(Intelligence is supposed to direct the mind, but the mind is so strong and obstinate that it often overcomes even one’s own intelligence. The mind is strong and obstinate and like one cannot capture the blowing wind, it is even more difficult to capture the turbulent mind. Hence, the easiest way to keep the mind in control is the chanting of ‘Hare krshna’, the great mantra for deliverance.)

Janmashtmi, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated throughout India with great faith. Krishna' the Supreme Truth, the Absolute godhead manifested in human form who attract the whole world towards him. Krishna itself means Akarshana (attraction). It is this day, called Janmashtmi, this year falls on 16th August when people fast for the day and at the stroke of 12 midnight, the birth of Krishna is celebrated in temples, homes and in hearts of Hindus. Next day, is the feast day with sweets and vegetables called 'patrari' cooked out of more than 32 vegetables is served. 

It's the utmost faith that every soul pray and take the blessings of heaven above. The tales of Krishna is very interesting and I am sure, you will like to read the Krishna Pages on kidsfreesouls here. 

Happy Janmashtmi.......

The vedic verse chanted at the funeral pyre of Gandhiji "Lead me from the Unreal to the Real, from Darkness to light, From Death to Immortality" reminds us of the sacrifice, determination, dedication and devotion of our leaders, the makers of true India. 15th August, the day India got its Independence. This was a moment of joy, peace and unity. 

Today, the peace and unity fall apart! Finally, no joy. All over the world is the situation getting out of control and the terror strikes any place, any time - unexpected and unwanted. Sometimes, we hear of Iraq, Lebanon war and bombings or its Bombay or London terrorist strike. Even the Environmental imbalance with the Global warming is a threat and it's getting great concerns as we see Tsunami, floods, heat waves, etc. 

However hard we strive for peace, the word remains blank. The younger generation is watching! During these times, when we need to impart moral values to our kids, it's the priorities that need to focused on. We need to get to action to stop the kids from reading negative messages out of the world current happenings. Their tender minds are imagining and wavering. We need to draw a line and be alert to violence as acts of violence decrease sensitivity towards the victims of fate, increase anxiety and fear, make a person aggressive, intolerant, rude, arise anger and fill life with morose feelings. We call our countries Independent and every country men and women are proud of their nation - But, Alas! Humans are imagining their Independence when the control of their living lies with the Leaders - No more Gandhian Principles rule the nation, No more we find leaders who lived and died for the nation. Even if there are, I guess its a struggle to fight for the right cause when the whole proverb changes - 'A good apple among the rotten ones, always get rotten or thrown'.

Well, here's floods in Gujarat with more rains to come and here comes, 15th August - the Independence day of India - celebrations are announced but at the same time, warnings given that there could be 'Terrorists Attacks' - God, Let them know what they are doing and grant peace, is all we can pray!

Happy Independence Day!

With the Rakhi Day gone, there's still more a Rakhi Day yet to come - The Brahmins celebrate Rakhi day, two days before Ganesh Chaturthi and me too, will be celebrating the same then:-) 

Well, as the floods in Gujarat have created a havoc, it still seems to be a festive season as comes ahead Janmashtmi - Birth of Lord Krishna. It is said, the dooms day has come and as per the predictions of Nostradamusonline.com, it seems the world is on the verge of doom. Who knows! However, in Hindu religions, there will be 'Kalki Yug' where there will be war, floods, destruction and so we see the same period going by.

Whatever, it is during these bad times that one need to 'Keep the Faith' and God knows what he does - he is always right. However, aren't humans responsible for environmental imbalance? 

Recent news around the Soft Drinks 'Coke' & 'Pepsi' is the ban by the Education department in Gujarat State schools and colleges. Instructions has been given by Anandiben Patel, the Education Minister, to stop the sales of these products as high levels of pesticides residues are found. Many mob fury are seen flinging bottles on the street and making a big commotion promoting the ban. 

A year ago, the same Sunita Narain of Center of Science & Environment (CSE) had been active with the campaign to ban Coke and Pepsi and now, after one year, it seems her message and re-tests of these products again prove her mission right - to call for a Ban. Now, its widely accepted across the Nation!

What about the products like Macdonalds, Energy Drinks, Chocolates (the so called Cadbury chocolates also had worms earlier!) and many such in-flowing products in open market. What about the street food where, at every nook and corner in any city, you find junk food on the streets, restaurants, etc. No proper health concerned measures are taken. 

Well, one thing is for sure. Eating junk or such aerated drinks results into health problems, sooner or later.After all, eating outside, esp. junk food is no healthy eating habits. Most of the obesity problems arise with oily, fried and junk food. So, wise to best avoid.  Btw, Here I remember my Health & Fitness Blog which I missed to Blog lately due to my busy schedule but I am sure, if you are a parent or a teacher or just kidsfreesouls reader, you will find some tips quite useful and interesting. Click here and enjoy! 

I wish all Kidsfreesouls 'A Happy Friendship Day'  - 6th August

A friend is a hand when you need it,
A smile when you’re sad,
A lift when you’re weary,
A song when you’re glad
A help when you falter,
A word when you’re blue,
A hope for the dreams that are
Special to you.

SEND A MESSAGE, EXPRESS FEELINGS,
EXPOSE THOUGHTS, SHOW YOU CARE!!

