Aksar Yoga’s Self Defence Workshop Experience

Attended the Akshar Power Yoga Academy’s Self Defence workshop for women… missed out on seeing Geetha Phogat, the Dangal girl who came early morning for Akshar’s yoga workshop yesterday. Self Defence is your respect … to show others and yourself that you can tackle troubled situations yourself, others have to respect you as a person, they cannot touch you or do something to your body without your permission, simple. Self Defence is self respect, and learning self defence or even making yourself stronger to face difficult situations is the least you can do to earn self respect from society that still considers women a gender who should be protected, secured and restrained from many things to keep them safe.

Modern women is empowered with education and economic power, but she needs other things to empower her as well(: , one of them being self defence.

On the workshop we were told to be focused and serious and it’s not a session to have fun but to equip you to face troubled times tomorrow but inspite these instructions ended up having lots of fun(sorry grand master Akshar yoga).

First thing in self defence to do is shouting loud and threateningly from your lungs – shout “hey or aye or oye” and point out to your opponent. Next is your stance to portray to opponent that you have no fear that should be enough to scare away the opponent as most of them target women thinking they would get scared and surrender. Truth is those men who do these things are cowards so just show them you are not useless enough for their ulterior purposes, you are tough and they would leave you off.

Please note, women do not shout like women did in old hindi movies –“bachao and help” they are outdated, shout like an aggressor, not like a helpless victim, got it?? … “oye. Aye… hey… no help”

After this if you still are in trouble, lets fight, good punches, kicks, blocking, we are free to bite, use nails, we know the weak points of man’s body – go bang there(eyes, face, groin, abdomin and things like that), hit them were it hurts and escape(: …please note, you want to be capable to do this so you need to build your body to be strong, flexible and your mind to be brave so you don’t get nervous. You need to be fast, you should be able to fall down and rise up and never give up, you still can hurt the opponent and have a great chance to escape, infact 100 percent chance to escape.

First attitude to adopt – You are to be respected, you don’t respect men who do these things(insult to the name of other good men who treat women well and are safe to be around with and are nice people)

Second, you are peace loving person, if you have to fight it’s because it’s necessary – you would first shout like an alarming aggressor this informs people that you are in trouble, plus would scare your opponents off.

Third, think you are strong!! … and show your power. As urban women in Bangalore, the City is generally safe, this is a City which rose up and got the politicians agree that women are free to go out anytime and wear anything and be safe . There are a lot of good people here mostly, so you do something like this it would definitely create an impact, you will get lot of support and appreciation, most of us want women to be strong and free unlike women in many parts of India who are a oppressed lot.

Fourth, be an agent telling men to respect women, treat them well, so keep working to change the mind set of men(those who need that mindset change). Tell them to think of girls, women as a person and respect them, as a human being. You can start initiatives or support initiatives like Ride for Gender Freedom. Concept is very simple society should think women as a person and be nice to her – not discriminate her, restrict her and worst not harm her. We need to do this(: … we don’t want a patriarchal society we want a society where all genders live peacefully, happily, freely, without fear.

After establishing these things lets venture into self defence training .
Start exercising women – you need to build your upper arm strength, the lower body core strength so do exercises start with warm ups it takes just 25 minutes of your day. Do jumps, warm ups for your arms and legs and shoulders then do squats, crunches and push ups(practice it dialy), squat walks, jumps etc.

Eat good food – fruits, veggies and whatever is required, eat right, drink water and establish a balance in your body system. You need to maintain perfect weight, not be fat or thin. Exercise makes you powerful, your body stance becomes smart and alert, you get happy because happiness harmone is activated, you get body strength too, endurance. You can cool off with 3 to 5 minutes meditation or more.

At the first day workshop we did jumps, did the super cool power stance(like fight stance), punch tecniques, back movement, squats and jump turns, things like that. Were encouraged to go fall down and rise up and get into that super cool power stance.
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Second day practiced fight techniques which looked really like Dangal movie wrestling.

Both days Grandmaster, thin, agile, prompted us to build our bodies and get more powerful.

