kolkata.
We would be delighted if you could nominate good-fit candidates for this course and circulate this information.
This is Anjali's first ever attempt at a public youth initiative for generating dialogue, enquiry, introspection and action young people by on such diverse, yet-interlinked issues as mental health, human rights, gender, sexuality, globalization and youth development. Your support in helping us reach young people will greatly strengthen our efforts.
Contact:
Radhika.
http://www.anjalimentalhealth.org/
Email: anjal_i@dataone.in
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Anjali is delighted to announce a brand new initiative for young changemakers of Kolkata - the Lattoo Academy and Fellowships.
The Lattoo Academy and Fellowships is a five day residential course/institute on rights, development and leadership for social justice. It will be hosted by Anjali in Calcutta from 19 October 2008 to 25 October 2008. 20 students and professionals with demonstrated track record and engagement in social justice will be selected to participate. In addition to robust learning, action projects and discussions with social justice pioneers, they will also be eligible for small grants to develop and implement projects in the public domain of Kolkata.
We would be delighted if you could nominate good-fit candidates for this course and circulate this information.
This is Anjali's first ever attempt at a public youth initiative for generating dialogue, enquiry, introspection and action young people by on such diverse, yet-interlinked issues as mental health, human rights, gender, sexuality, globalization and youth development. Your support in helping us reach young people will greatly strengthen our efforts.
Contact:
Radhika.
http://www.anjalimentalhealth.org/
Email: anjal_i@dataone.in
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
A baby’s Prayer from Hiroshima to save Human Race
6th August Hiroshima Day
A baby’s Prayer from Hiroshima to save Human Race from nuclear destruction
My grand aunt died two years ago. Strangely, there was more relief in the family than grief at her death. She was not like us. She had some deformation in her body. She could not speak properly and she was physically and mentally challenged, so she could not go to school.
She always carried a wonderful smile on her face. I love her very much and we liked to play with each other.
As I grew up, I asked my parents, why God was so unkind that He made my grand aunt the way she was and I was told by my parents that this was not the handiwork of God. This was the result of man’s greed and ambition to rule the world.
I failed to understand so they explained to me what had happened. My father’s grand mother was pregnant when that atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She was away from the spot where the bomb was dropped and was affected by radiation of Atom Bomb. Some thought that she was lucky and so was the baby in her womb, to have survived but that was not to be. When my grand aunt was born, she was deformed by radiation of atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The family decided to take extra care of it and give the baby more love.
Many countries want to make more and more nuclear bomb to get power and to rule the world. But I don’t understand who will be survivor after the nuclear war and who will be the winner.
It does not require courage to drop bombs. One has to be heartless and cold-blooded to do so. It requires courage to stand up peacefully and nonviolently like Mahatma Gandhi.
If only 10% of the budget spent on defence or manufacturing of arms of the world is saved and spend on education and health, then all the children of the world can live a better life.
I don’t understand why elders of all nations talk about peace, brotherhood, equality, human rights, non-violence and established the international institutions like UN for peace. In fact, they are doing just opposite. Why? Why they don’t think for their children’s future to whom they say they love?
Oh God! Please give wisdom to elders not to destroy this beautiful Earth for the sake of their children’s future.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The nexus between the Builder, Politician and the Bureaucrat : Urgent Meeting
REDEVELOPMENT KI DADAGIRI NAI CHALEGI?????
DATE: THURSDAY, JULY 31. TIME: 11.00 A.M.
VENUE: First Floor Hall, Mt Carmel Church, Next to Lilavati Hospital, Bandra West,Mumbai,India
The Bombay Catholic Sabha , H West Ward Federation and Carmel Civic & Political Cell have organised the above mentioned press cum public meeting.
The nexus between the Builder, Politician and the Bureaucrat has reached such frightening proportions that now even Co-operative Societies are not being spared.
In the name of Re-Development , various methods including arm twisting , coercion, threats and apathetic and compliant bureaucrats has led to a situation in which many citizens are not safe in protecting their own homes from the army of marauders in the form of Developers and Builders.
We demand a transparent form of redevelopment in which the members have a say and no injustice meted out to them.
Listen to the countless stories of some of the brave men and women who are victims of such bullying tactics and fighting their cause alone. We can't be passive spectators. Tommorrow it could be our turn. We need to join hands and support them in their just fight.
We need the support of the Media to highlight such injustices so that the Government can be shamed in taking corrective action so that no one is victimised.
In case you know of any one who is a victim of such type of development, please invite them for this meeting.
So just in case you think your house in your cooperative society is safe, think again. We need to join hands to protect our interests.
People's power will make all the difference to fight our cause. Hence attend and pass the word around.
Contact:
Dolphy D'souza
President
THE BOMBAY CATHOLIC SABHA
St Michael's Church, Mahim,
Mumbai 400 016.
Tel: 9820226227 /022- 24463853
Email: contact@bcsabha.org
www.bcsabha.org
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
DATE: THURSDAY, JULY 31. TIME: 11.00 A.M.
VENUE: First Floor Hall, Mt Carmel Church, Next to Lilavati Hospital, Bandra West,Mumbai,India
The Bombay Catholic Sabha , H West Ward Federation and Carmel Civic & Political Cell have organised the above mentioned press cum public meeting.
The nexus between the Builder, Politician and the Bureaucrat has reached such frightening proportions that now even Co-operative Societies are not being spared.
In the name of Re-Development , various methods including arm twisting , coercion, threats and apathetic and compliant bureaucrats has led to a situation in which many citizens are not safe in protecting their own homes from the army of marauders in the form of Developers and Builders.
We demand a transparent form of redevelopment in which the members have a say and no injustice meted out to them.
Listen to the countless stories of some of the brave men and women who are victims of such bullying tactics and fighting their cause alone. We can't be passive spectators. Tommorrow it could be our turn. We need to join hands and support them in their just fight.
We need the support of the Media to highlight such injustices so that the Government can be shamed in taking corrective action so that no one is victimised.
In case you know of any one who is a victim of such type of development, please invite them for this meeting.
So just in case you think your house in your cooperative society is safe, think again. We need to join hands to protect our interests.
People's power will make all the difference to fight our cause. Hence attend and pass the word around.
Contact:
Dolphy D'souza
President
THE BOMBAY CATHOLIC SABHA
St Michael's Church, Mahim,
Mumbai 400 016.
Tel: 9820226227 /022- 24463853
Email: contact@bcsabha.org
www.bcsabha.org
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Terrorist Attack India: Innocent Killed and Government Failed
My heart bleeds to see and hear this again and again………………..so much blood , so much violence…………..when it will STOP.
Yesterday eve there was one more Terrorist Attack in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state. Day before in was Bangalore, the IT capital of India and capital of Karnatak state.
Few months’ back it was in Jaipur – capital of Rajasthan state. Is there pattern to attck BJP ruled state?????????
Terrorist in past have attacked cites like Mumbai,Malegaon,Jammu,Hyderabad,Amernath,Varanasi,Lucknow,Delhi,Ludhiana,Azmer,Kolkatta.North Eastern State…………………………………………………they have been every where, they come ,they attack and they vanish at their own will.
Innocent people die.
Central Government watching, Helpless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Politician get chance to come on TV, they blame each other, install a commission and then forget.
There has been no Report on last attacks; there has been no proper investigation, no proper prosecution.
The government is scared of the Vote Bank. Afzal Guru the terrorist who attacked Indian Parliament is not yet hanged, because central government feels it will effects its minority vote bank.
There is no LAW in India to tackle Terrorism.
There is no dedicated AGENCY to tackle Terrorism.
There is no WILL by Indian Government to take on Terrorism; they are only good in saving their government and balancing with their partners. It’s happening for so many years now.
Its failure of Intelligence, Its failure of Indian Government, Its failure of the Sytem.The Prime minister should take moral responsibility and Resign.
Its high time Government to take action and do something serious. All Political parties should come together and jointly make framework to tackle terrorism. India needs Terrorist Act and Special Agency.
See USA after 9/11 there has been no single terrorist attack in US and they have gone ahead and eliminated most of the terrorist. Where is the Human Right Commission?
We should not worry about Vote Bank, We should not worry about Human Right. Just go ahead with Hot Pursuit and attack all those terrorist camps. Hang and arrest all those Terrorist or people who support them.
Terrorism does not have any Religion, Terrorism does not have any boundary, Terrorism is just an act of coward, and Terrorism is just an exploitation of those youths and unemployed people.
What Government should do:
- Make special Law to tackle Terrorism
- Make Fast track court for Terrorist case
- Make special Para military Agency to tackle Terrorist – Like Mossad
- Make local and national intelligence strong and work in coordination
- To investigate Narcotic, Hawala, Arms, Betting and Terrorist link and network
- To take action against all illegal Bangladeshi
- To take action all illegal stay of foreigner
- To bust all those sleeper cell( as per news paper reports) in areas like Mumbra, Hyderabad , Kashmir , W.Bengal , Mira Road , U.P.
- To keep control of International Money Transactions
- To make intelligence agency responsible for any such attack
- Have separate Ministry to Combat Terrorism
Indian Government, Indian Politician WAKE UP and TAKE ACTION NOW or else the Terrorism will win and will break peace and communal harmony, will stop the growth of nation.
Indian Government Don’t be so cold blooded, you are responsible for all those blood on street; you are responsible for all those innocent life’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I pray to lord to give peace to the soul of all those killed, to give strength to their family members AND to WAKE UP government.
Lets all the citizens and nation UNITE in our Fight against Terrorism - the Disease of 21st century.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
India unveils national climate change action plan
The country lists an eight-point agenda for climate change mitigation efforts in various sectors but does not set emissions targets or provide policy direction on its climate change mitigation programme.
India has finally unveiled its much-awaited National Action Plan on Climate Change whose main thrust is increasing the generation of solar power and greater energy efficiency. But the document that outlines eight programmes to tackle climate change lacks any clear targets for curbing emissions of conventional fossil fuels. It only categorically states that India’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions will “at no point exceed that of developed countries”.
The plan will be implemented through eight missions that represent multi-pronged, long-term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. As well as a commitment to increased investments in solar power and improved energy efficiency, the action plan also commits India to launching new sustainable habitats, improving water resource management, safeguarding Himalayan glacier and mountain ecosystems, enhancing support for other ecosystems, adapting agricultural practices to make them more resilient to climate change, and establishing a body to research new agricultural techniques.
The government aims to save 10,000 megawatts by 2012 through energy-saving measures. To this end, it has set a minimum target of 5% renewable energy to be procured by power grids on a competitive basis, and included nuclear power as part of its energy basket. Five thousand megawatts’ worth of coal plants will be retired by 2012.
While the promotion of solar power and solar derivatives will reduce India’s dependence on conventional fuel sources, the plan also emphasises demand-side management by aiming to reduce consumption levels by both domestic as well as industrial power consumers. For this the government is expected to put in place specific energy efficiency targets for various industrial sectors.
The plan outlines a number of market-based measures to achieve energy savings and steer industry, manufacturers and businesses onto the low-carbon pathway. Appliance manufacturers that have higher energy ratings will get tax sops as will industries that adopt cleaner technologies. The auto industry will be expected to follow fuel-efficiency norms and also recycle waste and carbon-heavy components.
The plan makes it clear to the international community that India is taking these voluntary steps on a domestic level and reiterates that India will continue to push for a more equitable global climate pact that demands mandatory and greater emission cuts by richer nations.
Releasing the document in New Delhi on June 30, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reiterated the Indian government’s stance that efforts to mitigate climate change would not come at the expense of the country’s economic growth. “Our vision is to make India’s economic development energy-efficient,” he said. “Our people have a right to economic and social development and to discard the ignominy of widespread poverty.”
He also signalled India’s support for the contraction and conversion model for curbing emissions, which argues that emissions from developing countries should fall to a point where per capita emissions have converged with those in developing economies. Singh insisted that, under the new plan, India would effectively conform to this model by ensuring its per capita greenhouse gas emissions would not exceed the per capita greenhouse gas emissions of developed industrialised countries. “This should be testimony enough, if one were needed, of the sincerity of purpose and sense of responsibility we bring to the global task at hand,” he said.
The document stresses that “India will engage actively in multilateral negotiations in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner… Our objective will be to establish an effective, cooperative and equitable global approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and relative capabilities enshrined in the UNFCC”. It adds that the success of its efforts would be enhanced if developed nations fulfilled their commitments under the UNFCC to transfer additional financial resources and climate-friendly technologies to developing countries.
The launch of the document comes on the heels of reports claiming that the G8 group of industrialised nations is preparing to invest more than US$ 10 billion to support the development and deployment of clean technologies, primarily in emerging economies such as India and China.
Besides outlining a national strategy to curb climate change, the plan also makes some worrying predictions about India’s future if climate change accelerates at the currents pace. The document, which says India spends 2.6% of its GDP on adapting to the variables of climate change, projects a rise in temperature by 3-5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, with northern India getting warmer. In the last two years, northern India has been getting wetter and more humid too.
Based on climate simulations by the Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the plan predicts that rains during summer will become more intense by 2040, increasing 15% by 2100. Monsoon rains in northern India and parts of southern India have increased by 10-12% in the last 100 years, the action plan adds. This year, according to the IITM, rainfall has been higher than normal in northern India.