Sometimes, just a quote, a word, a smile, a glance, an inspiration, encouragement, a note, expressing your Concerns, makes a Great Difference. Send in your Friendship Quotes,  send to your friends, acquaintances, anyone....To Kidsfreesouls:-)

Click to 
Friendship Day | Raksha Bandhan Day | Shravan Month (Lord Shiva)

The caption says aloud, "Children banned from workforce" - The current news around my town quotes the Law 'Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986. Children are prohibited working in hazardous industrial units like bidi-making, carpet-weaving, soap manufacture, wool-cleaning, factories where chemical and toxic substances are being manufactured. Government servants are also prohibited from employing children as servants.

Even children below 14,  working on teashops, dhabas (places of traditional food, a hut like restaurant with open sky), restaurants, hotels and resorts, cannot work anymore. If an employer is found employing children below 14, the penalty for flouting the law is a jail term of anything ranging from 3 months to 2 years with or without a fine of Rs.10 thousand upto Rs.20 thousand. 

Hmm, Finally!!!  Kidsfreesouls, since last many years have been featuring on Child Labour and the page speaks on child working in areas instead of studying in schools or found on  playgrounds, who started Labor Day, and more. For the NGOs, this is going to be a welcoming and 'much-delayed' outcome but it is to be seen, how much effective is the ban. What I feel is, with the rise of cost of living expenses; with the cut of income of these children, their families will suffer. There are thousands of family who find difficult to earn income even for a day, even the educated do not find jobs - It is now only upto the Labour Ministry to contemplate strengthening and expanding of its rehabilitative scheme of National Child Labour Project, which covers child labour districts in the country. 

Moreover, this needs to be regulated in a proper manner. If poor kids are still found on the streets begging, this ban will add more kids annoying people on the cross-roads! Kids are target victims for 'morsel' of bread. 

The NGOs reach them their way providing education, rehabilitation, healthcare and counselling. They even cover up education & creative activities for the deprived kids. Now is the challenge for them to set up more space for these working kids! However, the Ban is almost a 'Welcome'. 

 
ilaxi
Editor, Kidfreesouls.com

Google is definitely a verb. It  has become like a secondary brain for a lot of people. If you want quick info on something, that’s what you do. You Google it. Rathar I can say, Google is another upcoming Dictionary on the Web. Everyday it shows sites and blogs with new keywords popping up. 

This reminds me of a Dictionary Project we had done in the classroom. Kids were told to write 20 words from the Dictionary - In a month, it ended up that they wrote down more than a 100 words! This means, they built their vocabulary, orally too. In searching for 20 words to jot down in a scrap book, they ended up reading another 20. 

Well, on the web is the Merriam Webster's Web Dictionary. It shows all words on the web but most interesting is that we find a hundred new words on this website. How are new words added to the dictionary? Researchers search thousands of newspapers, magazines and Websites for new words and phrases that are gaining popularity in the English language. There is slang and tech terms too. 

So, there...Now you know what to do:-) Just get into this 'Vocabulary Project' and start writing down 20 words every day/week. For a web project, go to Merriam Webster's Dictionary and get new words to know. It would be interesting to add more words to your Vocabulary, isn't it? Enjoy!

Post 7/11 blasts in Mumbai, India and here comes the Government banning a few websites that pose a threat to security of the nation. On instructing the ISPs, they ended up a Cyber Gag with a misunderstanding of both technology and security which made them act in a foolish way to block all the blogger websites.

As a matter of fact, our kidsfreesouls blog also became inaccessible. However, A unique script has been provided by Dr. Awab Alvi, a Pakistani founder of 'Dont Block the Blog Campaign'  and the Blogger Blogs can be viewed here. Just enter kidsfreesouls there and it works! 

Indian Bloggers have sorted out to help view the blogs with a wiki and are united together (Bloggers Collective Group) to fight against the Government's decision and they demand their constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression. 

However, as comes the recent news on my desk, after a three day black-out on the Blogspot Indian bloggers, the blogs are again being reinstated in due course of time. You can view kidsfreesouls blogs soon.(Hopefully!)

Hmm....Freedom of speech and Expression! Here, the kidsfreesouls kids too must be wondering 'Why do parents put all those Dos & Don'ts to us'. Kids too want their Freedom of speech and expression. The debate continues when kids are asked about their rights and they have loads of complaints with parents and teachers. Let's see what answers do the parents or teachers provide for restricting their children and how they go about the way to make kids act, the way they want them to. 

I have many kids who are great friends and who open up to vent their anger and opinions on the role of parents and teachers. A lot of caring but a little bit of understand our very own kids, go a long way to make them responsible and better citizens. Isn't it? Let me have your views....

It has been a 7/11 with terror striking in Mumbai city of India with the serial explosions of blasts in trains and railway stations. 

Life is full of uncertainties and one never knows what a next moment would be! There has been an alarm call of Terror Alert all over the country and in my town, railway stations, airports, multiplexes, bus terminals etc. are all under inspection and patrolling. There are different opinions over the cause. The PM, in his nationally televised address called the terrorists as enemies of our nation and called these merchants of death and destruction with their evil designs who wanted to break the unity and peace of India. 

Some say it is International terrorists, some say its the Dons - whatever. It is observed that politicians always fail routinely. Who planted the bombs, who created mayhem, why? All these answers might be lost in political rhetoric that has already started. No solutions come and terror continues all over the globe, be it any corner. 

