Woman on Top

Research shows that more and more women are holding top positions in all fields . In 2009 , women held 13.5% of fortune 500 executive officer positions and this number grew to 14.6% in 2013.

The ratios may gradually balance out but the fact the women are from Venus and men from Mars cannot change! So how does a woman boss fare as compared to a male boss?

Research shows that women bosses are:

• Very emotional about their work - they take success and failure too much to heart on a day to day basis and therefore stress out too much

• They are perfectionists - they like zero error and will not settle for less therefore can be hard on their subordinates

• They are not very comfortable with giving a free hand to their subordinates

• They are not very trusting of their bosses

• They tend to work harder as subconsciously they are always conscious of the male competition

• Are not very authoritative

• Are not fast at taking decisions

Well from personal experience, I have had women bosses with those characteristics but I dont think its good to generalize. But honestly, till now I have had a better experience with male bosses and as a boss myself , I work on not showing these characteristics to the extreme.

Dilli Haat : Delhi ' s Cultural Nerve Center

Delhi, the capital city of India, is enjoying the best weather of the year. As autumn is setting in, the sunny days are very enjoyable with the mornings and evenings having a slight chill. It's the kind of weather which urges you to step out and enjoy every second of the pleasent day. 

As a ritual, a trip to one of Delhi ' s culturally most active place is a must in this season. Delhi Haat, is an open-air food plaza and cradia. It is place where artisans and artists from different states of india come and showcase their goods and talent.

Shops in small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmosphere.Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems , beads ,brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics. A number of shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex.

Occasionally fests are held in Dilli Haat where in artists from different parts of India come and perform and show their talent.

It was indeed a day well spent in Dilli Haat. I was so culturally motivated by watching the performances by talented artists and by seeing the variety of handicrafts that various craftsmen had to showcase.!

What lies beyond?

At a get together this weekend with friends, talk shifted towards ghost stories and life after death over some really scrumptious steaks. While everyone was putting their point of view forward and sharing their experiences, I for one shared my strong  belief in rebirth and the fact that the soul never dies. 

The conversation on these topics always tends to get stuck at a point where our scientific teaching comes in conflict with claims which are more of hearsay and do not have evidence to support them.

In my process of discovering more about life after death theories and authentic experiences shared by people about this, the book which really influenced me was that written by Dr Brian Weiss. 

Dr Brian Weiss

Dr Brian Weiss is a Psychiatrist practicing in USA and as a scientist he was only a believer of evidence based medicine till a point. His belief started to change when all the allopathic regimens written in text books failed to treat one of his patients who was suffering from depression and phobias. He decided to try an old technique of hypnosis on this patient as a last resort and was surprised to see that every time he tried hypnosis on the patient, she drifted back to a previous lifetime recounting experiences of that lifetime.

He was overwhelmed by what he experienced firsth and was compelled to write a book on the same which he titled, 'Many Masters Many Lives'.

The book strengthen my belief in 'life after death' and it helped that it was written by a doctor who was a man of science.

I have come across other evidences since then which support this claim out of which a study conducted by

Southampton University is another interesting piece of evidence.

 Scientists at the University of Southampton have spent four years examining more than 2,000 people who suffered cardiac arrests at 15 hospitals in the UK, US and Austria.

And they found that nearly 40 per cent of people who survived described some kind of ‘awareness’ during the time when they were clinically dead before their hearts were restarted.

One man even recalled leaving his body entirely and watching his resuscitation from the corner of the room.

Despite being unconscious and ‘dead’ for three minutes, the 57-year-old, recounted the actions of the nursing staff in detail and described the sound of the machines which is normally not possible for a man who is unconscious.

