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Future Citizens with Better Intentions (FCBI) is a young, growing Non Governmental Organization pivoted to help the underprivileged youth, orphans as a part of structured programs. They also do food donation drives every year helping the homeless and people below the poverty line. This small NGO started with humble beginnings, bringing together students from Johnson Grammar School and Hyderabad Public School to do very basic community service. <\/p>
It started out as a consequence of a very unfortunate passing of Susheel Singh, a classmate of the core members of the NGO in Supreeth, Sheshidhar,John, Charan among many others. This was the start of the 3 year journey from being just a group of friends having the will to make the world a better place to a recognized organization with a record of conducting smooth successful and fun fundraising events to actually reach their goals of helping those in need. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498120138910","data":"594b81a4e5539"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498119953521","data":"
FCBI has been organizing the FCBI Cricket tournament on a yearly basis, attracting children and elders to compete against each other, to win attractive cash prizes and have a fun experience. Having started this event while still very young, the team at FCBI stayed in their lane, not to bite off more than they could chew, making organizing the tournaments very comfortable for them as well as the participants. In the first two editions, they decided to cap the age limit at 22 for participants, ensuring a fair matchup between competitors. The organization has grown since then and so have the team members. There is no longer an upper age limit on players. In the previous 4 tournaments which they conducted over the last 3 years, they\u2019ve had a good turnout of teams fighting for the title. They\u2019ve moved this year from having a glace ball tournament to a tennis one so that the fear of getting hurt is minimized and more players can compete without reservations. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498119967944","data":"594b80fb42781"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498119982561","data":"
All proceeds from the tournament go into fuelling their social work such as buying school accessories for orphanages, food distribution drives across the city. They have also helped Prasanna Foundation, Hayathnagar, in teaching math and language to kids. Apart from these, they\u2019ve had donation camps where they recycle old clothes and redistribute them to the poorer demographic. All members are currently fresher\u2019s in their respective colleges, for them to be pulling off such productive activities is commendable.<\/p>
Students and players from all age groups, can come down to Jawaharlal Nehru Polytechnic College, Ramanthapur to battle it out in 7 a side box cricket, on the 23rd and 24th of June, which is sure to have a healthy competition. <\/p>
You can check out their facebook page by clicking here!<\/a> <\/p>"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498120011758","data":" <\/p>"}]
<\/p>"}]
The economy had just opened up in the early 90s and this country would never be the same again following that. We had everything from multinational soft drink companies to video games flooding the market, cartoons we had never seen, board games we had only heard our American cousins talk about freely available in India, Burger and Pizza joints making their way to the country. It was a beautiful time to grow up, we were the first children of a new India, one that had opened its doors, hearts and minds to the economy of the world, slowing gaining prominence over the years. <\/p>
But time stops for nobody, the child is grown, the imagined demons gone, but we still fondly remember the turning of the century, when we thought the world was really going to end, distinctly remember talking about the tragedy of 9\/11 in hushed tones at school, we watched the world shape into what it is today, the advent of Internet and its rapid spread across India, we also suffered BSNL's fantastic speeds for a really long time before we had a better option. All that said, here are the top 5 things we miss the most from the 90s. <\/p>
1. Shakitmaan! <\/b><\/p>
The memes on Shakitmaan these days are funny and all but back then it was a seriously big deal. We used to cut short our silly fights to run home and watch Shakitmaan. For that half hour, nothing else in the world mattered, all that mattered was how Shaktimaan was going to defeat the evil Kilvish. <\/p>
It didn't matter to us that Shaktimaan was a Superman knockoff, as a massive Superman fan myself, the all-American hero would have never connected to the Indian masses as much as Shaktimaan did, and that is what mattered. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498125669054","data":"594b9e50d3b96"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498125671250","data":"
2. Light-sneakers <\/b> <\/p>
I loved these so much my father bought me multiple pairs. They looked so fancy and used to let off a bright light every time anyone wearing them walked. Of course, if anyone wears these today the fashion police would be all over their case, but we still miss them, just because of how cool it looked and how much we showed off in them. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498125806016","data":"594b963f12f41"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498125810955","data":"
3. Indian comics and books!<\/b><\/p>
Chacha Chaudhary was an omnipresent figure in almost every child's life back in the 90s. Your life was incomplete without Tinkle and Champak, you spent hours trying to draw Chacha Chaudhary (his brain is faster than a computer) and Sabu (who is from Jupiter). <\/p>
And with the advent of all new investment on Indian shores, we also had the extremely popular Phantom, whom we adored and poured over the comics. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498126091115","data":"594b982f61b23"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498126308018","data":"
4. The amazing TV shows! <\/b><\/p>
From Hindi serials like Hum Panch (in which we didn't even recognise the young Vidya Balan), Hip Hip Hurray, the school show we all wish we could be a part of, Tu Tu Main Main, a hilarious Saas-Bahu comedy which was probably the last one adored by fans before the advent of Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms that turned everything horrible, to Cartoon Network's original runs of Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, Swat Kats and so much more! As the century turned and we entered 2000s, we had Pokemon and Beyblade, both of which we collected eagerly in card and toy format. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498126461680","data":"594b99b6d0a6c"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498126703053","data":"