By the way, what makes a person to be criminal? Can we brood over sympathetically towards why a person becomes a criminal? What are the causes behind this? Is it Upbringing values? Is it Poverty? Is it Communal? Or Politically triggered? One never knows....anyways, here is an article on Protect Kids from Crime-Stop them to be Criminals - might be thought provoking.

Here on my Desk, a quote says "It is the hour of a trial that makes men great, not the hour of triumph" Hmmm....right now I can only comment that since last many days, its my hours of trial - not to be great but getting along doing many activities at a time! We have only 24 hours and out of this, half of the time, we sleep; ugh, at least I sleep for eight hours and rest is managing time! Well, riddles apart, I'd admit that I been watching the Germany and Argentina game last night after a hard day's work setting up a new web design - call it redesigning site of my company. By jove, I couldn't get time to write a note here! Well, I know this site also needs redesigning...maybe I'd do this later.

Well, today's celebrating 'Doctor's Day' and this reminds me to ring up my family Doctor Dr. Darshan Shah of Life Care Hospital. Hmm..by the way, did you know 1st July has been designated as 'Doctor's Day' in India to thank medical professionals for their dedication towards a healthier society. The day is observed as a tribute to Dr. R.C.Roy, a humane physician and a freedom fighter. This is Dr. Roy's birth and death anniversary. 

Great idea. Celebrating Doctor's day can ensure a renewal of the bonding between doctors and patients and it can positively generate goodwill and restore the relationship. During our times, a family doctor would come home with his magic box but now times have changed, we have to go to the Hospital. A doctor's profession is regarded as the most noble in the world and saying 'Thank You' to our Doctor is the best appreciation to show our love for him. I remember, when we are sick and we have to be admitted to the Hospital, its nightmares and my Dr. Darshan's kind words and patience - of coz his treatment has always made wonders whenever I am admitted to his hospital.

So, get set right and say 'Thanks' to your Doc...he'd like your appreciation.

Are you shy? Is your kid found to be a shy child? 

According to Stanford University Psychologists, the Author of Shyness:What It Is, What to do About It' - Philip Zimbardo's researched that children often score lower marks and miss out on extracurricular activities and the normal give and take of growing up. 

Quite often parents stumble to say "My son is shy" or "He's the shy one in the family" - This can backfire. People would often tag his as a shy one and treat him differently and reinforce his fear that something is wrong with him. Professional Football player and broadcaster Merlin Olsen almost gave up high school football because primary school classmates had labelled him "clumsy'. He felt so shy that he was reluctant to join in games. Olsen's parents urged him to reject the labels and stand up for himself. One day, out of his annoyance, Olsen taught a child a lesson who teased him and after this incident, it was wonders that he came out of shyness. Schoolmates didn't bully him anymore. 

It is here that one needs to be sympathetic and not critical to a child's shy feelings. Boost the child's ego. Such shy kids do have a poor self image and need special help dealing with rejection. Praise his strengths and brush off his weaknesses. Ask for help at school where shyness often shows itself. Inform the teacher of special interests about which the child may be questioned and so gradually, the teacher can encourage him to take courage to answer more questions spontaneously. Also, at the home level, call in playmates into your home instead of sending him out saying "Go to Bins House to play" . Lastly, Activities make the child keep active and bring kids out of shyness. He involves in the club activities or organizational group activities which binds him together working with other kids. Even games, choosing a sport of his liking can pull him out of shyness. 

It's patience that is all the way needed by a parent or a teacher to tackle with the issue of shyness. It's understanding, patience to support and patience not to demand results. Loving way makes wonders and kids can be pulled out of his shyness, just by 'Tender Loving Care'. Keep the Faith! 

Many parents keep wondering "Do virtual games help children become good at playing real life sports?" You find the answer, quick and straight when the kid plays the simple games toying the keyboard. Virtual games are a simulation ground for real time learning for children. In most of the games, kids are constantly required to predict events, explore spatial relationships between objects, keep check on risks, distances, etc. They need to possess better levels of analytical and logical skills and they tend to exhibit faster their reflexes. Games like chess, golf, cricket, football, car racing and so on, are the favorites with kids. Hey, why forget the Harry Potter? This is a pick of many boys these days with the old and popular game 'Prince' & 'Doom' in the list. 

Well, well, here is List of Top 10 Games on PC Platform and Playstation 2. I am sure the kids will love to play and enjoy - of coz remember me for game suggestions:-) I love to play games on my PC, Playstation 2 and yeah, I got to play some games on my TV in-build games too. It's fun, enjoy! 

Parents do need to take out some time and follow my article on what games to choose for kids. All games aren't good. However, I believe virtual games, if used in the right way, can help players improve co-ordination and visual skills, concentration, improve their logical and analytical skills and make them lead to perfection. 

Well, I was humming the latest song of Shakira and was baffled to know what does the spanish words in the song mean! (Mira en Barranquilla se baila así which means, See, How we dance in Barranquilla (Baranquilla is name of a town) Sometimes, we do not know the lyrics but if this a popular number and a pop song that we listen on a Satellite radio or on a CD, it leaves an impression on our minds. This is music - the speech of the angels. 