Another interesting report is that submitted by Dr. Ian Stevenson who also set up the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), a research unit of the Department of Psychiatric Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

He studied and  wrote about these 20 cases of rebirth. He set up a network of volunteers to find these spontaneous past life recall cases as soon as the children began to speak of them. He then would carefully question both the family of the living child and the family of the deceased to ensure that they had no contact and that no information would be passed between them. He would obtain detailed information about the deceased, including information not fully known to anyone involved such as details of the will, that he would use to verify that the child actually did know the information required.

He saw some parralles in  these cases and noted that the case usually starts when a small child of two to four years of age begins talking to his parents or siblings of a life he led in another time and place. The child usually feels a considerable pull back toward the events of the life and he frequently importunes his parents to let him return to the community where he claims that he formerly lived. If the child makes enough particular statements about the previous life, the parents (usually reluctantly) begin inquiries about their accuracy. Often, indeed usually, such attempts at verification do not occur until several years after the child has begun to speak of the previous life. If some verification results, members of the two families visit each other and ask the child whether he recognizes places, objects, and people of his supposed previous existence.

To me the theory on life after death is the only theory which makes sense to this life on earth. The more I read about these interesting studies the more my belief in this theory is strengthened.

Epitome of Will and Determination: Irom Sharmila

In India , a special act of law called the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) can be enforced in states when the scale of continued unrest or instability in the state is too large for local forces to handle especially when in the cases of militancy & insurgency, borders are threatened.

This act gives exceptional powers to Army officers such as:

• After giving such due warning, Fire upon or use other kinds of force even if it causes death, against the person who is acting against law or order

• To arrest without a warrant anyone who has committed cognizable offences or is reasonably suspected of having done so and may use force if needed for the arrest.

• To enter and search any premise in order to make such arrests, or to recover any person wrongfully restrained or any arms, ammunition or explosive substances and seize it.

• Stop and search any vehicle or vessel reasonably suspected to be carrying such person or weapons.

Army officers have legal immunity for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against anyone acting under that law. 

This law is considered draconian by many state citizens.  UN has reviewed this law and does not have a favourable view of it and asked India to revoke it.

On 2 November 2000, in Manipur (a state in India where AFSPA is applicable)  ten civilians were shot and killed while waiting at a bus stop as an AFSPA  operation was ongoing.  The incident, was allegedly committed by one of the Indian Paramilitary force operating in the state. The victims included a 62-year old woman, and 18-year teenager who was a 1988 National Child Bravery Award winner.

One lady Irom Sharmila, who was 28 at the time, was unable to come to terms with this incident and began to fast in protest of the killing, taking neither food nor water. The lady has been on fast since the year 2000, arrested many times for attempted suicide. Her health has deteriorated many times during these 14 years of protest fasting, requiring force feeding through nasogastric intubation. However that has not deterred her from standing up for her belief.

She is the epitome of determination and will,  a person who had dedicated her life to a cause for the people. A selfless individual who continues undettered even when her years of sacrifice and pleas have fallen on deaf yeard. A salute to her spirit for being  a hero!

Dying with Dignity

The moot question of  whether or not a person can hold the right to die as per their wish has been ignited once again. Should Euthanasia be allowed? Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.

Brittany Maynard,  a 29 year old newly married woman from America, suffering from last stage brain cancer triggered shock and controversy when she recently publically declared that she would kill herself on November 1 of this year. She decided to move from her home state of California to Oregon to fulfil this wish.

However at present she has not taken that drastic step and has said that she may wait a little longer. Her youtube video where she mentions plans for her death very candidly has had millions of views . She shares  her plans to die in her Oregon bedroom.

Some people have cheered her  while others have decried her decision and the debate on whether terminally ill should be able to decide how and when to die continues. Oregon is the first state in USA which approved the Death With Dignity law in late 1990s which gives people with months to live the right to access lethal medication. Other states in USA which approved similar laws were Washington and Vermont.

Euthanasia debate always deserves mention of Dr. Jack Kevorkian(1928-2011). He was an american pathologist who helped over a 100 people to physician assisted suicide(mercy killing). He was caught in this regard and charged with second degree murder and had to serve 8 years of prison sentence. His patients probably regarded him as a saint however in the eyes of law, he was on the wrong side.