So now, we know some exercises to build our bodies – after which practice punches, kicks, blocks dialy. He told us to practice 3 defence techniques with someone stronger than us to develop our strength. It basically wrist twisting, catching opponents arm and locking it and lifting opponent using the lower body and upper body from back and throwing them off on ground.

Basically, women you can do some things without fighting to ensure your safety –

1) First keep helpline numbers – of police and other agencies etc who will help you when you require help.
2) Keep apps developed for women’s safety that send sos to people who can help you (contacts, friends)
3) Start knowing the police station near you – ensure that it’s a place you can report any difficult instances you face, if not lobby to make it so, it’s important!!
4) Please use your spirit and assertiveness with your vocal cord power – shout, make noise and such things.

Well, about women, they are very powerful their own way, let’s face it!! … think how much strength women has to give birth and so many other things, they are sensitive genders but does not mean they are delicate. Men and women should get rid of this inferior and superiority complex based on physical strength and stuff, else it’s not going to be a healthy relationship. They have to think of each other as equals and appreciate each other’s abilities and accept each other’s limitation and be happy.

You don’t need to be a body builder to be strong, you don’t need extra biceps, triceps, or big body, even if you are small, you have enough power, just build on your strength, use your strength to the maximum, it is common sense.

As for me being a former yoga liker, I had familiarity with many exercises, however for past 1 and half years my health has been unstable due to vitamin D and B12 deficiency. I am prone to get tired easily with dehydration many a times has proved uncomfortable. I have improved my health but never dared doing any exercise other than walking and checking out trees past 4 months. Was not able to tryout the outdoor gym which had all sorts of women and men of all ages trying out and enjoying their time, so I accepted the fact happily that I am not physically fit.

However, for this workshop I tried arm exercises, leg, thigh and shoulder stretches as a result I had arm and thigh pain even before this workshop which felt good, it meant my body muscles are used, its stretched(:

In the first day of workshop felt really good to do exercises… I was surprised I was not dehydrated which is common for a person suffering D and B12 deficiency especially me. That is why even though I was to be serious in the self defence workshop, I had so much fun and happiness, felt like my weak health days are over finally.

Today was the second day and I got dehydrated as usual which meant my vitamin battery needed to be recharged needed a dose of B-12 injection … yet did the exercises, surrendered to things I cannot do such as upper arm push ups, squat walks. Still, I know my body will get strong, the muscles would, it’s a matter of time, I will keep doing exercises and improving my fitness.

As for self defence, I already know and been sensitised to not be afraid whatever happens and surrender(even before the workshop), good to know that I should make shameless noise when necessary and not care. Will try my best to help myself or others when in distress. I support women empowerment and support agencies like police, looking forward to know about them and make it good women friendly place and very happy to propagate yoga and self defence anything which betters individuals as human beings and society(:

On women’s day Ashkar Yoga’s grandmaster would have self defence exercises at Cubbon Park (8th March) at 7 am, women and men are invited… self defence is not for fun, it’s for really training yourself to face tough situation tomorrow but still it’s a session where you can have a good time, feel good, then practice with focus and spread awareness.

Have to thank Askhar Yoga, because this workshop was completely free. If you have to be trained for such things say from a Organisation such as I Fit, you should shell out about 3000 bucks per month but here it’s free. 3 years ago, watched a free Askshar yoga performance, they were awesome, they were doing power yoga. The institution trains people to become yoga teachers(: … they provided us tasty satvik food too, enjoyed my while seeing the their yoga show.

Grand Master Akshar was serious, committed in training us women and men to become powerful. He really did make our time spend there worth it. Many thanks to cool grandmaster and Askshar yoga… (:

Dust Bin Santa Story Series – 0.5

Dust Bin Santa Story Series starting this new year(: … This is the first Part 0.5 of the Story (note its 0.5 not Part 1 of story)

There was loud music on some celebration in the vincity, it was that time of the year after all the end of season. During the end of season, all talked of Santa and here an ordinary creature was magically converted to a character equal to Santa. There is music pouring into her ears with her earphone, she wore a smile that also had the power of cheer and on the side of her arm generally one would except her like other ladies to have some fashionable hand bag but she had something else… swing cha cha cha cha cha cha… yes swing… she has a swinging bucket, a swinging dustbin, she’s the dustbin Santa.

