Akmal Husain Serving People

About Me

2010-06-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Your's Visiting number:

Regards and good wishes to the whole global family members. Through means and tools of modern technolgy, it has become the greatest gift to come closer in our views/thoughts and actions. Hence, I introduce myself to the world community of net users to share views and experiences.

I (Akmal Husain) was borne in an ordinary village (ISMAILPUR, near the town Gursahaiganj in undivided Farrukhabad District of Uttar pradesh, India now it falls under historically famed Kannauj District) on Monday the 27th February, 1956. My parents (Father Jb Mohammad Hanif - now aged 85 yrs, Mother Late Janabah Ayesha Begum who died on 27th October 1988) though belonging to a very ordinary status had brought us to such enlightened staus by virtue of their deep concern and all kinds of sacrifice for moral/religious and modern education. On the meagre income, my parents had always remained foresighted, generous and encouraging for quality modern education despite family hardships, resource limitations and lack of good institutions in the surrounding. After passing primary education from village school in 1965, I had joined the nearby (2km) Junior High school at Gusahaiganj and passed the 8th std exam in 1968.

There was a great problem for pursuing secondary/college education as there was hardly any Science group college in the area. Hence, I had to cycle all the way 12 km (one way) for BSS Intermediate College Sikandarpur from my Village despite odds like weather conditions, tiredness and loss of time in journey etc. Thus commutting for regular four years (from 1968-1972), I had passed out High School & Intermediate Examinations in 1970, 1972 respectively with first class and distinction marks in Chemistry (incidently, I was the only first divisioner in Intermediate Examination in 1972 batch from my College). Thus it paved the way for Chemistry being chosen my career for higher education pursuits.

After passing out intermediate examination in 1972, higher education was pursued at the internationally acclaimed Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh (UP) while admitting in B Sc (Hons) Chemistry in Sept 1972. In continuation to this, B Sc (Hons), M Sc & Phil Degrees in Chemistry were obtained in 1974, 76 & 77 respectively. Thereafter, I left the university in April 1979 in lure of career prospects (for teaching at Nehru P G College, Chhibramau in Farrukhabad District under Kanpur University). This was performed till May 1985 (with a break from June 1980 to October 1985). The award of Ph D degree was hampered due to thrust for civil services examination attempts from 1981-1984 (with partial success in three layered tests) and job priorities. However, now after a long stint, the same is in pipeline for getting awarded fromMJPR University, Bareilly (UP) as the required formalities are completed and the sufficient work is already done.

Second phase of my career started in May 1986 with the award of a fellowship at prestigious Industrial Toxicology Research Centre - Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Lucknow on ministry of Environment & Forests’s sponsored project entitled “Safety Evaluation of Photo-toxicity of Environmental Pollutants (Textile Dyestuffs)”. The experience thus gained in this field had been turning point in shaping future career as Environmental Scientist. During this period, a large number of national seminars (including an International conference) were attended and thus fine tuned the skill for overall environmental concern. With this kind of exposure and training, I got involved in delivering popular environmental science lectures in various institutes and training centers including the Academic Staff Colleges of several universities. This training on various environmental aspects had been for over full five years till I joined the ministry of Environment & Forests (Govt. of India) Department: Zoological Survey of India as Scientist (class I, Gazetted) in Sept 1991 at the nationally famed Marine Aquarium & Research Centre (Digha in West Bengal) where I served till Nov 2008 (for over 17 years) thereafter being transferred to its Chennai office (Marine Biology Regional Centre) where I am serving presently in a scale equivalent to the Deputy Secretary, Government of India.

During the past over three decades of experience in social, academic & scientific field, twenty national and international symposia / conferences had been attended / participated. Sixty general articles, thirty popular scientific articles, twenty research paper abstracts & twelve research papers had been written / published in the reputed national and international journals. Besides, a vast experience on office administration, office security and routine government procedures has been earned during the service period with special aptitude and devotion to the cause of poor and downtrodden people.

Akmal Husain : Sr. Scientist, Zoological Survey of India,

130 Santhome High Road
Chennai 600 028
Cell: 9003173400,
email: akmalhusain56@gmail.com, akmalhusain13@yahoo.com

About My Faith

2010-05-24T02:35:00.001-07:00

My faith:

I submit myself to the Lord of Universe. Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are all devoted absolutely to Almighty alone, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. We must intensify our efforts and increase our supplication to God. Only He knows all and nothing can happen except by His Will. O my Lord! Give us the best of this world and the best of the hereafter and save us from the Hellfire.

O my Lord! Imbue the heart of all your creatures across the globe with mercy, love, and peace. O Almighty! Give us the strength and wisdom to wage peace all over the world. O my God! You are the source of peace; peace flows back and forth from You. Our dear Lord, bless us with peace, exalted You are, the Lord of Majesty and Honor.

O my Lord! I seek refuge in You that anyone of them exceeds the limits on me or that they oppress me. O my Almighty! Make the peace movement grow stronger and more powerful so it can divert humanity from the path of destruction to the path of peace, justice,andco-existence.

O Lord of the worlds! Grant me safety and peace and do not appoint any creation of Yours over me with such a thing which I cannot defend myself against nor resist. O Almighty, I ask You (to enable me) to do good deeds and avoid evil deeds, and to love the poor, and (I ask You) to forgive me, have mercy on me and accept my repentance. God is more Powerful and Overpowering than that which I am fearing and frightened of, I seek refuge in Almighty besides whom there is no deity, the being who prevents the sky from falling upon the earth except with His Order. O Dear Lord! I seek Your refuge from the evil of so and so servant of Yours’, his army, his followers and his assistants whether they are from Jinn or human species. O God! Be my Protector from their evil, Your Praise is lofty and great and the person taking refuge in You is always overpowering and (none) is worthy of worship except You.

Welfare Institutions

2010-05-24T02:16:00.001-07:00

Welfare Institutions References:

National Human Rights Commission: email: jrlawnhrc@nic.in (for complaints)

cr.nhrc@nic.in (general queries)

Phones: 9810298900, 011-2338 5368, fax 2338 6521

NHRC conducts one month internship program (both in winter & summer) for students of law, Pol.

Sc., Soc. Work, Criminology & Human Rights. Students from outside Delhi are paid a stipend of Rs

5000/ each for the program.

Welfare Commissioner: Ministry of Labor & Employment, Government of India

(Bidi Workers’ Hospital, Gursahaiganj, District: Kannauj, UP)

Mr H S Yadav (Regional Welfare Commissioner)

Regional Office: 555-A/2, Mamford Ganj

Allahabad 2

Phone 05322250275, email: wcald@rediffmail.com

National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD)

Min of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI

East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Kovalam post

Chennai 603 112 (www.niepmd.tn.nic.in) 044-2747 2113, 2046

Help Age India (Fighting Isolation, Poverty and Neglect) www.helpageindia.org

H O: C-14 Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016, Ph 42030400, fax 2685 2916

Elango Rajarathinam (Sr. Manager) 04142 212653, 97900 24490 elango@helpageindia.org

Tamaraikulam Elders village, Periyakanganankuppam,

Uppalavadi post, Cuddalore (TN)

The Leprosy Mission Trust India

CNI Bhawan, 16 Pt Pant Marg New Delhi 110 001

Ph 2371 6920, fax 0803, email: tlmpsd@tlmindia.org

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (Deemed University)

Sriperumubudur (TN) 602 105

www.rgniyd.gov.in, 2716 2705 fax 3227

Aids Prevention & Control Society

Chennai Corporation, Chennai 600 004

Phone Nos. 24987498, 99

Animal Welfare Board of India

13/1 III Sea Ward Road,

Valmiki Nagar, Tiruvanmiyur

Chennai

Phones: 4124454935, 4958, web: www.awbi.org.in

Agriculture and Rural Technology

2010-05-24T02:14:00.001-07:00

Agriculture & Rural Technology:

Reference Books / journals:

1) Rural 21: the International Journal for Rural Development www.rural21.com, www.fao.org,

2) Gandhi Today: NCRI Publication, pages 392, Rs. 495/,

3) Selected Essays on Strengthening Rural Institutes using Technology for Social Advancement

(Rural Resources Informatics Centre NCRI) Pages 89, Rs. 95/

Serial publications, email: serialspublication@vsnl.net, info@ncri.in

Climate Change, Agriculture and World Hunger are closely interlinked. Investment in sustainable agriculture has to be promoted to speed climate protection, incentives has to be provided e.g. through payments for ecosystem services. System Agro a multi-peril insurance scheme that takes account of the risks farmers & should be preferably be organized in the form of a PPP under the central control of the Governments. The idea to establish e-chaupal, which farmers can use to check market prices, order fertilizer & sell their products through Agri Business Division of ITC has to be promoted.

Water & Soil Resources is a matter of global security-climate change and growing world population mean that these resources are becoming in shorter supply. Investments in more efficient use of water, in water recycling & storage are just as necessary as efforts to maintain the fertility of the soil and use of underground facilities for disposing of unwanted carbon. A peaceful world will not be possible unless the currently developed countries can undergo a process of development.

In International Meet on Climate Change: All the participating countries gave an undertaking to help the reduce greenhouse gas emissions & to adapt agriculture to the changing climate. A global network should be created to which each country can contribute its knowledge and experience in combating the climate change. By combining innovative ideas from individuals, with investments from public, private & civil society organizations, social entrepreneurs can create social change that guides rural institutions towards their goals.

Three Roles for Social Entrepreneurs: Innovations to benefit the poor: Policy, Programs and Business Entrepreneurs are required. 73^rd Constitutional Amendment supporting rule of administrative bodies at the community level, or Panchayat Raj has induced Rangaswamy Elango (IIT M product chemical engineer as panchayat activist at Kunthambakkam near Chennai) and has developed it to model panchayat utilizing the information and communication technology (ICT).

Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are a successful approach of participatory learning in the field. They are effective and comparatively cheap tool to encourage communities to validate and adapt improved technology to local conditions, improve rural food security and income generation & empower farmers to find solutions to their problems. Typically, a farmer field school involves 25-30 farmers that form a group. This group stays together for duration of the crop cycle with classes taking place once a week.

Biotechnology: Solution to Sustainable Agriculture Development

Agriculture provides income & employment for majority of the poor, so it has to be one of the key sectors in any of the poverty alleviation / reduction strategy. But there are also other major challenges that global organization is confronted with, including climate change, increasing natural resource scarcities, and rapidly using food, fiber and fuel demand. These challenges can only be addressed through taping modern science, especially in the area of crop improvement. Combined with conventional breeding, use of biotechnology & genetically modified (GM) crops can i) raise yields, ii) reduce environmental externalities associated with agrochemicals & greenhouse gas emissions, iii) increase crop tolerance to heat, drought & other stress factors and iv) also enhance nutritional value of food product.

Education (general)

2010-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Education:

Aim of Education is not the acquisition of information or acquisition of technical skills (though essential in modern society) but the development of that bent of mind, that attitude of reason and that spirit of democracy which will make us responsible citizens.

(Dr S. Radhakrishnan)

Education system should be entirely focused on instilling leadership qualities among the students to bring about revolutionary changes in the functioning of the society. E-learning system (e-learning initiative: NPTEL) through that there are various interactions possible between teacher node and student node through video / audio, live document sharing, chat & white board.

(Indian Express Chennai Aug 10, 09)

Education “should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial & moral leadership among the students and become their role model”

(Dr A P J Abdul Kalam)

Any level of success can be achieved through proper/quality education

Success can not be achieved without proper and quality education

All successful persons in the world had been great educationist

In today’s world Education (knowledge) is the power

Most knowledge able persons/countries are ruling the country/world

Various kinds of Education:

Religious & Moral Education

Science and Humanities

Arts and Culture

Engineering & technology

Medical/Physical Health Education

IT & Environmental Education

Space, Ocean & Earth Sciences Education

Farm and Agriculture Education

Media/Advertising, Commerce and Management Education

Professional Education like Legal, Hotel/catering, Tourism, fashion etc

School Children and Health:

During school years, children go through immense changes- their physical, intellectual, and emotional capabilities expand tremendously. Their behavior is inspired and influenced by their teachers and their peer groups. The school environment has important role in forming the children’s characteristics. Hence Health Care of school going children need to be taken on following aspects (for which tie up arrangement with hospitals and health centers need to be made):

Prevention of diseases and disorders,

individual health check ups, including relevant screening tests

Health education,

Ensuring the healthy environment and atmosphere in the school,

Observing and improving healthy, encouraging and friendly relationships amongst the student and staff.

John Shepherd – Barron who invented world’s first automatic cash dispensing machine, better known as ATM died on 20^th May 2010 at 84 in London.

Environmental Education:

For safe Environment for today and tomorrow’s generation, Environmental Education is to be imparted as a movement of the People, by the People and for the People with following message:

Population control and Health care,

Water Pollution control in lakes/rivers & oceanic systems,

Air Pollution control in industrial belts,

Integrated Land use planning and watershed management: re-vegetation of the marginal lands for fodder, firewood, and long term environmental safety,

Development of reliable and non-polluting renewable energy sources,

Solid waste utilization by recycling: today’s waste is tomorrow’s raw material,

Conservation of Biological Diversity in its totality,

Development of new types of human settlements without congestion and above all affecting the slum conditions,

Radical changes in national / global policies regarding nuclear & chemical warfare and limiting unnecessary explosions, expeditions, and other experiments,

10 Environmental Education and Awareness at all levels of Society

Green School Initiative (GSI) for Environment:

Environment Management System (EMS) as developed by CPREEC launched in 07-08 & is being practiced in Chennai, Puducherry, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ooty.

Environmental Audit in Schools:

EMS is popular in ‘Industrial sector’ which means training to industries. In other parts of the world, compatible environmental management system has been adopted either voluntarily or for promoting standards by external certification. However, European system of environ-mental standards (educational) does not suit the existing Indian educational system. Chennai based CPREEC has devised a simple & indigenized system for monitoring environmental performance of schools. Environmental conditions may be monitored from many angles that are close to Indian requirements. This innovative scheme for schools is user friendly & voluntary. Environmental monitoring system helps school set up environmental examples for community & educate young learners. Areas of eco-auditing to be followed / practiced by member organizations / schools are as follows:

Waste minimization & recycling,

Energy conservation,

Water conservation & harvesting,

Protecting plants & animals,

Animal welfare concern,

Eco-auditing

Educate & Mobilize the Society: Awareness of environment & conservation of its scarce resources can be achieved easily by educating & mobilizing the society for the cause, was opined by Rajendra Pandurang Kelkar recipient of so many laurels & awards working as teacher in Goa. Vivekananda Environmental Awareness Brigade (Teacher/ Environmentalist Shri Rajendra Pandurang Kerkar of Goa) has excelled in the area and is role model and source of inspiration for environmental crusade at school level.

Year (2009) World Environment Day slogan: Planet needs you: “Unite to combat climate change & broader consequences of environmental changes & what societies can do in response”

21^st April is observed as Earth day

Forest protection Act 1980 has been enacted to protect the Ecology, Environment, Forests, Rivers and Lakes

Loss of Ecology (prevention & payments of compensation): A Central Govt. authority for T.N. State, 148 Peters Road Chennai 86

A ban on mechanized trawling in coastal areas from June 15 to July 31for conservation of fish resources is recommended & is enforced in a few states

Power plants, polluting coastal industries & resorts along the coastline have made undeniable loss to the livelihood of fishermen

Country’s record on Environment is pathetic, setting up of a National Green Tribunal & an exclusive centre for National Environment Protection Authority (NEPA) will help to protect ecology of biodiversity spots

It has been admitted that there is nothing much about the record since rules pertaining to safeguard & conservation of environment have been flouted several times

China is adding 4 m hectare to forest cover annually whereas India only 1 m hectare

India currently has 21% under forest cover (only 2% under high density category)

Due to severe drought, it is quite imperative that under NREGS, tree plantation (on waste and barren land) should be included

National Institute of Climate Change & Environmental Studies: A world class climate study institute will be set up in Tirupati with coordination of MOEF, Min of Earth Sciences, DST & Dept of Space.