This scenario offers a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes throughout the year. A 3.8 degree Celsius increase in temperature and a 7% increase in relative humidity enable mosquitoes to remain active throughout the year, the plan says. This will cause an increase in vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
The plan also has bad news on the food security front that has already taken a hit with rising prices and falling yields in the past two years. It predicts that monsoon variability and seasonal rainfall could lead to a 10–40% drop in foodgrain yields.
An Indian Agricultural Research Institute estimate says for every degree increase in temperature, wheat production could fall by 4-5 million tonnes. Temperature rises, estimated to be up by 5 degrees Celsius, could impact India’s wheat production by 78 million tonnes in 2008.
A warmer India would mean more water in the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers because of faster melting of the Himalayan glaciers. If glaciers feeding these rivers melt by 2050, as predicted, northern India could be headed for a major water crisis. India may also have to cope with the threat of an increase in drought-prone areas and flood zones, with western India predicted to get warmer and northern and southern parts expected to receive more rainfall. Already, about 40 million hectares of land is flood-prone, including river basins in the northern and northeastern belts, affecting 30 million people every year.
Large areas in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and smaller parts in Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and West Bengal are frequently hit by drought. “Such vulnerable regions may be particularly impacted by climate change,” the report concludes.
Source: http://www.greenbusiness.com/ , July 1, 2008
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
India has finally unveiled its much-awaited National Action Plan on Climate Change whose main thrust is increasing the generation of solar power and greater energy efficiency. But the document that outlines eight programmes to tackle climate change lacks any clear targets for curbing emissions of conventional fossil fuels. It only categorically states that India’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions will “at no point exceed that of developed countries”.
The plan will be implemented through eight missions that represent multi-pronged, long-term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. As well as a commitment to increased investments in solar power and improved energy efficiency, the action plan also commits India to launching new sustainable habitats, improving water resource management, safeguarding Himalayan glacier and mountain ecosystems, enhancing support for other ecosystems, adapting agricultural practices to make them more resilient to climate change, and establishing a body to research new agricultural techniques.
The government aims to save 10,000 megawatts by 2012 through energy-saving measures. To this end, it has set a minimum target of 5% renewable energy to be procured by power grids on a competitive basis, and included nuclear power as part of its energy basket. Five thousand megawatts’ worth of coal plants will be retired by 2012.
While the promotion of solar power and solar derivatives will reduce India’s dependence on conventional fuel sources, the plan also emphasises demand-side management by aiming to reduce consumption levels by both domestic as well as industrial power consumers. For this the government is expected to put in place specific energy efficiency targets for various industrial sectors.
The plan outlines a number of market-based measures to achieve energy savings and steer industry, manufacturers and businesses onto the low-carbon pathway. Appliance manufacturers that have higher energy ratings will get tax sops as will industries that adopt cleaner technologies. The auto industry will be expected to follow fuel-efficiency norms and also recycle waste and carbon-heavy components.
The plan makes it clear to the international community that India is taking these voluntary steps on a domestic level and reiterates that India will continue to push for a more equitable global climate pact that demands mandatory and greater emission cuts by richer nations.
Releasing the document in New Delhi on June 30, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reiterated the Indian government’s stance that efforts to mitigate climate change would not come at the expense of the country’s economic growth. “Our vision is to make India’s economic development energy-efficient,” he said. “Our people have a right to economic and social development and to discard the ignominy of widespread poverty.”
He also signalled India’s support for the contraction and conversion model for curbing emissions, which argues that emissions from developing countries should fall to a point where per capita emissions have converged with those in developing economies. Singh insisted that, under the new plan, India would effectively conform to this model by ensuring its per capita greenhouse gas emissions would not exceed the per capita greenhouse gas emissions of developed industrialised countries. “This should be testimony enough, if one were needed, of the sincerity of purpose and sense of responsibility we bring to the global task at hand,” he said.
The document stresses that “India will engage actively in multilateral negotiations in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner… Our objective will be to establish an effective, cooperative and equitable global approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and relative capabilities enshrined in the UNFCC”. It adds that the success of its efforts would be enhanced if developed nations fulfilled their commitments under the UNFCC to transfer additional financial resources and climate-friendly technologies to developing countries.
The launch of the document comes on the heels of reports claiming that the G8 group of industrialised nations is preparing to invest more than US$ 10 billion to support the development and deployment of clean technologies, primarily in emerging economies such as India and China.
Besides outlining a national strategy to curb climate change, the plan also makes some worrying predictions about India’s future if climate change accelerates at the currents pace. The document, which says India spends 2.6% of its GDP on adapting to the variables of climate change, projects a rise in temperature by 3-5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, with northern India getting warmer. In the last two years, northern India has been getting wetter and more humid too.
Based on climate simulations by the Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the plan predicts that rains during summer will become more intense by 2040, increasing 15% by 2100. Monsoon rains in northern India and parts of southern India have increased by 10-12% in the last 100 years, the action plan adds. This year, according to the IITM, rainfall has been higher than normal in northern India.
This scenario offers a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes throughout the year. A 3.8 degree Celsius increase in temperature and a 7% increase in relative humidity enable mosquitoes to remain active throughout the year, the plan says. This will cause an increase in vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
The plan also has bad news on the food security front that has already taken a hit with rising prices and falling yields in the past two years. It predicts that monsoon variability and seasonal rainfall could lead to a 10–40% drop in foodgrain yields.
An Indian Agricultural Research Institute estimate says for every degree increase in temperature, wheat production could fall by 4-5 million tonnes. Temperature rises, estimated to be up by 5 degrees Celsius, could impact India’s wheat production by 78 million tonnes in 2008.
A warmer India would mean more water in the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers because of faster melting of the Himalayan glaciers. If glaciers feeding these rivers melt by 2050, as predicted, northern India could be headed for a major water crisis. India may also have to cope with the threat of an increase in drought-prone areas and flood zones, with western India predicted to get warmer and northern and southern parts expected to receive more rainfall. Already, about 40 million hectares of land is flood-prone, including river basins in the northern and northeastern belts, affecting 30 million people every year.
Large areas in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and smaller parts in Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and West Bengal are frequently hit by drought. “Such vulnerable regions may be particularly impacted by climate change,” the report concludes.
Source: http://www.greenbusiness.com/ , July 1, 2008
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates Join to Combat Global Tobacco Epidemic:Its Very Good Initiative
A combined investment of $500 million will help governments in developing countries implement proven policies and increase funding for tobacco control. Unless urgent action is taken, as many as one billion people this century—more than two-thirds in the developing world—could die from tobacco-caused illnesses. Paula Johns, executive director of Brazil's Alliance for the Control of Tobacco Use, and broadcast journalist Charlie Rose joined Bloomberg and Gates for the announcement.
Bloomberg's Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, which was established in 2005 and includes a $125 million commitment, will be extended with a new $250 million, four-year commitment. This brings Bloomberg's total commitment to date to more than $375 million.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it will invest $125 million over five years to fight the tobacco epidemic, including a $24 million grant to the Bloomberg Initiative. In addition to the grant to Bloomberg, the Gates Foundation will support complementary efforts to reduce high rates of tobacco use in countries such as China and India, as well as to help prevent the tobacco epidemic from taking root in Africa.
The Bloomberg Initiative supports projects that increase tobacco tax, change the image of tobacco, protect nonsmokers from exposure to other people's smoke and help people quit. The Initiative supports the public sector's efforts to educate and advocate for change, and a rigorous tobacco use and policy monitoring system. The Gates Foundation funding to Bloomberg will accelerate implementation of the MPOWER package of proven tobacco control strategies and build economic evidence to support tobacco control over the next two years.
"When I announced this initiative, I said that I hoped others would step forward," said Bloomberg. "I'm delighted Bill and Melinda Gates are supporting one of the most important public health efforts of our time. Our commitments will help governments confront the tobacco epidemic by implementing the proven MPOWER package. This means assuring well-staffed tobacco control programs, raising tobacco taxes, running hard-hitting public information campaigns, creating comprehensive smoke-free public places and banning tobacco advertising."
"Tobacco-caused diseases have emerged as one of the greatest health challenges facing developing countries," said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. "The good news is, we know what it takes to save millions of lives, and where efforts exist, they are working. We are pleased to join with Mayor Bloomberg, who has made the fight against tobacco a priority in New York City and around the world."
Bloomberg and Gates called on government and business leaders to make the fight against tobacco a higher priority by increasing resources for tobacco control and implementing proven policies to reduce tobacco use. According to the World Health Organization, 3.9 billion people live in low-and-middle-income countries that spend less than $20 million dollars per year combined on tobacco control. Today, these same countries collect more than $66 billion in tobacco taxes.
When New York City went smoke-free in 2002, only one state and no countries were smoke-free. Today many states and countries are smoke-free.
Success stories in tobacco control are emerging from around the globe:
- 24 states (including New York and Washington states) and the District of Columbia now have laws in effect that require 100% smoke free restaurants and bars.
- Uruguay, UK, France, New Zealand, Italy and Ireland are all smoke-free.
- Cities such as Mexico City, Mexico; Abuja, Nigeria; Beijing, China; and other Olympic cities are implementing smoke-free laws and regulations.
- Uruguay, Turkey and other countries are implementing the comprehensive tobacco control policies of the MPOWER package.
- Egypt has recently raised its tobacco tax.
- Brazil and other countries are using graphic pictorial warnings on cigarette packs to warn the public about the dangers of smoking.
- The Philippines has enacted a ban on tobacco advertising in all forms of mass media.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg and World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan released the U.N.'s evidence-based MPOWER package to help governments adopt the most effective measures to counter tobacco use. Although MPOWER has been proven to rapidly decrease tobacco use and save lives in New York City and elsewhere, less than 5 percent of the world's population is covered by any of the MPOWER interventions.
The six components of the MPOWER package are:
Monitor tobacco use and the policies to prevent it
Protect people from tobacco smoke
Offer people help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco
"Bill and I want to highlight the enormity of this problem and catalyze a global movement of governments and civil society to stop the tobacco epidemic," said Bloomberg. "We challenge governments to show leadership by implementing tobacco control measures, as an increasing number are doing, and to increase funding for these efforts."
Tobacco Background
There are more than 1 billion smokers in the world today (more than 1 in 4 adults), and tobacco kills more people than any other single agent.
Smoking kills half of smokers unless they quit, and many more are disabled by tobacco. Those killed by tobacco lose on average 10-15 years of life. Second-hand smoke causes lung disease, cancer, low birth weight and increased infant death as well as other problems in those exposed.
More than 5 million people are killed by tobacco each year – more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. In this century, unless urgent action is taken tobacco could kill more than 1 billion people.
More than 80 percent of the world’s tobacco-related deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
The poorest households in Bangladesh spend almost 10 times as much on tobacco as on education.
Medical costs from smoking impoverish more than 50 million people in China; with 350 million smokers – a third of the world’s total – China suffers about a million deaths from tobacco each year.
Indonesians spend on average 2.5 times more on tobacco than on education, and 3.2 times more on tobacco than on health. Traditionally viewed as unacceptable practice, smoking among Indonesian women is now seen as modern and trendy, especially in large cities.
India's toll of premature, tobacco-related deaths is expected to rise from 700,000 annually to 930,000 by the year 2010, with bidis currently accounting for 77 percent of the market for smoked tobacco. Studies indicate that bidi smokers are five to six times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers.
The effectiveness of tobacco control interventions is well established by rigorous scientific studies; implementing proven programs can reduce smoking rates where they are high and prevent an increase where rates are low.
About the Bloomberg Initiative
The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use supports public sector and civil society efforts to implement proven strategies in tobacco control in low- and middle-income countries, particularly China, India, Indonesia, Russian Federation and Bangladesh.
The Bloomberg Initiative supports training programs, journalism workshops, in-country development of mass media public education campaigns, capacity building and global monitoring through a WHO report on country-specific tobacco control policies and a population-based, house-to-house adult survey of tobacco use prevalence.
One aspect of the Bloomberg Initiative is to provide tobacco control funds to low- and middle-income countries through a competitive grants program (http://www.tobaccocontrolgrants.org/); more than 125 grants have been awarded in 36 countries.
The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use is implemented though five partner organizations: the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the World Health Organization and the World Lung Foundation.
Tobacco Control in New York City
New York City's tobacco control program has included raising the tobacco tax, making virtually all workplaces smoke-free, running hard-hitting public education campaigns, helping smokers quit and rigorously monitoring smoking rates and program results.
For the 10 years before New York City's program was implemented, there was no decrease in smoking rates. Between 2002 and 2007, under Bloomberg's leadership, New York City's comprehensive program reduced adult smoking by 300,000 smokers, from 21.6% to 16.9%, preventing 100,000 deaths in years to come. Teen smoking decreased from 17.6 percent in 2001 to 8.5 percent in 2007, a level nearly two-thirds lower than the latest available national teen smoking rate.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
Contact:
Bloomberg
Robert Lawson Phone: +1.212.843.8040
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Phone: +1.206.709.3400Email: media@gatesfoundation.org
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Breaking the wall
A social scientist’s understanding of two countries that have misunderstood each other. As much intriguing as enlightening, Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India are Reshaping their Futures and Yours by Harvard Professor Tarun Khanna contrasts and compares the two Asian giants and how they have been taking on the world — amply supplemented by on-ground stories and anecdotes.