5. Indi-Pop! <\/b> <\/p>
My views on Bollywood are quite well known amongst my friends, but the biggest crime they've pulled off is not unleashing the same rehashed movies upon us (no that crime is claimed by the Telugu Film Industry now), the biggest crime they ever pulled off was killing the Indi-pop scene in India that saw the rise of so many unique new artists, some of whom are still around to this day. Indi-pop was fantastic, with the times and it connected with the youth like no other genre of music did. Shaan, Baba Sehegal, Falguni Pathak, and so many more had their golden years during the 90s before being crushed by Bollywood who wanted to be the sole provider of musical entertainment. It is a sad story and one I hope to cover in detail in the future. <\/p>
Until then, enjoy the tunes of Shaan's Tanha Dill, a song we loved back then, and a song we identify with on a soulful level today. <\/p>"},{"type":"youtube","id":"vid-url-1498127822975","data":"__qkzfWhi6g"}]
Moving into a new hostel room or a tiny apartment for your bachelors or masters is surely an experience which changes people. This inevitable event is sure to make many sad.....and maybe a few happy. It has to happen nonetheless, you moving out of the house you grew up in that is. Just so the home sickness doesn't kick in as quick as it should here are a few tips to make your new home as much as your new home. <\/p>
1) Try buying or making art you can stick to your empty walls<\/p>
Buying might be a little over the top, but if something reminds you of homely colours, don't think twice before adding it to your bedroom or living room wall. If you have an artistic hand, go bonkers with art from instagram or a magazine. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497873270530","data":"5947bbceb2363"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497873325130","data":"
2) Get bright coloured curtains for your bedroom<\/p>
Bright colours bring the best out of the little light that you allow in the mornings because you will not want to wake up. Unless you like education and responsibilities. And they make for good ambience for you to click selfies in.<\/p>
<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497873646575","data":"5947bd455a999"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497873701534","data":"
3) Get a few pairs of bed sheets so you can maintain hygiene<\/p>
Also pillow covers, you don't want to spoil the only one place you'll spend more than 9 hours staying in during the whole day. And I'm pretty sure you'll want to sleep in some fresh bed clothes every now and then. <\/p>
4) Entertainment<\/p>
Ok let's get the elephant out. Every student will and should need some form of entertainment to recoil after their very busy day with 5 hours of education. If you have a laptop, invest in an HDMI cable and get it hooked to a TV you can afford. You will not believe the transformation your room will make once you get something to get your very minimal furniture to be pointed at. (wink wink F.R.I.E.D.S reference). Now watch your favourite sports or TV shows without paying for them with your neck and eyes<\/p>
5) Beanbags instead of Sofas<\/p>
If you truly want to get the home feeling, having a mattress as the only place to sit down at will not help. Having a bamboo made seat and a couple of tiny cushions to help you not sleep during the exam season and a beanbag will do wonders. <\/p>
This will also help when you have friends over, better than having to ask them to sit on the floor.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497874679799","data":"5947c14f994e6"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497874734554","data":"
6) Finally, DO THE CLEANING WORK<\/p>
If you're living alone, or with peers of the same age group, pulling your weight in the house chores will make a huge difference. Clean the common spaces and do your dishes. Having a bunch of clean utensils to have breakfast will surely make you love yourself for putting in the effort. Set a date to do the laundry as well. <\/p>
You know what the best way to make your hostel or room homelike? Talking to your parents on a daily basis. If you don't find the motivation to do all these by yourself, your parents might try giving you some. <\/p>"}]
It takes a special kind of sportsperson to take on the giants of their chosen sport and make a mark for themselves by defeating them, a story that most of us who eagerly follow and play Badminton regularly are all too familiar with when we saw Srikanth Kidambi defeat China's Lin Dan, a formidable and unmatched player, in 2014. The two-time Olympics Champion was defeated at his home turf at the China Open Super Series 2014 by a young man from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, a feat that would earn him the name Giant Slayer. <\/p>
And Giant Slayer he remained, after defeating Japan's Kazumasa Sakai in the finals of the Indonesian Open. We caught up with the young Badminton star for a chat about his journey and career so far! <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498079791186","data":"594aea627d3e0"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498079803758","data":"
Speaking to us over the phone from Sydney, Australia, Srikanth spoke candidly about tackling an upcoming match, especially something as high tension as a final, \"It's just like approaching any other match,\" he says, \"I didn't think of anything except that it was just another match and then went for it, giving it my best.\" <\/p>
A sportsperson's career is marked by both great victories as well as great defeats. Srikanth, who had missed out an opportunity to get into the Semi-Finals of the Olympics after being defeated by Lin Dan, was reported to have gone back home for a few days and fallen out of touch, growing 'worryingly quite', as the media reported it. When asked about the same, Srikanth laughed before dismissing the reports, \"Nothing of that sort, after the Olympics I went home for a few days. It wasn't as long as the media reported it,\" he says, \"Even though it was a disappointing defeat, it was not the end of my life. You learn from your defeats and you bounce back, that's how it's always been.\" <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498080316368","data":"594aea75a3402"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498080318494","data":"