(Indian Express March 2010)

Challenges for Effective Modern Education

In all ages, education had remained the most challenging subject for rulers, administrators, society and community leaders as well as policy planners. Through advancement in this sector only, the countries and communities ruled for longer periods of time and still the educationally advanced European nations and mighty USA is dictating the so called third world nations due to their well established and sophisticated higher and professional educational infrastructure. With technological advancements, education has become more sophisticated and professionalized in present day world. During the past two decades, areas like Information Technology, Business Management, Microbiology, Biotechnology etc has evolved as highly lucrative careers than the traditional fields like Civil Services, Academics, Engineering and Medicine etc. It is due to this reason that the best talent is not opting for the ever challenging Administrative and Academic services for core services to the society and future generation build up.

Despite mushrooming of higher educational opportunities in the state like U.P. and few other northern states, the quality has suffered badly. Courses and syllabi have not been tuned to the new dimensions of multidisciplinary researches and job market oriented requirements. There is dire necessity of quality monitoring in the educational institutions, which has not been taken care in most of the higher educational institutions in the educationally backward states like U.P., Bihar, M.P. etc. It is surprising that syllabi, teachers’ recruitments, examination pattern, recruitment of top level authorities like Vice Chancellor etc is being politically motivated for party and personal gains. It is for this reason that all round growth and establishment of social harmony has suffered lot in our region than the developed and educationally strong southern stated of country. It is high time to introspect to keep education sector free from political, communal or personal or materialistic considerations. It is very unfortunate that educational institutions are being sun in commercial manner under the patronage of some political party or local influential social or political activist having no concern for academic quality or morale.

Only fair and intelligent mind can deliver the good to the society and nation. Hence the teachers should realize responsibilities with caution and dedication. In the already enhanced seat capacity in various professional colleges, either infrastructure is to be increased or trimming of seats is to be done immediately such that quality of service is not compromised. There is acute necessity of surveillance and monitoring committees of dedicated and capable persons to assess the performance of its products with the national standard of academic output in all levels of educational institutions (nursery, primary, secondary, higher secondary and higher education centers. The process of deliverance of education had been distinctly divided in quality and quantity oriented approach as the intellectual and cautious upper class people provide education (to their children) from the very beginning preferably from the English medium high quality schools and colleges with vigilant approach on their regular performance and supplementing additional study material. Through an assessment report, it is being estimated that nearly 90% of the school, colleges and Higher education institutions in the worst affected state like U.P. are imparting defunct and substandard education making mockery of the educational system and giving the profession a bad name.

Education is being used as important tool of social and community development process from the ages. Even today also, the present day society is using this platform as carrier of their personal agenda and lucrative source of income. In process, educational mafias has been acting to sale the cheap product at bargaining cost to the crazy students for their short term gains. Statistics reveal that a very few students succeed in lucrative Union and State level competitive examinations for civil, police, judicial, revenue, banking, defense services and negligible persons qualify in the prestigious CAT, GATE and IIT entrance tests from such substandard institutional background. The awakening for quality educational output and establishment of such type of institutions should come from within the society and community level. Then only such menace can be curbed in the effective manner. The government authorities should impose punitive action against propagators of such defunct educational output and at the same time to reward the productive and quality teachers.

The situation amongst the sizeable Muslim community (mainly in rural and suburban areas throughout the nation is highly deplorable). Even literacy is not being attained what to talk of attaining professional and other kind of quality education. Various common factors and suggested remedial measures to contain such menace may be enumerated as follows:

Lack of derive/motivation for enrollment in schools mainly of the poor class people’s children,

Heavy dropouts of school children of weaker sections & minority people. As per Justice Sachar Committee observations, only 30% of the Muslim children go to school, 4% up to graduation and 2% up to post graduation,

Lack of proper monitoring, monetary and material assistance (collectively at community level) during school studies mainly, to the poor class peoples’ children,

Standard of our community schools, colleges and institutions in general is observed to be very low and obsolete (due to poor teaching personnel, outdated syllabi, lack of determination and commitment to the noble cause),

The Administration and Management of most of the academic institutions & professional colleges is being handled by less qualified/incompetent community people for their social & economic lust,

The community activists/volunteers and leaders feel more concerned about sports, cultural, literary and political activities through clubs & voluntary organizations,

Due importance on international link language (English) is not being given for which quality & competitive higher education is not achieved up to the desired extent,

Likewise social, cultural and sports clubs, Educational interaction & exercise clubs are non existent (for motivation, better coordination and proper guidance at local levels). Due to which lot of bright students’ career is hampered/blocked,

Likewise in Southern States and in West (where institutions are performing with excellence), in Northern and Eastern regions of the country, most of the institutions (particularly of our own community establishments) are running with very low standard of educational and academic output,

At various important national forums, it has been stressed that we need closer networking of proper and effective career counseling centers at all levels of studies involving and interacting educational and social activists with deep sense of commitment as consistent effort for all round educational achievements. Then only fruits of Sachar Committee recommendations can be achieved in its true sense.

Hence, through meticulous career counseling and closer networking between family, schools / colleges and society (also called multidimensional source) then only the targets of quality and effective modern education can be achieved.

Westbound Education Services: for guidance to foreign education in UK, US etc. www.westbound.org

PlanetEducation:www.planeteducation.info,email: chennai.planet@gmail.com

Surveys and Reports

2010-04-12T12:17:00.005-07:00

Kharagpur Slums (under Railway Area) Improvement:

As reported and observed, there are nearly thirty clusters/areas densely populated of the local and outside the state emigrants as slum dwellers on the vast Railway area with over 50,000/ population. These people are reportedly established since very beginning of the country’s independence in search of shelter and self employment as laborers & beggars etc. Surprisingly, most of them had been issued Ration & EPI cards by the State Government Agencies with the mention of a particular locality like Kamal Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar etc (all under the Railway Elaka in the electoral roll of the Assembly & Parliamentary segment). Since they had not been included in the municipal roll (for the municipality electoral process), no local political or social activists bother about their plight mainly for the proper sanitation, drainage, road/passages, water etc which are the acute necessity. Situation turns ugliest during the unprecedented and incessant rain which causes heavy devastation and shelter problem. Despite six decades of our glorious independence with a few laurels to the Kharagpur town like having world’s longest railway platform (with largest Real Estate amongst all Indian Railway Divisions), country’ best and World renowned Technology Institute (IIT), established political stability both in Assembly & Parliamentary representation, the condition of these people remained quite inhuman with far below civic status.

Noticing pathetic situation in the Kamal Nagar locality (behind Bus stand) hardly 100 meters away from the world’s longest platform, I had noticed unusual situation on 17th June 2008 being all the huts badly damaged, drain water flowing through their huts, chullahs & all belongings were either submerged in water or perished. The slum dwellers with their kith and kin had to take shelter on Railway yard or platform for so many days. Due to selfish reasons, no social and political activists moved for relief or rehabilitation measures. Getting inspired due their pathetic situation, I had desired to move for their rehabilitation and civic amenities infrastructure development works (under P.Ms New 15 Point Program for welfare of minorities vide item No. 12) and to get them awarded full citizenship status with rights and privileges. For which, it is quite essential to study the detailed socioeconomic/educational status for proper follow up action with concerned government agencies. Hence data preparation for all such clusters is underway for the ambitious project (vide format enclosed herewith).

1) Kamal Nagar (Behind New Bus Stand): Nearly 150 huts having population of approx. 2000 people in the rectangular area of approx. 50 feet X 300 feet. Most of these people had been issued EPIC in 1995 as well as Ration cards. Ration card and EPIC states their locality as: Railway settlement, Kharagpur (Town). On the north side is Midnapore Road and on south side adjacent is spacious Guin lodge (two story private building built on Railway land) for private commercial purpose.

2) New Bus Stand Gandhi Nagar: Nearly 500 huts with over 5000 population. Other facts and conditions are similar. It is being reported that political activists visit the locality only during the Assembly and Parliamentary election process.

3) Shanti Nagar: From behind the Janata Market, an important passage for Municipal localities namely Debalpur and Kalkati, cluster of more than 1000 people in over 100 huts are living in the narrow Railway free area under shabby conditions with similar civic amenities problems. Their plights are also similar as observed through conducted survey in the area particularly during incessant rain in monsoon season.

SLUMS AREA SOCIO ECONOMIC SURVEY FORMAT

1) Name of the area / locality:

2) Hut / settlement No.

3) Name of the head of family:

4) No of family members: 1) Adults: I) Male , II) Female

2) Minors: I) Male , II) Female

5) Educational status: Adults ( ), Minors: if school going or not ( )

6) Status of ration cards:

7) If EPI Cards issued:

8) No of earning members:

9) Major source of income:

10) Approx monthly income from all sources:

11) Type and area (in Sq feet) of the residential place:

12) If anyone employed in govt. / private / self employed:

13) If bank account holder: Yes/No

14) Major health problem (like T.B. blindness, Leprosy, Polio, Physically handicapped etc):

15) If any one as senior citizen / handicapped / widow in the family:

16) If ICDS / literacy centre exists in the area:

17) If getting any kind of pension or financial assistance:

18) Major grievance / problem:

19) If any social / political activist visits / supports the family / area:

20) Expectation / demand from the Govt. / NGOs etc

Survey Report of Leper Colony at Kharagpur (WB)

(Survey carried out on 27/28th December 2009 in Kharagpur town)

A hutment having cluster of leper patients was established in the Nimpura area under Kharagpur municipal jurisdiction in 1952. This area (at a distance of 5 km from the railway station) was inhabited exclusively leper patients of the district and its surrounding. A comprehensive socio-economic / literacy survey was conducted by team of our voluntary organization named: Kharagpur Community Development Centre on 27/28th December 2009. Today there are around 250 huts some of them bricked / cemented houses, mostly of thatched roof and earthen wall. The area under ward No 21 in the municipality is represented by Mr Amit Baran Mandal of CPM. With the population of approximately 1000 persons there are only 500 ration card holders, 374 BPL cards and 16 Antyodaya cards. The revision and enlisting of fresh members for such beneficial cards is very much required. The inhabitants constitute of nearly 50% of the General castes and OBC category people while rest 50% are from amongst the SC and ST class. Amongst them there are around 50 educated persons (having passed Madhyamik, Higher Secondary and graduation) and very few are in the employment.

The area is surrounded by electrical installations (by WBSEDCL) but there are only 22 valid connections and large No of persons are interested in taking electricity connection. No specific treatment centre exists at this moment. The earlier one established had been withdrawn in 2002. However, no new cases in the past 2-3 years had been reported of the leper recurrence. Since then for treatment of any kind including leper, they depend on State General Hospital which is about 8 km away from the hutments. Public Distribution System (MR Dealer Mr. N Mahato) for sufficient rationing at the subsidized rate under BPL and Antyodaya scheme is quite meager and often material is distributed with delay causing harassment to the inhabitants. It is surprising that despite a lot of voluntary organizations (NGOs) in the district are operating with siphoning substantial fund, but hardly any organization reaches to their rescue and relief. Under the flagship GOI program IAY, 32 houses had been sanctioned wherein 12 are completed and the remaining 20 are incomplete due to apathy of the Municipal / Govt. machinery. Even the work quality is far below the standard. The inhabitants had reported that they are still in dilemma about the status of ownership of their huts / houses as no any kind of lease / patta or deed had been executed to regularize their ownership. The said colony established around six decades ago stands on the vest land. With the overall conditions prevailing, it is apparent that such segment is the worst neglected society of the fast corporate developing Kharagpur town. It is high time to get involved both the Govt and NGOs/Corporate houses to solve their grievance.

In view of our observations and the facts revealed by inhabitants of such colony, following are certain recommendations for taking into action by the Government / NGO / Corporate institutions in order to serve the oppressed class of society. No doubt Tatas are quite generous and have excellent track record in corporate social responsibility but surprisingly their attention had not been drawn to such aspect as here are two important units of Tata. Hence, the immediate requirement/ action plan for these people is suggested as follows:

Existing hospital building may be utilized for periodical (minimum once a week) medical relief by the visiting Govt. and private physicians,

Immediate completion of the IAY Plan houses (with standard quality norms), with sanction of few more houses to extremely deserving people,

It should be ensured that everyone amongst them (deserving person) gets the National old age, widow & handicapped pension,

Fresh enlisting of the Antyodaya and BPL cards is to be done covering entire people under the category,

Total electrification of the area (by installing 15 electric poles) and providing consumer connections at liberal conditions,

More drinking water tapes and hand pumps are required to be put,

There is dire need for a day care centre where fooding and shelter of the uncared old age / handicapped persons can be managed with pooled fooding (by contributing their own food material and supplemented by the donor agency). This centre will remain functional during the day time up to the night meal,

There are nearly 150 huts which need to be repaired at the cost of Rs 5000/each hut. This has to done before the onset of the next monsoon,

Winter blankets (approximate 200) are to be distributed keeping record of the beneficiaries such that it can not be misused which should remain for a period of three years of its use,

Immediate requirement of nutritional supplement to the 20-25 pregnant women of the colony.

Under the aegis of: Khaagpur Community Development Centre

Chand Beg Building, Bhawanipur

Kharagpur (WB) 721 301

email: akmalhusain56@gmail.com

Cell: ++ 91-9434939702

Dated: December 30th 2009

Status Survey Report of Schools’ Working in Kharagpur

(Survey carried out in respect of schools’ working in Kharagpur town)

(17th to 19th February 2010)

As being objective of our institution (Kharagpur Community Development Centre) we carried out sample survey of a few schools (Primary to Sr. Secondary level) in Kharagpur town (under Municipal jurisdiction). Random survey was carried out during 17th to 19th February 2010 and a few schools were covered assessing infrastructure establishment and their teaching performance of Bangla, Hindi & Urdu medium schools. Schools visited were: Lohania Primary School, Panchberia; Lohania High Madarsa, Panchberia; Azizia Primary School, Azizia High School, Bhawanipur; Debalpur Primary School; Debalpur Primary School (Urdu medium); Lohania Sukanta Primary School; Kamakhya Vidya Mandir etc. Following two primary schools under ward No 6 were studied in depth and the facts revealed are stated as below:

Pulin Bihari Primary School West Debalpur: The school is having enrolled 97 students belonging to SC, ST and Muslim community all under the poverty line families. The school is having only 3 teachers wherein 1 is retiring in October 2010. Also the plight in respect of Mid Day Meal execution is very serious as the ration commodity is released sufficiently delayed and also the rice quality is extremely poor which is worth animal feeding. Only Rs 3/ per student is paid per meal for vegetables/ pulses purposes (including wages of the cook) which is extremely low at prevailing price index of the food commodities. Hence following are our observations and recommendations for taking necessary action to improve working condition of this school in particular.

1.Minimum 2 teachers (both male) should be appointed urgently as both the present

teachers are female,

2.There needs to be electricity connection for light and fan facility,

3.Insufficient drinking water, there needs installation of 1 water tank,

4.There needs one more room for office and store purposes,

5.There exists NO Boundary wall, hence it should be erected urgently as there remains apprehension of theft and damage to public property,

6.There needs 1 hand pump for drinking and hand washing purposes,

7.There needs 1 security guard during the holidays and the night hours,

8.Local MP/MLA should be pursued to release funds for its up-gradation / renovation,

9.Minimum of Rs 5/ per student should be released per meal under Mid Day Meal provision to satisfy the food supplementary requirement,

10.The PDS dealer should be warned to stop supplying damaged / poor quality rice under mid day meal scheme. Bholanath Primary School, Debalpur: The school is in the extreme interior of Debalpur having enrolled 69 students where up to 90% of the students are of poor Muslim community (all BPL families). The school is at low lying surface and often remains water logged with no drainage. Hence its condition is quite unhygienic. Besides similar common problems, this school is also short of teachers, having no kitchen and store room. Only 2 tin shade rooms are there accommodating 4 classes. The school has never received any MLA/MPLADS fund for its renovation / up-gradation. Because of its peculiar location, hardly attention of public representatives and media reaches to their notice. In view of these findings, it is recommended that a thorough official survey of such schools should be done to redress the grievances of poor public education institutions (due to apathy of concerned agencies and officials) in such a famed town under the municipal jurisdiction.