At a discussion based on the book, the author was joined by Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and MD, Biocon and market strategist Rama Bijpurkar and an audience that included ex-diplomats and his students. Much research, travels and ‘shock’ have gone into the writing of the book which Amartya Sen had described as ‘fun to read’.
Khanna, who considers himself “strongly fortunate to have been educated in foreign institutions”, says the ‘shock’ came from the “lack of awareness about India and China in the West. That motivated me to tell the story in first person.”
A book of hope? “Very much so. Post-1962 conflict, India has been scared of China, which is an understandable emotion. As for China, India is irrelevant. Both the views are anachronistic. The book can hope to help China speak of India in a positive way. To shake both countries, it is an exploration, an optimistic look at things to come.”
Billions... could well be described a travelogue that delves deeply into the social, political and economic history of the tiger and the dragon. A look at entrepreneurship in both the countries. Khanna’s book is not bound to the cities. It goes into rural India as well as rural China. “We have lot of entrepreneurs in rural India, we need to actualise their self-potential,” he says. “I have visited NGOs in both the countries.
We have multiple points of contact. But we have to change mental models. There’s a need to harness positive energy.”
So how much of India does he know? “I grew up in India...” And how many subscribe to his views, “People don’t have to agree with it. But they need to know,” Khanna retorts.
By Anupama Ramakrishnan
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul232008/metro-wed2008072280300.asp
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
At a discussion based on the book, the author was joined by Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and MD, Biocon and market strategist Rama Bijpurkar and an audience that included ex-diplomats and his students. Much research, travels and ‘shock’ have gone into the writing of the book which Amartya Sen had described as ‘fun to read’.
Khanna, who considers himself “strongly fortunate to have been educated in foreign institutions”, says the ‘shock’ came from the “lack of awareness about India and China in the West. That motivated me to tell the story in first person.”
A book of hope? “Very much so. Post-1962 conflict, India has been scared of China, which is an understandable emotion. As for China, India is irrelevant. Both the views are anachronistic. The book can hope to help China speak of India in a positive way. To shake both countries, it is an exploration, an optimistic look at things to come.”
Billions... could well be described a travelogue that delves deeply into the social, political and economic history of the tiger and the dragon. A look at entrepreneurship in both the countries. Khanna’s book is not bound to the cities. It goes into rural India as well as rural China. “We have lot of entrepreneurs in rural India, we need to actualise their self-potential,” he says. “I have visited NGOs in both the countries.
We have multiple points of contact. But we have to change mental models. There’s a need to harness positive energy.”
So how much of India does he know? “I grew up in India...” And how many subscribe to his views, “People don’t have to agree with it. But they need to know,” Khanna retorts.
By Anupama Ramakrishnan
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul232008/metro-wed2008072280300.asp
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Jawali becomes Maharashtra's first Liquor-Free Taluka
An anti-liquor resolution was passed by 58 women in the gram sabha in Nandgane village, in Maharashtra, making Jawali the first liquor-free taluka in the state.
At a special gram sabha (people’s assembly) convened in Nandgane village, in Maharashtra’s Satara district, a resolution was passed on July 9, 2008, banning the sale of alcohol in the village. The resolution was passed by the 58 women who attended the gram sabha and voted unanimously for the ban. The gram sabha was conducted as per the law, according to the block development officer of Jawali taluka.
Nandgane became the fifth village in Jawali taluka to ban the sale of alcohol. Jawali thus becomes the first taluka in the state to completely ban alcohol. Thirteen licensed liquor shops in the villages will be affected by the ban.
Nandgane has a population of 350 people, of whom 115 are women.
The anti-liquor movement in the taluka has been spearheaded by women who face the major brunt of the liquor menace. The movement began in Aanewadi village which was the first to impose a ban on liquor in August 2007; it then spread to Medha, Kudal, Humgaon and Nandgane.
The women have had to face some opposition. Sunita Dalvi, sarpanch of Nandgane, says a former sarpanch prevented some of the women from attending the gram sabha. And the district convenor of the anti-liquor movement, Vilas Baba Jawal, was barred from entering the village.
Still, the campaign continues to move forward with Mahabaleshwar taluka next in line. The village of Tapola is due to call a special gram sabha to debate the anti-liquor issue.
Under a Maharashtra government order issued in June 2003, if no less than 25% of women voters in a village, municipal corporation ward or municipality make a representation demanding the closure of liquor shops, the district collector has to arrange a secret poll among women voters in the respective area. If more than 50% of women voters support the closure proposal, the collector must pass an order.
The anti-liquor movement exists in other parts of the state and country too. In Orissa, the movement that began among the women of Bardhanpur village, in Balasore district, has spread to at least 12 other villages. In Uttaranchal, villagers in 100 villages organised raids to smash illicit breweries and even slapped an unofficial fine of Rs 500 on anyone found drinking liquor. In Andhra Pradesh there has been a strong anti-liquor movement, led mostly by women, since the 1990s.
Source: The Indian Express, July 10, 2008
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
At a special gram sabha (people’s assembly) convened in Nandgane village, in Maharashtra’s Satara district, a resolution was passed on July 9, 2008, banning the sale of alcohol in the village. The resolution was passed by the 58 women who attended the gram sabha and voted unanimously for the ban. The gram sabha was conducted as per the law, according to the block development officer of Jawali taluka.
Nandgane became the fifth village in Jawali taluka to ban the sale of alcohol. Jawali thus becomes the first taluka in the state to completely ban alcohol. Thirteen licensed liquor shops in the villages will be affected by the ban.
Nandgane has a population of 350 people, of whom 115 are women.
The anti-liquor movement in the taluka has been spearheaded by women who face the major brunt of the liquor menace. The movement began in Aanewadi village which was the first to impose a ban on liquor in August 2007; it then spread to Medha, Kudal, Humgaon and Nandgane.
The women have had to face some opposition. Sunita Dalvi, sarpanch of Nandgane, says a former sarpanch prevented some of the women from attending the gram sabha. And the district convenor of the anti-liquor movement, Vilas Baba Jawal, was barred from entering the village.
Still, the campaign continues to move forward with Mahabaleshwar taluka next in line. The village of Tapola is due to call a special gram sabha to debate the anti-liquor issue.
Under a Maharashtra government order issued in June 2003, if no less than 25% of women voters in a village, municipal corporation ward or municipality make a representation demanding the closure of liquor shops, the district collector has to arrange a secret poll among women voters in the respective area. If more than 50% of women voters support the closure proposal, the collector must pass an order.
The anti-liquor movement exists in other parts of the state and country too. In Orissa, the movement that began among the women of Bardhanpur village, in Balasore district, has spread to at least 12 other villages. In Uttaranchal, villagers in 100 villages organised raids to smash illicit breweries and even slapped an unofficial fine of Rs 500 on anyone found drinking liquor. In Andhra Pradesh there has been a strong anti-liquor movement, led mostly by women, since the 1990s.
Source: The Indian Express, July 10, 2008
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Global India: Alternative to Peace Corp
THE PEACE Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then American president John F Kennedy challenged Americans to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that time, more than 1,90,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new volunteers as a part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals, who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.
Today, I challenge the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi to create such a organisation to help young Indian generation to identify them self to to built India’s image abroad for example. Think of the global India and you might imagine teaching in a one-room schoolhouse or farming in a remote area of the world. But while education and agriculture are still an important part of what the Peace Corps does, today’s volunteers are just as likely to be working on HIV/AIDS awareness, helping to establish computer learning centres, or working on small-business development, teaching English, assisting teachers, non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi teachings, peace and conflict resolution organisations and working with the elderly, sharing your professional skills/experience, global India should be a flagship programme for Indian nationals only.
Global India volunteers would work in the following areas: Education, youth outreach, and community development; business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS awareness; and information technology. Within these areas, the specific duties and responsibilities of each volunteer can vary widely.
Global India volunteers: In future, he or she will tell you that everybody had a unique experience.
Global India should be for young India, in search for self discovery, building life long relationships, great way to travel and experience other cultures, helping others, great for self-esteem and learn a language.
Global India should reach out on education, environment, information technology, HIV/AIDS awareness, health, agriculture issues, scientific issues, school teachers, art, manufacturing, Internet centres and opening community based schools.
Global India’s volunteer abroad will be a flagship and popular programme, year after year. Volunteer abroad offers the greatest flexibility of locations and start dates. Volunteer work is personalised to your skills and interests.
Global India’s intern abroad for students seeks academic credit, international work experience, or field research. Internship supervisors facilitate learning experiences. Volunteer work is personalised to meet your area of focus.
Global India’s volunteer work is project-based and can be completed within a week. Popular option among students as alternative spring break. It is also popular with families and professionals with limited vacation time.
Global India’s mission should be volunteering abroad is the chance for you to make a personal contribution at the global level, to experience hands-on learning about another country and culture, and to exchange ideas with people you might not otherwise meet. As an international volunteer, you will learn from the communities where you work, and from the experience of travelling in the country and interacting with new people.
Global India: Volunteering abroad is a life-changing experience. You are sharing your enthusiasm, time, skills, and energy — and giving ’yourself’ in a way that allows you to effect positive change. Making a difference can be as simple as spending time with orphans, sharing love and affection, sharing stories and photos with the elderly in a community, or practising basic English with students of all ages. Similar basic volunteering needs in your home community exist overseas, and anyone with an interest in filling those needs can make a difference.
Global India should be the life-changing experience that does not end when you return home. Another important part of international volunteering is getting involved in your own community back home. For some, this will mean remaining aware of, or active in, global issues; for others it may mean educating friends and family about the realities of the country where they were a volunteer. For everyone, returning home is an opportunity to share the enthusiasm and inspiration of your experience and be a voice for greater social involvement. By sharing your international volunteer experience with those in your home community and finding ways to incorporate what you learned into your daily life, you play an important role in fostering cultural understanding between people.
Global India: Making the decision to volunteer overseas is a personal one, and for every volunteer there is a unique and individual answer to the question: Why volunteer abroad?
Gobal India: The overall motivation to volunteer overseas stems from a need to ignite a sense of social responsibility and activism, as well as from a desire to learn about a new country and culture. For some, international volunteering is also a way to gain a new perspective of the world and a renewed sense of the role they play in the world. Therefore, volunteer work abroad can be an intense experience, with opportunities to focus on meaningful global concerns that day-to-day life can’t accommodate.
Global India will give a volunteer personal growth, having a purpose, gaining independence and confidence, connecting with others, seeing a country from the inside-out, learning new language, and local life.
By : Ramesh Manghirmalani
Source : http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=137903
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Today, I challenge the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi to create such a organisation to help young Indian generation to identify them self to to built India’s image abroad for example. Think of the global India and you might imagine teaching in a one-room schoolhouse or farming in a remote area of the world. But while education and agriculture are still an important part of what the Peace Corps does, today’s volunteers are just as likely to be working on HIV/AIDS awareness, helping to establish computer learning centres, or working on small-business development, teaching English, assisting teachers, non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi teachings, peace and conflict resolution organisations and working with the elderly, sharing your professional skills/experience, global India should be a flagship programme for Indian nationals only.
Global India volunteers would work in the following areas: Education, youth outreach, and community development; business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS awareness; and information technology. Within these areas, the specific duties and responsibilities of each volunteer can vary widely.
Global India volunteers: In future, he or she will tell you that everybody had a unique experience.
Global India should be for young India, in search for self discovery, building life long relationships, great way to travel and experience other cultures, helping others, great for self-esteem and learn a language.
Global India should reach out on education, environment, information technology, HIV/AIDS awareness, health, agriculture issues, scientific issues, school teachers, art, manufacturing, Internet centres and opening community based schools.
Global India’s volunteer abroad will be a flagship and popular programme, year after year. Volunteer abroad offers the greatest flexibility of locations and start dates. Volunteer work is personalised to your skills and interests.
Global India’s intern abroad for students seeks academic credit, international work experience, or field research. Internship supervisors facilitate learning experiences. Volunteer work is personalised to meet your area of focus.
Global India’s volunteer work is project-based and can be completed within a week. Popular option among students as alternative spring break. It is also popular with families and professionals with limited vacation time.
Global India’s mission should be volunteering abroad is the chance for you to make a personal contribution at the global level, to experience hands-on learning about another country and culture, and to exchange ideas with people you might not otherwise meet. As an international volunteer, you will learn from the communities where you work, and from the experience of travelling in the country and interacting with new people.
Global India: Volunteering abroad is a life-changing experience. You are sharing your enthusiasm, time, skills, and energy — and giving ’yourself’ in a way that allows you to effect positive change. Making a difference can be as simple as spending time with orphans, sharing love and affection, sharing stories and photos with the elderly in a community, or practising basic English with students of all ages. Similar basic volunteering needs in your home community exist overseas, and anyone with an interest in filling those needs can make a difference.
Global India should be the life-changing experience that does not end when you return home. Another important part of international volunteering is getting involved in your own community back home. For some, this will mean remaining aware of, or active in, global issues; for others it may mean educating friends and family about the realities of the country where they were a volunteer. For everyone, returning home is an opportunity to share the enthusiasm and inspiration of your experience and be a voice for greater social involvement. By sharing your international volunteer experience with those in your home community and finding ways to incorporate what you learned into your daily life, you play an important role in fostering cultural understanding between people.