It was Christmas time, and she had some boring purchases to make all of a sudden because of a chatastrophy that took place at home, nothing severe, it was just that her maid broke the floor sweeper and another had to be purchased. Maids these days want hi-tech floor sweeperers, they would not bend and wipe the floor like the olden days, smart maids.

“Well, atleast it’s not like we have to purchase a vacuum cleaner, I will get one for Laksmi”, she told her Mom, who was blaming the maid for mishandling the floor sweeper and breaking it. A lot of good having to bend and clean floor with the cloth sweeper broom end would do to the maid as she can reduce her fat countenance with exercise, but certain facilities for maids need to be provided for the well-being of the maid , so there this lady later to be Dustbin Santa decided to get Laksmi her maid a floor sweeper/wiper.

(Sudden question raised by kid who was listening to her bed time story)
“Wow, what’s this Dustbin’s Santa’s name?” The narrator looked at his daughter, cute as she was, this obvious question put a smile on his face.

“Well…let’s call her Dustbin Santa”, he said.

“Daddyji and why is she not a Dustbin Fairy?”

This question got him thinking “hmm… well she liked being known as Dustbin Santa than Dustbin Fairy, it suited her, now on with the story”

Anjali, kept looking at her Dad, “Daddy, did Santa not Dustbin Santa have beard, you want to grow beard like Santa, Mom told you to shave beard”

“Shhh… look Anjali, you don’t want to know about Dustbin Santa then go to sleep, did Mommy tell you to comment on my beard”

Little Anjali noded her head and raised her eyebrows, “well your Santa, story Santa, will there be song in the story?”

“Yes, dear, we will compose, first let’s finish more of the story shall we?”
That was story teller Juggy husband of the lady who nick named him Juggy, the one who made this special story for children called Dustbin Santa, she had to leave him with Anjali as she had to go abroad for a story telling festival. Anjali expected tons of candies and chocolates from her Mom when she comes back, Juggy only wanted her to be there by his side, she was his favorite and most comfortable sole soul companion of his life.

The quarter moon shined and a star above twinkled, and Juggy kept narrating the Dustbin Santa story, this was his favorite story and he pictured his darling wife narrating this story, not as good as the Hobbit story but since his wife(his favorite companinon) was the author of the Dustbin Santa Story, he loved it, and loved being the narrator of the story to his daughter.
End of Part 0.5 of the Dustbin Santa Story… it would take another 0.5 part to reach Part 1 of story, wait for the next part coming soon(:
Happy New Year Every One.

Babuji’s Ahimsa Concept highlighted with Ahimsa Sarees from Ethicus

Today is Gandhi Jayanthi and it is the perfect time to speak about one of Mahatma Gandhiji’s values, Babuji’s theme of ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence. There are people who believe in being vegetarian so that they don’t harm animals, there are vegans who don’t take any animal products including milk a tall because that involves troubling cows, goats etc as there are people who believe in not wearing clothes or owning items that are made of animal skin or any other part of animal body etc avoiding things made of leather, silk etc. Came across Ahimsa sarees when checking out alternatives to silk sarees because any eco conscious, vegetarian person after reading about how silk worms are killed for making silk clothes would not like buying them(:

However, in Indian society for functions people can’t do without silk as many vegetarians can’t do without milk products even though it’s possible. There are alternatives to silk sarees and one of them is ahimsa sarees, the rest involves looking for non-silk alternatives but that is another theme.
Recently, came across Ethicus, Apachi-cotton shop on facebook. They specialise in making hand woven eco-friendly cotton sarees. They are not only eco-conscious, they also give livelihood for farmers, weavers by providing them job opportunities and supporting them so that these people get economically sound, get a decent standard of living and also heritage of India is maintained through those traditional weaving designs which all of us love but are extinct in these times except in few corners of India.