Speaking of disappointments, we ask Srikanth about how he keeps himself motivated, especially when Badminton as a sport does not see the same patronage as Cricket does in India, \"It's the routine and the tournaments that keep me going. It keeps us occupied and our minds focused, and that in itself is quite motivating. As for Badminton not having the same kind of patronage, that doesn't bother me. We don't play this game because it is popular, we do it because we love it.\" <\/p>
Srikanth started playing Badminton quite young, but it wasn't until 2009 that he started his professional career, for that was the year he joined the Gopichand Academy, \"I had just finished my 10th and I had a choice, so I chose Badminton,\" he says, with the hint of a smile in his voice. <\/p>
Srikanth at the moment is looking forward to the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, both of which are slated to be held in 2018, \"I'm really excited and looking forward to the Games, and right now the next Olympics is not a major focus as much as the upcoming Games are,\" he says. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498080764516","data":"594aea8e426a2"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498080766428","data":"
Srikanth, who has dedicated his life to the sport, has been living at the Academy for the last 8 years, and only goes back to Guntur occasionally to see his parents. Knowing the role of family in motivating a sportsperson, we ask if the fact that he lives away from home for extended periods of time bothers him, and he says, \"My brother is with me at the Academy, so I have family close to me even in Hyderabad. I do occasionally go back home for a couple of days, maybe longer, but apart from that, it's me and my brother at the Academy.\"<\/p>
It's one thing playing a sport casually, it's another to dedicate your life to the sport and play it professionally and take on the best of the best in the world. Srikanth's training comes packed with a tight schedule, and whenever he's not slaying the giants of the sport, he's either practising or sleeping, \"You rarely get time for anything else. After training you're so tired all you can do is go to sleep,\" he laughs and responds to our question on whether he plays Badminton casually when he's back home, \"No, not really. When I go home its to relax and spend time with the family, so no Badminton there.\" <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498081168827","data":"594aeaa90dba7"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498081170650","data":"
This year's Singapore Open Super Series was the first where two Indians faced off against each other, B Sai Praneeth and Srikanth Kidambi, both long time friends, battled it out for the title with Praneeth emerging victorious. Speaking about the match and his relationship with Praneeth, he said, \"I've known him a long time, his brother was the same batch as me. When we faced off against each other in Singapore, it was like just any other match, and the better player won.\" <\/p>
Before concluding the interview, we ask Srikanth whether he would like to share a message with our readers, and he said, \"If you're passionate about something, you owe it to yourself to pursue it to the fullest. Nothing comes easy, you've got to work hard for what you want in life, so go out there and reach for the stars.\"<\/p>
Srikanth Kidambi is currently in Australia for the Australian Open Super Series. He faced off and won against Chao Yu Kan of Taiwan yesterday, and is set to take on Sun Wan-ho of South Korea today. We wish him and the rest of the Indian squad at the Australian Open all the very best! <\/p>"}]
I recently came across an article in The Hindu speaking about the first ever women graduates in Electrical Engineering in India; not only were they the very first women to do so, their certificates had the printed stylised 'He' struck off by a pen and 'She' written by hand. <\/p>
India has a long history of education, we've always valued gaining a valuable education and getting ahead in life no matter what, especially as the world became more industrialised by the day. Vast swaths of India was still uneducated by the time we gain our Independence, but the men of this country, even prior to August 15, 1947, were actively encouraged to go seek an education. So does it surprise you that the three women mentioned earlier, PK Thresia, Leelamma George and A Lalitha, only graduated in 1943, not even 100 years ago. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498037342580","data":"594a3cbb17e4d"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498037357060","data":"
We are a superstitious and conservative country, while the world may rapidly move forward with their progressive ideals, we've stuck to some old practices, too stubborn or too ignorant to see past it. It was only with the advent of education in the masses that we slowly started uncoiling from the fetal position we had put ourselves in against the onslaught of progressiveness in the rest of the world. Despite this, despite India rapidly pushing itself to join the rest of the world today, we remain a conservative society where women are still objectified, still seen as a burden, and in rural areas, not even allowed to have an education, because of preconceived gender roles chosen for them by faceless people. <\/p>
That is, of course, if a girl child is even allowed to live after making the mistake of being born. It is for this reason and the systematic oppression of women carried out over many centuries backed by a religious mandate that we need to make amends and fix the issue of women participating in education as well as the workforce. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498037727066","data":"594a3e5569064"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498037769461","data":"