At the end of this program, a brief interaction with Additional District Inspector of Secondary Schools (Kharagpur Subdivision) Mr Jasodanandan Misra was made under whose control a total of 284 schools are running in the subdivision where 36 Schools (30 in the town & 6 in nearby rural area) are in Block Kharagpur I. As per his version, nearly 20% of the teaching & non teaching posts are lying vacant which hampers the system and compromises the education quality. The lack of infrastructure and public amenities exist in most of these schools as stated by him. Since the primary and secondary level education is of prime importance in shaping the future career of the students and the society, there needs to be strengthened the facilities in these institutions.

It is pity that the government under political lure and threats is accepting the demands of the teachers and non-teaching staff (by paying hefty wages) but very little attention is given to improve quality of the institutional. The teaching / study environment should be healthy, pleasant and comfortable, then only effective and quality education / knowledge can be imparted to make the society and nation stronger and sustainable. In future local area planning, special attention has to be given to rural & urban primary/secondary schools where mainly the poor class of society students study to shape their career and enrich the knowledge. However, every where there are large number of good quality private institutions, but that can be afforded by only the riches. Hence total revamping of the government run primary and secondary institutions is required on priority basis to meet the target of social justice.

Under the aegis of: Khaagpur Community Development Centre

Chand Beg Building, Bhawanipur, Kharagpur (WB) 721 301

Status Survey Report of PHE Establishments at Kharagpur town:

(17th February 2010)

Kharagpur town in its own has developed into a full fledged state like entity where every meaningful and resourceful institution exists. Besides a host of academic and technical institutions of fame, there is a center named Public Health Engineering Department which provides basic amenities like safe and sufficient drinking water. It is the mandate of such department to furnish technical installation and maintenance of its equipments / installations for regular supply of the essential commodity. At Kharagpur, Directorate of Public Health Engineering is represented by Executive Engineer, Midnapore Mechanical Division Mr A K Naskar (asiskumarnaskar@rocketmail.com).

During formal discussion with Mr Naskar on 17th February 2010, it was revealed that quantum of drinking water (through municipality) is drained from nearby river and after treatment / purification it is sent to public utility. Through regular monitoring of water quality, it has been observed that it is devoid of excess of iron (Fe) and other harmful elements like mercury, arsenic etc. The iron (Fe) content is fairly large in saline zone (Digha and Contai etc). However, for bacterial / faecal contamination, water is chlorinated regularly. As per present scenario, there is no immediate threat of scarcity of precious commodity in the region except in event of mechanical or electrical failures. The Executive Engineer commands both the East and West Midnapore District under its jurisdiction. An important project being undertaken by this unit is Nayagram (in district West Midnapore about 20 Km from Kharagpur) project which has acute water crisis for the population of about 15,000 people. Government needs serious attention for execution of this work.

The important feature of this directorate establishment at Kharagpur is that it has a well equipped water analysis laboratory (under civil wing of PHE Midnapore division, established in 2005) in the same premises. Other such laboratories are also functioning in Midnapore, Contai and Tamluk (established recently) under same division. While discussing technical aspects with laboratory staff, it was revealed that for such a nice and heavy establishment with lot of work load, there are only three persons one each working for physicochemical parameters (pH, density, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids “TDS”, alkalinity, hardness, Fe, F, NO3 etc) and the other for bacteriological studies / observations of the referred samples.

Based on observations following recommendations are made in this regard:

Periodical public awareness camps need to be organized by Govt. agencies, Municipalities/ Panchayats, school / colleges and NGOs for public participation in safe and sufficient drinking water campaign wherein such institutions (PHE) should be introduced to the masses for their wider utility.

Public authorities (like Block and panchayat officials) should be involved in keeping surveillance towards safe water quality and its sufficient availability,

Working conditions of the laboratory and its employees needs to be improved. The skilled water analysts should be regularized on reasonable pay structure. They should also be imparted periodical training and refresher courses on water analysis in the human health perspective,

PHE water analysis laboratories may undergo a soft MOU with famed IIT for knowledge / technical up-gradation and providing material assistance for its effective working,

University and Colleges should be approached to device small projects (on safe and sufficient drinking water) under outreach program as coordination team fulfilling the objectives of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission.

By: Akmal Husain (Sr. Scientist Govt. of India)

President: Kharagpur Community Development Centre (VO)

Chand Beg Building

Bhawanipur, Ward No 6

Kharagpur (WB) 721 301

Cell: 9434939702, 9003173400

Email: akmalhusain56@gmail.com, akmalhusaqin13@yahoo.com

Socio-political aspects

2010-04-12T12:17:00.003-07:00

Democracy:

Indian Democracy: 35 States (including UTs), 626 districts (71 in UP), 441 towns / cities (with population over one lakh people), 53 women LS MPs (out of 542 approx 10%), 1618 languages, 6400 castes, 6 religions, 6 ethnic groups, 29 major festivals, country 1.

Citizens: Rights

Citizenship: Duties/Obligations

Quality of democracy is determined by the quality of citizenship

Plato (the Greek politician): For an ideal state, there should be No Poverty and Society should be fully educated, people should have will power to work/reform society with being the role mode

Unfortunately the definition of our democracy is now mutated to:

From By the people to Buy the people;

From Of the people to Off the people;

From For the people to Far the people

Socio-Political Strategy:

Know your client well: Through public mood/issues and personal representatives
IT Solutions: Through website, B-log, Twitter, group communication as communication is the most important thing in political game/process.
Ideas & opinions of persons are to be judged through journalists, sending mass messages through mobile/PC network, thus mobile technology is very useful,
Citizen Journalism: Reporting through conscious citizens (outside group) as breaking news is often gathered through this way.

Book on Personality Development; pages 305 Rs 160/ Dr Murugan (Asst Director, AIR Chennai) explaining about Party/Personality/Policy and Politics (4P factors); he condemns the Personality based politics & recommends Policy based politics, hence people should vote for Policies not for the party / personality.

(AHP Chennai, lectures on 23rd January 2010)

A True Socio-political Activist never believes in caste system. However, media makes such hype as in case of Rahul’s visits to underprivileged persons. Dalit type of concept is media’s imagination/ interpretation. One’s attempt should be to reach poor of the poorest village, which is necessary to understand their problems. Also, learning is necessary & is an unending process (continues till death). There should be no distinction between learning & action. Both are complimentary to each other.

Naxalism is outcome of the uneven development process. It is growing since fruits of development are not reaching the common people. We have to reach out to the people & their problems to curb Naxalism. If people are closer to political system, the Naxal activities will naturally come to an end.

Ill-governance: During past few yrs, life is unsafe in the area, law & order is in disarray. There is all-round corruption. Farmers are committing suicide. Price rise has affected the common men. Unemployment is increasing. The Govt. has been unsuccessful in dealing with water crisis, power, drought & floods like situations. Development & security of the people should be given the priority. The Govt. should be free of hunger, unemployment & helplessness & each one should get the fullest opportunity to realize his/her dreams.

(Indian Express: Chennai 8th October 2009)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA WELFARE SCHEMES

Congress Govt. During 2004-2009 was guided by principles of inclusiveness, credibility, compassion and courage wherein a loan amount of Rs 65,000/ crores was waived to poor farmers,

UPA II Govt. would strive to provide land for the landless, Employment to the rural poor to fulfill the vision of late PM Rajiv Gandhi,

PM while addressing on 63rd Independence Day celebration promised more funds for Education in a comprehensive development package that gave special care to the disabled people and the deprived sections of society,

The flagship program “Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (Basic Services to Urban Poor & Integrated Housing & Slum Development Program) in 2005, the inclusiveness of urbanization has been taken by following ways (Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation www.mhupa.gov.in):

National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy 2007, with goal of Affordable Houses for All;
National Street Vendors Policy 2008;
Revised Integrated Low Cost sanitation scheme (ILSC) 2008 with goal of eradication of all dry latrines by 2010;
Revised Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY) 2008 for livelihood for urban poor;
Proposed Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) with vision of a Slum Free India based on assignment of property rights to all slum dwellers.
Launch of National Initiative on Patient Safety with AIIMS as its Nodal Centre
In US infant/child mortality rate is 3-4/1000 whereas in India it is 56/1000, under Millennium development Goals (MDGs) reduce it to below 5/1000

Total Sanitation: (Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation)

2nd Oct 2009

Revised guidelines of Integrated Low Cost Sanitation (ILCS) scheme with the goal of eradication of manual scavenging by 2010 and increased subsidy for urban poor for conversion of dry latrines to water sealed systems,

Basic services (Water, Sanitation, Sewerage, Electricity, Health, Social Security, Affordable Houses) & in all slums under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission JNNURM (Basic Services to Urban Poor & Integrated Housing & Slum Development Program) & proposed Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) with individual water sealed toilets in each home. Emphasis on upgrading sewage, sanitation and solid waste management under JNNURM (urban Infrastructure & Governance & Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns

Women Empowerment:

There is likelihood of 50% reservation for women in Panchayat Raj Institutions & Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Some states had already implemented in Panchayat Raj & for the ULB, Government has approved the proposal to increase reservation from 33 to 50% in ULBs, 53 Women MPs in 15th Lok Sabha.

(October 22nd 2009)

Min of WCD will launch new scheme: RG Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls & conditional maternity Benefit scheme for women,

Strict and Effective Implementation of PNDTA: Effective implementation of integrated Child Protection Scheme for providing self & secure environment to the children in need of care & protection under juvenile justice.

Minority Welfare:

Govt. has decided to include National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP), Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) and Urban Infrastructure & Governance (UIG) in the PM’s New 15 Point Program for welfare for Minorities. MPs & MLAs are also included in the State & District level committees to monitor the implementation of the 15 Point Program including for implementation of Multi- Sectoral Development Program (MSDP).

(23rd October 2009)

Drinking water Mission: UNICEF is working www.water.org by conducting baseline study in their target villages spread over 5 states (TN, AP, Karnataka, Maharashtra & Orissa) with 5 leading microfinance organizations in India to promote water credit to create access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities through loans under Pepsico foundation program through microfinance institutes: guardian, BISWA, ESAF, Hand in hand and Grameen Koota.

(Oct 29th 2009)

42 crore Rural Indian population lives Below Poverty Line (BPL)

Health Problem of Farmers:

District Administration should undertake a comprehensive health check up for farmers as per Hon’ble Supreme Court’s direction to know the impact of pollution. Such issue should be raised in monthly grievance meeting of the District Magistrate.

General Health Aspects:

Rural Health Check-up by PHCs / Community Health Centers should be regularly conducted with thrust on maternity and nutritional supplement to the underprivileged through Anganwadis/ICDS,

Surveillance for diabetes, anemic and cardiac problems should be undertaken through intensive / regular health surveys,

Defense personnel (both retired and working people), highway truck drivers, longtime wage-earners in the outside cities (away from home) should be compulsorily checked at least once in a year for suspected HIV/AIDS prevalence in this high risk group.

Need of surprise medical / drugs stores checking for the supply of suspected expired / spurious drugs in market by racketeers. (Expired medicines / drugs can be kept separately in store under the category: Not for sale)

Public Distribution System/essential commodities

Central Vigilance Committee headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice D P Wadhwa (appointed by Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution as directed by Hon’ble Supreme Court) is to look into maladies affecting PDS & suggest remedial measures. The committee visits several states and inspects PDS/interacts with Public, NGO, SHG, Dealers, Govt. officials, Collectors etc to monitor the PDS.

Resource Agencies / Persons for Welfare Projects:

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: promised Rs 250 crore grant for family welfare grant in UP (other projects can also be approached),

Dr Islam Ahmad Siddiqui (M Sc Pantnagar Agriculture University), M S and Ph D from US with over three decades of experience in Agriculture Sciences has been appointed as Chief Agriculture Negotiator. Earlier he was VP of Crop Life America, his services can be utilized as consultant/key resource and guiding person for agricultural innovation of Kannauj district,

Azim Premji Foundation: A non profitable organization works to improve primary education. Clean energy is his new thrust area where he wants to invest,

Preity Zinta: Goodwill ambassador for joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UN-AIDS) will donate 25% of profits of her team IPL King XI (Punjab) to charities selected by the UN,

Coca-Cola Beverage Pvt. Ltd has launched a cent per cent

sanitation project at Niman village in Tiruvallur District in TN.

(Indian Exp 29 March 2010)

Imperativeness of NGOs:

As per objective of constitutional spirit: its citizens are guaranteed important welfare measures like food sufficiency, health, education, infrastructure, safety & security of self and property etc. In routine governance some aspects are exclusively under union government, some under state government and a few in the concurrent list. These regulations are governed by laws enacted and amended by respective governments. The three wings of democracy (legislature, judiciary and executive) function for the overall wellbeing of its citizens and safeguard the national interest and uphold the constitutional validity. With expanding scope in public services, it has been noticed that the government machinery alone could not satisfy public needs and fulfill welfare schemes implementation goals. This paved way for public participation in executing the government schemes as well as providing relief and rehabilitation to the oppressed and needy group of people. The group of constitution of such private bodies had been named as Voluntary Organizations or Non Government Organizations (NGOs) which had been authorized to generate funds from philanthropic bodies, corporate houses, foreign nations as well as donor government agencies and execute the desired schemes and provide relief to target group.

During past fifteen years, various new ministries and departments in union government had been created for properly executing welfare measures (such as Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs including revamping the objectives Ministry of Human Resources Development, formerly Ministry of Education which are involved in implementation of variety of welfare schemes through its departments by coordinating with numerous registered NGOs of their field. Such NGOs are supposed to fulfill the gap which government could not meet through its own executing machinery. In the event of calamities like flood, drought, earthquake, communal riots etc, several NGOs played prominent role in serving the affected populace. It is therefore quite imperative to involve accredited and highly specialized / skilled NGOs for meeting the important situations like global warming, national food security, education to all, social, economic and health reforms, slums & sanitation, energy crisis, population control, communal harmony and national integration.

Though the government has been formulating policies and schemes for broader objective to reach the fruits of social justice and growth to every segment of society, but unfortunately very little is being encountered by the worst neglected/oppressed Muslim community. Hence it has become very essential to involve many a number of NGOs concerned for the cause of Muslim community uplift. Recent enactments like Right to Information Act, Right to Education and Expanding scope in the working of Ministries of Rural Development, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Minority Affairs etc is deriving force for our missionary zeal to involve in nation building process with the particular aim to serve our community in respect of advancement in socio-educational/economic aspect by closely interacting with our institutions, NGOs and feedback them the information, strategy and action plan in implementing various programs and policies through inner networking & fulfilling goal of service to needy/oppressed class (voluntarily) and service to the nation. We will device the agenda of our work with aim to involve, coordinate each and every community institution and increase number of NGOs and provide them the desired guidance and help for attaining optimum goal.

NGO Partnership System: Partnership for Progress (join hands & work together for inclusive growth) website: www.ngo.india.gov.in & objectives as:

Get details of existing VOs / NGO across India,

Get details of grant / schemes of key Ministries / Departments,

Apply on-line for grants,

Track status of your application for grants

This facility is located in Planning Commission in association with NIC to bring about greater partnership between Govt. & voluntary sector and foster better transparency, efficiency & accountability.

(Ministry of Culture, Health & Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment, Women & Child Development, Dept. of Higher Education, Dept. of School Education & Literacy, Council for Advancement of People’s Action & Rural Technology (CAPART) are involved in this process)

Chennai has established an institution: 5th Pillar www.5thpillar.org

mail: endcorruption@5thpillar.org under the aegis of Anticorruption Movement

Chennai (www.anticorruptionchennai.com) to check corruption

Academy of Honest Politics: launched in Chennai by N. Vittal (former CVC) on 22nd August 2009, is aimed to create honest politicians for better governance, is also targeted to cleanse the political arena & the administration of corruption, nepotism & inefficiency ensuring better governance leading to overall peace and prosperity of the country with equitable distribution of wealth to all sections of the society irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. Academy will attempt to impart training to aspiring young men to pursue politics seriously.