Dr. Jacob(Jack) Kevorkian
Photo courtesy : Wikipedia

The question remains. ..if we don't have the right to chose our birth can we chose our death? or if we can't chose our birth at least can we can have the right to chose our death? Should we give up our faith in superior powers and miracles?

Going Vegan ? Here's what to watch out for!

Switching to a completely vegetarian diet may be a good choice but there are certain things to be cautious about. This type of selective diet can lead to deficiency of a Vitamin called Vitamin B12.

Function
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble and contains the mineral cobalt.
It is required for proper red cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis.

Source
Vitamin B12 is  naturally found in animal products such as fish, eggs, meat , poultry , milk and milk products.
Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods.
Certain fortified foods such as cereals are a good source of Vitamin B12.


Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
RDA is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy individuals.

The RDA of Vit B12 in Adults is 2.4 micrograms. The requirement may increase in pregnancy and lactation.


Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterised by anaemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Neurological changes such as tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur. Additional symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, poor memory, soreness of mouth and tongue.

Groups at risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Strict vegetarians, especially women who are pregnant or breastfeeding feeding.
• Elderly people
• People with problems with food absorption
• Malnutrition

Treatment
These signs and symptoms can be avoided if vegetarians chose products which are fortified with Vitamin B12. Fortified breakfast cereals are one of the few sources of Vitamin B12 from plants and can be used as a dietary source of Vitamin B12 for strict vegetarians.

If signs and symptoms develop, then treatment can be with Vitamin B12 injections given intramuscularly into your arm or buttocks or  by high doses of Vitamin B12 given orally.

Lord Ganesha

In India,  which is home to million of Gods and Goddesses, one of the most worshipped deities is Lord Ganesha.

Ganesha can be easily identified by the presence of an elephant head over a human body.

Ganesha is considered as the remover of obstacles, the God of wisdom, knowledge and new beginnings. He is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies.

A popular festival which is celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha is called Ganesh Chaturthi. This is a 10 day festival which typically falls in late August or early September. It is celebrated by bringing in clay idols of Ganesha into homes , symbolizing his arrival, followed by prayer offerings to him.  At the end of the 10 day festival the idols are immersed into water.

The story of Ganesha ' s elephant head is fascinating. As the legend goes , Lord Shiva (another one of the revered deities in India) was away from home fighting for the Gods. Meanwhile his wife, Parvati,  used her powers to create a son, Ganesha, to help protect her at home while her husband was away. One day while she was taking a bath inside the house , she ordered her son to stay at guard outside and not let anyone come in. So when Lord Shiva arrived home from battle, Little Ganesha did not permit him from  entering the house. In a fit of rage Lord Shiva slashed off his head. Parvati was inconsolable when she found out about this and to make it up to her , Lord Shiva replaced the child's head with the head of the first animal that came into his sight. The animal was an elephant and therefore Lord Ganesha, got an elephants head over his human body.

Symbolism

• His broad crown is an invitation to think big.
  
• The tiny eyes speak of the importance of concentration and attention to detail for success in any foray.
  
• One chief form of concentration is to listen to others more, and talk less. This is symbolised by the huge elephantine ears and small mouth He sports.
  
• Ganesh has only one tusk, with the other broken off. This symbolises the importance of  holding on only to the good and discarding the bad.
  
• The trunk of Ganesh symbolises the importance of being efficient and adaptable in order to be successful in one's ventures. The curvature is also said to represent the rising of the kundalini (spiritual energy that is believed to be coiled serpent-like at the base of the spine) powers.
  
• His large tummy points to the necessity of digesting all that life has to offer—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
  
• The abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) of His lower right hand symbolises Ganesh's blessings and protection on a person's journey through life, especially the spiritual one.
  