After the census of 2010-2011, the government released data on the number of girls in schools against 100 boys (also in schools). Needless to say, the numbers are abysmal, to say the least, and very rarely equal, with the number being higher by 1 in just one case. You can find the data by clicking here.<\/a> <\/p>From the above numbers, it is clear to see how poorly Punjab fares in this regard, and why it was a crucial poll promise for the recent elections. Punjab's program not only provides free education till PhD, but also free textbooks which will also be made available to download. <\/p>It's natural to wonder if this is being unfair to the boys, but it is also important to remember that the major reason boys get denied an education is that their family is too poor to afford one, whereas the major reason a woman gets denied education is that she simply is a woman, and often times, in a country where women are supposed to be subjugated and domesticated, dancing to the whims of men, nothing scares them more than an opinionated and educated woman. <\/p>Boys will also never be killed because they were born as boys, but girls have and continue to be so. Female infanticide was so ingrained in our society that at one point in our history, there were entire clans where no single female child was allowed to survive, killed in childbirth and the mothers punished for 'daring to give the man a girl child.'<\/p>Times changed, so did the methods of female infanticide. Ultrasound revealing the fetus's gender was used to abort immediately if the child was a girl. You see times changed, our heartlessness did not. The same people who would sign praises of Indian culture were also killing their babies only because it was female. But The Great Indian Hypocrisy deserves a blog post of its own, so maybe some other time.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498039173625","data":"594a45601e553"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498039561812","data":"The system is not perfect, of course. You could argue that merit should decide who gets to have the benefits of such a program, but merit is a system that assumes that everyone it assesses starts from an equal position, an equal blank slate that is filled by the candidates themselves. Can you, with a straight face and hand over your heart, say with conviction that women are equal to men in this country at the moment? <\/p>The other argument would be that this should be restricted to schooling, and not higher education, but studies have shown that girls who usually graduate high school aren't allowed to go for their higher studies because many rural areas still do not think that a girl deserves to be educated beyond the bare minimum, which is progress in itself because not so long ago, people thought even educating a girl was pointless. <\/p>Times are a-changin'. India currently has a large socio-economic divide that it has to deal with. In fact, we have plenty of problems to deal with, including overpopulation, jobless growth, an increasingly young population turning 18 every month without jobs to go for and education to opt for. The privileged among us emigrate to first world countries while the rest of us have to stay back because we have no choice in the matter. There are those who choose to stay back of course, but that's another story. <\/p>Despite its many problems, I still love India, if for nothing else but for the simple fact that I was born here, I have my roots here, I have friends I can rely on and I would hate anything happening to them. I too want to see its economic boom continue for a really long time, and one of the best ways to do so is to educate the country's women<\/a>. Education will lead to more women becoming independent, becoming entrepreneurs, teachers, professors, scientists, pilots, sailors, soldiers and more, and not to mention they will be in a position to make a choice on when they want to be mothers as well. <\/p>Yes, there is a direct co-relation between education of women and rising population. The less a woman is educated, the more children she is likely to have. The United Nations Population Fund also issued data showing the correlation, and article<\/a> on it, explaining how it happens.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498040434365","data":"594a48f05092b"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498040481706","data":"Even when girls do go to school, they still have to deal with catcalls on the street, with the ever-present threat of sexual assault looming like a sword over their heads, especially in rural areas. In urban areas, even privileged women aren't spared the sexism at the workplace or in college. The next time you hear someone say, 'Despite being a woman' before any sentence, do understand that that person is being casually sexist, and might not even know it. <\/p>Of course, with systematic oppression comes sexism in many different layers of society. Free education to girls will put them up for a life of independence, where girls who grow up to be women will be equipped to make their own choices, but they will still have to deal with the rampant sexism and objectification glorified by our great 'culture.' Education is just one part of the issue, the current participation of women in the workforce is an abysmal 13.4%, and this is just the salaried class, the labourer class having higher participation in the workforce.<\/p>That battle and much more will be fought in the coming years. The only way this country, my country, your country, is moving forward is when the women are empowered. <\/p>And no, I'm not Rahul Gandhi in disguise. <\/p>"}]
From the above numbers, it is clear to see how poorly Punjab fares in this regard, and why it was a crucial poll promise for the recent elections. Punjab's program not only provides free education till PhD, but also free textbooks which will also be made available to download. <\/p>
It's natural to wonder if this is being unfair to the boys, but it is also important to remember that the major reason boys get denied an education is that their family is too poor to afford one, whereas the major reason a woman gets denied education is that she simply is a woman, and often times, in a country where women are supposed to be subjugated and domesticated, dancing to the whims of men, nothing scares them more than an opinionated and educated woman. <\/p>
Boys will also never be killed because they were born as boys, but girls have and continue to be so. Female infanticide was so ingrained in our society that at one point in our history, there were entire clans where no single female child was allowed to survive, killed in childbirth and the mothers punished for 'daring to give the man a girl child.'<\/p>
Times changed, so did the methods of female infanticide. Ultrasound revealing the fetus's gender was used to abort immediately if the child was a girl. You see times changed, our heartlessness did not. The same people who would sign praises of Indian culture were also killing their babies only because it was female. But The Great Indian Hypocrisy deserves a blog post of its own, so maybe some other time.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498039173625","data":"594a45601e553"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498039561812","data":"