Checked Ethinus’s base showroom at Pollachi and to my delight I got a saree that is a Ahimsa saree. So, what is Ahimsa saree? It’s a silk saree that’s made from silk of silk worms but its procured by non-violent means, the silk used to make the saree is obtained without killing those poor silk worms (:, such a nice concept. The silk of the saree was of silk worms that left silk after they completed their life being a silk worm and turned into adult moths and flu away. It was silk obtained by not disturbing the silk worm and it would have anyway gone waste if it was not used to make saree/ or silk panchagacha etc .
Therefore it was extremely unique concept and I had to purchase atleast one ahimsa saree, it is light weight, simple, elegant, comfortable, hand weaved, how can this not be special?

My saree like all sarees of Ethicus had a tag on who weaved my Saree and how many days he took to weave it(; (Awesome!!!) … so when I purchase saree I get a product hand weaved by a weaver who was paid fairly for this and I get to purchase one saree that’s made with the concept of ahimsa(non-violence). Other sarees are organic cotton sarees, extremely soft textured lovely sarees. They have creative prints and patterns on them inspired by so many themes from birds, to ancient texts etc. To manufacture these sarees there are groups involved, from farmers who grow cotton for these cloths to weavers who hand weave the Saree. They get paid for these services, and are provided support for sending their kids to school etc, so this process develops community as well, sustainable development concept which is lacking in our Cities is on play here(:

For guys there was Angacastram and Dhoti set made out of ‘Ethical Silk’, that is Ahimsa silk. There was a plain one and another set had subtle parallel line patterns, the second one looked very nice. It comes with a handkerchief as it is designed for the Jain community who traditionally believe in not harming any little insect by mistake also (: …

After my visit to Ethinus, it felt good that there are enterprises that are Indian and successful, we all know about PM Modiji’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, and this enterprise in Indian. It tries to show the beautiful Indian heritage with its design concepts. There are also ignored communities of farmers, weavers and artisans given livelihood and respect. We really see how much hardwork and time the weavers put to manufacture each fabric, its manual labour with precision and patience.

We hear stories about garment factory workers being treated in an inhuman manner, it was nice here they are nicely respected and recognized for their efforts (: … The looms here are elevated so the weavers don’t need to bend and do their work, as their work hours are long, this helps them to maintain good body.

This is Ethicus… their website is http://www.ethicus.in … Their products are costly but still for those of us who can spend and want to buy different clothe collections, no harm buying their clothes it is for a very good cause, it will be a good experience. The shop has many popular people as clients from famous political personalities to foreign people.

In this note putting across Bapuji’s message of Ahimsa (: … Bapuji was himself a propagator of the concept of Swadeshi, he spun the wheel to make Indian fabrics, he was a make in India man, he believed he must keep the heritage of India intact. Happy Gandhi Jayanthi(:

Happy Womenhood – Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic sanitary pads

There has been a lot of talk on women’s issues recently, one being the debate on women ‘period leave’ and another maternity leave. All this is for giving women peace of mind, comfort, happiness etc. so they can live comfortably doing their activities in good health etc. However while venturing to talk about this topic, let’s just throw our inhibitions away as everyone knows being a women involves the monthly biological phenomena and it’s something our mom’s had because of which we are born, it’s fact!!

 In our country which has a lot of poor ladies – uneducated and otherwise, lot of women still don’t use hygenic products during their period which could cause them lot of gynaecological problems. NGO’s, volunteers and people including men have participated in imparting awareness to these girls and women because of which their lives have become better, (no more discomfort and fear leaves to school, college, work etc).Thanking all those awesome people who have emancipated young women this way. Now this write up goes beyond this issue, it’s for all women to think of.

When we hear about ‘garbage crisis’ we hear about reject waste and there is this one category called bio-medical waste. “Reject waste”, is also called “domestic hazardous waste” it’s extremely harmful to the environment and in that category comes plastic pads, yes all those pads advertised on TV, it’s all plastic and we all know they decompose very late, choke environment and is not hygienic and these pads add up to landfills. Wait, wait, actually one can incinerate them and have the ashes of this category of waste go to landfills but well this is not done and no point debating on this, so most of these sanitary pads occupy landfills, period. Let’s forget this now, point made.

Right, the reason this is mentioned is because there are alternatives to plastic pads, just check out Sustainable Menstruation India(:, there is a facebook group or just google it. This one is a quick reference to the alternatives.