IIT (M) Chemical Engineer turned Social Activist Er R Elango (email: panchayat@yahoo.com, web: www.modelvillageindia.org.in) has developed his native village Kuthampakkam (Poonamalle Block of Thiruvellore District in TN about 35 Km away from Chennai city) is now the model Panchayat in the country. He aims to network the entire country village Panchayats with the target of 10,000 Panchayats as model centre by 2016 when an international conference on village Panchayat is proposed to be held. He recommends for Decentralization of Power / Governance where village Panchayats have to be model and the planning is to be designed based on the concept of Bottom to Top.

(Lecture at Academy of Honest Politics Chennai, 9th Jan 2010)

Arvind and Aruna Rai duo has created furor in governance by creating awareness about clean governance through RTI usage and putting pressure over corrupt executing officers. They have established an institution named Parivartan in Delhi.

Welfare Institutions References:

National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Min of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI

East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Kovalam post

Chennai 603 112 (www.niepmd.tn.nic.in) 044-2747 2113, 2046

Help Age India (Fighting Isolation, Poverty and Neglect)

H O: C-14 Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016

Phone: 42030400, fax 2685 2916, www.helpageindia.org

Elango Rajarathinam (Sr. Manager) 04142 212653, 97900 24490 elango@helpageindia.org

Tamaraikulam Elders village, Periyakanganankuppam,

Uppalavadi post, Cuddalore (TN)

The Leprosy Mission Trust India

CNI Bhawan, 16 Pt Pant Marg New Delhi 110 001

Ph 2371 6920, fax 0803, email: tlmpsd@tlmindia.org

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (Deemed University)

Sriperumubudur 602 105 (TN)

www.rgniyd.gov.in, 2716 2705 fax 3227

Aids Prevention & Control Society

Chennai Corporation, Chennai 600 004, Phone Nos. 24987498, 99

Animal Welfare Board of India

13/1 III Sea Ward Road, Valmiki Nagar, Tiruvanmiyur

Chennai, Phones: 4124454935, 4958, web: www.awbi.org.in

Medicinal plants

2010-04-12T12:17:00.001-07:00

Medicinal Plants:

Sl No	Botanical name	Local name	family	Parts used	Use in ailment
1	Abelmoschus moschatus medik	Lata kasturi	Malvaceae	Seed	Cooling/carminative/perfumery
2	Acorus calamu L.	Bach	Araceae	Rhizome	Throat infection, dysentery, epilepsy
3	Aegle marmetos (L) correx Roxb	Bel	Rutaceae	Fruit	Digestive, vermifuge, astrigent
4	Aloe vera L.	Ghrita kumari	Liliaceae	Leaf	Cooling, stomachic, laxative
5	Al stonia scholaris (L) R Bx	Chatim	Apocynaceae	Bark	Diarrhoea, dysentry
6	Ambroma augusta L. f.	Ulot kambal	Sterculaceae	Root-bark	Uterine tonic, emmenogogue
7	Asparagus racemosus wild	Shatamukhi	Liliaceae	Whole plant	Antiseptic, thermogenic
8	Balopa monneiri (L) wetts	Brahmi	Scrophulariaceae	Whole plant	Brain/cardio tonic & digestive
9	Bixa orellana L.	Latkan	Prixaceae	root/bark & seed	Root for fever, bark juice for dysentery
10	Catharanthus rosens (L) G. Don	Nayantara	Apocynaceae	Leaf/root	Leaf for diabetes, menstrual disorder
11	Cassia amghstifolia	Sona Patta	caesalpiniaceae	Leaf	Leaves being laxative
12	Colens forskohlhi (prio) brig	Colens	Lamiaceae	Leaf/root	Digestive, refrigerant
13	Cymbopogon citrus	Lemongrass	Poaceae	Whole plant	Oil from leaves used in perfumery
14	Gymnoma sylvestree	Gurmar	asclepiadaceae	Leaf, seed	Anti-diabetic, liver tonic
15	Lewsonia inermis L.	Mehndi	lythraceae	Leaf, root, bark	Abroticent, diuretic
16	Mntha piperita	Pudina	lamiaceae	Whole plant	Digestive, anti-vomiting
17	Phyllanthus emblica	Amla	Euphortiaceae	root/bark/fruit	Vitamin C rich (anaemia, jaundice)
18	Ranvoltia serpentina	Sarp gandha	Euphortiaceae	root/ bark fruit	Hypertension
19	Serana Asoka	Ashoka	caesalpiniaceae	bark/leaf seed	Uterine trouble
20	Stevia rebandiana bert	Stevia	Asteraceae	Whole plant	Sugar substitute for diabetics
21	Lithania Somifera Durnal	Aswagandha	Solanaceae	Root	Nervous tension
22	Tinospora cordifolia (wild k f)	Gulacha	Merisernaceae	Root	Constipation, dyspepsia, visceral obstruction

Thuthuvali (Tamil); solanum tilobatum found all over TN is ideal medicine for asthma & other allergic diseases. It is prescribed in respiratory diseases and as a rejuvenator. It is effective in tackling throat congestion due to cough and cold. It has natural steroids as therapeutic ingredients.

Tamarind (Imli): it helps cool the body, provides vitamin C, fights away skin diseases, freckles (melanin concentration marks) and itches; also helps in preventing scurvy (spots on skin & spongy gums).

Papaya: Full of enzymes, excellently digestive and prevents constipation. Helps in healing burn injuries and reduces inflammation; eases infections of the colon and can break down strands of mucus that can only be reached by the juice, since rich in fiber so is useful for lowering cholesterol level. It also controls diabetic heart disease and is rich in 3 essential antioxidants (Vitamins C, E and A) which prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Vitamin A and C are required for maintaining immune system. Papaya helps control illness like common cold, flu and ear infections. Papaya also helps ease morning sickness as well as motion sickness.

Science (general)

2010-04-12T12:16:00.003-07:00

Awareness about science is growing

Lucknow has been known in history for its music beauty in motion and poetry in life. Its composite culture is a unique mix of Indian and Mughal traditions, architecture and life style. It has also been a Centre of Urdu poetry, Hindi literature and Kathak dance. The ruins of the erstwhile Residency, a great monument of India’s war for independence in 1857, and the heroic deeds of Begum Hazrat Mahal are among the evidences of the city’s glorious past. Lucknow is also known as the city of gardens.

Besides its rich cultural scene, Lucknow is rapidly becoming a site of science culture. About 10 national research institutes: Engineering and Technology, Ayurvedic College, Unani and Homoeopathic Colleges, the University, Medical College and other scientific institutions have put the city on the global scientific map. Mention must also be made in this regard of the emergence of Biomedical Research activities through a large number of laboratories of international repute. Thus Lucknow is now not only the chief nerve Centre for cultural and political activities but also of scientific study and research.

Lucknow University is the centre for research activities in all disciplines of science, in basic applied and biomedical aspects. Birbal Sahni Institute of Pale Botany is the pioneering research establishment for study of fossils all over the world. The king George’s Medical College (KGMC) has age old traditions in medical education and research. The Centre of Biomedical Research in KGMC has received a boost with the opening of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research with talented staff and latest equipments.

Lucknow has some full fledged laboratories under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) housed in and around the historic Chatter Manzil Palace was inaugurated by Pt. Nehru in 1951. It has been in the fore-front of drug research with several divisions.

The National Botanical Research Institute (formerly National Botanical Garden) is the leading institution dealing with various aspects of basic and applied plant sciences. Besides developing experimental plant sciences, it has also succeeded in identifying environmental pollutants, sensitive plant species and encouraging plantation of such species useful as filters of environmental pollutants. The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is actively engaged in the development of know how for optimum exploitation of natural resources for herbal drugs and aromatics. The Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC) with its prestigious national missions and high quality research output has put the country on the world map in environmental research. Besides these, CSIR has a sophisticated Central Instrumentation and Maintenance Facility a Regional Centre of Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) and a Poly technology Transfer Centre.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also has two well equipped laboratories in Lucknow. These are the Indian Institute for Sugarcane Research (IISR) and Central Institute for Horticulture in Northern Plains incorporating the Mango Research Station.

The establishment of the Regional Science Centre has also helped in spreading awareness about science in the city. These reputed research institutions served as a forum for frequent scientific interactions at local national and international levels fostering science and scientific spirit for humanity. Hence, with the emergence of scientific temperament in society, the science based culture is developing fast in our city.

(The Times of India, Lucknow: July 1, 1990)

Development Triggers Pollution

Nature and mankind form an inseparable part of the life support system which constitutes of five vital elements namely air, water, land, flora and fauna which are all interconnected, inter-related and interdependent and have coevolved and are co-adapted. Since the present-day society largely depends on chemicals, the rapid pace of all round industrialization and modernization of life, there will certainly be more and more instances of a variety of chemical and biological contaminations leading to explosive state of environmental degradation and consequent health hazards.

The major environmental problems include long term occurring acid rain, extensive contamination of surface and ground waters, severe air pollution both from automobile and industrial exhausts, uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, long range transport of pesticides and other deadly poisonous chemicals, estuarine and coastal water pollution, global warming because of increasing density of greenhouse gases, accidental radioactive leakage and emissions as well as potential threat to stratospheric ozone umbrella because of unabated use of chloroflorocarbons, freons, nuclear explosions and supersonic jets in the randomness of faster human civilization.

Environmental planning has been attracting more attention in recent years with ever increasing urban population and congestion. It happens to be more important due to lack of awareness in our society regarding such life threatening global environmental issues. Even then, environmental programs at society level are seldom found effective or taken seriously. It is due to the fact that the success of any public program is the people’s active invo are co-adapted. Since the present-day society largely depends on chemicals, the rapid pace of all round industrialization and modernization of life, there will certainly be more and more instances of a variety of chemical and biological contaminations leading to explosive state of environment. Need to popularize such programs among masses and to keep close contact with them at the grass root level is thus a vital necessity to right for the environmental conservation. Without effective popularization and group involvement enormous research findings, ideas and enforcement rules/laws remain merely confined to books and bulletins.

Man and the environment have been focal point of most scientific disciplines. The multidisciplinary approach of environmental protection attaches special significance in view of large and increasing proportion of the population which lives in the much damaged and suffocated environment in the modern urbanized dense population without proper hygienic and fair environmental conditions. Therefore, the interaction between man and environment today is not so simple and direct as it used to be during the early days of civilization. For instance, the extent to which man would get fresh air or fresh water depends on his own interaction with natural system of environment. The problem of environmental quality appears to be critical in India where the rate of urbanization is very rapid. Since the urban centers are not planned to accommodate a vast influx of population and as a result, most of the big Indian cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Calcutta and Kanpur etc. suffocate in view of poor environmental quality, lack of public amenities insufficient accommodation and negation of proper job opportunities. Almost every year, particularly in monsoon, we notice widespread epidemics in the slums of major cities.

No citizen can be totally unconcerned about physical problems or remain totally unaware of social aspects of on going environmental crisis. Every body occupies a position in purview of environmental perception of which one side can be physical and the other side social. A residence who is socially aware of the environment, generally neglects its physical aspects and vice-versa. However, some people may be aware of both social and physical aspects, whereas some may not be concerned about anything. In spite of such complications, it is still worth trying to explain human behavior through environmental images. It is therefore quite essential to dissipate information as to how people estimate the environmental quality to understand complex type of environmental phenomena occurring in every day life in urban areas. Besides significant columns in the dailies and periodicals as well as flash on electronic media regarding awakening about environmental protection, the industrial and town planners have an uphill task to cope up with the grim problem. The industrial entrepreneurs should put restrain in adopting all possible safety norms and standards as per the R & D requisites and the environmental control board before plunging into operation. The new industries should be exclusively established far away from inhabited patches with an effort to shift the running industries from populated sites to industrial belts. Besides sufficient drainage and sewer facilities, pavements parallel to roads and lanes should be heavily guarded by certain selected perennial plants which act as filters of environmental pollutants because they absorb certain gases and particulates from the polluted air. These plants include siser, cassia, guava and jamun besides vegetables like cucumber, brinjals, castor, wild apple, walnut and acacia. Tamarind and margosa plants are also capable of absorbing dust and gaseous particles from its surroundings. Recently it has been noticed that the poplar tree is potential absorbent of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur (the precursors of acid rain) of the polluted air. The significance of social forestry in the inhabited and industrial areas can be well understood from the following facts viz.(i) An average 50 years old tree serves mankind by over Rs 20 lakh of course by cleaning environmental as well as providing its material value, (ii) a peepal tree replaces about 2,000 kg. of polluted air by providing about 1700 kg . oxygen during its life time which is sufficient for as many as 6 lakh people, (iii) one hectare of forest consumes 3 metric tones of polluted air and provides about 2 million tones of oxygen, (iv) one medium sized tree can take CO2 gives out by two families and provide enough oxygen for them and (v) towns without avenue trees have 4 to 5 times more dust particles in atmosphere than towns having avenue trees.

In addition, the new residential establishments should be kept a little away from both road and rail highways as the heavy traffic poses noise threat and causes air pollution of deadly aromatic petroleum and coal exhausts. Sufficient large distance should be maintained from the radioactive centers such as nuclear power installations. Recent researches have given enough evidence to suspect that exposure the high tension power lines also produce symptoms which have links with cancer, the greatest killer of all times. Professor Richard Phillips, a leading researcher at the Battle laboratory, Toronto (Canada) in an international conference pleaded that strong EMFs were so dangerous that he would not buy a house near a high power line even if it carried a discount of $ 25,000. Therefore houses/schools etc. should be preferably avoided near the high tension power lines.

(Avadh Skyline: Dec. 12, 1990)

There’s poison in our food

An ever increasing population is facing a major problem of availability of safe and acceptable food. Industrial pollution and food processing and packaging is one of the prime causes of poisonous effects of food and foodstuffs. About three –fourths of the human diseases in today’s industrialized world are caused by the environmental pollutants. Foods may be contaminated by substances of synthetic as well as natural origin present in that environment. Contamination of foods may also result from chemical spill or from the process of preparation and packaging of foods as well as certain chemicals added as food additives during food processing.

Thus the major hazards from poisonous substances in food comprise: bacterial contamination naturally occurring toxins and chemical carcinogens, accidental chemical contaminants, pesticide contaminants and food additives. Tremendous increase in fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides etc for high agriculture yields have badly destroyed food chains and the environment. For example, indiscriminate use of DDT to kill flies and mosquitoes has caused severe undesirable side effects. Samples of bottled milk recently had almost 10 times the permissible limit of DDT.

Industrial activities are now very much concerned on food production and processing. Numerous food additives are being used for flavoring, coloring, preserving and as emulsifiers and sweeteners. These man made chemicals, instead of adding nutritive value to the food, cause health problems. In food processing plastics are used from a variety of noxious chemicals which can leach into the food from plastic containers. These chemicals include plasticizers, cooling agents, stabilizers to heat and light, fire retardants and anti oxidants. The polymeric plastic molecules are quite reactive and poisonous compounds.

In developed nations the number of food additives used exceeds 3000. Substance like sweeteners, preservatives and cooling agents are used intentionally. Some of these additives used as fat and oil preservatives can remain in body fat for several years which can be released as toxic substances after metabolism.

The chemical additives which were earlier considered safe are now being found to be harmful. They include nitrates (used for meat preservations) dulein and dyclamate as sweeteners, synthetic dyes and monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer, used in Chinese cooking). Thus in a rising trend of using abundant processed food, we are consuming the junk food with practically very little nutritious value, instead allowing harmful substances with it. As ice cream may be only a mixture of oil and water with a very little ingredients mixed with emulsifiers and stabilizers to keep the air in and give a smooth rich feel. To control acidity of food products additives like antioxidants, preservatives, neutralizers and buffers are used. This may be due to the reason that during food processing, many of the essential vitamins and minerals get removed from the natural food stuff.

With the continuous release of a long variety of new chemicals in our environment the food chain is the worst affected and can be understood from the following facts:

Two poisons on mixing together may be more harmful than individually. Stance may accentuate the cancer-producing action of another chemical and it takes sufficiently high time to tell response to our body. The decline in cellular health is inside us.

By the time perceptible symptoms appear, it may be too late. Thus after entering contaminants in our body through food, the consequences could be severe because they will finally enter the tissues and will damage the internal body environment.