If you have any questions and don't know the answers, ask your teacher or a mom and if you are an adult, here is Yahoo answers on right bar, where so many people are asking questions and getting replies. Why, you can ask me a question you'd like to know the answer, and we'll find the answer:-) For now, here are songs for you to sing along and yeah, all the Grammar fun songs from you. Enjoy!

Many of the kids must be on a countdown for 'Back to School' as most of the term starts from June here. The good hols are over and all the fun of the vacations gonna be a memory! Well, each phase of our lives are here to enjoy and I am sure kids love to shop for their school bags, pencils-rubbers-erasers-sharpeners and what not! 

Remember the story of the Hare and the Tortoise? The moral of this story is 'Slow but steady wins the race'.  Such many tales all came through Aesops Fairy Tales. Children love to read the simple short stories. 3rd June is marked for Aesop when kids enjoy reading the lovely stories. Every child is imaginative and if motivated to read, can read the simple stories of Aesop which also has great morals to convey. 

Here is a site where many of you will like to read these lovely stories. However, kidsfreesouls story section is redesigned right now for you kids, so here is a quick story read from Laura Gibbs website:Enjoy!

"The affinities of all the beings of the same class have sometimes been represented by a great tree... As buds give rise by growth to fresh buds, and these if vigorous, branch out and overtop on all sides many a feebler branch, so by generation I believe it has been with the great Tree of Life, which fills with its dead and broken branches the crust of the earth, and covers the surface with its ever branching and beautiful ramifications." - Charles Darwin, 1859

Every June 5 and the Environment Day - Time to plant a tree! Recently, we talked of the trees related to sun sign and I guess, each of you will make a resolution to plant a tree related to your sun sign:-) 

Now, AMC (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation) in my town with its slogan 'Clean & Green ahmedabad - An AMC Promise' has truly come out with flying colors to celebrate the Environment Day with its round the year development to make the city clean and green. They have created 5 jogging parks, developed 15 new gardens, planted 7.04 lac trees in one year, removed 1,00,000 tonnes of dry mud from roads in just 8 months and covered up 7 lac houses for Door-to-door garbage. Isn't this so cool? Moreover, there has been an introduction to about 400 CNG Buses and this means, reduce in the rate of air pollution. Kudos to AMC!

Yet, environment is a major issue in India. Why India - all over the world. A recent Reuters news at Google says "Indian Air is highly polluted". Inefficient energy is the cause, says the World Bank. Btw, here's a question to Doug Moss from a reader and find his answer on Earth Talk Page:

"I read somewhere that babies were being born nowadays with a number of man-made chemicals detected in their bloodstreams. This is pretty scary. How could it be?" - Sandra McGregor, Portland, OR

Doug Moss says: 
“Body Burden,” a 2005 study by the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), found that American babies are born with hundreds of chemical contaminants in their bloodstreams. The findings are based on tests of samples of umbilical-cord blood taken by the American Red Cross from 10 babies, located in different part of the U.S., that were born in August and September of 2004. The most prevalent chemicals found in the newborns were mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and the Teflon chemical PFOA. - Read More

Well, Kidsfreesouls is associated to Earth Talk Column of Doug Moss and every week, The Editor Doug Moss answers your Questions related to environment. If you feel you have a question, send me or Doug Moss and he is sure to quip with a wise reply. 

Ever visited the Sun Signs page on kidsfreesouls? Many people do not believe in sun sign but I do believe in the sun sign characteristics coz if you are born as Leo or Libra, it do reveal your characteristic. Well, if you have seen the Trees Page on Kidsfreesouls, you will know the values of the Neem, Bel, Peepal, etc. but here is a garden is developed by the Forest Dept. in Jashodanagar, Maninagar area in Ahmedabad at the cost of 35 lacs with 400 trees in two groves, i.e. Panchvati van and Rashi Van. 24 trees are planted in the Rashi Van  (rashi means Sun sign, van means forest) and these trees link to zodiac signs in Hindu scriptures. There are 39 trees in the Panchvati Van and these trees represent the five elements of nature. 

Among the trees which have beneficial qualities in the Rashi van are:

The Panchvati van has five tree species i.e. Peepul, Banyan, Bili, Ashoka and Amla which represent the five elements of nature. Also there is a huge tree grove formed from Rudraksh tree, Bili and Chandan tree and this is pruned in the shape of a Shivling ( Shiv god is represented as Shiv Ling i.e. semi round shape). There is a Punit Van in Gandhinagar in Gujarat, in the same way and as a result many people are planting trees as per their zodiac signs.

Isn't this interesting. I am planning to plant a tree this monsoon with sun signs related to all my family members. Why don't you plant a tree  too? Tell your friends also. Let me know when you plant a tree and we may have a log of Kidsfreesoul readers who planted the tree related to their sun signs:-) 

It has been announced May as a Mental Health Month and this means, Educating self and community to mind one's Health and keep healthy and fine - Physically as well as mentally. Incidently, I recently started writing the Statesman Blog by the name Blossomsmile (category Health & Fitness/Food & Drink/Opinion). 

Being an Insurance Agent, I would say, Health has to be a prime priority in life. It's a concern for the whole family. I been watching the documentary film of Drew Barrymore and she started taking alcohol at the age of 9, hooked to drugs at 10 and had to go to a rehab center as she became too addicted and got into very bad shape. At the age of 14, she wrote a book and later, we know she became a star celebrity with movies like Charlie's Angels. She had faced a trauma of parent separation and faced a lot of misery at a young age. 