Global India: Making the decision to volunteer overseas is a personal one, and for every volunteer there is a unique and individual answer to the question: Why volunteer abroad?
Gobal India: The overall motivation to volunteer overseas stems from a need to ignite a sense of social responsibility and activism, as well as from a desire to learn about a new country and culture. For some, international volunteering is also a way to gain a new perspective of the world and a renewed sense of the role they play in the world. Therefore, volunteer work abroad can be an intense experience, with opportunities to focus on meaningful global concerns that day-to-day life can’t accommodate.
Global India will give a volunteer personal growth, having a purpose, gaining independence and confidence, connecting with others, seeing a country from the inside-out, learning new language, and local life.
By : Ramesh Manghirmalani
Source : http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=137903
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Let NGOs do their good work, primary education is govt.’s responsibility
Primary school teachers are agitating against a pilot project under which BRAC, the largest NGO of Bangladesh, has been asked to improve the quality of education and classroom environment, and make the school managing committees more effective.
On Thursday thousands of primary school teachers staged demonstrations and brought out processions at different district headquarters demanding cancellation of the BRAC-sponsored training programme for primary teachers of schools in 20 upazilas in nine districts. They submitted memorandums to the Chief Adviser through the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) as part of their centrally announced programme demanding immediate withdrawal of the government approval for a pilot project.
A group of primary school teachers observed an hour-long work abstention on June 5 demanding cancellation of the BRAC-run training programme.
The president of the Bangladesh Government Primary School Teachers Association told journalists they refused to receive training from BRAC under any circumstances.
Primary school teachers complained that the measure would establish dyarchy in primary school administration, and teachers would be in a dilemma as to whom they should obey - the BRAC instructors or the Upazila Education Officers.
BRAC authorities gave an explanation that the project aimed to "improve the standard of education at selected government and registered non-government primary schools", rather than seeking "control over management of these schools". It is the responsibility of the State to ensure standard free primary education, BRAC said in a statement. "BRAC does not believe in privatisation or commercialisation of primary education," the NGO said in a statement. Initiated jointly by BRAC and the Government, the pilot project in question aims to increase attendance, reduce high dropout rates and improve the overall quality of teaching and education in 20 upazilas.
On May 23 last, the government approved the pilot project. Terming the government's move to get the teachers trained by BRAC as a step towards privatisation of primary education as prescribed by the lending agencies, leaders of different organisations of primary teachers said they would foil this move at any cost.
Earlier, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said the government was implementing multipurpose development activities and training programmes under the Primary Education Programme II through the Directorate of Primary Education for raising its standard. Various national and foreign development organisations are working as the government's partners to implement the programme.
It is known to all that Bangladesh’s biggest NGO has been doing good work in many fields including primary education in its community schools. BRAC is currently operating 37,500 primary schools with 12 lakh students. BRAC schools have earned international reputation.
There is no denying the fact that the government primary and registered primary schools over the years have failed to live up to the expectations of the authorities as the standard of instructions in those deteriorated. This has been reflected in the performance of schools where school attendance rate as well as dropout rate have increased.
The government-run schools and those run by NGOs are, however, two different types of entities. It would not be possible to transform one category of schools into another category.
Then again, it is the responsibility of the State to provide basic education to its citizens. All conscious people want improvement of the quality of primary education. But giving the responsibility of training teachers of these schools to NGOs would rather harm the reputation of the latter.
If there is any mismanagement or failure, an accountability structure should be built in the system and those found responsible should be punished. The State should devise its own method of training the teachers of the government and registered primary schools instead of antagonizing teachers and whipping up an anti-government movement.
Source: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/07/21/news0259.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
On Thursday thousands of primary school teachers staged demonstrations and brought out processions at different district headquarters demanding cancellation of the BRAC-sponsored training programme for primary teachers of schools in 20 upazilas in nine districts. They submitted memorandums to the Chief Adviser through the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) as part of their centrally announced programme demanding immediate withdrawal of the government approval for a pilot project.
A group of primary school teachers observed an hour-long work abstention on June 5 demanding cancellation of the BRAC-run training programme.
The president of the Bangladesh Government Primary School Teachers Association told journalists they refused to receive training from BRAC under any circumstances.
Primary school teachers complained that the measure would establish dyarchy in primary school administration, and teachers would be in a dilemma as to whom they should obey - the BRAC instructors or the Upazila Education Officers.
BRAC authorities gave an explanation that the project aimed to "improve the standard of education at selected government and registered non-government primary schools", rather than seeking "control over management of these schools". It is the responsibility of the State to ensure standard free primary education, BRAC said in a statement. "BRAC does not believe in privatisation or commercialisation of primary education," the NGO said in a statement. Initiated jointly by BRAC and the Government, the pilot project in question aims to increase attendance, reduce high dropout rates and improve the overall quality of teaching and education in 20 upazilas.
On May 23 last, the government approved the pilot project. Terming the government's move to get the teachers trained by BRAC as a step towards privatisation of primary education as prescribed by the lending agencies, leaders of different organisations of primary teachers said they would foil this move at any cost.
Earlier, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said the government was implementing multipurpose development activities and training programmes under the Primary Education Programme II through the Directorate of Primary Education for raising its standard. Various national and foreign development organisations are working as the government's partners to implement the programme.
It is known to all that Bangladesh’s biggest NGO has been doing good work in many fields including primary education in its community schools. BRAC is currently operating 37,500 primary schools with 12 lakh students. BRAC schools have earned international reputation.
There is no denying the fact that the government primary and registered primary schools over the years have failed to live up to the expectations of the authorities as the standard of instructions in those deteriorated. This has been reflected in the performance of schools where school attendance rate as well as dropout rate have increased.
The government-run schools and those run by NGOs are, however, two different types of entities. It would not be possible to transform one category of schools into another category.
Then again, it is the responsibility of the State to provide basic education to its citizens. All conscious people want improvement of the quality of primary education. But giving the responsibility of training teachers of these schools to NGOs would rather harm the reputation of the latter.
If there is any mismanagement or failure, an accountability structure should be built in the system and those found responsible should be punished. The State should devise its own method of training the teachers of the government and registered primary schools instead of antagonizing teachers and whipping up an anti-government movement.
Source: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/07/21/news0259.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Education of the five senses
Human Rights. The teacher writes on the blackboard. In the next shot, one of the students is in her room asking for her attention to clear some doubts. She rudely asks him to wait saying she is busy.
After a while, another boy comes in and she is all ears even as the first boy is kept waiting. The first boy feels slighted and later tells a friend that the teacher likes only some favourites and all students are not equal before her.
Cut to the auditorium in Jamia Milia Islamia where this documentary is being screened by Adobe India. The film showcases the fruits of its CSR initiative, Adobe youth Voices, in association with the NGO America India Foundation .
The ‘actors; from the Chetram Sharma Kanya Inter College Delhi, beam as the room is filled with applause. The students were lucky to be part of an educational initiative of Adobe in 25 schools in Bangalore and Gurgaon called Adobe Youth Voices.
Naresh Gupta, managing director, Adobe India, says: "The initiative enables selected children in high schools to wield a camera and shoot documentaries on subjects like rag picking and fundamental rights."
He adds the programme is an effort to give another dimension to education. Gupta, who considers Adobe Youth Voices as the flagship of the company's CSR initiatives, adds the objective is to scale up the initiative, by the firm's own efforts as well as by partnering other companies.
"We hope some companies will be willing to partner us for in this initiative, for the motive is to spread this programme," he says.
The documentary by Vedic Kanya High School in Delhi called Home Work shows the narrator investigating the daily chores of a student and why she ends up skipping her homework.
The narrator puts in bytes from the student's mother, a domestic help in some houses.
Former police official and activist Kiran bedi said that students, by reliving what they learnt in books were getting educated in the true sense.
Gupta added that Karnataka government has taken a keen interest in the audio visual content that was being added by the programme to education, usually dependent on rote learning.
The programme is being run in the US, the UK and Canada as well. It is confined to urban areas, in places where Adobe has its offices.
Source : http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=329222&leftnm=5&subLeft=0&chkFlg=
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
After a while, another boy comes in and she is all ears even as the first boy is kept waiting. The first boy feels slighted and later tells a friend that the teacher likes only some favourites and all students are not equal before her.
Cut to the auditorium in Jamia Milia Islamia where this documentary is being screened by Adobe India. The film showcases the fruits of its CSR initiative, Adobe youth Voices, in association with the NGO America India Foundation .
The ‘actors; from the Chetram Sharma Kanya Inter College Delhi, beam as the room is filled with applause. The students were lucky to be part of an educational initiative of Adobe in 25 schools in Bangalore and Gurgaon called Adobe Youth Voices.
Naresh Gupta, managing director, Adobe India, says: "The initiative enables selected children in high schools to wield a camera and shoot documentaries on subjects like rag picking and fundamental rights."
He adds the programme is an effort to give another dimension to education. Gupta, who considers Adobe Youth Voices as the flagship of the company's CSR initiatives, adds the objective is to scale up the initiative, by the firm's own efforts as well as by partnering other companies.
"We hope some companies will be willing to partner us for in this initiative, for the motive is to spread this programme," he says.
The documentary by Vedic Kanya High School in Delhi called Home Work shows the narrator investigating the daily chores of a student and why she ends up skipping her homework.
The narrator puts in bytes from the student's mother, a domestic help in some houses.
Former police official and activist Kiran bedi said that students, by reliving what they learnt in books were getting educated in the true sense.
Gupta added that Karnataka government has taken a keen interest in the audio visual content that was being added by the programme to education, usually dependent on rote learning.
The programme is being run in the US, the UK and Canada as well. It is confined to urban areas, in places where Adobe has its offices.
Source : http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=329222&leftnm=5&subLeft=0&chkFlg=
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wanted CFO : Habitat For Humanity - NGO Job in India
For the position of CFO, Habitat For Humanity are looking for individuals with:
Chartered Accountancy degree with at least 12 years of post qualification experience. It would be ideal if the individual has some prior experience of working for an NGO. He / she must have in-depth knowledge of the geographical as well as global practices.
The job would entail the following tasks:
A. Financial Accounting and Audit
B. Financial Reporting
C. Treasury
D. Taxation
E. Financial Systems
H. Internal controls
Please Note : Habitat For Humanity is a Christian Administered Organisation
Contact:
Akshat Singhal
Associate Vice PresidentThird Sector Partners-India
Tel: +91 22 6660 3558/59
E-mail: akshat@thirdsectorpartners.com
www.thirdsectorpartners.com
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Chartered Accountancy degree with at least 12 years of post qualification experience. It would be ideal if the individual has some prior experience of working for an NGO. He / she must have in-depth knowledge of the geographical as well as global practices.
The job would entail the following tasks:
A. Financial Accounting and Audit
B. Financial Reporting
C. Treasury
D. Taxation
E. Financial Systems
H. Internal controls
Please Note : Habitat For Humanity is a Christian Administered Organisation
Contact:
Akshat Singhal
Associate Vice PresidentThird Sector Partners-India
Tel: +91 22 6660 3558/59
E-mail: akshat@thirdsectorpartners.com
www.thirdsectorpartners.com
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The group Kerala's reformed alcoholics swear by
Many in Kerala, which has one of the highest rates of per capita alcohol consumption in India, say they would never have got over their addiction to liquor but for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
As the name suggests, its presence is inconspicuous except for occasional announcements in newspapers about its meetings.
'There are around 2,000 people who work for AA in Kerala now,' says Soman, who was addicted to hard drinks 13 years ago. He now works actively for AA.
AA has about 850 groups in India and 110 of them are in Kerala, according to its General Service Office (GSO) or headquarters in Mumbai.
It is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strengths and hopes with each other to solve common problems and help others recover from alcoholism.
The members of AA say they don't keep a count of those who stopped drinking after joining this fellowship. The only requirement to become a member is a sincere desire to quit drinking.
'Not all who join AA may come out of alcoholism. Some of them do go back to drinking. Therefore, it is difficult to say how many have benefited from us,' says Soman, who requested that his full name be not published.
Members of AA maintain the tradition of anonymity. AA believes that those who are reluctant to seek help may overcome their fear if they are confident that their anonymity will be respected.
Only A-class trustees, who are non-alcoholic members, are identified in public or in the media in this organisation. At the national level, AA has seven such trustees.
C.K. Gopalan, a doctor by profession who is based here, is one such trustee. He has been associated with AA for the last eight years.
'There are around 4.8 million people in Kerala who consume alcohol. Around one-third of these are alcoholics. Alcoholism is a disease, from the clutches of which it is difficult to come out. The general environment in Kerala is also not helpful to come out of alcoholism,' Gopalan told IANS.
'When one joins AA, it helps him realise that alcoholism is a disease and not a moral failure. The closed sessions where members of AA share their experience help others realise that these problems are common to all and have drinking as the basic problem.'
According to AA tradition, anonymity makes members place principles before personalities. The organisation maintains no record of its members, nor does it accept any membership fee.
'AA members maintain anonymity because they believe individuals are not important in the organisation. One should not seek membership of AA solely because of a role model - because the role model stands the risk of relapsing into the drinking habit again,' Ashok, the general manager for AA in Mumbai, says on phone.