Another important contaminant in our food and water contains the harbingers of disease and infection, namely, the pathogenic microorganisms. Heavy contamination of rivers and water ways with human sewage adds on faecal bacteria. Also food acts as a factor in the spread of a epidemic diseases like enteric fever, dysentery, cholera, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis, careless handling and break down in personal and environmental hygiene ultimately results into contamination of food and thus food poisoning.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that imported and processed food, conform with the accepted stringent standards of quality control. Therefore, there is an international need to prevent accidental contamination of food with dangerous industrial chemicals such as occurred in the Michigan disaster involving the poly bromophenyl mixture, fire master.

Oil Slick – the redeeming feature

The much maligned oil slick in the Gulf can be a blessing in disguise too. The marine microorganisms feed on hydrocarbons and other components of the oil and register a high growth rate and therefore are a greater source of nourishment for the fish and other aquatic life forms. This may lead to a much greater seafood production than in usual circumstances.

It has been observed that the micro-organisms found universally in water columns and water sediments of the ocean are in abundance in the areas of high hydrocarbon concentration, some of these micro-organisms constitute an important link in the food chain and the productivity cycle.

Since micro flora are actively oxidizing hydrocarbons in the ocean, oil may be considered as another source of carbon for use in the life cycle of micro flora. Nutrients cycled by bacteria may also improve growth of photo planktons. The best evidence in this regard is that a creel census in the Corpus Christi Bay, off Louisiana coast in the USA showed that the region around oil platforms yielded highest catch per unit effort by fishermen. Similar results were also reported on the Louisiana continental shelf. It was also observed that fish yield over an extended period of time was directly proportional to the production of oil.

Experiment through field studies involving micro-organisms suggest that the oil is broken into its first degradation product namely the fatty acids which in turn enter directly into the marine food chain. Initially the plankton will die out due to unavailability of sunlight owing to the clouding of ocean surface. This will result in fish starvation. After some time, when the oil is broken into fatty acids and glycerol, the fatty acids will enter the food cycle. This will trigger a rapid rise in the plankton population. Planktons being the ideal fish food, there will be a boom in the yield. However the whole process may require more than a year.

Adult lobsters also show positive feeding response to the fragmented petroleum products abundant in oil from natural seeps, thus increasing their reproduction. An American researcher studying mussels (marine shelled animals) observed their increased survival rates on exposure to oil in aquaria.

Although such beneficial effects of oil pollution are expected to be dismal as compared to the havoc it wreaks over the environment, the fact that this will be useful & opens an interesting field of future research in the area of marine oil pollution.

(The Pioneer: Lucknow, April 3, 1991)

List of Articles published/written

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Scientific Articles:

1) Akmal Husain, P. C. Joshi and P. K. Ray: “Ozone depletion means danger” Science Reporter (CSIR): July & August 1989, pages 330 - 333,

2) Akmal Husain: “Awareness about Science is growing”. The Times of India, Lucknow 1st July 1990,

3) Akmal Husain: “Development triggers pollution”: Avadh Skyline, Lucknow: Dec. 12, 1990,

4) Akmal Husain “Where decibel levels shoot high” The Pioneer Sunday Magaz Lucknow, Dec 16, 90,

5) Akmal Husain: “Social Factors in Urban Planning”. The Pioneer Lucknow: Dec. 28, 1990,

6) Akmal Husain: “Social Imperative of Environmental Management”. P.T.I. Feature (PF- E 367): Feb. 18, 1991,

7) Akmal Husain: “Towards a greener tomorrow”. The Pioneer, Lucknow: March 17, 1991,

8) Akmal Husain: “Oil Slick increases fish yield” Feature and News Alliance, New Delhi: March 18, 1991,

9) Akmal Husain: “Effect of Oil Spill on India”. P.T.I. Feature (PF-E 419), March 30, 1991,

10) Akmal Husain “Eucalyptus Farming”. UNI Agriculture Service April 17, 1991 p. 377-380,

11) Akmal Husain: “Forestry for Environment Protection”. N.C.D.C. Bulletin, Vol. XXV, No. 1 & 2, pages 19-23: April - June 1991,

12) Akmal Husain: “Forestry for Environment”. UNI Agriculture Service: May 1, 1991, pages 413 - 418,

13) Akmal Husain: “Combating Oil Slicks”. PTI Science Service, Vo. 10, No. 10, p. 6-8: May 16 - 31, 1991,

14) Akmal Husain: “Food poisoning on the Rise”. P.T.I. Feature (PF-E 499): May 27, 1991,

15) Akmal Husain “There is Poison in our food”. The Pioneer Sunday Magaz, Lucknow: June 9, 1991,

16) Akmal Husain “Developing India’s Wastelands”. UNI Agriculture Service pages 605-609 June 26, 1991,

17) Akmal Husain “Coping with Disappearing Wetlands” UNI Agriculture Service pages 652-655, 10th July 1991,

18) Akmal Husain: “Eucalyptus Farming” A Boon or Liability, Yojana: July 15, 1991,

19) Akmal Husain: “Wetlands need legal protection” The Pioneer, Lucknow: July 17, 1991,

20) Akmal Husain and L. Venkataraman: “The Growing Shadow”. The Pioneer Sunday Magazine, Lucknow: August 4, 1991,

21) Akmal Husain: “Global Warming: Consequences and Combating Efforts”. The Civic Affairs (Kanpur): August 1991, pages 29-30,

22) Akmal Husain: “Methods to prevent Food Poisoning”. PTI Feature (PF-E 664): Sept. 28, 1991,

23) Akmal Husain: “Smoking Women, Exhaling Problem”. The Pioneer, Lucknow Nov. 10, 1991,

24) Akmal Husain: “Skin care in Aging Process” PTI Feature (PF-E766): December 10, 1991,

25) Akmal Husain: “Best of all things is Water”. The Civic Affairs (Kanpur): Jan. 1992, pages 43-48,

26) Akmal Husain: “Preserving Foods” Science Reporter (CSIR): January 1992, pages 42-45,

27) Akmal Husain: “Global Warming to be countered”. P.T.I. Feature (PF-E 852): Feb.1992,

28) Akmal Husain: “Ozone Asantulan ka Samudri Jeevan par Prabhaw”. Paryavaran (Hindi Quarterly Magazine of Environment Ministry, Govt. of India): Sept. 1992,

29) Z. Hasan, S. A. Khan, C. L. Toshniwal, H. Ahmad and Akmal Husain: “On Sustaining Environment and Ecological Poise through Waste water Technologies using Water Hyacinth as Biological Filter with regard to 5 MLD USAB Treatment Plant at Kanpur”. All India seminar on Protection of Fresh water bodies from Pollution: April 1992 (Varanasi),

30) Z. Hasan, S. A. Khan, C. L. Toshniwal, H. Ahmad and Akmal Husain: “Deforestation of Natural Flora and their Impact on Environment and Ecology with special reference to proposed Silent Valley H. E. Project in Kerala” (Synopsis) 1992.

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Communal virus: The National Herald: Lucknow, November 9, 1989,

Diffusing communal tension: Northern India Patrika: Lucknow, November 14, 1989,

Salvaging the shrine: The Hindustan Times: New Delhi, November 20, 1989,

Communal Harmony: The Times of India: Lucknow, December 12, 1989,

Communalism: The National Herald: Lucknow, December 13, 1989,

Communalism: The Times of India: Lucknow, December 16, 1989,

What are Your Expectations from the New Government: Government must cut down expenditure. The Pioneer: Lucknow, December 20, 1989,

New Government. The Pioneer: Lucknow, December 30, 1989,

Uplift Minorities. Northern India Patrika: Lucknow, January 3, 1990,

What are your expectations from the New Govt. The Times of India: Lucknow, January 3, 1990,

Reservation the bitter facts. Northern India Patrika: Lucknow, January 5, 1990,

What would you do if Rubiya was your daughter: Mufti showed great Patience, The Pioneer: Lucknow, January 3, 1990,

Are big states too Unwidely to Govern: Nizam-e-Mustafa, Ram-Rajya can solve state problems, The Pioneer: Lucknow, February 4, 1990 (adjudged as 3rd best in Readers’ Forum),

N.F. Govt. must deal with Muslim problems. The Pioneer: Lucknow, February 10, 1990,

What kind of healing touch does Kashmir need: Islamic luminaries must show the light, The Pioneer: Lucknow, March 2, 1990 (adjudged as the 2nd best in Readers’ Forum),

The Sacred Cow. The Pioneer: Lucknow, March 10, 1990,

Importance of Ramzan. The Pioneer: Lucknow, April 4, 1990,

Should English medium schools be banned: The Practical aspect. The Pioneer: Lucknow, April 8, 90,

More on Cow. The Pioneer: Lucknow, April 18, 1990,

Communal Amity. The Times of India: Lucknow, April 18, 1990,

The Dynasty Rule, It causes uneven political process, The Pioneer Lucknow, April 26, 90,

Was Shankaracharya’s Arrest justified: Challenge to communalism, The Pioneer: Lucknow, June 24, 90,

N. F.’s performance: The Times of India: Lucknow, June, 25, 1990,

Awareness About Science is growing: The Times of India: Lucknow, July 1, 1990,

Importance of Id-ul-Zuha: The Pioneer: Lucknow, July 4, 1990,

Excelled in its performance: The Pioneer: Lucknow, July 6, 1990,

Seer’s Arrest: The Times of India: Lucknow, July 20, 1990,

Fight Against English Misconceived: The Pioneer: Lucknow, October, 1, 1990,

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Multifaceted Personality. The Pioneer: Lucknow, Oct. 17, 1990,

V. Ps ouster a threat to secularism: The Pioneer: Lucknow, November 15, 1990,

Islam’s Achievements: The Pioneer: Lucknow, November 15, 1990,

Muslim fund for Kar Seva Victims: The Pioneer: Lucknow, November 17, 1990,

Development triggers pollution: The Avadh Skyline: Lucknow December 12, 1990,

Where decibel levels shoots: The Pioneer: Lucknow, December 16, 1990,

We have no taste for democracy: The National Herald: Lucknow, December 24, 1990,

Coping with the burning valley: The Avadh Skyline, Lucknow December 26, 1990,

Banking in Islam: Islamic Voice (May 1991),

Challenging Task Ahead for AMU: Islamic Voice, January 2008,

Agenda for the Overall Academic Reforms: Action Plan for AMU

Challenges for Effective Modern Education: Article

Proposal for New Projects at AMU Aligarh:

Taslima Diplomacy: Detrimental to Peace & Communal Harmony

Role of Police in Reconstruction of Society: Lecture delivered during a seminar at PG College, Farrukhabad, UP on 16th February 2008 (Chaired by Superintendent of Police), Indian Dalit Muslims Voice: www.dalitmuslims.com 12th October 2009,

Role of Government Machinery in Social and Communal Harmony: Indian Dalit Muslims Voice: www.dalitmuslims.com 12th October 2009,

Kharagpur Slums Improvement under Railway Area: Status Survey and Action Plan,

Madarsah Networking Website Format: Document on Action Plan,

Appeal to Muslim Parliamentarians for Educational Advancement: Action Plan/Strategy,

Muslim Employees’ Strength in W.B. State Services (compiled through RTI): Document,

Kannauj (UP) Action Plan (Kannauj: Vision 2020): Synopsis,

Nature Science & Religion (An Inherent Co-relationship): Synopsis,

Indian Institute of Political Planning and Management: Synopsis: Indian Dalit Muslims Voice: www.dalitmuslims.com 14th October 2009,

Right To Information Act of 2005: (Empowerment for Accountability & Transparency in Governance ),

Regarding functioning of MPs in August House: An Appeal,

Humane Approach the only Strategy to breed politicians: Indian Dalit Muslims Voice: www.dalitmuslims.com 13th October 2009,

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Personality for all times,

Status Survey Report of Leper Colony at Kharagpur (WB),

Status Survey Report of Schools’ Working in Kharagpur (WB),

Status Survey Report of PHE Establishments at Kharagpur (WB)

Imperativeness of NGOs.

Health and body fitness

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Global Hospitals Group:

www.globalhealthcity.net, email: transplant@globalhospital.net

Liver/Heart/Kidney/Pancreas

Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar

Phone 044- 2277 7777, fax 22777100

Prof Dr Mohammad Rela

Liver transplant specialist

King College Hospital

London (UK)

Sankar Nethralya, Chennai 28271616, www.sankarnethralya.com, email: mrf@snmail.org

Mohan’s Diabetic Research Centre, Chennai Royapuram 43968888, 28359048, 9051, fax 0935 mail: drmohans@vsnl.net, web: www.drmohansdiabetes.com

In case of Emergency: download the whole medical history & get registered with unique No to get medical aid in the event of emergency/ accident. www.ice.net

Asthma problem website: www.breathefree.com

Emergency No. for Health care (Ambulance): 108

Body Fitness: Engaging in compulsive excessive physical exercise (gym activity), exercise addiction significantly interferes with important activities, occurring at inappropriate times or in inappropriate settings or individual continues to exercise despite injury or other medical complications. It causes not only just depression or obsession but hormonal changes like decreased testosterone in men & increased production of cortisol (produced in response to stress). In women there is an increased risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis including alteration in menstrual cycle. Also, there would be instances of damaged tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilages and joints besides behavioral changes like increased anxiety, inability to rest or relax. It is advised that people should from time to time review their exercise regime. They should note that they are not overdoing it and not beyond their capacity. It is fine to exercise, but not that much that it overtakes your life or proves dangerous.

Sunlight Exposure:

Lack of exposure to adequate sunlight, exercise and improper diet can lead to osteoporosis. World osteoporosis day was celebrated on 20^th October 09. Most of the fractures and bone injuries are caused by osteoporosis.

World Kidney Day: Observed on every 2^nd Thursday of March

Body Mass Index (BMI) is taken into consideration for high risk diseases

like Cardiac, Diabetic, Renal failures

India is Global capital of diabetes; about 50 million people are suffering

from it.

Post Menopausal Syndrome (PMS):

Anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, anti-anxiety drugs, anti anti-depressants are some common drugs used to combat PMS. Supplements like Vitamin B6, E, Calcium and Mg have been found to be helpful.

Meningitis (bacterial disease) also called Brain fever is becoming common in children (below age of 2 yrs). The common form of disease is called Hemophiliac Influenza type B Meningitis (HIB). Its vaccine costs Rs 300-400, the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization has offered to subsidize the cost up to Rs 20.

Dr J S Rajkumar, Chairman Lifeline Group of Hospitals Chennai performed the unique complex laparoscopic surgery for removing cancerous portion of pancreas, its head, cancer infected ducts of liver, gall bladder and part of intestine in bloodless surgery. Smoking is the main cause of pancreatic cancer.

Governance and policies

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Representation of the People Act: Section 29 (A)

Indian Democracy: 35 States (including UTs), 626 districts (71 in UP), 441 towns/ cities (population over one lakh), 1618 languages, 6400 castes, 6 religions, 6 ethnic groups, 29 major festivals & Country 1

Professor Galbraith, the former U.S Ambassador to India says:

“Indian Democracy is a functioning Anarchy”

Towards a corruption free society:

Ten Commandments against corruption:

Do not pay bribe, it is a social sin,

Do not receive bribe, it is a crime,

Do not engage in any corrupt practice,

Do not despise the poor nor use for your advantage,

Serve God and not money / mammon,

Be transparent in all your transactions; demand the same from others,

Insist for giving receipt for every purchase,

Pay just wages, do not post pone payment,

Speak for truth and justice at any cost,

Place other’s interest above yours.

(Issued in public interest by CVC GPO Complex, INA Building, N Delhi 23)

Email: vigilance@hub.nic.in, adco@cbi.gov.in, sa@cbi.gov.in

Deal with Enquiries expeditiously: Delay in enquiries expeditiously cause mental trauma to the person concerned. In addition, the reputation of the personnel is under cloud till the enquiry is over.

Late Justice A N Mulla (Supreme Court) observed:

“UP Police force was an organized gang of criminals”

Political / social aspects:

As between country and my-self, the country will have precedence;

As between country and depressed classes, the depressed classes will have precedence.