Ask a child or teen "What's the Matter?" My article on 'Parent stress, kids stress' ( Romanian translation) focus on many a points to stop the depressive feelings - be it parent stress but let not the kids too get into the vicious stressful living. Depression along affects as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight teens. Mental Disorder in children rises which make them irritated, rude, unpredictable, disorganized and so on which lead to problems at home, school or community. Help children grown up gracefully in normal environment with their days filled with happiness. Visit the nmha site and get aware. Proudly wear a green ribbon to draw attention to childhood depression and use the material placed on this site of Child Depression Awareness Day.

When I woke up in the morning today, I was wondering that someone was born this day. Soon it came to light, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the person who set the mystery trail. Yeah, here's the Biography. He had a passion for books and was a master storyteller. At the age of nine, he was sent to England to Jesuit Boarding School for seven years. Arthur loathed the bigotry surrounding his studies and rebelled at corporal punishment, which was prevalent and incredibly brutal in most English schools of that epoch. During these years, his happier moments was when he wrote to his mother and while he played cricket. He then realized he had great talents of being a storyteller and amazed his friends. 

Sherlock Holmes was fifty six short stories in four novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that became so popular for Holmes ability to solve baffling crimes through clever observations and deduction. He drew amazing conclusions from the minute details. 

Here is Sherlock Holmes page at Kidsfreesouls and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Biography page that might help you to add in your Profile Scrap Book. Get into the mystery solving - You be the Detective and enjoy!

Looking for an epal this summer for cultural exchange and book reviews? Well, I think it's never safe for kids to email any person on web unless its a monitored mail account. I always wanted to begin an epal column on kidsfreesouls for kids and many of them sent me friendship mails and their yahoo email ids to be put on the website. Well, now is the safe emailing here at epals.com and anybody willing to send an email to a kid can now do so - click here to find the info. 

By the way, read the email etiquettes/chat etiquettes here and think over - Is Computing Safe for Kids? Let me know your views. Yeah, this article has recently been translated in Romanian language - please find the Romanian article Is Computing Safe for Kids here. 

Enjoy & Keep the Faith!

Recently, I visited a crowded Club in my town. Normally, the Clubs are packed in summer vacations and there seemed to be many people moving round the lawns. A Housie show was staged with people wanting to meet their luck to win. As I entered the Club, a small child was found crying and looking for his mom. While I was signing my entry, the child clung to me and I picked him up. I asked him name and he gave his nickname; he was not able to give me his proper information regards his parents name, etc. I announced his nick-name but nobody came to pick him up. I passed my evening with the kid and had my dinner with him, yet the kid's parents were lost - Finally, after 2 hours, the parents came running as they found from the office that the kid was with me. The parents had been busy playing Housie for two hours without caring where in the lawn was the child playing!

Well, How careless parents are! This is an example and I will never forget the time I passed with someone's kid in a Club! I believe, parents of younger kids should first teach the child to speak his name and address. Second is tuck an ID card into their children's coat/dress pocket. Third is, Instruct the kid not to leave their side without permission and if you're busy, don't allow the kid to wander alone or stop playing that damn housie game and pay attention to the child. 

Effective parenting is the need of the hour! 

23rd April is marked for World Book Day. This reminds me of the rich literature we use to learn in earlier schooling days. Today's generation are aware of 'Shakespeare' but ask them to recite a poem or narrate a story - Who's got the time to read! I think, schools should make Literature a compulsory subject.

An English Poet and Playwright, Shakespeare wrote 38 plays, a collection of sonnets and variety of Poems. The kids in my class recently did a Literature Project - Aayushi, Shaimi, Aashini, Gucci and Parav. Each selected their own Author Profile:William Wordsworth, Robert Browning, Percy B Shelley, John Keats and Lord Alfred Tennyson. It's an effort to motivate but nevertheless, its creating awareness to jumpstart for an action. 

By the way, here's a page I made on My Hero Project some time back. You can try there too! 

April 22 - Earth Day. Wanna be Eco Friendly? Take the first step to ‘Ban the Plastic’. Invention of Plastic dates back to 1860. A British scientist named Alexander Parks who called his invention ‘Parkesine’ discovered the Plastic in about 1860 when he was looking for a substitute for horns that were obtained from animals. He made it from cellulose and camphor which are natural materials obtained from plants. John Hyatt, an inventor from United States also discovered the same Plastic in 1868 when he was looking for substitute for ivory. Bakelite was the first plastic that was made from chemicals. It was invented by a Belgian chemist named Leo Backeland in the year 1907. This was the first artificial Plastic. Since years, Plastic has thus, become a major use.

At Manali Hill station, if you are caught throwing a Plastic bag, sure you are fined or put behind the bars for a day! Mineral bottles, plastic bags are scattered around which has created a major eco problem. Awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached said Vivekanand and so, It is a welcoming attitude and if all citizens together Act, stop the use of accepting Plastic Bags, that sure would be a Beginning to be eco friendly. After all, its individual choice – It’s your Life, anyway!