The system is not perfect, of course. You could argue that merit should decide who gets to have the benefits of such a program, but merit is a system that assumes that everyone it assesses starts from an equal position, an equal blank slate that is filled by the candidates themselves. Can you, with a straight face and hand over your heart, say with conviction that women are equal to men in this country at the moment? <\/p>
The other argument would be that this should be restricted to schooling, and not higher education, but studies have shown that girls who usually graduate high school aren't allowed to go for their higher studies because many rural areas still do not think that a girl deserves to be educated beyond the bare minimum, which is progress in itself because not so long ago, people thought even educating a girl was pointless. <\/p>
Times are a-changin'. India currently has a large socio-economic divide that it has to deal with. In fact, we have plenty of problems to deal with, including overpopulation, jobless growth, an increasingly young population turning 18 every month without jobs to go for and education to opt for. The privileged among us emigrate to first world countries while the rest of us have to stay back because we have no choice in the matter. There are those who choose to stay back of course, but that's another story. <\/p>
Despite its many problems, I still love India, if for nothing else but for the simple fact that I was born here, I have my roots here, I have friends I can rely on and I would hate anything happening to them. I too want to see its economic boom continue for a really long time, and one of the best ways to do so is to educate the country's women<\/a>. Education will lead to more women becoming independent, becoming entrepreneurs, teachers, professors, scientists, pilots, sailors, soldiers and more, and not to mention they will be in a position to make a choice on when they want to be mothers as well. <\/p>Yes, there is a direct co-relation between education of women and rising population. The less a woman is educated, the more children she is likely to have. The United Nations Population Fund also issued data showing the correlation, and article<\/a> on it, explaining how it happens.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498040434365","data":"594a48f05092b"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498040481706","data":"Even when girls do go to school, they still have to deal with catcalls on the street, with the ever-present threat of sexual assault looming like a sword over their heads, especially in rural areas. In urban areas, even privileged women aren't spared the sexism at the workplace or in college. The next time you hear someone say, 'Despite being a woman' before any sentence, do understand that that person is being casually sexist, and might not even know it. <\/p>Of course, with systematic oppression comes sexism in many different layers of society. Free education to girls will put them up for a life of independence, where girls who grow up to be women will be equipped to make their own choices, but they will still have to deal with the rampant sexism and objectification glorified by our great 'culture.' Education is just one part of the issue, the current participation of women in the workforce is an abysmal 13.4%, and this is just the salaried class, the labourer class having higher participation in the workforce.<\/p>That battle and much more will be fought in the coming years. The only way this country, my country, your country, is moving forward is when the women are empowered. <\/p>And no, I'm not Rahul Gandhi in disguise. <\/p>"}]
Yes, there is a direct co-relation between education of women and rising population. The less a woman is educated, the more children she is likely to have. The United Nations Population Fund also issued data showing the correlation, and article<\/a> on it, explaining how it happens.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498040434365","data":"594a48f05092b"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498040481706","data":"Even when girls do go to school, they still have to deal with catcalls on the street, with the ever-present threat of sexual assault looming like a sword over their heads, especially in rural areas. In urban areas, even privileged women aren't spared the sexism at the workplace or in college. The next time you hear someone say, 'Despite being a woman' before any sentence, do understand that that person is being casually sexist, and might not even know it. <\/p>Of course, with systematic oppression comes sexism in many different layers of society. Free education to girls will put them up for a life of independence, where girls who grow up to be women will be equipped to make their own choices, but they will still have to deal with the rampant sexism and objectification glorified by our great 'culture.' Education is just one part of the issue, the current participation of women in the workforce is an abysmal 13.4%, and this is just the salaried class, the labourer class having higher participation in the workforce.<\/p>That battle and much more will be fought in the coming years. The only way this country, my country, your country, is moving forward is when the women are empowered. <\/p>And no, I'm not Rahul Gandhi in disguise. <\/p>"}]
Even when girls do go to school, they still have to deal with catcalls on the street, with the ever-present threat of sexual assault looming like a sword over their heads, especially in rural areas. In urban areas, even privileged women aren't spared the sexism at the workplace or in college. The next time you hear someone say, 'Despite being a woman' before any sentence, do understand that that person is being casually sexist, and might not even know it. <\/p>
Of course, with systematic oppression comes sexism in many different layers of society. Free education to girls will put them up for a life of independence, where girls who grow up to be women will be equipped to make their own choices, but they will still have to deal with the rampant sexism and objectification glorified by our great 'culture.' Education is just one part of the issue, the current participation of women in the workforce is an abysmal 13.4%, and this is just the salaried class, the labourer class having higher participation in the workforce.<\/p>
That battle and much more will be fought in the coming years. The only way this country, my country, your country, is moving forward is when the women are empowered. <\/p>
And no, I'm not Rahul Gandhi in disguise. <\/p>"}]
1.\t1000 free \u201cHy-Fi\u201d internet hotspots set up across Hyderabad by the Telangana Government with speeds upto 10 mbps.<\/b> <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498046309640","data":"594a61698c8a4"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498046362281","data":"