The AA here celebrated its 50th year of presence in India May 5, 2007. Says Soman: 'On that day, we received 286 phone calls seeking our help. Around 100 of those who approached us that day became sober within a year.'
According to the state planning board's 2005 data, while the per capita consumption of alcohol for India is four litres, Kerala's per capita consumption stands at 8.3 litres, followed by Punjab with 7.9 litres.
The report also said that over the years the age at which youngsters begin to consume alcohol has come down in Kerala. In 1986, it was 19 years and by 1994, it had come down to 14 years.
AA never treats an alcoholic or preaches them to quit alcohol. 'We share our experiences. We tell them we were like them earlier. At the meetings they share their problems. Only a drunkard can understand the other,' says a member of AA who now leads a sober life.
'Drunkards are always looked down upon by their family and society. In AA, we never do that but welcome newcomers with great affection. He is one among us and all of us are equals.'
AA, which was founded in 1935, currently has a presence in more than 180 countries and has around two million members. Each of its groups is self-supporting and never accepts any outside contribution and holds no opinion on outside issues.
'There are no rules governing the functions of AA groups. The only condition is that the work of a group should not affect the functioning of other groups or the organisation as a whole,' says Ashok.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/health/20080716/132244.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
As the name suggests, its presence is inconspicuous except for occasional announcements in newspapers about its meetings.
'There are around 2,000 people who work for AA in Kerala now,' says Soman, who was addicted to hard drinks 13 years ago. He now works actively for AA.
AA has about 850 groups in India and 110 of them are in Kerala, according to its General Service Office (GSO) or headquarters in Mumbai.
It is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strengths and hopes with each other to solve common problems and help others recover from alcoholism.
The members of AA say they don't keep a count of those who stopped drinking after joining this fellowship. The only requirement to become a member is a sincere desire to quit drinking.
'Not all who join AA may come out of alcoholism. Some of them do go back to drinking. Therefore, it is difficult to say how many have benefited from us,' says Soman, who requested that his full name be not published.
Members of AA maintain the tradition of anonymity. AA believes that those who are reluctant to seek help may overcome their fear if they are confident that their anonymity will be respected.
Only A-class trustees, who are non-alcoholic members, are identified in public or in the media in this organisation. At the national level, AA has seven such trustees.
C.K. Gopalan, a doctor by profession who is based here, is one such trustee. He has been associated with AA for the last eight years.
'There are around 4.8 million people in Kerala who consume alcohol. Around one-third of these are alcoholics. Alcoholism is a disease, from the clutches of which it is difficult to come out. The general environment in Kerala is also not helpful to come out of alcoholism,' Gopalan told IANS.
'When one joins AA, it helps him realise that alcoholism is a disease and not a moral failure. The closed sessions where members of AA share their experience help others realise that these problems are common to all and have drinking as the basic problem.'
According to AA tradition, anonymity makes members place principles before personalities. The organisation maintains no record of its members, nor does it accept any membership fee.
'AA members maintain anonymity because they believe individuals are not important in the organisation. One should not seek membership of AA solely because of a role model - because the role model stands the risk of relapsing into the drinking habit again,' Ashok, the general manager for AA in Mumbai, says on phone.
The AA here celebrated its 50th year of presence in India May 5, 2007. Says Soman: 'On that day, we received 286 phone calls seeking our help. Around 100 of those who approached us that day became sober within a year.'
According to the state planning board's 2005 data, while the per capita consumption of alcohol for India is four litres, Kerala's per capita consumption stands at 8.3 litres, followed by Punjab with 7.9 litres.
The report also said that over the years the age at which youngsters begin to consume alcohol has come down in Kerala. In 1986, it was 19 years and by 1994, it had come down to 14 years.
AA never treats an alcoholic or preaches them to quit alcohol. 'We share our experiences. We tell them we were like them earlier. At the meetings they share their problems. Only a drunkard can understand the other,' says a member of AA who now leads a sober life.
'Drunkards are always looked down upon by their family and society. In AA, we never do that but welcome newcomers with great affection. He is one among us and all of us are equals.'
AA, which was founded in 1935, currently has a presence in more than 180 countries and has around two million members. Each of its groups is self-supporting and never accepts any outside contribution and holds no opinion on outside issues.
'There are no rules governing the functions of AA groups. The only condition is that the work of a group should not affect the functioning of other groups or the organisation as a whole,' says Ashok.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/health/20080716/132244.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Learn online how to care for the diabetic foot
One of India's premier centres for diabetic foot research and treatment, the city-based M.V. Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre, Thursday launched a multi-level awareness campaign 'Footcare for people with diabetes'.
Renowned footcare specialist Ali Foster, honorary consultant at King's College, NHS London, shared insights on prevention of foot complications at the public interactive session attended by over 300 people.
Tamil Nadu's director of medical education T.P. Kalaniti launched the country's first online diabetic footcare forum - www.mvdiabeticfoot.com - on the occasion.
'Diabetes foot complications rank among the most common and severe complications that most diabetics face. WHO statistics indicates that 50 percent of non-traumatic foot amputations in the world are due to diabetes', Foster said.
The forum will provide tips and advice for management and prevention of complications of the foot that people suffer due to diabetes.
As a globally recognised health care centre for foot care complications, specialists from M.V. Hospital will provide all necessary content and counselling through the forum.
To ensure that the awareness programme reaches right up to the grass roots level, M.V. Hospital also released a booklet titled 'Tips on Foot Care for People with Diabetes'.
'The online diabetic footcare programme will help us to reach patients across the globe and provide counselling and guidance for not only diabetic foot issues but for all kinds of foot related problems,' explained Vijay Viswanathan, managing director of M.V. Hospital.
Experts say diabetic foot complications are completely preventable with proper care and attention. 'People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are highly susceptible to the risks of having permanent damage to their feet.'
'Ulcers, sores, bacterial infection of skin are some of the common diabetic foot problems. If they are not treated properly, they can lead to serious complications like gangrene and amputations. We wanted to bring awareness among the large diabetic population in India that with proper care they can easily avoid this fate,' emphasised Viswanathan.
M.V. Hospital for Diabetes is also recognised as an internationally known tertiary care centre for referral of diabetic patients requiring super-specialist opinion and management.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/health/20080717/132703.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Renowned footcare specialist Ali Foster, honorary consultant at King's College, NHS London, shared insights on prevention of foot complications at the public interactive session attended by over 300 people.
Tamil Nadu's director of medical education T.P. Kalaniti launched the country's first online diabetic footcare forum - www.mvdiabeticfoot.com - on the occasion.
'Diabetes foot complications rank among the most common and severe complications that most diabetics face. WHO statistics indicates that 50 percent of non-traumatic foot amputations in the world are due to diabetes', Foster said.
The forum will provide tips and advice for management and prevention of complications of the foot that people suffer due to diabetes.
As a globally recognised health care centre for foot care complications, specialists from M.V. Hospital will provide all necessary content and counselling through the forum.
To ensure that the awareness programme reaches right up to the grass roots level, M.V. Hospital also released a booklet titled 'Tips on Foot Care for People with Diabetes'.
'The online diabetic footcare programme will help us to reach patients across the globe and provide counselling and guidance for not only diabetic foot issues but for all kinds of foot related problems,' explained Vijay Viswanathan, managing director of M.V. Hospital.
Experts say diabetic foot complications are completely preventable with proper care and attention. 'People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are highly susceptible to the risks of having permanent damage to their feet.'
'Ulcers, sores, bacterial infection of skin are some of the common diabetic foot problems. If they are not treated properly, they can lead to serious complications like gangrene and amputations. We wanted to bring awareness among the large diabetic population in India that with proper care they can easily avoid this fate,' emphasised Viswanathan.
M.V. Hospital for Diabetes is also recognised as an internationally known tertiary care centre for referral of diabetic patients requiring super-specialist opinion and management.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/health/20080717/132703.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
This slum school gives hope to less privileged children
A group of five people, including two illiterates, are running a school in a Muslim-dominated area here and transforming the lives of slum children by giving them hope of a better future.
Around 150 students, mostly children of rickshaw pullers, daily wagers, electricians and small shopkeepers study in the Prerna Samaj Vikas Vidyalya situated in the Domtoli colony. The majority of the parents in the colony are illiterate.
Children who used to while away their time by playing on the roads or getting addicted to sniffing glue have now got a place to study.
The school is a brainchild of Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Eizaj, Sahid Aalam, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Javed, who have been successfully running it for the past three years.
'We were fed up with comments passed by people about our colony. People used to say that our colony was dirty and that its residents were illiterate,' said Mohammad Eizaj, the school's head who earns a living as an electrician.
'Five of us got together and decided to change that perception. Education is the only means to change the lives of children,' he added.
When they decided to open the school, they faced problems like finding accommodation and teachers, as also in convincing parents of the need to send their children to school.
They didn't let the problems bog them down and the accommodation issue was sorted out after Eizaj offered his own house to run the school.
They moved from door to door to persuade parents to send their children to the school. It started with just five students and the number has swelled to 150 in a span of three years.
The children are accommodated on the second floor of Eijaz's house in four classes - Nursery, KG, Class I and Class II.
No fee is charged from the students, who are also provided free books and bags. The school has four teachers and their combined salary comes to around Rs.3,600 per month.
The million-dollar question that arises is how are the costs managed? The five friends work overtime to arrange the money required for running the school.
'We are illiterate but we do not want our next generation to be like us. We work overtime to arrange funds for the school,' Mohammad Iqbal, who is illiterate and an electrician.
'During day we earn for our family members and at night, we perform extra jobs that get us the money required for running the school,' he added.
The school has started showing results.
Class I student Gudia used the knowledge she gained in the class of the dangers of addiction and persuaded her father to give up smoking ganja (marijuana). Her mother's earlier efforts had failed miserably.
'One day I asked my father: Who would look after us after you die consuming ganja. My father immediately quit,' Gudia said proudly.
The school now plans to provide uniforms to its students and is scouting around for funds.
'We have got some contributions but we need a lot more. Uniforms will give the students confidence that they are like students of any other school and can compete with them,' Eizaj pointed out.
Saraswati, who teaches at the school, said: 'We have been able to inculcate a sense of discipline among the children and changed the mindsets of their parents. Now parents ask their children to study even at home.
'I found some of the students to be very talented. Given the right opportunities, there is no reason why they cannot become doctors or engineers,' Saraswati added.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080716/132239.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Around 150 students, mostly children of rickshaw pullers, daily wagers, electricians and small shopkeepers study in the Prerna Samaj Vikas Vidyalya situated in the Domtoli colony. The majority of the parents in the colony are illiterate.
Children who used to while away their time by playing on the roads or getting addicted to sniffing glue have now got a place to study.
The school is a brainchild of Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Eizaj, Sahid Aalam, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Javed, who have been successfully running it for the past three years.
'We were fed up with comments passed by people about our colony. People used to say that our colony was dirty and that its residents were illiterate,' said Mohammad Eizaj, the school's head who earns a living as an electrician.
'Five of us got together and decided to change that perception. Education is the only means to change the lives of children,' he added.
When they decided to open the school, they faced problems like finding accommodation and teachers, as also in convincing parents of the need to send their children to school.
They didn't let the problems bog them down and the accommodation issue was sorted out after Eizaj offered his own house to run the school.
They moved from door to door to persuade parents to send their children to the school. It started with just five students and the number has swelled to 150 in a span of three years.
The children are accommodated on the second floor of Eijaz's house in four classes - Nursery, KG, Class I and Class II.
No fee is charged from the students, who are also provided free books and bags. The school has four teachers and their combined salary comes to around Rs.3,600 per month.
The million-dollar question that arises is how are the costs managed? The five friends work overtime to arrange the money required for running the school.
'We are illiterate but we do not want our next generation to be like us. We work overtime to arrange funds for the school,' Mohammad Iqbal, who is illiterate and an electrician.
'During day we earn for our family members and at night, we perform extra jobs that get us the money required for running the school,' he added.
The school has started showing results.
Class I student Gudia used the knowledge she gained in the class of the dangers of addiction and persuaded her father to give up smoking ganja (marijuana). Her mother's earlier efforts had failed miserably.
'One day I asked my father: Who would look after us after you die consuming ganja. My father immediately quit,' Gudia said proudly.
The school now plans to provide uniforms to its students and is scouting around for funds.
'We have got some contributions but we need a lot more. Uniforms will give the students confidence that they are like students of any other school and can compete with them,' Eizaj pointed out.
Saraswati, who teaches at the school, said: 'We have been able to inculcate a sense of discipline among the children and changed the mindsets of their parents. Now parents ask their children to study even at home.
'I found some of the students to be very talented. Given the right opportunities, there is no reason why they cannot become doctors or engineers,' Saraswati added.
Source: http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080716/132239.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Silver Innings July 2008 Update
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter-- Mark Twain
Dear Friends,
It's our pleasure to bring to you the update of your website Silver Innings. Below are new articles recently posted on various sections on 1st of July 2008, to read more you need to visit particular menu on the website www.silverinnings.com .Hope you enjoy this and send us your feedback at info@silverinnings.com .
We also invite articles of interest, inspiring short stories, jokes, reviews, etc. Please note publication is sole decision of web master and as per rules laid down by Silver Innings.