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest painters and most versatile geniuses in History. Recently, 14th April was his birthday. He made the famous painting of Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Well, last sunday, I was watching 'The Judas Gospel' and 'The Bible Week' on National Geography & History channel on the Television. It was interesting to listen to the interview of Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code) and what struck me was the picture of The Last Supper. 
The Last Supper

Here, in this pic you see John on right of Jesus - A 'V' Shape and it is said Leonardo Da Vinci has secretly tried to leave some message here and he knew many things that the world did not know about Jesus. It was argued in the programme that it isn't John but it was a feminine figure Mary Magdalene, who is said to be the wife of Jesus. 

Well, Leonardo began working on it in 1495, and finished The Last Supper in 1498. Leonardo was a known procrastinator with a marked tendency to leave projects unfinished. The Last Supper is Leonardo's visual interpretation of an event chronicled in all four of the Gospels (books in the Christian New Testament). The evening before Christ was betrayed by one of his disciples, he gathered them together to eat, tell them he knew what was coming and wash their feet (a gesture symbolizing that all were equal under the eyes of the Lord). As they ate and drank together, Christ gave the disciples explicit instructions on how to eat and drink in the future, in remembrance of him. It was the first celebration of the Eucharist, a ritual still performed. Christ revealed that one disciple would betray and all twelve who sat there reacted to the news with different degrees of horror, anger and shock.

Do you know who were they? Hmm...they were Bartholomew, James Minor, Andrew, Judas, Peter, John, Christ, Thomas, James Major, Phillip, Matthew, Thaddeus, Simon.

Btw, what does INRI stand for? Does it mean 'Jesus of Nazareth? I guess so. Check the Christ Resurrection page here and profile of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Every 14/15th April, I watch a great movie on the Television. Any guess? Yeah, its 'Titanic' - The sinking of the great ship. I love the song of Celine Dion 'My Heart will go on and on...' By the way, do you like to sing? Well, here's a small place on my web I reserved for the singing freaks. Check those vocals and sing along the lyrics her. 

Did you know, American built Alvin can carry Oceanographers as deep as 3600 m (12000 ft). It is equipped with underwater lights, cameras, a television system and a mechanical manipulator to collect bottom samples. This was used in 1986 and took pictures of Titanic. Robert Submersible which go deep as 20000 ft. used for underwater exploration such as "Argo" was used in 1985 to locate the wreck of Titanic and a smaller Robot called "Jason" was used to explore the wreck.

Enjoy the Songs page here (Grammar songs here) and dig into Titanic at my first ever website here. That's free page 'Homepage' on tripod:-)

It's Good Friday/Easter celebrations alongwith the Onam festival, Hanuman Jayanti, etc. - So many festivals and they keep rolling over the year. The best part is that we enjoy all festivals in India. So, recently when children in Swagat entered into e-mail exchange programme with the class of Cathy Fawcett, Grangetown Library, UK, it was great sharing the information on Holi etc. It was nice to know about the Pan Cake Day which our children were not aware of. 

I feel there should be everyday a unique day to be charted out - for eg. :Reading day, chocolate day, pop corn day, literature day, video game day, tv day, fancy dress day, pen-pal emailing day, chit chatting day, book review writing day, worksheet day.....Any ideas there?? Send me quick - These kids at Swagat are waiting to pen down and enjoy the Summer vacations.

So many festivals in my country and I apt to miss out on some. Yeah, it was Mahavir Jayanti and Jain community believe in this God Mahavir. There's a place called 'Mahudi', an hour run from my town and we go there to this Mahavir temple many times as it also becomes a spot for travel destiny and pilgrimage. There, its been a belief that people of that village were so poor and when the saint came to know this, he announced that whoever came to this Mahavir temple, they offer 'Prasad' of a delicacy that Indians prepare at home made of flour and butter (ghee) and jaggery called 'sukhdi'. After offering this sukhdi and coconut, the devotees has to finish eating there only and cannot take this out of Mahudi. It is believed that bad omen would befall if they take this sukhdi or eatable out of this town. This was with a motive that people of that village would not starve.

Well, here is Mahavir profile and  Mahavira, which means, The great hero was the 24th avatar of Jainism who preached non violence, urging his followers to show kindness to all creatures, be a vegetarian and follow the path of ultimate truth.

Here's a Poster you can make this Diwali and gift to some friend. All you need is a Poster Paper, some colors, sketch pens and viola, you are on way to creativity. If you're not good at drawing, use the shades of color to make the poster paper appear colorful, give a neat border, add stickers if you wish and write down the message as follows:

RULES FOR LEARNING

Listen Carefully 

Eixert Yourself

Aispire to Achievement

Rieason Well

Niurture your Interest and Talents 

(The LEARN boxes can be changed to different twists and need not be in straight line-Write the letter with sketch pen and color the box) 

Simple, isn't it? Well, this Poster project is done by almost every new comer child at Swagat Children Library. They bring their Scrap book with a color page and write down the message and color the word Block. On the ruled line page, they pen down Quotes. In doing so, they have fun but my idea is to teach them how to write neatly, how to make a poster and I even check their writing curves! They are not aware that they are doing an activity where they are improving their handwriting and getting aware on how to make a Poster.

Kids often get bored when they are given copy-writing or told to read a book. But when they like to do some creativity, its fun making a poster and when writing Quotes, they get to read a couple of quotes, select few and pen down in their Scrap book. Who says kids aren't co-operative; all they need is guiding light. Try this and sure, they will keep busy with Poster making while you keep busy doing something else! Enjoy!