Dr B R Ambedkar (Readers Digest Dec 2006)

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up in

being governed by your inferiors.

(Pluto)

Every community, every caste, every linguistic group must be allowed freedom to flourish, prosper and develop, yet they must be woven into one India, to a unified India.

(Rajiv Gandhi)

Should English medium schools be banned (in UP)

(The Practical aspect)

No doubt, English as a language is richest in propagating scientific culture and advancement and the best link-language amongst people from all over the world. But due to the culture being flown through English medium schools, our dear children become quite negligent towards the responsibilities of their parents, elders, and weaker members of society in the lure of so-called smartness, dynamism and the materialistic involvement. The exorbitant amount of fee etc. charged puts an unbearable burden on most of the families of hand–to–mouth.

On the other hand, Government does not answer the uniform syllabi so that all could get reasonable share in lucrative jobs. Also, it is the common man’s problem that it cannot be learnt and expressed so smoothly in a foreign language than in his own mother tongue. Therefore it is high time to crusade against the harmful style and functioning of the traditional English medium schools to preserve our unique and valuable heritage.

(The Pioneer: April 8, 1990)

Excelled in its performance:

(NF Govt.’s performance)

Six months period is not sufficient enough to assess the performance of a new Government. It can be fairly viewed that the both the centre and state governments on most of the important issues like safeguarding territorial integrity, ensuing confidence in minorities. Harijans and weaker sections maintaining law and order have excelled in their performance.

The most significant achievement of the state Government had been in curbing communalism mainly on the most controversial issue the Babri Masjid–Ram Janmbhoomi. The state Government deserves all praise in this regard for taking historical action in ordering arrest of Shankaracharya launching speedy welfare measures, special relief to weavers. Poor artisans and above all allocating half of the state budget for the rural and agriculture sector has proved its commitments to the ideologies of great socialists like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Loknayak Jaiprakash Narain and Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Although Assam, Punjab and J & K problems are there since long period but the new Government in its initiative measures proved its commitment to the policy of cooperation and winning the heart of the people rather than any confident bullet treatment on harsh repulsive measures. It seems clear that the planned conspiracy of congress (I) National conference in worsening the secessionist/extremist activities is to harm the present Government in its parochial gains.

The new government is trying hard to remove the barrier between employer-employee, industrialist workers, bureaucrats and common men with the anticipated spectacular success. On the other hand escalating prices of few essential commodities is a big challenge to the Government which needs more strict regulatory measures against the traders and hoarders. However, the state government crusade against English language had been unforeseen and unfortunate step which is bound to flop the pace of growth of talent and technology which is to be heavily realized in time to come.

The Union Government deserves full commendations in mobilizing the most of Islamic nations favor in regard to J & K of its sovereignty with Indian Union. The suave cool tempered and foresighted seasoned politician Mr. V. P. Singh by averting most unfortunate and unwanted war with Pakistan earned wide applauses as long as the centre leadership continues fair and just approach without any influence the Government will hopefully meet the ends of justice.

(The Pioneer: July 6, 1990)

New government:

The new government headed by Mr. V.P. Singh whose credibility is beyond doubt, has acclaimed worldwide commendations. By inducting Mufti Mohd Sayeed as the country’s first Muslim Home Minister Mr. Singh is being applauded by the country’s largest minority at home and Muslim elites abroad.

With the credibility of Mr Sayeed in the government at such a coveted post people started thinking of Nehru’s regime with Maulana Azad and R.A. Kidwai as Minister of Education and Food and Agriculture, respectively.

Muslims are in no way less competent and disloyal to the nation. Incidentally, no Muslim has been found involved in any spying racket. Dr. Zakir Husain, Air Marshall I.H. Latif, Major Abdul Hamid. Dr. S.Z. Qasim, Mr. S.M.H. Burney and Dr. A.M. Khusro excelled in their fields. It is not the question of a particular community, but the matter of providing opportunity to the people of high morale and ability.

We are the proud citizen of a free and independent India and we should solve our problems in a cordial manner keeping aside caste creed and religion.

(The Pioneer, Lucknow, Dec 30, 1989)

New government:

The new government headed by Mr. V.P. Singh, whose credibility is bey9ond doubt, has acclaimed worldwide commendation. By inducting Mufti Mohd Sayeed as the country’s fist Muslim home minister Mr. Singh is being applauded greatly by country’s largest minority. The government has won full confidence of the worst-hit community of communal violence during the past 20 years. People have started remembering Nehru’s regime with Maulana Azad and Quidwai as ministers surprisingly, a section of the press and some people are not happy with the Mufti’s induction into the cabinet. Muslims are in no way less competent. They are loyal to the nation. Dr. Zakir Husain, Air Marshall I.H. Latif, Major Abdul Hamid, Dr. S.Z.Qasim, Mr. S.M.H. Burney and Dr. A.M. Khusro excelled in their field.

It is not the question of a particular community, but the matter of providing opportunity to the people of high morale and ability beyond their caste or community consideration. How long our free press and media will mislead our countrymen. We are the proud citizens of a nation which has great cultural heritage. We should solve our problems in a spirit of brotherhood instead of considering man-made barriers of caste and creed.

(The Times of India: January 3, 1990)

Mufti showed great patience:

The tragic incident in the valley at the cost of high political exchange is the worst ever speculated political game by a new and popular government within a few days of its assuming office. The successful abduction of an innocent highly educated, shy natured daughter of the country’s high political personage was viewed as surprising and shocking throughout the world. At such incidents I could not have shown more patience as Mufti Sayeed had shown keeping busy in his routine official matters. The gross negligence of state land and order authorities e.g. Home secretary Chief Secretary, DGP, Police Commissioner and other lower police officers would have been dealt with severely at least by immediate suspension of all and the termination of the concerned officers. The moment Mr Sayeed was designated Minister in the Union Cabinet all safety, security and protective measures were critically needed for the whole of his family.

Such a shameful incident would have provided us ample motive to deal tactfully with the terrorists and the secessionist situation in the state. I would have never asked the state government to agree on conditional release of my dear daughter at the cost of nation’s interest. The state government deserves all–sided condemnation in its total failure in tackling such vital issues. It is still shameful that the five released hardcore terrorists and secessionists reportedly managed to cross over to Pakistan due to gross negligence of our territorial forces. The border forces needed strict measures to check infiltration and going and supply of weapons and armory.

(The Pioneer: January 3, 1990)

Uplift minorities:

Kudos to the effective and speedy measures taken by V P Singh government in resolving the important political problems namely, Punjab issue, J & K secessionist problem and Babri Masjid-Ram Janama Bhoomi tangle. His visit to Punjab immediately after assuming office, offering prayers at Golden Temple, Amritsar, fresh consideration for 1984 November riot victims and for that matter holding consensus by all party meeting is a welcome step in the direction of healing the wounds of badly misled Sikh community. This will mobilize the highly energetic Sikh youths for not only restoring peace in the highly productive state but their best talents and energies will be utilized in nation building Mr. Singh’s move is scholastic, mature and humane rather than authoritarian. The front government thus wants to win th3 hearts of people. Basically all people are innocent Sane and peace-loving. In most of the cases, circumstances compel them to adopt the way of indecency and lawlessness. Hence the government should analyze psychological the causes and work out strategy accordingly instead of undertaking harsh measures as the former government did, since situation in both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir has touched an all time low that any miracle is completely ruled out. All political parties and welfare organizations should make a joint effort in salvaging the situation.

Equally important problem lie with the country’s largest minority Muslims. This community is always used as political tool at the time of elections. By merely appointing enquiry commission and providing cosmetic relief the government should not hope to make much impact on the disenchanted Muslim community.

The front government should provide clean administration to win the confidence and hearts of minority people for the party’s real survival and brighter prospects. It is worth mentioning that Muslims are hardly violent and aggressive. They are very sensitive and are easily provoked. Right from independence movement to present day, they have excelled in very field where they could get chance to contribute. Their problems need careful handing i.e. on psychological grounds rather blaming them as mere rioters and smugglers.

The best initiative in this regard will be to freshly enquire about worst hit riots of Moradabad, Meerut, Budaun, Bhagalpur etc. by providing them fair and due compensation and rehabilitation. Family members of riot victims deserve concessions and reservations in employment etc. A reservation in employment etc. appointing Muslims to important posts were in no way to solve their problems. Persons at the helm of affairs should be of high caliber and morale irrespective of their caste-community affiliation.

(Patrika, Lucknow: Januaruy 3, 1990)

NF’s performance:

Though six months are not sufficient to assess the performance of a new government it can be sagely said that both the centre and the state governments have excelled in their performance on most of the important issues like safeguarding minorities, Harijans and weaker sections.

The most significant achievement of the state government had been in curbing communalism. The U.P. government deserves kudos for taking a historical step by ordering the arrest of the Sankarachaya. Launching speedy welfare measures, relief to weavers poor artisans and above all allocating half of the state’s budget for the rural and agriculture sector had proved its commitment to the Gandhi an ideology.

Although Assam, Punjab and Kashmir issues are hanging fire since long the NF government has adopted the right policy in seeking cooperation from the people and winning their hearts. The new government is trying to remove the barrier between employer and employee, Industrialist and worker and bureaucrat and common man with considerable success. However, escalating prices of essential commodities are a big challenge for the government. It must take more strict steps against hoarders.

However, the state government crusade against English language had been unfortunate. It is bound to retard the pace of growth of talent and technology. The Union government has done well in seeking the support of Islamic nations on the Kashmir issue. The Prime Minister, Mr. V.P. Singh is successfully countering the war threats from Pakistan. The government will get full support from the right thinking people.

(The Times of India, Lucknow: June 25, 1990)

Govt. Must Cut Down Expenditure:

Welcome to the new government at centre as well as in few states putting before public a sigh of relief any charge through mandate happens to be in people’s welfare provided the correct and needful leadership is given from all over the world media has widely a claimed and welcomed the new government headed by Mr. V. P. Singh the best finance Minister India has ever had. The London press in its reputation for scrupulous honesty states that in Indian politics honesty is as rare as snow in Delhi. However, some of the stalwarts in this government are erstwhile congressmen but they are expected to fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Jai Prakash Narain. The people’s verdict in this Lok Sabha election manifests the feelings of electorate that the idle and corrupt government must be thrown out irrespective of party/stature. The present trend of mandate alarms more the present and future governments besides a deep lesson to the party which ruled the nation for nearly four decades. Since the minority and coalition government is supposed to be an unstable one hence in order to survive full term it must strive hard to consolidate its position by performing well and fulfilling peoples hopes.

The new government is expected to put heavy checks over unnecessary expenditures in ceremonies and celebrations Heavy expenditure over VIP securities, public meetings, laying foundation stones and installing statues should be curbed. Now the common citizen have been aware of government’s carrot race policy by communal appeasement language reward talking tall talks of great foreign threats to the security of nation and in the name of national integration. In order to avoid mid-term poll causing heavy exchequer to public money, the government is expected to forget past acrimony work together in the interest of nation and should put them to task to fulfill their election promises in order to win the hearts of people. Mud slinging /washing of dirty linen in the public should not be repeated as the former Janata Government did. The Agriculture sector is to be uplifted at the industrial status by providing better and cheaper agricultural inputs. The farmers should get handsome incentives and better facilities for marketing of their products. However a good start by U.P. Government. Middle class people particularly the Academicians should get tax relief whereas additional taxes from higher class & luxury item industries may be realized. Common people should get more relief from price check of essential items, R & D facilities under science & Technology need more liberal policies to avoid Brain Drain and to match the Industrial and scientific world.

Under the stewardship of Mr. V.P. Singh (an able and honest Administrator) all-round efficiency and honesty in the implementation of welfare schemes is expected with spectacular change only the free and fair press and media can correctly evaluate the functioning of Government. High order of reform is needed to provide quick cheap and fair justice in the land of lord Ram, Krishna, Gautam and Mahavir. Alcoholism should not be permitted as it breeds various modes of crime. Government should not hesitate in closing down its own such plants and Revenue Department, instead another new source of revenue must be generated. The Government machinery and people should be checked of high expenditures in grand celebrations and ceremonies at least the involvement of Government authorities in these should be dealt with stern action.

The real tribute to the father of nation and other martyrs will be to eliminate communalism from our society of great cultural heritage. The Administration should be toned up in solving this highly explosive problem by removing the communally motivated people absolutely from the Government and Administration. The incapable person is not to get the responsible position and a specialized task force of civil and police officials of high morale and integrity is to be established to copy any likely situation. In such events local and District Administration should be immediately penalized as the Government of Devi Lal did against two senior police officials. No. officer should be punished less than termination of service in case of genocide at the part of his fault. Regarding Babri Masjid-Ram Janam Bhoomi tangle, Government should invite high intellectuals of great morale and secularism of both the community instead allowing to play self-styled political and religious leaders for the complete and final solution. By working in this way, the present Government will not only prove stable but enter into the hearts of people to provide more opportunities to rule and also the image of nation will be truly acclaimed worldwide.

(The Pioneer, Lucknow: December 20, 1989)

Nizam-e-Mustafa, Ram-Rajya Can Solve State Problems:

In the modern democratic world with complete awareness of human rights and personal values, things are not so easy to be tackled by traditional political, bureaucratic and judicial processes as in days of colonial era. To govern without real assessment of people’s voice and expectations on the whims of a handful of privileged people is nothing but exploitation and suppression of human and moral values. In a too wide state, the real needy section of society is often kept ignored due to diversity in social and cultural heritage as well as greater climatic differences as in UP, MP, Bihar, etc. The big people, while to maintain their autonomy always pleaded for running wide states even at the cost of growth hampering, keeping remote people away from national mainstream thus hanging their pity fate at the mercy of opportunistic tactic of people in power more the hereditary than really deserved.

Japan and most of the tiny European Nations could cross landmark in around development probably due to their easy manageable position. Creation of Bangladesh is an example in this regard. Few small states of India namely, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab and Haryana would be compared with any developed nation. High literacy rate, low birth rate, poor infant mortality and several other national goals could easily be attained in such states. While in pity wide states, the developmental statistic is often reported to be fake and manipulated besides high incidence of communal evidence atrocities on weaker sections and around failure in administration. Governing a state or Nation is not merely making laws (amending time to time), passing strictures etc. considering the territory as an area over a peace of paper rather the hearts and silent will/voice of the constituent people.

Thus applying psychoanalytical techniques, not only all odds and eventualities can be averted but the sense of real democracy can be realized in the name of either Nizam-e-Mustafa or Ram-Rajya.

(The Pioneer, Lucknow: Feb 4, 1990)

Reservation, the bitter facts:

The current spate of turmoil and violence in the name of anti-reservation movement is bound to spread like wildlife. The response of the movement shows that majority of the masses hate such policy of appeasement. It is not necessarily true that godfathers of the constitution had been absolutely true/fair in such vision as they were not the prophets of Almighty whose voice and vision is for ever to be utilized. Certainly, they visualized the plight of downtrodden people as a whole but not only of a particular sect or class of society and that too in view of those circumstances only. Such provision/incentive would have been dealt delicately unlike the present technique in which once privileged always go ahead leaving behind the real people of the same class. This way the gap between the privileged and the needy persons increases. Hence it is neither fair to the national interest nor to the class concerned. The all-round repercussions we are facing because of lack of general competence, courage and morale.

Hence what will be the fate of already highly affected growth in the computerized world of science and technology, medicine, surgery, space and ocean expeditions, aviation ,astronomy and several of the intelligence and defense departments with the people at top with grace, pity and spoon-feeding tactics. Is there any example in today’s developed world with such partisan policy at the cost of country’s growth, prosperity and hatred among fellow citizens. The present government should learn the lessons from the outcome of hard/harsh measures of the previous government carried out during the emergency affecting silent voice and /or people at large.