SILVER PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH - July 2008
Ela Bhatt – an Iron Lady with Simplicity
Ageing:
International
Americans Living Longer, A Federal Report
Average life expectancy continues to increase, and today's older Americans enjoy better health and financial security than any previous generation. However, rates of gain are inconsistent between the genders and across age brackets, income levels and racial and ethnic groups.
THE MADRID INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGEING: GUIDING FRAMEWORK AND TOOLKIT
This Guiding Framework was created to assist countries to give effect to the commitments made at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid in 2002. The Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing provided a fresh perspective on the situation of older persons and presented a new global agenda to address issues
of ageing.
WHO's Campaign for Active Ageing
The Global Embrace is a worldwide intergenerational walk event that takes place annually around the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October.
Why Population Aging Matters
People are living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives. This represents one of the crowning achievements of the last century but also a significant challenge.
India
Elderly Vote power
Elderly have 13% share in Indian Electoral. Average voting percentage in Indian elections is 55 to 58%.By S.C. Maheshwari
Facts and Issues
Elder Abuse its there!!!!!!!
There is a general feeling amongst Senior Citizens that children of to-day do not bother about their parents, their wishes, their happiness, their requirements etc and some children misbehave and/or beat their parents!
Read an article by M. V. Ruparelia
The old and the ignored
With the population of elderly people rising, their health care has become a matter of concern especially since the family support system is crumbling and there is no comprehensive geriatric care system.
Successful Ageing
Dare To Dream Again
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
GEORGE CARLIN's view on Ageing
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
A wonderful Old Age Poem By Edgar A Guest
Health/ Fitness
Physical
Growing Older, Staying Strong
Sarcopenia is a significant yet overlooked problem in the older population. Analogous to the loss of bone mass commonly known as osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, which results in the loss of strength.
Hip Protectors Won't Prevent Fractures in Elderly
The use of energy-absorbing hip protector pads won't prevent hip fractures, new research suggests.
The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Ageing Ageing is an integral, natural part of life. The way in which we grow old and experience this process, our health and functional ability all depend not only on our genetic makeup, but also (and importantly) on what we have done during our lives; on what sort of things we have encountered in the course of our lifetime; on how and where we have lived our lives.
Dementia & Alzheimer's
Staying Social May Keep Dementia at Bay
The key to a healthy mind in old age may lie in an active social life, a new study suggests. "If you are socially engaged, you are at lower risk of dementia,"
A cruel disease, a family in crisis
For any family, Alzheimer's disease is a cruel diagnosis. The disease attacks the brain, erasing memory, destroying the ability to reason and leading inexorably to the disintegration of the personality and a pitiless death.
Activity for someone with Dementia
Many of these activities require no planning and others may need a little preparation.
Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers
Dementia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for people to remember, learn and communicate. These changes eventually make it hard for people who have dementia to care for themselves.
Outdoors has special meaning for those with Alzheimer's disease
Most of us enjoy being outside on a regular basis ... To feel the sun on our faces and the breeze on our skin, to enjoy the sounds of the birds, to catch a glimpse of nature, to plant something and nurture its growth.
Test your knowledge of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects about 24 million people worldwide. Because of the nature of the disease, caregivers play a very important role, and it is essential for people to understand this role.
Lifestyle
Healthy Habits
You might think: I've made it this far without paying much attention to my health. I'm too old to become a "health nut" now.
Ergonomic Tips: Computer Use by Senior Citizens
Medical
Older Americans 2008 – Key indicators of Well-Being
Diet
Keep fit for life
Given the impact that good nutrition and keeping fit have on health and wellbeing in later life, WHO, in collaboration with the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, organized a consultation to review the scientific evidence linking diet and other factors—especially exercise—affecting
Nutritional status, disease prevention and health promotion for older persons
The Miracle Diet
Scientists have long touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for heart health. But there's more and more evidence that the diet can keep you healthy in other ways, too.
Relationship
Parents and Grandparents
Grieving: Facing Illness, Death and Other Losses
Grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. One of the greatest losses that can occur is the death of someone you love. Other losses include the loss of your health or the health of someone you care about, or the end of an important relationship, such as a marriage. Healing from a loss involves coming to terms with the loss and the meaning of the loss in your life.
Grandparents and Grandchildren's
Aging gracefully: Local students demonstrate what caregivers can learn
In approaching the care of a family member with memory impairment, we often think of adult children and elderly spouses as the key players in the caregiving journey. The often forgotten but very important players are the younger family members. Teens may sit silently on the sidelines wondering what is really happening to Grandpa and yearning to be included in the journey.
Hobbies and Activities
Travel & Knowledge
Travel makes the horizon broader. Some such knowledgeable statement has been attributed to some Francis Pork or Bacon I do not remember whom. I had read this essay while travelling by a local train in Mumbai.
By Mr. H.R.Shenoy
News and Event
Articles
Let Us Reciprocate
In our First Innings, many of us were having a designation like General Manager, Engineer, Office Superintendent, Professional etc with some what defined duties and working time schedule like 9 to 5 etc and were habituated to live life like that! After retirement, some are in dilemma as to what to do without anything to do! By M.V.Ruparelia
Senior Citizens and Their Associations
First and foremost duty of educated Senior Citizens and Associations is to make all Senior Citizens of their entire area of operation realize and cherish this superior status given by United Nations Organization and to bring them out of inertia of remaining aloof and idle and encourage them to mix freely with all in the society.
By M.V.Ruparelia
Global Aging: Sustainable Solutions in Support of Lives Fully Lived Information
Dear Friends,
It's our pleasure to bring to you the update of your website Silver Innings. Below are new articles recently posted on various sections on 1st of July 2008, to read more you need to visit particular menu on the website www.silverinnings.com .Hope you enjoy this and send us your feedback at info@silverinnings.com .
We also invite articles of interest, inspiring short stories, jokes, reviews, etc. Please note publication is sole decision of web master and as per rules laid down by Silver Innings.
SILVER PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH - July 2008
Ela Bhatt – an Iron Lady with Simplicity
Ageing:
International
Americans Living Longer, A Federal Report
Average life expectancy continues to increase, and today's older Americans enjoy better health and financial security than any previous generation. However, rates of gain are inconsistent between the genders and across age brackets, income levels and racial and ethnic groups.
THE MADRID INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGEING: GUIDING FRAMEWORK AND TOOLKIT
This Guiding Framework was created to assist countries to give effect to the commitments made at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid in 2002. The Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing provided a fresh perspective on the situation of older persons and presented a new global agenda to address issues
of ageing.
WHO's Campaign for Active Ageing
The Global Embrace is a worldwide intergenerational walk event that takes place annually around the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October.
Why Population Aging Matters
People are living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives. This represents one of the crowning achievements of the last century but also a significant challenge.
India
Elderly Vote power
Elderly have 13% share in Indian Electoral. Average voting percentage in Indian elections is 55 to 58%.By S.C. Maheshwari
Facts and Issues
Elder Abuse its there!!!!!!!
There is a general feeling amongst Senior Citizens that children of to-day do not bother about their parents, their wishes, their happiness, their requirements etc and some children misbehave and/or beat their parents!
Read an article by M. V. Ruparelia
The old and the ignored
With the population of elderly people rising, their health care has become a matter of concern especially since the family support system is crumbling and there is no comprehensive geriatric care system.
Successful Ageing
Dare To Dream Again
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
GEORGE CARLIN's view on Ageing
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
A wonderful Old Age Poem By Edgar A Guest
Health/ Fitness
Physical
Growing Older, Staying Strong
Sarcopenia is a significant yet overlooked problem in the older population. Analogous to the loss of bone mass commonly known as osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, which results in the loss of strength.
Hip Protectors Won't Prevent Fractures in Elderly
The use of energy-absorbing hip protector pads won't prevent hip fractures, new research suggests.
The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Ageing Ageing is an integral, natural part of life. The way in which we grow old and experience this process, our health and functional ability all depend not only on our genetic makeup, but also (and importantly) on what we have done during our lives; on what sort of things we have encountered in the course of our lifetime; on how and where we have lived our lives.
Dementia & Alzheimer's
Staying Social May Keep Dementia at Bay
The key to a healthy mind in old age may lie in an active social life, a new study suggests. "If you are socially engaged, you are at lower risk of dementia,"
A cruel disease, a family in crisis
For any family, Alzheimer's disease is a cruel diagnosis. The disease attacks the brain, erasing memory, destroying the ability to reason and leading inexorably to the disintegration of the personality and a pitiless death.
Activity for someone with Dementia
Many of these activities require no planning and others may need a little preparation.
Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers
Dementia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for people to remember, learn and communicate. These changes eventually make it hard for people who have dementia to care for themselves.
Outdoors has special meaning for those with Alzheimer's disease
Most of us enjoy being outside on a regular basis ... To feel the sun on our faces and the breeze on our skin, to enjoy the sounds of the birds, to catch a glimpse of nature, to plant something and nurture its growth.
Test your knowledge of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects about 24 million people worldwide. Because of the nature of the disease, caregivers play a very important role, and it is essential for people to understand this role.
Lifestyle
Healthy Habits
You might think: I've made it this far without paying much attention to my health. I'm too old to become a "health nut" now.
Ergonomic Tips: Computer Use by Senior Citizens
Medical
Older Americans 2008 – Key indicators of Well-Being
Diet
Keep fit for life
Given the impact that good nutrition and keeping fit have on health and wellbeing in later life, WHO, in collaboration with the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, organized a consultation to review the scientific evidence linking diet and other factors—especially exercise—affecting
Nutritional status, disease prevention and health promotion for older persons
The Miracle Diet
Scientists have long touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for heart health. But there's more and more evidence that the diet can keep you healthy in other ways, too.
Relationship
Parents and Grandparents
Grieving: Facing Illness, Death and Other Losses
Grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. One of the greatest losses that can occur is the death of someone you love. Other losses include the loss of your health or the health of someone you care about, or the end of an important relationship, such as a marriage. Healing from a loss involves coming to terms with the loss and the meaning of the loss in your life.
Grandparents and Grandchildren's
Aging gracefully: Local students demonstrate what caregivers can learn
In approaching the care of a family member with memory impairment, we often think of adult children and elderly spouses as the key players in the caregiving journey. The often forgotten but very important players are the younger family members. Teens may sit silently on the sidelines wondering what is really happening to Grandpa and yearning to be included in the journey.
Hobbies and Activities
Travel & Knowledge
Travel makes the horizon broader. Some such knowledgeable statement has been attributed to some Francis Pork or Bacon I do not remember whom. I had read this essay while travelling by a local train in Mumbai.
By Mr. H.R.Shenoy
News and Event
Articles
Let Us Reciprocate
In our First Innings, many of us were having a designation like General Manager, Engineer, Office Superintendent, Professional etc with some what defined duties and working time schedule like 9 to 5 etc and were habituated to live life like that! After retirement, some are in dilemma as to what to do without anything to do! By M.V.Ruparelia
Senior Citizens and Their Associations
First and foremost duty of educated Senior Citizens and Associations is to make all Senior Citizens of their entire area of operation realize and cherish this superior status given by United Nations Organization and to bring them out of inertia of remaining aloof and idle and encourage them to mix freely with all in the society.
By M.V.Ruparelia
Global Aging: Sustainable Solutions in Support of Lives Fully Lived Information
Nandini Voice for the Deprived Newsletter July 2008
National Center on Elder Abuse – June 2008 Newsletter
Alzheimer's Europe – May 2008 Newsletter
Alzheimer's Europe – May 2008 Newsletter
Designs for all – June 2008 Newsletter
Inspiration Calendar July 2008
News
Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH (WEAD) June 2008 Programme Report
Inspiration Calendar July 2008
News
Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH (WEAD) June 2008 Programme Report
Silver Innings: Petition to STOP Elder Abuse in India
Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY – HUMAN CHAIN 15th June 2008 - Press Note
Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY – HUMAN CHAIN 15th June 2008 - Press Note
June 16th: Article of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in Hindustan Times – Mumbai
June 16th: Article of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in DNA Newspaper – Mumbai
June 16th: Photo of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in DNA Newspaper – Mumbai
June 16th: Article of ILC-India of World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in Sakal Times – Pune
Press Note: Silver Innings and Sterlite Foundation's Computer Education for Senior Citizens
Article of Silver Innings Computer Education for Senior Citizens in Sakal Times – Pune
Now, learn how to take care of elderly
First-of-its-kind geriatrics course launched by Symbiosis International University
Old Age Homes
The Administration on Ageing's Nursing Home
It is almost becoming rare to hear the phrase "long-term care" without also hearing the word "rebalancing" in the same discussion. This is because of the very active effort underway to ensure that individuals in need of long-term care (LTC) have access to a wide range of non institutional options.