(Check out this article by The Alternative after reading this post please – http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/every-woman-guide-to-eco-friendly-menstrual-products/)

Eco Femme– https://ecofemme.org/ . A community in Auroville manufactures this cloth pads, they are reusable. Auroville, is a place that has communities doing good work so if they are manufacturing this, it is something worth checking out.

Menstrunal Cups – Google and find details, they are reusable and hygenic and its said it’s a cheaper but better option than those plastic pads.

Organic cotton Sanitary Napkins –

http://www.masminaturalcotton.com …

http://www.naturalmantra.com/

http://www.shycart.com/prd-nurture-sanitary-pads-10-164

These are 100 percent cotton and organic cotton pads, though its costly once you try them you would reject those plastic pads. Using cotton pad though disposable is far better than using plastic pads(: … well the reason you ask, then read on…

Plastic is harmful to the skin… it causes irritation, rashes allergies, discomfort, plus they need to be changed more often. Infact they have cotton diapers too I guess, as babies skin is very sensitive, it won’t like plastic. Use of plastics may cause skin cancer also.

The chemical scent in the pads is not nice as well.

Also they are very harmful to environment and add to the landfills. Before concluding , let’s give a big applause to those people who have thought of these innovative alternatives and made these products. If we women are able to find alternatives to using plastic pads we really contribute a lot by reducing landfills. Please do your research too, and see if these alternatives are comfortable to you.

I end this article, saying one thing, being a women is extremely hard because of our biology and anatomy. There is so much stigma for them – look good, be fair, get married early, do house work, be safe etc . Due to their biology there are times when they have physical limitations in doing work besides this constant fear of getting into trouble in being safe as crimes on women and girls worry us all. In our society, we put so much restrictions on women and tell them they are weak, they need to be protected etc, there is no growth and that much joy of adventure of carelessness as guys have. Girls at a very young age learn to be careful, restrained, fight and free herself from restriction and come up. This is the reason that in spite everything there are so many strong and cool women – those who do everything, home, house, adventure, work and many things.

Our own Moms are awesome, in those days they managed home, lived through the stigma, protected us, did so much work, many of them brought us up in a modern and broadminded fashion though in her days Mom’s wore sarees and salwars all their lives, just no amount of tribute and salutes are enough to award our strong women.

It is said that women, in general being femine are more balanced, adjusting, restrained but strong because of their biology, because of their motherly instinct. Whatever it is because of their ability to give birth whatever the facts say, I always believe women are stronger, awesome multitaskers… full stop no arguments as we all know a strong women rises above her physical limitations and a women of substance is someone anyone would admire, she’s just a complete human being and so a complete women.

Wishing women of all ages happy women hood(:

More on women empowerment on a level you can’t contemplate but that’s another part(: … for now got an apt song that’s for women, though not happy its sang by male , it’s provably a feeling of a girl who just become a young adolescent after attending age… Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful song sang by Manna Dey, I was privileged to have heard this song sung by female singer at one concert Samanvita sharma… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF2gPuXP4UI

Checkout Sustainable Menstruration Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainablemenstruation/

 

Disclaimer – This article is to raise awareness about the trends, it is upto the readers to talk to right people, research and checkout if they can try out the alternative of Menstrunal Cups … rest organic cotton pads and ecofemme cloth pads are safe to try… never jump into everything blindly but consider… Thankyou …

All the C’s and the showers of blessings at a wedding

Recently attended a Malyalam Christian wedding which was extremely musical with a choir of little girls giving chorus for the chants. The only English song sung was something I heard in my college chapel and was very nice to hear. More on the song later.
Other than the song, there was a portion of talk by the pastor in English about marriage which made very good sense, this was his advice for the newly to be married couples, it was a nice talk to listen to.

Pastor said there are these C’s in a successful marriage.

1St C is Cash
2nd C is Communication
3rd C is Chastity
4th C is Communion
5th C is Care
6th Charity

Cash
In marriages for most of us especially arranged ones Money is very important, you need money to survive. One of main qualifications to marry in society is one has got a good job, has money and cash to spend on essential and luxurious things. However, keep in mind that atleast in marriage money alone won’t give the two souls happiness, there would be times when couples face financial turbulence, this is the time when the ties of marriage is put to test many a times, as the unconditional support and cooperation of the partner is required in times of financial difficulties that is easy to arise considering the loans people take with EMI, credit card loans etc. Both have to learn to manage their cash well, whatever their earnings, match their lifestyle and expectations and make suitable financial choices.