In the interest of the nation, the government should retrain from political drawbacks by not caring for the party’s loss instead the voice and referendum of masses to be considered. Certainly to attain socialism, all weaker sections of society are to be provided all possible essential facilities to share the fruits of progress and join the national mainstream even at the cost of government funds with full subsidy. Despite heavy rewards to scheduled castes tribes on the eve of these elections in terms of mass special recruitments in government services the party could not win a favor able mandate. By putting the foot in the old shoes of the outgoing government the present government is sure to face heavy odds causing all round turmoil, instability, lack of growth and hatred from the masses for the party now being called Janata Dal instead of Janata Dal.

(Patrika, Lucknow: January 5, 1990)

Regarding Functioning of MPs in August House:

Asad Owaisi is the role model not only to Muslim leaders & intellectuals but to the whole political set up. There must be performance rating in the Parliament for its members. Those having no interest in its functioning & representing the constituency in the August House have no moral right to continue & the public should take account for demanding their voice in the House. The 21st century democratic functioning through the Hon'ble Parliament is quite different & objective which is to be lead by the intellectuals, youngsters & the people from down to earth. In my opinion, members often abstaining from the House proceedings & raising no voice should be debarred from the House membership & no further scope for filing the nomination for the election should be given to them.

In this regard, most humbly I suggest our Hon’ble MPs to keep closer surveillance in their constituency & get realize the debt they have (owing to the mandate they won recently). Certain suggestions in this regard are as follows:

Attend the House fully, take effective & attentive part in debates on national & international issues,

During the session, keep presence in the constituency (during the holidays & weekends),

Study the constituency problems / issues, register them in the House & raise the question & keep following them to the respective ministries, depts. & officials,

Monitor the ongoing development & welfare schemes at the district level by arranging regular meetings with officials & the public (at least once a month at each Block in the constituency),

Visit & inspect the Block/Sub Division/District Head quarters offices as regular & surprise practice,

Develop feedback cell in the constituency to up date record of the important events, works being undertaken & the emerging problems of common people (preferably online data bank through e-governance),

Keep mentally & physically involved in the constituency & to its people up to 75% of the working time (rest for the family, friends & personal needs / commitments).

If the Hon'ble members do not have time & concern for the House, his electors & to raise the question / voice, what is their moral & constitutional right to avail the exemplary privileges at the cost of high public exchequer. So far as Muslim MPs are concerned, about 25 members had been non beginner, they are warned from the voice of community that such negligence will no longer be tolerated & the public in the next election may teach them good & befitting lesson. There is no dearth of intellectual, sincere & dedicated people from amongst the community itself to lead in the most effective and desired manner, they or else they should vacate for those deserving & capable persons as the Parliament is the only & the highest body to raise the voice & address the issues. We honor the sanctity, status & power as well as the duties of the Parliament & its esteemed members. The report is really very shocking & eye opening. Hope such things will not recur in the future sessions. Here, I am also tendering due apology if someone’s sentiments / ego is hurt, with regards & good wishes to all the members.

(Dated 17^th August 2009)

Indian Institute of Political Planning & Management

India being largest democracy of the world with over six decades of its existence is still in the infancy stage of basic infrastructure in the sense that the very specialized training courses and institution to train the Top Political Managers (like Elected Members of Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Council, Hon’ble Ministers, Chairmen of Boards / Corporations etc) is still nonexistent. Also, there is neither any mandatory practice nor constitutional provision in this regard. It is pity that to manage each and every segment of specialized institution both in Academic and Corporate sectors, there are specialized training and refresher courses of specific kind of Management; likewise areas of Business Management, Banking & Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Personnel Management, Industrial Management, Forest Management, Environmental Management etc. But alas, the people who run all the finer and key portfolios in Government system by virtue of being just the people’s elected political representative in all spheres have neither any requisite minimum standard of knowledge, experience, qualification or competence, become authority of the subject/field. Even after resuming such key responsibilities, there is hardly any convention for the specific political - managerial training or refresher course to govern the highly responsible job judiciously and effectively.

Although day to day routine system runs through highly competitive, efficient and intelligent bureaucratic machinery, but limits of their powers and action depends upon these political masters. That is why, often such system fails and the entire nation faces the brunt of whimsical & incompetent political coterie, what has been noticed from time to time. For that reason, even the country had to experience shame in the eyes of international community and nations. It is for this reason that such an important idea is mooted to bring out this unique institution as the crucial need of the entire democratic political set up for fair and efficient governance.

Hence this meaningful idea is mooted and put forth for taking desired action to establish such unique institution for the overall well being of the mankind through well trained and educated political masters to run the highly sophisticated institutions in routine governance. To bring out such establishment, there is dire necessity for some legal and constitutional steps to be taken. Once such creative institution of eminence with distinct vision and mission takes into action, the future of democracy and overall wellbeing of mankind of not only this vast country will be ensured as well as the said institution will be a torch bearer to the whole democratic process in the world in its true sense of social & political governance. Since in the absence of skilled and specialized trainings, the proper justification of the well thought and nicely drafted poor men’s manifesto can not be executed by the mighty jurisdictions of elected political authorities (despite the enriched infrastructure, the well trained bureaucracy and the learned academics). Hence, establishment of such an institution is the utmost need of the time to save and serve democracy properly. It is an appeal to National policy makers & constitutional experts and authorities to give a serious thought to this idea become reality in the process of India emerging as the World Super Power in each aspect & in practical shape.

Humane Approach the only Strategy to Breed Politicians

The Democracy as is meant to serve the people in its own way / manner requires well trained, sincere and dedicated local area workers (called politicians), who by virtue of public mandate holds the responsible positions like Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Council of Ministers etc. In constitutional provision there are however, no demarcated guidelines / provisions as prerequisite or qualifying eligibility/competence to hold positions of elected membership of various Houses. No one knows, when we will break such traditional lacuna. During every general & by-elections, besides local issues, caste, community, religious & other emotional issues predominate the voting trend rather real issues of the common interest. The author has been demanding for instituting a larger National Commission to study & address these aspects such that the democratic governance takes place in its true sense and the ambitious development & welfare schemes (meticulously launched by the credible Union Govt.) meets their objective in its true sense of letter & spirit meaning that the real beneficiaries gets fruits of social justice. This may be by better materialized by establishing a nodal institute namely: National Institute of Political Planning & Management (synopsis defined as separate article).

There is widespread talk about the fine political and managerial capabilities of the departed beloved A. P. Chief Minister Dr Reddy. It is high time to introspect as what had been the guiding force behind such capability. In my view nothing is amazing, rather he was rare amongst the politicians breed. As a physician, so he diagnosed the problem of the people and society and started treating accordingly. That is why he was in constant touch with the vast people who had been so far neglected or sufferer due to any reason. He never behaved only on Baboo’s notes & departmental statistics. On the other hand, almost all the politicians as constitutional Authority / Public Representative do not realize the responsibilities in tandem to the problem at source / site (like at the Village Panchayat, Block, Sub Division & the District Level) critically & categorically studying, highlighting & pursuing the problem to the concerned authorities. In most of the Constituencies (mainly Parliamentary), it has been noticed that the MP himself does not access regularly & freely to the masses rather their henchmen. It results uneven consideration & superficial status updating. Dr Reddy was really an enthusiast, youthful, applying his mind (relying on self assessment & observations). Thus he was a sincere leader based on personal interactions, of course it caused his life, but it will pay way for establishing real strategy for the budding politicians. Otherwise, without closer interaction, studying, analyzing & pursuing the problems, politics has no meaning rather it becomes selfish motive and hefty power gain only.

Dr Reddy as the successful mass leader though is rare in this second / third generation of politicians, but in the early period of Independence, almost all the leaders use to come through mass connectivity & they kept interest of their area & electors supreme. Likewise, the author of this article being a scientist often visits his home constituency: Kannauj (in scathing heat, heavy showers or chilled winter) on foot or by Motor Bike. Through such intensive surveys, observations of public plight, the apathy of the corrupt & inefficient govt. machinery exposes the reality & creates insight to dedicate for the cause of hapless fellow citizens. Due to severe heat & consequent sun burns on back, arms, face during the May, June & July (09) though causes pain & worry but this is the only means to realize the first hand plight of the vast neglected poor rural populace where corruption & nepotism has taken the lead.

Can political Yuvrajs like Rajendrasingh Shekhawat, Sachin Pilot, Jitin Prasad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaganmohan Reddy, Akhilesh Yadav besides many more dare to take such rigorous regular public interactions under heavy odds & get closer to the problems of masses. How often they visit the rural & affected areas. The author has no grudge to induct them into politics on compassionate or hierarchical considerations, but it should be an open competition. Initially, they should be given the party organizational / social works for not less than 10 yrs before offering the MP / MLA seats. In fine tuning & training of political process, stalwart of the political legacy Mr. Rahul Gandhi is absolutely fair & honest in his strategy as he involves in the organizational matters & public issues before heading the constitutional responsibility. Sudden coronation on top positions without much public access & gross root efforts is sheer encroachment of political position & is hence a very unhealthy tactic rather betrayal & befooling the innocent masses.

Indian people, by and large are very innocent rather foolish as they are befooled in choosing their own representatives. However, on compassionate grounds, taking advantage of emotional circumstances, the senior positions like Ministerial berth or Chief Minister ship should never be donated in haste (generally to the un-experienced, incompetent & tainted persons that too having no mass roots). The national policy makers & the captains of political industry should view seriously about such issues and the consequent repercussions of such compassionate and hierarchical postings. A corporate executive after getting well trained (for over 7 years in the local area social services through an NGO) has jumped in to electoral foray from Unnao (LS constituency in UP) & won with a real leadership to its people. The elected MP Annu Tandon is therefore a role model for bringing positive & creative leadership to the society. It is heard that now Mulayam’s daughter-in-law Mrs. Dimple Yadav (wife of Kannauj LS MP Mr Akhilesh Yadav) is the next such encroachment to the Ferozabad constituency in UP. How long this tactic will be applied to befool the masses where democracy is the worst sufferer.

At the crux of the situation, the solution of the problem is that more and more people from amongst the educated class should come into real social & welfare services through interactive studies & regular approach to the problems of common sufferers. After gaining experience, confidence of the people and competence, these people should enter into electoral foray to push back the deceivers of democracy (in the family & caste / community etc). In this regard, Chennai has initiated an institute named “Academy of Honest Politics” to train and harness the potential in young people for entering into sincere politics. However, the welfare services of its people & development of the area is the only criteria when one proves indispensable to become their representative. Can Political Bosses like Sonia / Rahul duo dare to encourage & search these kinds of concerned & dedicated public servants (already in-rooted to the masses) to induct into active mainstream politics rather accommodating / encouraging traditional concepts. No doubt, the electoral politics of emotions, charisma and nepotism is no longer to succeed, but only the welfare services, masses connectivity & accountability will breed quality & stable politicians as is being noticed in so many states like WB, TN, Karnataka & Gujarat. Let Bosses of the important nationalist parties realize the gravity of the situation “to bring about drastic reforms in the politicians’ recruitment, posting, transfer & promotion system”.

(Dated 7^th September 2009)

Environment (general)

2010-04-12T12:14:00.005-07:00

Environment in its widest sense is called: Biosphere which consists of earth’s crust, the surrounding Atmosphere and various forms of life that exist in the zone 600 meters above and 10,000 meters below the sea level. The Biosphere is too large and so complex that it is divided into smaller units of Ecosystem.

Ecosystem is defined as the plants, animals and the microorganisms that live in a defined zone and the physical factors present i.e. soil water and air. Within an ecosystem, there exist a dynamic interrelationship between the living forms and their physical environment. The balanced operation of natural cycles and the ecosystem contribute to the stability of whole biosphere, which is fundamental to the continued co-existence and development of life on earth. The general impact of Pollution within an Ecosystem is the disturbance/alteration in the prevailing congenial balance of natural cycles which operate in atmosphere on the land and in water.

Natural cycles that operate in Environment:

Water cycle (Hydrological cycle): Water as the vital ingredient of life support system in nature and is balanced by continuing processes of evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff & ground water movements.

Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen is an essential element of most biological components. It is largely required in the Protein Synthesis. By nitrogen uptake from the air, plants produce protein by the nitrogen fixation microbial. The nitrogen chain thus maintains nitrogen in the Environment.

Phospahate Cycle: Organophosphates are essential for the cell division involving the production of DNA & RNA. Phosphates are required for growth and maintenance of animal bones and teeth. Plant and animal nutrition involve energy metabolic pathways with chemical reaction involving utilization of ATP. The natural phosphate cycles can be substantially affected by the Pollution. The agriculture industry using heavy amount of phosphate fertilizers causes large scale contamination in the sewage and on surface. Excessive phosphate discharge may cause growth of algae in lakes and in stagnant water which in turn deplete water oxygen content & thus disrupting whole natural chains.

Sulphur Chain: Plants and animals require continuous supply of sulphur and its compounds for the synthesis of certain amino acids and proteins. Exchange of sulphur takes place within the ecosystem through additives of so-called sulphur bacteria which converts sulphites into sulphate for the use in another protein synthesis. In polluted water there may be anaerobic conditions with no dissolved oxygen present and thus bacteria decay action produces obnoxious H2S and deposits of FeS.

Oxygen Cycle: Oxygen being major component of all living organisms; adequate supply of oxygen is therefore, quite necessary for the continued life cycle on the biosphere. Oxygen is required by plants, animals and human beings for aerobic respiration & enzyme oxidation of the organic foodstuffs for sustenance of growth and general metabolism. There is continuous exchange of oxygen between atmosphere (20.9%) and all areas of water and earth. The total amount of oxygen in biosphere is thus kept constant by such oxygen cycle. Pollution effects may cause deficiency of oxygen in the localized aquatic environs.

Food Chains and Webs: In an ecosystem, groups of organisms and microorganisms of plants and animals are interdependent in respect of food and energy. Someone’s fruits or excreta may be other’s food and vice versa. In an aquatic ecosystem, food chain is affected by changes in the environment such as variations in water, temp & oxygen content as well as the nutrient supply which can alter population of link species. Both the foods and web can be affected by pollution which may cause changes in the ecological balance of ecosystem. The presence of toxicological wastes such as pesticides can reduce or completely eliminate the population of some link species and thus severely disrupt the food web. In fresh water, the presence of polluted organic matter as sewage or silage effluent reduce the dissolved oxygen content of water which reduces or eliminate those link species which require aerobic conditions and can promote the increase of those link species which do not require highly oxygenated water.

Thus Environment is a question of our survival and continued coexistence. Environment knows only the Geographical not the Political Boundaries.

Noted Environmentalist Re Dubos says: THINK GLOBALLY ACT LOCALLY. Unscientific, unforeseen, and careless urbanization, industrialization, agricultural advancements are major threats to the stability of Biosphere. Thus the principle causes of environmental degradation had been the need of poor, greed of rich and careless application of technology. Pollution is therefore, a manmade component of our natural environment. Thus the four primary consumptive uses namely, irrigation, power production, domestic and industrial runoff contribute such problem.

Pollution: A substance or effect which adversely alters the environment by changing the growth rate of species, interferes with food chains, is toxic or interfere with health, comfort or property values of the people. Thus pollution causes degradation or damage to the natural functions of the Biosphere.

Hazardous Substances: Is any substance which can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of mankind and his environment either by improper handling or by natural contact, such substances can be chemicals, microorganisms (microbes or pathogens) Hazardous chemicals cover a broad range of groups e.g. poisons or toxic agents, corrosive chemicals, flammable materials & materials in which dangerous heat buildup occurs on storage.

The importance & existence of pollution in the Environment as a national and or global problem was not generally recognized until 1960s. Major Indian Environmental problems include denudations of forests, overgrazing, sewage pollution and communicable diseases etc. Nothing has ever focused the attention of mankind so clearly & deeply as the Environmental crisis. The life support system for man and other living things are being threatened by the ongoing Environmental degradation at an alarming pace.

Since our societies mainly depend on chemicals, there are more than five million chemical substances with an average increase of one thousand new more chemicals annually in order to meet the challenging needs of the present day heavily industrialized society. There are now around 25,000 occupational chemicals with potential mutagenic character in the list of around 10,000 potentially toxic chemicals and substances causing ecological disruption & effects on health. Hence, we re regularly being faced with the environmental degradation problems such as Acid Rain, extensive contamination of surface and ground water, severe air pollution, uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, long range transport of deadly pesticides, estuarine and coastal water pollution, radioactive radiation hazards, occupational hazards, and largely growing problems of Green house effect, Global Warming and threat to protective stratospheric ozone layer are the major global environmental concerns.