2.\tFormer High Court Justice C S Karnan bail plea rejected by the Supreme Court. He was earlier arrested by the West Bengal Police from a guest house in Coimbatore.<\/b><\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498046376765","data":"594a61a3e7ee1"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498046420181","data":"
3.\tSaudi\u2019s King Salman snubs his nephew of the crown to the World\u2019s biggest oil exporter, names son Mohammed bin Salman next in line to the Saudi throne as the country braces itself for a comprehensive economic revamp.<\/b><\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498046439490","data":"594a6206437ba"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498046519047","data":"
4.\tSpokesperson for Daniel Day Lewis announces 3 time Award winner\u2019s sudden retirement from acting. <\/b><\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498046581368","data":"594a624c15dc8"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498046587969","data":"
5.\tIndian Olympic Association President N. Ramachandran seeks permission from the government to bid for the 2030 Asian Games and 2032 Olympics. <\/b><\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498046599224","data":"594a629a7faa5"}]
Culture is dynamic and a lot of elements are lost with time, while other newer ones come into the picture. Musical instruments are no different and this World Music Day, we take a look at a few musical instruments that seem to be fading out of this world.<\/p>"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498038521561","data":"
1. Hurdy Gurdy<\/b><\/p>
This six-stringed instrument was at the height of its popularity in Europe during the Renaissance times. It is similar to a violin in that you vary the pitch using your fingers, but the part of the bow is performed by turning a wheel that rubs against the strings. This is perhaps the most recognisable feature of the hurdy gurdy, with street artists in the 16th and 17th centuries being described as 'turning the hurdy gurdy' for the crowd.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498038925712","data":"594a42db85d62"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498038936051","data":"
2. Kartal<\/b><\/p>
This instrument is literally two wooden block that are struck to make noise. It might sound crude when put that way, but the variety of music and rhythm they can bring truly boggles the mind. You can check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498039620453","data":"594a4590a3a8d"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498039651578","data":"3. Kinnera<\/b><\/p>This complicated instrument was restored recently, 50 years after it disappeared. This stringed instrument, having THREE resonators is indigenous to a tribe in Telangana and is a true folk instrument.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498039907394","data":"594a46afbde5c"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498040008309","data":"4. Lyre<\/b><\/p>This ancient Greek instrument appears in a lot of myths featuring Apollo, Hermes and others. It is a stringed instrument similar to a harp. However, while the harp is plucked with finger, the lyre is often strummed with a plectrum. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498043403960","data":"594a5457ec2de"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498043677596","data":"5. Panpipes<\/b><\/p>This wind instrument is usually made from reed or bamboo and consists of several flutes of varying lengths bound together with a piece of leather. Its name derives from the Greek god of nature, 'Pan'.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498043853400","data":"594a5618eca99"}]
3. Kinnera<\/b><\/p>
This complicated instrument was restored recently, 50 years after it disappeared. This stringed instrument, having THREE resonators is indigenous to a tribe in Telangana and is a true folk instrument.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498039907394","data":"594a46afbde5c"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498040008309","data":"
4. Lyre<\/b><\/p>
This ancient Greek instrument appears in a lot of myths featuring Apollo, Hermes and others. It is a stringed instrument similar to a harp. However, while the harp is plucked with finger, the lyre is often strummed with a plectrum. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498043403960","data":"594a5457ec2de"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498043677596","data":"
5. Panpipes<\/b><\/p>
This wind instrument is usually made from reed or bamboo and consists of several flutes of varying lengths bound together with a piece of leather. Its name derives from the Greek god of nature, 'Pan'.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498043853400","data":"594a5618eca99"}]
Amid several allegations of sexual misbehavior in the workplace, lawsuits on theft of intellectual property and alleged rape cases by Uber drivers and employees, Uber Technologies Inc co-founder Travis Kalanick has resigned as CEO of the mobile cab service. Report from The New York Times states that this resignation is the outcome of enormous pressure from investors. According to Reuters in a letter titled, \u201dMoving Uber Forward\u201d, 5 major investors of the company stated a need for new leadership in the company. This letter was delivered to Kalanick while in Chicago, who was on an indefinite leave of absence, following the passing of his mother a week ago, on advice from the board. <\/p>
Kalanick built his company from a startup into an estimated $17 billion transportation company in the course of 9 years, starting in 2008 when co-founders, Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick went on a journey to Paris to come up with Uber\u2019s core idea. Over the course of these years of transformation, the company has faced allegations of sexual harassment, inadequate response from the HR department in response to filing cases of unprofessional behavior and a perceived toxic bro-culture, dropping the number of female employees in the company from 25% to 6% between November of 2015 to December of 2016 (according to a blog post by an ex-employee, which you can read here). Also a law suit on theft of intellectual property by Google\u2019s Waymo self-driving car unit, and an executive obtaining the medical records of a woman who was raped by a driver in India<\/p>