Communication
Both husband and wife should have good, frank communication but more than that they must communicate and stay in touch with their parents and in-laws. They must understand that whatever they are currently is because of the sacrifices and care bestowed by parents. The pain Mom bore while she gave birth is beyond what humans can generally bear, she had 18 bones in her body broken to bring the child now all set to get married in to the world so that entitles parents to be considered important in life even after marriage.
Between the couple before marriage generally there is lot of enthusiasm and communication in virtual terms with wats app and face book. Many also have in person dealings with meetups and communicate but its different post marriage.

Earlier you may know just a facet of the person, now you get to know 360 sides of person, it is hoped at one point there is so much understanding in the relationship that communication happens without even saying a word. Also communication is more real in person than virtual, so opt to communicate in person spend quality time together and stay away from gadgets at times, this is very important to have a nice family later on.

Chastity
Within marriage relations and dealings should be pure, the other cannot cheat the counterpart in any way. At this age when affairs do happen outside marriage it’s a valid point. Purity in all your dealings when you are together and away must be there.

Communion
It means fellowship of others, it is essential you always be part of your community and do good work along with your community. Be it church community, or any other community relious, social or otherwise. There will be commitments and time constraints with family but nevertheless you must be part of your community and be among good people, this would keep your perspective open always and keep oneself psychologically healthy.

Charity
Giving something essential to the deprived people is charity. This shows your generosity and your gratefulness on how privileged you are to be blessed with certain things in life. Always donate something to the needy or deserving person, it maybe your time, food, old but good clothes or money. There is belief that perhaps this would bring you luck in the long run but in the short run it would definitely give you happiness. Just a word of caution, donate to the deserving charity after verifying they are doing good work and do it with open heart else no need for this.

Care
Without care there won’t be love. It means doing simple things for the other. If you ever want to impress partner or anyone do it with small things like maybe giving appreciation, helping out doing a chore, dedicating to your loved one their favorite song or any other thing that shows you notice and care for the person, it’s better than buying an expensive gift you brought just for the occasion.
Money can’t buy you love, it can provide for your needs and comforts. So if you have only the Cash ‘C’ and not the other Cs there would be vacuum in the marriage, its purpose would not hence be fulfilled and it would not grow you up in spirit.

After this short ‘C’ talk, the couples were blessed and married off eventually after chants and rituals.

The English song the choir sang was –

“There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.”

Song was perfect for visitors as the best gifts at that movement we as well wishers should provide were good wishes and blessings for the married couples(: and the song was wonderful background for showering our good wishes.

In that note wish my friend who got married there, good times in life ahead.
Here is a interesting article about wedding vows as well, nice to read.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/…/ten-research-based-weddin…

Chennai Trekking Club at VolCon

Chennai Trekking Club was another highlight in the National Volunteering Conference Volcon that took place in Chennai . Many of us associate Chennai with one immediate thing – the floods that happened last year. There was utter chaos from low lying houses getting flooded with dirty lake water and people stranded with their home gone and more. The Government could not manage the crisis in terms of helping and providing relief to victims of the floods efficiently but still there were people who helped in the crisis. There were volunteers from Chennai Volunteering Club who were prominent in working to save people stuck in the situation, from picking people with boats to providing them packed food, medicines, they were incredible. There were many people joining hands to help each other, there were stories of the spirit of Chennai stirring and rising. Somewhere it was people power again and showed that the volunteering scene at Chennai is pretty good (:

In an earlier post an Organisation called அறப்போர் – Arappor Iyakkam was covered as Jayaram spoke about civic activism where people were empowered to fight for their rights with authorities, work safely against corruption etc, now here CTC is another organisation that mobilises volunteers for making environment cleaner, greener etc.