More Poster Project with Words 
(Attitude, you can make the Difference!)

Yesterday, 6th April, was Ramnavmi. It is said that whenever there was imbalance between good and evil on earth, Vishnu as Preserver, took birth to re-establish the balance. Bhagwad Purana says that there are 22 Avatars of Vishnu, out of which ten avatars are widely accepted known as Dashavataras - Ram, being the seventh Avatar and Krishna, the eighth Avatar who are mostly considered Bhagwans and heroic.

Now, I wonder 'Do God exist?' If you think there is god, send me your views and let me know where he could be - In heaven? On Earth or....Gosh, now I really have to think and find out 'Where is God?' How many gods are really there? Write to me soooooon!!!!!!!!

An april fool's day is gone by and  me sure, many like to play the little tricks n pranks on their friends. An innocent mischief is fine as far as it don't hurt someone but beware, you should not fool people all the time. 

Well, April 2 was Hans Anderson's day - ( Hey, what's your birthday, btw? Just let me know coz I can send you my wishes wherever you are!) Did you know, Hans Christian Anderson was born on April 2, 1805, a shoe-maker's son who became Denmark's famous author. Anderson wrote around 350 stories. 

Even after his death Hans Christian Anderson is still remembered today. Hans Anderson died on August 4, 1875. Denmark's people always celebrate his birthday with a party called "Odin Story Day". The Anderson home in Odense is now a museum, and thousand of people visit it every year. Anderson's stories are too popular and with a touch of humor as well as kind feeling for the poor, his own childhood experiences reflects in his tales. 

In the Pacific Story Section, you can read a few online stories of Hans Anderson. Here is a review of a book that you may like to buy:

Hans Anderson:

Grimms-You call the Best but Hans Anderson, You call it a 'Classic of the classics' coz the beautiful stories lets your imagination go surfing on 'cloud nine' and these tales conveys moralistic message. Though the illustrations are in black and white, it doesn't matter as long as the stories are well read. Children learn to explore and imagine by listening and this is a book that every parent would love to read and narrate the stories to their loved ones. The Princess and the Pea is my fav' story and so is the 'Emperor's clothes' - Totally, an amazing fairy tales of Hans Anderson that grips you delightfully reading even as an adult. It would have been much better if more attention was given to make the book more trendy n new mod edition. Hans Anderson is so popular read that one can't resist a pick of any book that has his tales. An enchanting collection by bedside to read out to kid, any time, any day - A nice Pick 'Content is king' I would say!

Days go by and here's examination fever in town with the CBSE & Board and school examinations. As Kidsfreesouls wish 'Best of Luck' to all students, here's tips for you all. Keep your cool, keep calm and don't stress out! Examination do not mean only mugging up lessons - Just remember, Education without experience and exposure is always Incomplete!

A woman - She is the Queen of the Castle, Your Home Sweet Home. She might be your Mom, friend, grandmom, whatever...Whoever she is, she is the ocean of Love, take a dip in that ocean and you will realize the immense strength a woman possess! On 8th March, Women's Day is celebrated worldwide. She needs to be respected, admired and understood. Her contribution in your life is valuable. 

Wish her luck, wish her joy - Above all, wish her peace! 

Once in life, you must have spanked the child or received spanking when you were a kid. Either way, how hurting feeling that must be. A few days ago, we had a debate on this topic and the children came out with their witty suggestions. I even got mails from many of kidsfreesouls readers with their Yes/No. Quite obvious, nobody favors 'Spanking'. There are forms of alternate punishment and I am sure, my this article on Spanking says a lot! 

Somewhere I read a Quiz "Who was the last president to be born in a log cabin?" I am not so genius to know all the answers! Especially on the 'Presidents Day' Celebrations. Well, if you know the answer, let me know but if you don't, I am sure you will find the answer from the Google search or a visit to the American Presidents website. 

Well, the US Government calls for celebration on third Monday in February as Presidents' Day - honoring George Washington on his Birthday and all US Presidents are remembered this day. My Fav was John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton. If you wish to know all about them, here is the link of  Presidents' Day - Enjoy! 

Thomas Edison once said: "I am not discouraged, because every attempt discarded is another step forward." Positive influence in the Brain Management plays a positive role in our day to day life. Some memories are bitter and some sweet. We always fondly cherish to remember the beautiful memories but the bitter do not fade away but leave a scar in our minds that takes time to heal. This is when we make an attempt to discard the wrongs done to us and this is just the ‘Step Ahead’ that takes you further in life. There is no need to have second thoughts just to turn and look behind. Life is beautiful and one has new avenues opening from all sides. All said and done – Just keep the Happy Memories alive and Think Positive – What Happens, Happens for good.

Well, this is a message from me to you but do you know who Thomas Edison was? I guess all of you do! Incidentally, 11th Feb (born 1847) marks his birthday - a scientist and an Inventor. He invented the bulb and entire cities were lit by Electricity by the time he died. Much more, but it is more interesting to know that it was Edward Jhonson, Thomas Edison's Assistant, who came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882

"No words can express the secret agony of my soul...
I felt my early hopes of growing up to be a learned and distinguished man crushed in my breast."