Air pollution:

More than 300 m tones of pollutants are emitted annually, whereas India alone contributes to more than 10 m tones in the form of particulates such as CO, SO2, hydrocarbons etc. Combustion of fuel is the largest single category of air pollution sources. High emissions, stagnant weather patterns and topography like valleys can cause rapid buildup of air pollutants with severe tragedy. The most ubiquitous air pollutants include SO2, NOX, CO, CxHy, Lead, O3. Particulates of SO2 and NOx are the principal precursors of acid deposition/acid rain. As a matter of fact, whatever we take daily, 80% of it is air and we breathe up to nearly 22,000 times inhaling about 16 kg of such polluted air into the body.

Air pollution causes mainly the respiratory and cardiovascular diseases including lung cancer and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Some particulates are of a size which may be breathed deep into lungs, some may be lodged in the alveoli – the terminal sacs of respiratory tract as interfaces through which gases are exchanged between air and blood. These particulates may consist of soot permeated with organic inhalation of acid aerosols. Ozone and associated air pollutants may cause adverse effects on health particularly to sensitive population like children, elderly people with chronic respiratory illness.

In the air pollutants, there are some chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are proven carcinogenic in human being. A group of chemicals in diesel exhaust such as nitro pyrenes account for up to 30% of mutagenic activity. Studies revealed that it may take up to 20 yrs of exposure or more for a truck, bus or railway engine driver to develop the cancer. Gasoline (petrol) with tetraethyl lead has now been fully replaced by Pb free ingredient.

In addition to human health problems, damage to forest and agriculture crop is largely due to air pollution. Combination of air pollutants including acid deposition, SO2, NOx, O3 and heavy metal particulates are joint factors for denundation of forests. NOx besides forming acid rain also produces O3 in biosphere, the known plant pathogen. Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN) causes chlorosis and brown necrosis in the leaf of groundnut. Fluorosis causes necrosis in the grapes crop. Acid rain a consequence of air pollution can leach lead, copper and asbestos from distribution system pipes. Toxic heavy metals e.g. Hg and Pb can be mobilized from soils into underground drinking water supplies or surface reservoir. SO2 and acid precipitation corrosion of metals and react with lime stone, marble and exterior coatings to erode surface. Even a small quantity of SO2 gas is enough to corrode i.e. there is no safe limit for SO2 to sensitive plant parts and buildings.

Forestry and Environment

There are 12 Indian Biosphere reserves, above 45,000 plant species and 65,000 animal species in India which include 50,000 species of insects and 2,000 species of birds. For a healthy and balanced environment, the survival and maintenance of such living forms is a vital necessity. Trees not only serve as support system to mankind and other animals, but keep environment balanced for the sustenance of life on earth. Saptashati of the Purana predicted: so long as this earth has forests, gardens, lakes, and great mountains, you and your children will survive. Trees soak polluted air and releases carbohydrates and oxygen. Forests also balance rains, moderate weather and conserve soil and water, help prevent floods and droughts and provide shelter to wildlife; wood, timber and food to mankind.

Deforestation as a cause of ecological degradation (as environmental problem) since past two decades has received maximum public attention. The destruction of forest started since 2nd world war. More than 50% of the forests had already been wiped out, mainly in Asian continent. India is the world’s worst hit country in deforestation. Besides more than 15% as country’s share of global population, India has hardly 1% of the global forest area. National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) is closely monitoring forest status.

Valuable assets of a tree (plant):

1) A 50 yr old tree serves mankind by worth over Rs 2 million,

2) A Peepal tree replaces approx. 2,252 kg polluted air through

1713 kg oxygen during its lifetime, sufficient enough for as

many as 6 lakh people,

3) One hectare of forest consumes 3 metric tones of polluted air

and provide 2 million tones of oxygen,

4) A medium sized tree can take CO2 given out by 2 families

and provide oxygen for them,

5) Towns without avenue trees have 4 to 5 times more dust particles

in atmosphere than towns having avenue trees.

Deforestation causes degradation of land making unsuitable for cultivation. Excessive soil erosion forms ravines, water becomes polluted and scarce. Timber need, paper industry, and cutting trees for construction of dams, plants and heavy projects are key factors of deforestation. The opencast mining of Kudremukh in Western Ghats resulted in the removal of top soil and large scale of deforestation. The process of deforestation is also brought about by Laterisation (due to heavy rainfall and high temperature, most of the organic matters get breakdown and leached out of the top soil). Thus, due to laterisation, Ca, Mg and silica are leached out and the oxides of Al and Fe increase on soil and so soil becomes acidic in nature.

In India, out of about 15,000 species of higher plants, 1500-2000 are either under threat or rare occurrence. Plants are very good indicators of air pollution. Foliage of trees and plants exhibit the most obvious effect of air pollution. Injury to plants, bleaching of green parts (chlorosis), death of circumscribed tissues are visible symptoms on plants exposed to pollutants. Among the plants that exhibit such characteristics are – siser, cassia, guava, jamun, vegetables like cucumber, brinjals, castor, wild apple, wolnut, acracia. Tamarind and margosa plants are also capable of absorbing dust and gaseous particles from the polluted air. The green belt thus acts as sanitary protection to reduce pollution level particularly of the particulates in the air. Special emphasis therefore, should be laid on the plantation of such trees on railway track, roadside and in the industrial belts.

Following major incidents had occurred as a result of environmental pollution / degradation:

1. Mustard gas (bis-2-chloroethylsulphide) was used in the 1st world war for poisoning soldiers. Such gas was later reported to be carcinogenic to lab animals. Hence, its exposure was possible cause of human cancer,

2. Explosion in West Germany (Opal) in Sept 1921 killed 570 people in a chemical plant,

3. A coal dust explosion at Hon Keiko colliery in China in April 1942 killed 1500 people,

4. The tragic fog incident in Dec 1952 in London - a dense fog settled over the city for a week (due to deadlocked volume of air, the city’s furnaces, factories and automobiles pored tones of smoke dust and chemical fumes) turning the fog brown and thin black, visibility fell to a few inches leading to lot of accidents. Millions went through the city with smarting eyes, coughs, nausea and vomiting. Some suffered prolonged illness,

5. In Yokkaichi city of Japan in 1970, 44 people died and more than thousand citizens suffered from lung cancer or from the famous Yokkaichi asthma because of discharged sulphurous acid,

6. On Dec 27, 1975 an explosion occurred in Chasnala (India) mining killing 430 people,

7. In 1976, an explosion sent highly toxic dioxin over Northern Italian City (Seveso) forcing evacuation of residents, killing over 100 animals, and causing skin cancer to nearly 200 people,

8. In 1979, an estimated 300 people died from Anthak after accident at the chemical and Biological warfare plant in Novosibirsk (USSR),

9. On midnight of Dec 3, 1984 the deadly methylisocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the storage tank of Union Carbide factory in Bhopal (M.P.) which took life of about 3000 people, leaving thousands permanently damaged with long term health hazards including genetic malfunctioning,

10. On April 26, 1986 a major accident occurred at the reactor of Chernobyl (USSR) Nuclear Power station– the largest ever reported accidental release of radioactive material. It resulted into contamination of most agriculture and animal products,

11. Mercury poisoning of fish & its subsequent consumption in Japan caused famed Minamata disease killing hundreds of people,

12. International Development Research Centre (I.D.R.C.) Ottawa claims that more than 10,000 people die of pesticide poisoning every year in the developing countries. In Kerala, 106 deaths occurred by consumption of wheat flour and sugar contaminated with pesticide (folidol). In Udaipur (Rajasthan), Aluminium poisoning caused 28 deaths by mistaken consumption,

13. Monkey diseases epidemic in Balthangadi Taluka of S. Canara Dist. (Karnataka) in early Eighties was due to felling of trees in large areas of virgin forests in Western Ghats. Virologists called it Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) which killed about 100 people,

14. Oleum gas leakage at Sri Ram Food & Fertilizers factory in Delhi caused nausea and other serious ailments,

15. In the British Agriculture industry, there has happened huge loss of life in the Piper Alpha disaster in North Sea,

16. SO2 emissions from coal powered plants in industrial belt and NOx emissions from automobile exhausts have widely destroyed life in lakes in North East and in Canada,

17. Mental development of children in London is reportedly threatened by widespread poisonous exhaust fumes of motor vehicles,

18. Reportedly, every Bombay citizen spends at least 5 yrs of his life in coughing or suffering from asthma, bronchitis, burning eyes, coarse skin, stiff hair or cold due to acute pollution in winter,

19. Release of organophosphates, pesticides and organo- mercurial compounds to the Rhine river at Basel (Switzerland) caused by a fire at a chemical warehouse resulted into 10-30 m tones of contaminants washed into river by fighting runoff due to which fish kill extended over 250 km,

20. Acid rain in Bombay (early 80s) caused skin rashes, burning of eyes and faster ageing,

21. Ozone pollution on surface mostly from motor vehicles has destroyed thousands of Pine trees in mountains east of Los Angeles

22. Tokyo, Los Angeles and Sydney are world’s smoggiest cities,

23. 74 people were died in gas explosion in a coal mine in

Northern China’s Shanxi province on 22nd February 09

Following are the possible hazardous / happenings as consequence of fast degrading ecological balance due to the chemical race:

Suspected levels of radio nuclides in foods as fall out of nuclear tests,

Release of many volatile chemicals into ambient environment, many of which are implicated in depletion of stratospheric protective ozone layer. Some of such compounds are suspected cause of human cancer. Decrease of ozone layer due to use of CFCs, nuclear weapons, nuclear and atomic explosions and supersonic jets and increase of CO2 and CH4 in atmosphere greatly affects earth’s biota. Green house effect is suspected to cause Global Warming, drought and weather changes,

There published reports of elevated lead (Pb) level in soil and biota near major roadways and industrial complexes,

Common symptoms of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and solvents include inability to concentrate, loss of memory, depression, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, sleep disturbances from insomnia to somnambulism, irritability, headaches and weakness,

High incidence of Neuro-psychiatric disability to workers in printing industry due to exposure of organic solvents,

Risk of cancer from the use of Tar Bitumen in road works mainly to its workers,

W.H.O. in a Bombay study reported that motorists are more prone to cancer and other lung diseases,

Lung cancer is possibly related to various kinds of job hazards in Rubber industry,

Occurrence of pancreatic cancer to machining / grinding & metal industry workers,

10. Coronary heart diseases to workers exposed to CS2 in the

Manufacture of Rayon,

11. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas through normal decay of uranium and thorium found in rocks and soil is the second leading cause of lung cancer,

12. Risk of lung cancer to asbestos and cement manufacture workers,

13. Male exposure to heat and female to noise, textile dyes, lead, mercury and cadmium are associated with infertility,

14. USEPA warned that due to CO2 buildup in the atmosphere, an estimated global temp to 2 C by 2040 and up to 5 C by 2100 could rise,

15. Ever increasing fleet of super thermal power plants will add substantial amount of acidic gases in atmosphere, so low ash content coal should be used as it contains least amount of dust particles,

Accumulation of potentially toxic elements like Zn and Al weakens the population of beneficial link species like earthworms,

17. Due to acid rain, deforestation has long been associated with tropical forests in third world countries, but now temperate forests are also found to be victims, thus a heavy loss of timber is speculated,

18. Excessive manufacture of paper causes heavy destruction of forests,

19. Chinese Scientists discovered that people living in forest areas have a greater chance of centenarians than others,

20. Due to highly polluted water (both chemically and bacterial), heavy incidence of epidemiological cases are suspected globally. As per W.H.O. report, about 90% of diseases are due to water borne,

21. The unabated race of chemical and nuclear weapons, space shuttles, nuclear and atomic explosions poses much more serious threat to environment & the mankind,

22. Use of potentially harmful chemicals in furnished goods of routine use, poor hygienic and occupational work conditions and malnutrition adversely affect the health and wellbeing of general public,

23. Some of the least harmful substances like dyes and dye ingredients of some vital drugs, cosmetics, toiletries etc may also cause severe skin problems on the exposure to the sunlight or artificial light due to their photo-sensitizing potential,

24. More and more agricultural, Industrial and human wastes produced due to incredible growth of human population pollutes the environment at all levels creating large scale ecological imbalance.

Thus Ecological imbalance being caused by both the chemical race (pollution) as well as deforestation is affecting mankind to the threat of extinction of plant and animal species by human interference, nearly 1 spec is becoming extinct daily. Mankind is exclusively dependent on 30 plant and 6 animal species. Biosphere poisoning due to man’s economic activity or more correctly due to his bid to conquer has already caused disappearance of innumerable species. Problem of pollution, like other problems including over population, food scarcity, arms race etc is a problem affecting whole mankind in general and oppressed in particular. Environmental pollution merely does not lead to diseases and disasters but can upset hereditary factors e.g. birth of maimed off springs. Nuclear radiations not only increase number of cancer but produce mutagenic effects in chromosomes which lead to hereditary disorders.

Measures to combat such menace:

Some vehicles offer a unique advantage of monitoring changes on earth, ocean & its atmosphere. Satellites have helped weather forecasting and also in monitoring deforestation, desertification, volcanic activity etc. The state of sea surface, oceanic currents, abundance/occurrence of trace gases in upper atmosphere and situation of depletion of stratospheric ozone layer. Space shuttles could be modified by lower combustion temperature engines to avoid reaction of atmospheric NO and O2, which ultimately destroys the ozone layer. Levels of NOx produced in burning of coal and heavy oil can be substantially lowered by selective reducing agents and modified combustions at low temp.

Likewise, other forms of management e.g. Banking, Industrial, Finance, Manpower etc, it is highly desired to establish a mission of Environmental Management at all levels of human activities. The academic institutions should recognize the plight of precious environment with active participation in interdisciplinary manner. There should be a full fledged faculty of Environmental management at the University level. It should aim to reduce or minimize the impact of human activities on physical and ecological environment. It should be an endeavor to avoid overuse, misuse or abuse of environmental resources. It should work for to conserve what needs to be conserved / protected and regulate utilization of natural resources to the acceptable limits.

Therefore, for safe Environment for today and tomorrow’s generation, environmental education is to be largely imparted as a movement of the people, by the people and for the people with following message:

Population control and health care,

Water pollution control in lakes, rivers, and oceanic systems,

Air pollution control in industrial belts,

Integrated land use planning and watershed management: re-vegetation of the marginal lands for fodder, firewood, and long term environmental safety,

Development of reliable and non-polluting renewable energy sources,

Solid waste utilization by recycling: as today’s waste is tomorrow’s raw material,

Conservation of Biological Diversity in its totality,

Development of new types of human settlements without congestion and above all affecting the slum conditions,

Radical changes in national / global policies regarding nuclear & chemical warfare and limiting unnecessary explosions, expeditions, and other experiments,

10. Environmental Education and Awareness at all levels of Society

Green School Initiative (GSI) for Environment:

Environment Management System (EMS) as developed by CPREEC launched in 07-08 & is being practiced in Chennai, Puducherry, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ooty.

Environmental Audit in Schools:

EMS is popular in ‘Industrial sector’ which means training to industries. In other parts of the world, compatible environmental management system has been adopted either voluntarily or for promoting standards by external certification. However, European system of environ-mental standards (educational) does not suit the existing Indian educational system. Chennai based CPREEC has devised a simple & indigenized system for monitoring environmental performance of schools. Environmental conditions may be monitored from many angles that are close to Indian requirements. This innovative scheme for schools is user friendly & totally voluntary. Environmental monitoring system helps school to set environmental examples for community & educate young learners. Areas of eco-auditing to be followed / practiced by member organizations / schools are:

Waste minimization & recycling,

Energy conservation,

Water conservation & harvesting,

Protecting plants & animals,

Animal welfare concern,

Eco-auditing

Year (2009) World Environment Day slogan:

Planet needs you: “Unite to combat climate change

and broader consequences of environmental change

& what societies can do in response”