• In His upper right hand, Ganesh usually holds an axe, with which He is said to cut of all attachments.
  
• He pulls the devotee nearer to the spiritual path by the rope that He carries in His upper left hand.
  
• He offers rewards for penances (sadhana) done with the modak (type of confection, usually made from rice flour and a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc.) He holds in His lower left hand.
  
• The bowls and baskets of offerings at Ganesh's feet are there to symbolise that the entire world, and all its choicest pleasures, are out there for the taking.
  
• Ganesh's tiny pet and vehicle, his mouse, bowing down close by, is there to indicate that though a little desire is good, it is essential for one to master it. You have to ride your desires and not vice versa.

Love these tales in Indian mythology...

Girl interrupted

My strength has been tested
My limits have been pushed
Happiness has been elusive
Life a mystery

It's not the same
It will never will be the same
But everyday I spend wondering what if it had been the same.
Time freezes

I want to break free
From the darkness that surrounds me
The hollowness inside me
Emptiness grows

Dhanteres

Driving home from office was a nightmare today! The usual 20 minute drive turned into more than an hours drive because the streets were clogged with traffic. The madness on road today was due to celebration of a popular hindu festival called Dhanteres. 

Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival as celebrated in India. The word Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13th day as per Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin

On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. On Dhanteras it is considered auspicious to buy a metal object for the household. Lord Kubera, the God of assets and wealth is also worshiped on this day. This requirement explains the traffic on the roads today as people throng markets to get a new metal utensils or gold/silver coins.

The legend

As per an ancient legend the horoscope of the 16 year old son of King Hima predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. After his marriage, the princes newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep on the 4rth day of his marriage. She laid out all her jewellery and lots of gold and silvercoins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. Then she sang songs and narrated stories to keep her husband from falling asleep. The next day, when the god of Death (Yama) arrived at the prince’s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewellery. Yama could not enter the Prince's chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away. Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. The following day came to be called Naraka Chaturdashi ('Naraka' means hell and Chaturdashi means 14th). It is also known as ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or ‘deep’ and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the God of Death. Since this is the night before Diwali, it is also called 'Chhoti Diwali' or Diwali minor Diwali.

According to another popular legend, when the Gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrita or nectar, Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras

Prague: the capital city of Czech Republic

Prague , the beautiful capital city of Czech Republic still has an old world charm in its air. The well preserved 13-14 th century buildings and cobble stone streets can give the feel of how life had been back then. The rich cultural heritage of the city is the reason why Prague has been included in the WHO world heritage sites.

The pretty city of Prague (Praha in colloquial language) was built around the Valtava river during the Romanesque era and flourished in the Gothic  and Renaissance eras.


The places which require a special mention and are must for tourists to visit in Prague are  the Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge , Opera House and St. Vitus Cathedral.

To begin  with, I was most impressed with Prague's opera house. The rich,  plush interiors with intricate carvings , lighting and chandeliers transported me to the erstwhile era where in ladies in gowns and gentlemen in suits rode upto the opera house in horse-pulled carriages.

The town square, located in the old part of the town is the nerve centre of Prague. Many interesting buildings, shopping arcades, restraunts, cafes are a part of the old town square.

 

One of the main tourist attractions in  the town square is the astronomical clock. It is a medieval astronomical clock which was first installed in 1410 in the town square making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.

Astronomic Clock in Old Town Square

Old Town Square

Old Town Square

The Prague Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral  are located in the Hradcany district of Prague. The castle  was built in the 9th century and was the seat of royals from then. After the liberation of Czechoslovakia, it housed the offices of the communist Czechoslovak government. After Czechoslovakia split in to Czech Republic and Slovakia, the head of Czech Republic i.e., the president resides in the castle.

Hradcany Area

Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral     



The trip to this awesome city had shades of both retro and modern in evetything. Prague with its beautiful buildings, gushing Valtava river,  awesome eateries and clubs  made my trip special and so much fun!