Charles John Huffham Dickens, the famous Novelist was born on 7 February. It might surprise some that he was a Journalist. Charles became a reporter on the Parliamentary newspaper 'True Sun', where his natural talent for reporting and keen observation was first recognized. He taught himself shorthand and, on the Mirror of Parliament, and then the Morning Chronicle, he was soon acknowledged as the best Parliamentary Reporter of the age. Later, he started a daily Newspaper, the 'Daily News' and a weekly Magazine, Household Words. Charles Dickens strove to bring people together and build Interactive understanding of each other. 

David Copperfield has ever remained a Best Read and it reflects his own Life. It's a simply great story, romantic but also realistic and believable. It excites all emotions, from rib tickling laughter to tears of pity. Most of the qualities like modesty, frankness, trustworthiness, honesty, goodwill are the ones we admire and his frailties are understandable and endearing. Oliver Twist too, has remained my Best Read and is a widely read Literature Pick. If Charles Dickens was alive, he would be pleased to know that a story which shows, "the principle of Good surviving through adverse circumstance" has remained so popular. Pick up Charles Dickens and sure, this is the Best Literature Read. Enjoy!

A few days ago, the Swagat Children Library kids got into a Debate class. The topic was "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child" OR "Pick up the Ruler, Improve the Child" with an option of Yes/No. Aashini & Aayushi opted for 'Yes' and they were of the opinion that in certain cases, parents should adopt the Spanking way but also provided their suggestions on how to spank! Shaimi & Gucci believed in sparing the child but strictly 'No Spanking'. Parav and other kids opined their views here and there with sometimes a confusedly Yes and sometimes tilting towards the No spanking theory.

Well, What do you think? Do you have a choice of Yes or No? If yes, why do you think the child should be punished with spanking. If no, why not? Provide your logical reasons. Here are some points which Ashini & Ayushi has provided for selecting 'Spare the Rod, spoil the child' and the argumentative points of Shaimi & Gucci as to why strictly 'No Spanking'. 

Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child - Pick the Ruler, Improve the Child

Yes by Ashini & Ayushi:

**In case of minor mistake, we should not be punished but scolded but if we make some major mistake and our behavior is very bad, spanking is necessary.

**If we commit a mistake, our parents make us understand and realize our faults. Yet, if we don't listen and repeat the mistake, take them for granted than Spanking is necessary. When we grow up, we are going to remember why we were spanked and because of it, we become good adults and instill good values in our kids too.

** If parents forgive children when they commit a mistake and let go them without any word of advice, children will get spoilt. If they advice them but the kids take it lightly and repeat their mistake again and again, parents should adopt the spanking method but at the same time use strict discipline methods too. 

No by Shaimi & Gucci: 

** There are many ways to improve the child - punishing, grounding, cutting privileges, etc. but 'No Spanking'

** Talk calmly to the child and make the child understand and improve his/her behavior.

** Some parents get so angry when they spank and hit so badly that requires medical treatment. So avoid Anger and don't get frustrated but calmly tackle the situation

** Let the child experience and realize their own mistakes. They need guidance but not spanking.

** Parents should use Tact. Not Spank but be little harsh and make the child know that discipline is all that matters.

I await your emails on this issue. Send your mails to Swagat.

Every 26th January, we remember the great martyr Heroes of our nation but at the same time, this is a day when we faced the fury of nature with the Earthquake in 2001. I still remember the early morn when the earth shook below our feet as the loud rumbling beneath the land gripped us to fear. some memories you can never forget. At such times, I feel, it's best to join hands and pray for peace. 

Well, The Republic day celebrations are spectacular on 26th January but what comes to my mind is the  ‘Beating Retreat’ at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi three days later on 29th January. The notes of ‘Abide with me’, favorite of Mahatma Gandhi is played by mass bands of armed forces with final retreat marking the end of Republic day celebrations. This song was written by Henry Lyte, a vicar who lived in the fishing village of Brixham Devon . He was dying of Tuberculosis and as he walked by the sea and heard the ebb and the flow of the tide and for the last time there, he watched the sun,  he wrote the touching song. What I can't figure out is why this song is chosen to be played as final retreat marking the end of R Day! Well, 30th Jan, of course is the Gandhi Nirvan (Death) Day and Martyrs Day when we pray for the great national Heroes. 

I just came across 'Pop corn Day' - 19th January. Watching a movie with a Pop corn bag is just great fun! Pop corn is good to eat but best, it's the scientific experiments that pop the corn so much exciting to learn. Pop in the morning, Pop at the farm, Popping around the town - Pop corn came into existence somewhere around 80,000 BC as Cave men and women in pre-historic America popped pop corn when they placed maize kernels close to the fire. Later, people ate pop corn for breakfast and during thanksgiving day. When Columbus set foot on American soil, popcorn was there, too! Native Americans who greeted Columbus enjoyed snacking on the fluffy white stuff and made quite a fashion statement with their popcorn necklaces. 

So you know, Pop corn is the hot favorite since ages. I remember I once came across a book 'Pop corn clouds and Bubblegum Trees'. Have you read this book? If so, send me your review. 

Well, Surf the web and you will find a lot of links with Pop corn History, recipes and games - Enjoy! 

Uttarayan festival is over and I'm sure, if you are an Indian, you must have gobbled all the sweet and salty stuff in past two days while you flew kites on the terrace. 

Well, I wonder how many of you are fond of the pizzas, burgers and pastries? Eat