The speaker Aravindh a volunteer from the CTC club gave presentation and one could see the passion the speaker felt working with CTC’s initiatives. CTC was started by Peter Van Geit a Belgian and was primarily an adventure club encouraging people to have adventures doing some outdoor activities like trekking, biking, cycling and things like that. Apart from that they also do social activities like blood donation, tree plantation and maintainance, local coastal area clean up and cleaning up of water bodies in other regions.
They have introduced good practices in Chennai – such as no plastic challenge and segregation besides clean up initiatives. Various volunteers have come forward to clean regions early in the morning it includes office goers who would go to office after cleaning, slum forks, students etc , all this is done before it gets hot.

It is high time all Cities take up such initiatives – by spreading awareness to avoid the use of plastics and recycle them. Start with simple things to reduce plastic use like – eliminate using straws on drinks, plastic spoons, plates and find alternatives. Stop using plastic bags for grocery shopping have a separate cloth bag, or jute bag, stop buying bottled water instead have your own water bottle and fill up the bottle with water from a drinking water point, just do something to your lifestyle to reduce use of plastic. Always throw cups and wrappers on the dustbin, the idea is these things should not touch the ground and accumulate in landfill. The reason for this is that plastics take a long time to decompose. You can use your clean hand as spoon, banana leaf and leaf plates as spoon and things like that.
You can make use of plastics in making cool stuff as well(: , this is what CTC does, they spread awareness on the issue.

In Bangalore there is Bangalore Trekking Club(BTC) who do similar activities as CTC. One thing common between these trekking clubs is that they don’t like their community littering place as all are Nature lovers.

Ending this by telling all forks to be responsible – we all should be Nature lovers whatever we do. Few months ago a bunch of people who trekked to Kumara Parvatha in Kadagu Dist. were responsible for the whole mountain to caught fire as some fellow threw a cigarette on it. http://trekkerpedia.com/…/fire-on-kumara-parvatha-trek-mig…/
That is why trekking groups such as CTC and BTC have rules that trekkers should follow –: they are not allowed to drink, smoke and litter the place which is a good thing atleast while trekking for we should respect Nature, our fellow trekkers and not harm nature or be a nuisance to the trekking community.

As much as keeping Nature well is important so is enjoying it by exploring the outdoors, so people should do some outdoor activity. You would be amazed when once you thought staying indoors on your room bed is the best thing for you to do to a change of mind set of being totally cool living outdoors camping on tents, watch stars and enjoy views from mountain. However for this we got to be responsible, helpful, we cannot misbehave with other campers and should keep our community safe.

Chennai Trekking Club Page – http://www.chennaitrekkers.org/

Bangalore Trekking Club –
https://www.facebook.com/BangaloreTrekkingClub/
http://www.bangaloretrekkingclub.com/

Real and Fake money notes some ways to distinguish it…

An auto driver refused a 50 Rupee note given to him by the passenger claiming it was fake. The poor stunned innocent passenger looked at the note and observed it did not have the dotted silver line other notes had so maybe that auto driver even if he may be less educated than the passenger might be right. The passenger after paying a different 50 rupee note sent the auto driver away. After this the passenger examined the fake rupee note comparing it with real rupee note and found the following differences. If an auto driver is able to find out an unreal note, everyone should be able to.

Examine the front side of the rupee note where Mahatma Gandhi’s image is there.

1) In the centre after the rupee number is mentioned there should be a silver gapped line.

2) Now left from this central point where rupee number is mentioned, bang opposite to the side of the Gandhi picture there is a blank area in bracket shape. Lift the rupee note to light and you should notice : Gandhi’s image visible in the light, along with the rupee number(in this case 50) shining in the light.

3) Left to the bracket is a cloud shape inside which some disjoined comma sort of lines is there. When raised to light the rupee number would be visible here as the disjoined lines connect with light visible lines and form number of the rupee.

4) In recently printed notes, rupee symbol should come before the rupee number mentioned at the side edges of the note.

Now examine the back side where RBI building image is there –

1) Below the note year will be mentioned at the bottom portion center position.

2) You should notice bracket shape which when raised to light shows you Gandhi image and rupee number (which in this case is 50). Right ahead of this is cloud shape which has disjoined comma lines that form 50 when raised to light.