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Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
NGO Jobs in India
Jobs posted in following website:
http://www.DevNetJobsIndia.org
http://www.DevNetJobs.org
http://www.GenevaJobs.org
Email: jobs@devnetjobs.org
Researchers for Children's interviewsGoing to SchoolLocation: VariousLast Date: August 16, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8026.shtml
Focal Point: Sphere India URSSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8021.shtml
Monitoring and Evaluation OfficerUNICEFLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8024.shtml
Program Associate, Sphere India TCBPSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8022.shtml
Irrigation EngineersResearch and Development FoundationLocation: OrissaLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8023.shtml
Focal Point: Sphere India TCBPSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: August 16, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8020.shtml
Administrative OfficerSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8019.shtml
Livelihood ManagerM.P.Mahila Vitta Evam Vikas NigamLocation: Bhopal, Madhya PradeshLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8002.shtml
Programme CoordinatorSamarthanLocation: Bhopal, Madhya PradeshLast Date: July 31, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8007.shtml
Campaigner - Climate Change and EnergyGreenpeace IndiaLocation: BangaloreLast Date: July 31, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8005.shtml
Project CoordinatorCommunity Foundation for Children and AgingLocation: New DelhiLast Date: August 15, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8008.shtml
Manager – CommunicationsPopulation Services InternationalLocation: PuneLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8004.shtml
Consultants for Process-documentation of the UNTRSUN Tsunami Recovery FrameworkLocation: ChennaiLast Date: July 25, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8003.shtml
Programme Manager – National School Education ProjectGMR Varalakshmi FoundationLocation: HyderabadLast Date: July 23, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7982.shtml
Branch ManagerIDEILocation: PatnaLast Date: July 20, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7935.shtml
Consultant - Programme CommunicationAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7932.shtml
Consultant- DemographerUnited Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), RajasthanLocation: JaipurLast Date: July 25, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7927.shtml
ReceptionistSave the Children, Bal Raksha, BharatLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 18, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7928.shtml
Consultant - Technical EngineerAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7930.shtml
Regional Finance & Admin. ManagerInternational Developmental OrganisationLocation: PuneLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7926.shtml
Consultant - MonitoringAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7931.shtml
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
http://www.DevNetJobsIndia.org
http://www.DevNetJobs.org
http://www.GenevaJobs.org
Email: jobs@devnetjobs.org
Researchers for Children's interviewsGoing to SchoolLocation: VariousLast Date: August 16, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8026.shtml
Focal Point: Sphere India URSSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8021.shtml
Monitoring and Evaluation OfficerUNICEFLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8024.shtml
Program Associate, Sphere India TCBPSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8022.shtml
Irrigation EngineersResearch and Development FoundationLocation: OrissaLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8023.shtml
Focal Point: Sphere India TCBPSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: August 16, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8020.shtml
Administrative OfficerSphere IndiaLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 27, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8019.shtml
Livelihood ManagerM.P.Mahila Vitta Evam Vikas NigamLocation: Bhopal, Madhya PradeshLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8002.shtml
Programme CoordinatorSamarthanLocation: Bhopal, Madhya PradeshLast Date: July 31, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8007.shtml
Campaigner - Climate Change and EnergyGreenpeace IndiaLocation: BangaloreLast Date: July 31, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8005.shtml
Project CoordinatorCommunity Foundation for Children and AgingLocation: New DelhiLast Date: August 15, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8008.shtml
Manager – CommunicationsPopulation Services InternationalLocation: PuneLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8004.shtml
Consultants for Process-documentation of the UNTRSUN Tsunami Recovery FrameworkLocation: ChennaiLast Date: July 25, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_8003.shtml
Programme Manager – National School Education ProjectGMR Varalakshmi FoundationLocation: HyderabadLast Date: July 23, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7982.shtml
Branch ManagerIDEILocation: PatnaLast Date: July 20, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7935.shtml
Consultant - Programme CommunicationAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7932.shtml
Consultant- DemographerUnited Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), RajasthanLocation: JaipurLast Date: July 25, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7927.shtml
ReceptionistSave the Children, Bal Raksha, BharatLocation: New DelhiLast Date: July 18, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7928.shtml
Consultant - Technical EngineerAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7930.shtml
Regional Finance & Admin. ManagerInternational Developmental OrganisationLocation: PuneLast Date: July 30, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7926.shtml
Consultant - MonitoringAn international agencyLocation: Darbhanga with travel to districts and PatnaLast Date: July 17, 2008http://216.119.85.221/artman2/publish/indian-jobs/article_7931.shtml
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Ela Bhatt : an Iron Lady with Simplicity - Silver Personality of July 2008 : Silver Innings
Ela Ramesh Bhatt was born on September 7, 1933 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.She spent her childhood in Surat. Her father Sumant Bhatt had a successful law practice. She completed her schooling from Sarvajanik Girls High School in Surat. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the M. T. B. College in Surat in 1952. After graduation she entered the Sir L. A. Shah Law College in Ahmedabad. In 1954 she received her degree in law and a Gold Medal for her work on Hindu Law. She then taught English for a short time at Shrimati Nathibai Damodardas Thackarsey Women's University in Mumbai. She joined the legal department of the Textile Labour Association (TLA) in Ahmedabad in 1955.
Bhatt founded SEWA with the aim of creating a trade union of women who earned a living through their own labour. Over the past three decades, it has evolved, becoming a cooperative movement that has enabled 7.94 lakh women - from rag pickers and vendors to chindi (used garment) makers - to become economically and socially self-reliant, giving them access to education, childcare, banking, insurance and, more recently, housing. Today, SEWA is a self-sufficient NGO, and an example to the world - the model has been replicated in South Africa, Yemen and Turkey. Bhatt was given the Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1977.
"I have shared my life with SEWA women," she says in the foreword to We Are Poor But So Many. "I have tried to take the reader into their world - the battles they fight, and their working and living conditions, I have written about women who are unlikely to read what I have written about them."
As the guiding spirit behind SEWA and its many projects ELA RAMESH BHATT has shown that the weak and the poor can, through their collective strength, overcome numerous handicaps. Her great confidence in the ability of self-employed women is seen in the structure of SEWA; it is a grass-roots organization which genuinely utilizes the talents and knowledge of its members. One who has observed her at work has said of ELA BHATT: "She is an extraordinarily calm, strong person whose gentleness and patience with the women is certainly one of the most important reasons for the success of SEWA."
"Simple needs and approach eliminate the need to lie and the craving for more. I relish simplicity as an all-comprehensive value." - Ela Bhatt
Contact Ela Bhatt:
Self Employed Women's AssociationSEWA Reception Centre,
Opp. Victoria Garden, Bhadra,
Ahmedabad - 380 001.India.
Phone : 91-79-25506444, 25506477, 25506441
Fax : 91-79-25506446
Email : mail@sewa.org
Website: http://www.sewa.org/
To Read in deatil click here http://www.silverinnings.com/
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Bhatt founded SEWA with the aim of creating a trade union of women who earned a living through their own labour. Over the past three decades, it has evolved, becoming a cooperative movement that has enabled 7.94 lakh women - from rag pickers and vendors to chindi (used garment) makers - to become economically and socially self-reliant, giving them access to education, childcare, banking, insurance and, more recently, housing. Today, SEWA is a self-sufficient NGO, and an example to the world - the model has been replicated in South Africa, Yemen and Turkey. Bhatt was given the Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1977.
"I have shared my life with SEWA women," she says in the foreword to We Are Poor But So Many. "I have tried to take the reader into their world - the battles they fight, and their working and living conditions, I have written about women who are unlikely to read what I have written about them."
As the guiding spirit behind SEWA and its many projects ELA RAMESH BHATT has shown that the weak and the poor can, through their collective strength, overcome numerous handicaps. Her great confidence in the ability of self-employed women is seen in the structure of SEWA; it is a grass-roots organization which genuinely utilizes the talents and knowledge of its members. One who has observed her at work has said of ELA BHATT: "She is an extraordinarily calm, strong person whose gentleness and patience with the women is certainly one of the most important reasons for the success of SEWA."
"Simple needs and approach eliminate the need to lie and the craving for more. I relish simplicity as an all-comprehensive value." - Ela Bhatt
Contact Ela Bhatt:
Self Employed Women's AssociationSEWA Reception Centre,
Opp. Victoria Garden, Bhadra,
Ahmedabad - 380 001.India.
Phone : 91-79-25506444, 25506477, 25506441
Fax : 91-79-25506446
Email : mail@sewa.org
Website: http://www.sewa.org/
To Read in deatil click here http://www.silverinnings.com/
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Cambridge students start work on community projects in India
Four Cambridge students flew out to India last week as the first participants in a collaboration between Cambridge University and India's largest business conglomerate.
An MOU signed between Tata Sons Ltd and the University of Cambridge in January this year has resulted in the launch of the Tata International Social Entrepreneurship Scheme (TISES). TISES is a hands-on opportunity for select Cambridge students to experience working on social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility projects within the Tata group of companies in India. TISES is a student placement programme which offers summer internships annually to final year undergraduates and graduates for up to eight weeks with different community initiative enterprises undertaken by the Tata Group.
The four students, selected out of a number of applicants, are now settling in their respective areas of work after a two-day induction programme at Mumbai. They are Valerie Fitton Kane, a student at Judge Business School, Lee Nordstrum, an MPhil student in Education, Grant Jackson, who recently completed his first degree in Natural Sciences and Selene Gittings, who has just finished her undergraduate degree in the faculty of Social and Political Sciences. Helen Haugh of Judge Business School who coordinates the TISES programme at Cambridge went on a fact-finding trip to India in March. She said: "This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real understanding of the impact of social entrepreneurship on the lives of people in developing countries.
The pioneering work of the Tata Group shows how corporations can engage with communities and lead innovative change at grass roots level." Of the four students, while Lee Nordstrum and Selene Gittings are working with a women's self-help group project at Babrala, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Valerie Fitton-Kane is joining a Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (REDP) at Mithapur, situated on the tip of Gujarat, a state on the West coast of India and very close to the India-Pakistan border.
Grant Jackson is also working at Babrala, but on an animal husbandry project exploring a dairy co-operative initiative, a movement that ushered in the milk revolution or the White Revolution in India in the 1970's.
Their stay in India and part of their airfare are sponsored by the Tata Group. Community Development Projects in India are livelihood projects for the poor, mostly rural population, facilitated through a number of schemes, an example being the micro credit scheme, which loans very small amounts of money to very poor people.
The REDP similarly explores ways in which individuals and communities can become financially sustainable, usually through locally suitable livelihood measures like handicraft, farming projects or sewing projects. The Tata Group is India's largest and one of its most respected conglomerates with revenues of over $50billion.
The Tata Group represents 'Leadership with Trust' as it combines business leadership with a commitment to return wealth to society. It now has businesses spread over seven sectors and operations in six continents with a total of 98 companies.
The MOU with Tata is one of five signed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Alison Richard during her visit to India last January. Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, who chairs the Cambridge India Partnership and accompanied the Vice-Chancellor on that visit, said: "The Cambridge India Partnership is a long-term, resilient and evolving relationship founded on scholarly and research-based collaborations, two-way exchanges at every academic level, and at the interface of academia with NGOs, business, and public policy, commitment to capacity building for a global future in both Cambridge and India and ever strengthening relations with alumni. "We aim to further develop collaborations and partnerships between Cambridge and India involving scholars at every level from undergraduates to the most distinguished Professor. "
The Cambridge India Partnership website, acts as a centralised and dynamic resource for information on ongoing activities between Cambridge and India, including academic collaborations, partner institutions, funding opportunities, events and activities, exchanges and student programmes, visits to and from India and alumni relations. The Vice-Chancellor and colleagues are set to make a return visit to India next January.
Source: http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=49219
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
An MOU signed between Tata Sons Ltd and the University of Cambridge in January this year has resulted in the launch of the Tata International Social Entrepreneurship Scheme (TISES). TISES is a hands-on opportunity for select Cambridge students to experience working on social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility projects within the Tata group of companies in India. TISES is a student placement programme which offers summer internships annually to final year undergraduates and graduates for up to eight weeks with different community initiative enterprises undertaken by the Tata Group.
The four students, selected out of a number of applicants, are now settling in their respective areas of work after a two-day induction programme at Mumbai. They are Valerie Fitton Kane, a student at Judge Business School, Lee Nordstrum, an MPhil student in Education, Grant Jackson, who recently completed his first degree in Natural Sciences and Selene Gittings, who has just finished her undergraduate degree in the faculty of Social and Political Sciences. Helen Haugh of Judge Business School who coordinates the TISES programme at Cambridge went on a fact-finding trip to India in March. She said: "This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real understanding of the impact of social entrepreneurship on the lives of people in developing countries.
The pioneering work of the Tata Group shows how corporations can engage with communities and lead innovative change at grass roots level." Of the four students, while Lee Nordstrum and Selene Gittings are working with a women's self-help group project at Babrala, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Valerie Fitton-Kane is joining a Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (REDP) at Mithapur, situated on the tip of Gujarat, a state on the West coast of India and very close to the India-Pakistan border.
Grant Jackson is also working at Babrala, but on an animal husbandry project exploring a dairy co-operative initiative, a movement that ushered in the milk revolution or the White Revolution in India in the 1970's.
Their stay in India and part of their airfare are sponsored by the Tata Group. Community Development Projects in India are livelihood projects for the poor, mostly rural population, facilitated through a number of schemes, an example being the micro credit scheme, which loans very small amounts of money to very poor people.
The REDP similarly explores ways in which individuals and communities can become financially sustainable, usually through locally suitable livelihood measures like handicraft, farming projects or sewing projects. The Tata Group is India's largest and one of its most respected conglomerates with revenues of over $50billion.