Kalanick discussed with at least one board member about his demotion for an extended period of time. After which he accepted the companies terms, which allow him to remain a major stake holder in the company and assured him of a board seat for the foreseeable future. In a statement released by Kalanick himself he says <\/p>
\u201cI love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors' request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight,\" <\/p>
Uber has been a beacon of flourishing start-ups, even backed to be the next $100 billion dollar company. This comes as a rough blow to their progress, losing a CEO almost always curbs the confidence within the company and also confidence the public has in it. The successor for Travis\u2019 post hasn\u2019t been revealed yet, and it is safe to say it wouldn\u2019t be a cake walk for him or her. <\/p>"}]
The International Music Day, or F\u00eate de la Musique as it is called in French, is self explanatory in the wording; it is a celebration of music as an art form. A festival for and by musicians and all music enthusiasts. The Hyderabad Western Music Foundation in collaboration with Alliance Francais and the Germen Centre conducted the World Music Day Hyderabad 2017, across 10 venues, featuring around 100 musicians on Sunday, 18th of June. This included performances from youngsters like 12 year-old Yash Aggarwal playing western classics like Bach on the piano. <\/p>
<\/p>
We spoke to Joe Koster, Director, Western Music Foundation about the music scene in Hyderabad and what it has to offer to the world in terms of music. He believes that people in general and students in particular should take up an instrument no matter what their age is. \u201cBut learning an instrument between the ages 17 to 20 is tough, with all the college work, it can get very stressful. Your mind goes in many directions at that age to be serious\u201d, he said on the call. <\/p>
<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498026523990","data":"594a14207e7e9"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498026532787","data":"
\u201cMusic is all about sharing; it isn\u2019t about being the hero in a performance. Take the orchestras for example; each instrument and musician has to work with the team to make a perfect symphony. It surely helps everyone who is willing to work for the team and not as the individual\u201d, he says when asked how music can be a productive tool in a student\u2019s growth. According to him, the Indian setting needs to challenge individualism, teach youngsters the importance of listening to each other and working together. It is an important part of the character building journey that music takes you on. You have to leave your comfort zone, no matter a boy or a girl, to grow as a musician. \u201cBe brave, form a band, experiment, learn and start early. College events might be good exposure for losing the chains that hold you back but remember that masses don\u2019t mean everything. You have to grow as a musician past the numbers and stats. Don\u2019t take it as a business, but as art, that requires you to practice and pour your soul into it\u201d, he says. <\/p>
He continues by reminding that India has a long way to go to truly realize it\u2019s potential. One needs the right kind of people to propel their talent, it requires the right kind of teaching and expertise which our country currently lacks. Parents need to survey and find the right school of music for their children and build a relationship founded on trust and belief with the institution. Addressing the wave of fusion music that has been surfacing recently, he responded saying \u201cYou cannot stop fusion, as time goes on, there has to be a mix of different genres. Fusion in its very essence has been misused in some cases. There are good and bad fusions. For instance, it is easier for Indian musicians step into the western style and experiment than for a western artist to understand Hindustani or Karnatic music\u201d<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1498026609207","data":"594a14558c833"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1498026618920","data":"
World Music Day celebrations in the city have been growing ever since their introduction. From the 2000+ who attended the event in 2016, this year\u2019s non centralized approach pulled together a great turnout, displaying the intimate relation that the city has with arts and music. Congratulations to all the performers and the organizers of the events and an honest thank you on behalf of the city\u2019s public. <\/p>
Photo Credits: Hyderabad Western Music Foundation<\/a> <\/p>"}]
Music is the rhythm that makes our soul feel good inside out. If it weren't for good music we wouldn't know some of the great bands that existed such as Queen, AC\/DC etc. Since the world is gearing up for the world music day I figured why not write a post about it as one must make the people aware about the beauty and energy it provides us. There is no college without music. There is no band without people. Everyone is talented to make their own music in some form or the other.<\/p>
Within great musicians lie great music, that's something you've not heard before right? But sometimes there are talents hidden within oneself, it takes time to realize it but only when you're tested under circumstances which unleashes the true you.There are great musicians in the college and they're appreciated for their work as well. All the interested people have formed a group known as the 'music club'. A really close friend of mine and her name is Merry K Lawrel , an extremely talented person. She attends all the inter-collegiate fests and bags prizes and makes us proud. When she takes the lead we know that our college is going to win big time. Her presence simply makes us energetic. Every program needs a show-stopper and she is one for every performance she closes the show with a bang! Like how karate has the element of surprise in order to attack the enemy in surprise. She does vocals and is a lead in many bands as well. A great person with a great taste in music. Her talents does not go unnoticed as it is flawless and we never demotivate her to stop from what she is doing. Neither are her parents, from what we have all witnessed her parents are the stepping stone towards her success her father teaches her all the notes and pitches after all in the end it turns out to be perfect. Her brother too is an amazing singer and he bags prizes as well for his songs.He decides the song whether possible and she sings, They work under a mutual understanding. Everyone in college knows her, even during arts and fests she is the one person people go up to and ask for their suggestions. She does her work by recording her own voice and syncing it with the rhythm, bass as well as the trebles. Her favorite pass-time is to listen to her own music , if she goes wrong she can correct them by improving. Also she composes her own songs and is trying to bring a rhythm and a feel to it so as to make it perfect. She has learned a handful number of chords in Guitar and plays them as well when she takes the lead. Saves her work in the online application known as 'smule' and that's something she likes to listen to. She helps others as well by improving their chords and notes so that they can be perfect.<\/p>
Talents like these should be praised and enjoyed because it is amazing. They're the people who make the world enjoy music and relax the soul. Not everyone needs to be stressed out all the time. Sometimes good music or let alone music can make you overjoyed and make your inner soul and child happy as well.<\/p>"}]
I've always believed that when a person wakes up every morning, they have a choice: to be the best version of themselves on that day and every day or to go with the flow and work with whatever comes their way. Of course, believing in something is only half the battle, the other half of which is a commitment, where a lot of us fail. <\/p>
But there are those who don't, there are those who wake up each morning being the best version of themselves, being happy and spreading happiness around them. So allow me to introduce one of the most positive people I've had the pleasure of speaking to, Natasha Noel, a Yogini and Yoga teacher based out of Mumbai, and the most positive person you'll ever meet.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497990655491","data":"59498655a97ee"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497990667974","data":"
Speaking over a phone call, Natasha went on to talk about how her journey began, her motivations and more, \"I was a professional dancer not so long ago,\" says the young Yogini, \"and one day I suffered a terrible knee injury that refused to go away. The doctor had strongly advised against dancing and of course I didn't listen,\" she laughs, \"I absolutely could not stand the thought of walking or staying still, and my injury worsened.\"<\/p>
The worst thing a dancer be told is that she can never dance again, it can shatter even the strongest of people, but Natasha is made of stronger stuff, \"Life turned around when I discovered Instagram. I saw Yoginis doing amazing Yoga poses and I wanted to do that too, and that's how it started.\" <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497991819621","data":"59498af8c6fe5"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497991879168","data":"
The rest, as they say, is history. Natasha quickly picked up Yoga, excelling in it. Today, she also teaches Yoga, maintains a healthy lifestyle and always tells her followers on social media to practise daily, stay safe and stay humble. Speaking about her students, she says, \"It warms my heart to see them get stronger over time. When a student first joins, it is difficult for them to perform as well as the regulars do, but when they practise, it is an absolute joy to watch them get better each day,\" she says. <\/p>
As Uncle Ben of an alternate universe once said to Peter Parker, with great lifestyle comes great responsibility, and Natasha maintains it with laser-sharp precision. Her day starts at 4:00 AM, which I'm sure is the time you're reading this for some of you nocturnal birds. After her early morning practice, she has breakfast, then rushes off to her class which starts at 7 and goes on till 1:30 in the afternoon, followed by lunch back at home, then back to the Mumbai rush at 4 till 8:30 PM. If you thought all this sounds like something you can do, she also sleeps at 9 PM sharp. I've already given up trying. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1497992876484","data":"59498f573f765"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1497992878937","data":"
When she's not bending the world with Yoga, Natasha writes blogs and poetry, \"I'm a very creative person,\" she explains, \"the blog and poetry are ways to express myself, to pen down my thoughts and to give them a voice.\" Her blog, Soulful Happiness, can be found by clicking here<\/a>. <\/p>\"Life is a journey, it's a gradual process of learning and practising,\" she says, on being asked what her advice to students, \"Don't be so hard on yourself when something doesn't work out, you learn and you get stronger, that is what life is. No matter what you want to do, make sure you love what you're doing. The rest will sort itself out.\"<\/p>If Natasha doesn't inspire you to take up a healthier lifestyle, I don't know who or what will. Very rarely does a person radiate happiness wherever they go, and Natasha Noel is definitely among the very few who manage to do it with ease, and undoubtedly the best I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with. You need this radiating Sun of happiness in your life, if not for the workout inspiration, but just for reminding yourself of the fact that no matter what happens in life, things will always get better. <\/p>Natasha's Instagram handle is natashanoel001, click here<\/a> for her Instagram page! If you happen to be in Mumbai today, she is going to be taking a Yoga class open for all today from 6 PM to 7 PM at Andheri's Infinity Mall on occasion of the International Yoga Day 2017, don't miss this opportunity! <\/i><\/p><\/p>"}]
\"Life is a journey, it's a gradual process of learning and practising,\" she says, on being asked what her advice to students, \"Don't be so hard on yourself when something doesn't work out, you learn and you get stronger, that is what life is. No matter what you want to do, make sure you love what you're doing. The rest will sort itself out.\"<\/p>
If Natasha doesn't inspire you to take up a healthier lifestyle, I don't know who or what will. Very rarely does a person radiate happiness wherever they go, and Natasha Noel is definitely among the very few who manage to do it with ease, and undoubtedly the best I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with. You need this radiating Sun of happiness in your life, if not for the workout inspiration, but just for reminding yourself of the fact that no matter what happens in life, things will always get better. <\/p>
Natasha's Instagram handle is natashanoel001, click here<\/a> for her Instagram page! If you happen to be in Mumbai today, she is going to be taking a Yoga class open for all today from 6 PM to 7 PM at Andheri's Infinity Mall on occasion of the International Yoga Day 2017, don't miss this opportunity! <\/i><\/p><\/p>"}]
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