The Tata Group represents 'Leadership with Trust' as it combines business leadership with a commitment to return wealth to society. It now has businesses spread over seven sectors and operations in six continents with a total of 98 companies.
The MOU with Tata is one of five signed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Alison Richard during her visit to India last January. Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, who chairs the Cambridge India Partnership and accompanied the Vice-Chancellor on that visit, said: "The Cambridge India Partnership is a long-term, resilient and evolving relationship founded on scholarly and research-based collaborations, two-way exchanges at every academic level, and at the interface of academia with NGOs, business, and public policy, commitment to capacity building for a global future in both Cambridge and India and ever strengthening relations with alumni. "We aim to further develop collaborations and partnerships between Cambridge and India involving scholars at every level from undergraduates to the most distinguished Professor. "
The Cambridge India Partnership website, acts as a centralised and dynamic resource for information on ongoing activities between Cambridge and India, including academic collaborations, partner institutions, funding opportunities, events and activities, exchanges and student programmes, visits to and from India and alumni relations. The Vice-Chancellor and colleagues are set to make a return visit to India next January.
Source: http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=49219
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
India, China seen to be solving their problems but Africa is not
On his visit to India, Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, deputy director of United Nations Millennium Campaign in Africa spoke to Mint about the key lessons that Africa needs to learn from India’s performance in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A Rhodes scholar and a doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford, Abdul-Raheem was especially impressed to find how minorities in India do not depend on foreign organizations to voice their concerns. A writer and an analyst on African issues, Raheem is also a Bollywood fan and says he watches Amitabh Bachchan’s Kabhie Kabhie at least once every year. Edited excerpts:
How do most Africans view India, especially in the context of achieving the MDGs?
In contemporary Africa today, influence of the West is dwindling and influence of Asia, especially India and China, is rising. But, more importantly for Africans, is to look at India—a society which was as colonized as we were—in spite of everything, was to generate a kind of development strategy which is slowly getting it out of poverty and into a league of a major power in this century.
How has India coped with over a billion population and address the issues of poverty and provisioning of food for a majority of the people. So a lot of people (Africans) think that if Indians can do it then they can also do it.
India and China have shown that smaller people of the world can also make progress on their own. And the argument in Africa today is that we should not look westwards, we should look eastwards…in terms of development strategy. What fascinates Africans about Indians is, how has India, in spite of the challenges posed by multiple religions and castes, remained a democratic state without succumbing to the kinds of military coups in its neighbours such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.
India and China are seen to be solving their problems but Africa is not. It has to do with the fact that Africa remains a Balkanized continent, divided into 54 countries shaped by colonialism. And, therefore, Africans look toward India and China, to emphasize the need to unite because without unity nothing is possible.
In the context of MDG, in India it is about concentrating on those marginalized, those who have fallen out of the net, while in Africa it is about the whole society because majority of the people are outside the net.
But malnutrition rates in India are higher than some of the sub-Saharan countries. How do you reconcile that?
I will quote Gandhi who had said that there is enough in the world to satisfy our need but not enough to satisfy our greed. So it isn’t that there are no problems in India.
I just visited a village just 15km from Delhi which still had around 400 kids who did not go to school. There is no school, no sanitation, and no hospital. So, I am not surprised if you have sections of India where poverty is worse. Because, ultimately, it is about power…how those in power relate with those voting for them.
I asked these people “Don’t you vote?” They said, “Yes, we do but we are only 700 and therefore we are not significant.” So even democracy is not a protection for a marginalized group. It is a paradox in India: how can India go to space without all Indians going to school. So it is about how the people in power prioritize.
What are the key things that Africa can learn from India while implementing the MDGs?
How our own people and institutions can take charge of our own destiny. I have met NGOs (in India) representing the various marginalized sections of the society and what interested me most was the ability of these people to fight back. They were not speaking like victims and they did not require any foreign organization to voice their concerns. You judge a democracy by how it treats its minority. And by minority I mean political minority, not just numerical minority. Such as women, who are a political minority, not a numerical minority. So that’s something which has inspired us—how to focus on our minorities and bring their rights and issues on the table.
Is there an action plan made after your discussions with the Indian counterparts?
Well, one part is to put greater pressure on the governments in Africa to undertake the implementation of these goals. The other part is also about how the Indian campaign works with minorities on the outside…they also work mainstream with the governments both at the Central and state levels…how it relates with the United Nations much more positively. But in Africa due to the existing challenges to the legitimacy of the various governments, it is still very difficult for the NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and civil society to relate normally.
By Udit Misra and Sangeeta Singh
Source: http://www.livemint.com/2008/07/14231555/India-China-seen-to-be-solvin.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
How do most Africans view India, especially in the context of achieving the MDGs?
In contemporary Africa today, influence of the West is dwindling and influence of Asia, especially India and China, is rising. But, more importantly for Africans, is to look at India—a society which was as colonized as we were—in spite of everything, was to generate a kind of development strategy which is slowly getting it out of poverty and into a league of a major power in this century.
How has India coped with over a billion population and address the issues of poverty and provisioning of food for a majority of the people. So a lot of people (Africans) think that if Indians can do it then they can also do it.
India and China have shown that smaller people of the world can also make progress on their own. And the argument in Africa today is that we should not look westwards, we should look eastwards…in terms of development strategy. What fascinates Africans about Indians is, how has India, in spite of the challenges posed by multiple religions and castes, remained a democratic state without succumbing to the kinds of military coups in its neighbours such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.
India and China are seen to be solving their problems but Africa is not. It has to do with the fact that Africa remains a Balkanized continent, divided into 54 countries shaped by colonialism. And, therefore, Africans look toward India and China, to emphasize the need to unite because without unity nothing is possible.
In the context of MDG, in India it is about concentrating on those marginalized, those who have fallen out of the net, while in Africa it is about the whole society because majority of the people are outside the net.
But malnutrition rates in India are higher than some of the sub-Saharan countries. How do you reconcile that?
I will quote Gandhi who had said that there is enough in the world to satisfy our need but not enough to satisfy our greed. So it isn’t that there are no problems in India.
I just visited a village just 15km from Delhi which still had around 400 kids who did not go to school. There is no school, no sanitation, and no hospital. So, I am not surprised if you have sections of India where poverty is worse. Because, ultimately, it is about power…how those in power relate with those voting for them.
I asked these people “Don’t you vote?” They said, “Yes, we do but we are only 700 and therefore we are not significant.” So even democracy is not a protection for a marginalized group. It is a paradox in India: how can India go to space without all Indians going to school. So it is about how the people in power prioritize.
What are the key things that Africa can learn from India while implementing the MDGs?
How our own people and institutions can take charge of our own destiny. I have met NGOs (in India) representing the various marginalized sections of the society and what interested me most was the ability of these people to fight back. They were not speaking like victims and they did not require any foreign organization to voice their concerns. You judge a democracy by how it treats its minority. And by minority I mean political minority, not just numerical minority. Such as women, who are a political minority, not a numerical minority. So that’s something which has inspired us—how to focus on our minorities and bring their rights and issues on the table.
Is there an action plan made after your discussions with the Indian counterparts?
Well, one part is to put greater pressure on the governments in Africa to undertake the implementation of these goals. The other part is also about how the Indian campaign works with minorities on the outside…they also work mainstream with the governments both at the Central and state levels…how it relates with the United Nations much more positively. But in Africa due to the existing challenges to the legitimacy of the various governments, it is still very difficult for the NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and civil society to relate normally.
By Udit Misra and Sangeeta Singh
Source: http://www.livemint.com/2008/07/14231555/India-China-seen-to-be-solvin.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Challenge of an ageing population in India - Hendi Lingiah ,Clinical Psychologist
Facing the challenge of an ageing population in India
A conference was held from 24th to 28th of March 2008 at the Goa Medical College, Goa, India, on “Improving Quality of Care of the Elderly” with central Theme: Dementia Care. This was in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI ). The participants were the people involved with the Care of the Elders in Goa: Doctors, Old Age Home directors, Caregivers and elderly themselves. I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to attend.
All over the world, the elderly population is growing continuously and it is projected that in the next few decades most of the elderly people would be in the developing countries. With improving living standards come better health and more access to medical services, leading to a decline in mortality rates and higher life expectancy.
To cope with this challenge, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has launched a National Initiative on Care for Elderly which aim to educate and train persons providing care to the elderly.
The NISD as an advisory body, a Resource and Training Centre of Excellence, runs geriatric care courses every six months in several regions of the country to make caregivers aware of the specific physical and psychological conditions of the elderly. It carries out comprehensive certificated courses provided by specialists in geriatric and gerontology on several themes. The courses cover all aspects of elderly care, problems faced by them medical and psychological ones explaining how to provide proper care in each case, a proper practices. Also and most importantly, the program emphasizes on the importance for all caregivers to be aware of the implications and the multidimensional aspects of the care of the elderly.
The Institute, through orientation workshops, also aims to create awareness among the population, including the elderly and their families, about the facilities available for them; to inform institutions/organizations private or public, of the issue of an ageing population. It then emphasises the necessity to make common efforts between government and non government bodies in implementing proper care services and infrastructures, and ultimately, to develop public health policy for the welfare of the elderly.
My contribution to that training program, at the request of Dr. Amit Dias, Jt Secretary of the ARDSI and Secretary of the Dementia Society of Goa, the coordinator and main trainer with his colleagues from the Goa Medical College was to give a talk on my personal experience in France, a presentation of the structure I am currently working in, its aims and organization and my role in it as a psychologist. Featuring how these structures developed mostly by the Municipalities through a social policy, are inserted in the government’s public services policy in France.
Many others speakers, medical practitioners, geriatrists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists and nurses; all currently working with elderly and perfectly trained in dementia gave their contributions during these five days. They covered all aspects of Elderly Care such as: Health Problems in the Elderly, Understanding the Human Brain, Healthy Ageing, Medication, Dental problems, Nutrition, Basic Nursing Care, Physiotherapy, Prevention from fall and Assisting activities of daily living.
The Central Theme - Dementia Care, was approached through the sessions: Understanding Dementia, Aggressive behaviour in Dementia and its management, Patients with Severe Stage Dementia. Short films illustrated the disease’s signs, its effects on the family, the way to manage and the absence of help and understanding the patient and the family members were experiencing. Alternatively with these teaching sessions, the participants could ask questions, discuss situations and get advice from the specialists.
We also had Group Work sessions where I had the opportunity to get to know more of the participants and discuss with them the issues they are facing in India while offering services and care for the elderly. The Group Work sessions were specially designed to address these issues, pointing out the difficulties of working in that field, which the average population and institutions are not yet aware, specific knowledge and care practices with elderly, maintaining the structure, recruiting staff, financial resources especially were also explored.
Representatives of the NGO HelpAge India gave a talk on their action in Goa; explaining how they are supporting the eldely with Old Age Homes and how they are working through the Mobile Medicare Unit. They also mentioned the activities they plan to do in the future as the Helpline, Income Generation Program, Day Recreational Centre for Destitute and Rehabilitation of Retired Sex Workers are developed.
A special point was made about the Home Care Project, a research project launched by the Dementia Society of Goa. It is a home-based interventions project as an alternative to clinic-based interventions which are more orientated toward acute conditions of those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. The project aims to set up within the Community a Home Care Advisor whose role would be to design individualized protocol for their situation at Home with the sufferer and his family.
Furthermore, the important issue of Elderly Abuse was approached through the Family Elderly Protection Law and its implementation on which specialists in geriatrics and gerontology are working today.
I also visited an Old Age Home, a private one, run by Sisters from a Religious Congregation in Goa. During the visit, I could talk to the residents and the owner who gave his house for this specific use. I shared my experience with the Sister Director. We discussed the functioning of the Home and shared our respective views.
Conclusion :
This training gave me the opportunity to learn more about the aged in India, the issues face in the present political climate. As a psychologist in the field of elderly care, I found this training very rewarding. The varied caregivers and medical practitioners met each other and addressed their issues in the aim of working closely in collaboration.
Such initiative provided a valuable contribution to the education and training of those institutions and families, directly taking care of the Elderly People especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, it made the caregivers, juniors and seniors, aware of the opportunities available in working with the elderly; removing their fears through information, training and supervision.
It also created an awareness throughout the population; sensitize more people to the issue of ageing, Alzheimer’s disease and appropriate behaviours. Mostly, it encouraged them to seek help and consult a geriatrist if necessary.
Goa is thus building a network of elderly care professionals throughout the territory, implementing protocols of proper care practices among the caregivers, with the aim of setting up proper care services for elderly in health institutions, at home or in residential settings. These professionals are working today on prevention and education, applying practical interventions, building a professional caregiver’s network. Let’s value this initiative of official bodies and organizations of the country in facing the challenge of a “greying population” in India.
About the author
Hendi Lingiah is a clinical psychologist presently working in France in the field of elderly care in a Communal Center for Social Action promoted by the City’s Municipality. She is involved in Gerontological Coordination organizing interventions for elderly at home, especially those affected with Alzheimer’s disease. Originally from Mauritius, she has been associated with a project of residential setting in India for people suffering from dementia, connected to the newly launched comprehensive website for senior citizens in India www.silverinnings.com as one of the Founder member and Honorary Expert and Advisor.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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