Tackle the problem of alienation

It is necessary to integrate all segments of Indians and all regions of India

Every time Islamic terrorists strike, they invariably claim their action is revenge for the mistreatment of Muslims in India, pointing to the Gujarat carnage that claimed thousands of (mostly Muslim) lives and the destruction of Babri Masjid and so forth. Of course, one can safely say that these terrorists represent no one but themselves and that their complaints are nothing more than the fig leaf of self-justification. It is also questionable whether such acts actually helps the Muslims of India, who become more fearful of reprisal attacks by radical Hindu groups, and who are subject to intense scrutiny by security forces.

But we in India need to ask whether our Muslim (and Dalit, tribal, northeastern) brethren are really treated equally, and the answer is disturbing no. It is for this reason that even as most Muslims in India refuse to join the ranks of the terrorists, there are still enough who are willing to help the terrorists.

Of course, much of the blame for the Muslim community's backwardness also rest with the community itself, particularly it's leadership that refuses to educate the community or let it progress. Their opposition to a modern and secular uniform civil code (which treats all people as equals) is an example of their overwhelming desire to retain their identity at the cost of

progress. The fact is that Muslim need to change their mindset. Education in madrasas and women forced to veil themselves only push the community back into their ghettos instead of letting them to participate in growing prosperity of India.

The real issue is that Indians have to integrate with each other much more. Go across Indian cities and villages and we see our communities living in their own ghettos- Muslims, so-called upper castes, Dalits-while most tribals continue to eke out their subsistence living in the jungles.

We have to take the Pakistani government to task for allowing terrorist training camps on their territory. But these camps have come back to haunt them as terrorism inside Pakistan has become its biggest political problem. We need to get the Pakistani government to cooperate to root out the terrorist camps.

The terrorists chose to strike the city that leads India's growth story, a city whose greatest strength is in realising the dreams of the thousands who throng to her. We need to make sure that in meeting those dreams, we also fulfil the aspirations of those who are a little weaker, a little more marginalised, and have difficulty in articulating their hopes. The biggest threat to India's unity is from the communities and regions that remain economically backward.

While we may not be able to eliminate terrorism completely, let us make it very difficult for those who want to hurt us to get recruits for their cause, to let everyone feel that India has more to offer than the false glory of mistaken martyrdom.

माँ

कब्र की आगोश में जब थक के सो जाती है माँ

तब कही जाके थोडा सुकून पाती है माँ
फिक्र में बच्चो की कुछ ऐसे ही घुल जाती है माँ
नौ जवा होते हुए बूढी नजर आती है माँ
रूह के रिश्तो की ये गहराइया तो देखिये
चोट लगती है हमे और चिल्लाती है माँ
कब जरुरत हो बच्चो को मेरी इतना सोचकर
जागती रहती है आँखें और सो जाती है माँ
घर से जब परदेश जाता है कोई माँ का लाडला
हाथ में लेकर गीता / कुरान दर पे आ जाती है माँ
जब परेशानी में घिर जाते है हम परदेश में
आंशुओ को पोछने ख्वाबो में आ जाती है माँ
चाहे हम खुशिओ में माँ को भूल जाये दोस्तों
जब मुसीबत सर पे आये तो याद आ जाती है माँ
लौटकर सफ़र से जब भी घर आते है हम
डालकर बाहें गले में सर को सहलाती है माँ
शुक्रिया कर ही नहीं सकते कभी उसका अदा
मरते -मरते भी दुआ जीने की दे जाती है माँ
जब तक बच्चा ना आ जाए घर पे यारो
अपनी दोनों पुतलिया चौखट पे रख जाती है माँ
प्यार कहते है किसे और ममता क्या चीज़ है
ये तो उन बच्चो से पूछो जिनकी मर जाती है माँ
कब्र की आगोश में जब थक के सो जाती है माँ
तब कही जाके थोडा सुकून पाती है माँ

Running Smoothly

Running a marathon is like running a
company
You are the CEO
Your mind is the capital
Your heart, lungs, limbs are your employeesYour preparation, your exercise and your
diet are the investment. Injuries to knees and shins may be the potential risks And a high is the dividend. A non-runner will never understand why people run. The vast majority perceive it as painful, tedious and exhausting; most people associated it with punishment. A mischievous schoolboy is often punished for his misbehaviour and asked to run a couple of rounds of the playground.

Then why do so many people run? Most often, people start running to stay in shape and reach an ideal body weight; others to keep their sugar or cholesterol in check. Many, who begin with a view to get only the health benefits, drop out. And those who taste the runners high get hooked on and continue; get addicted and do not like to miss their daily fix.

Many runners have experienced an elevated mood while running. Some have described it as bliss, some say it is euphoria and many have said it is almost orgasmic. It may vary in degree from person to person but the runner's high is felt by most regular runners. This feeling makes them forget their pains, tiredness, worries and tensions and a whole new perspective of life appears. Most sportsperson experience this when performing to their maximum potential.

In addition their are many health benefits: few exercises burn more calories than running,; prevention of bone and muscle loss; increase in human growth hormone-with all its associated benefits; fights ageing; reduces risk of strokes and heart attacks by controlling blood pressure, diabetes and raising good cholesterol; reduces risk of breast cancer; boosts the immune system; and improves overall health by reducing stress. Finally running builds self confidence and creates the "I can do it" feeling.

But running is a double edged sword, which can create problem if you are not careful: potentially damage cartilage of weight bearing joints; raise the heart rate beyond the safety zone. Keep these precautions in mind and always remember: do not over-train. Always consult a doctor first before embarking on a running programme. Consult a coach. Running has a technique: balance, posture, stride, arm movement and foot dynamics.

Adequate water and a balanced diet will help you get the best out of your run. A sports nutritionist will guide you and help maintain a good level of nourishment. Avoid uneven surfaces which could surprise you with potholes and slippery grounds. If you are grossly overweight you can have low impact exercises like swimming and cycling till you reach a weight which is conducive to running. Running with too much weight could be detrimental to the joints and could also put more strain on our heart. Wear good shoes. Ask your coach if your running style demands special shoes. Always warm up and stretch. Running is easier if your flexibility is at an optimum. Weight training is helpful. Stronger muscles mean less injury and more efficiency. Light weight training will keep the protective muscles of your kness and back in good shape.
So in the last i want to conclude that if you want to run the next marathon, it is the time to have started planning. A year is needed to train and prepare you for running the distance. But it's never too late. Get yourself a pair of running shoes and remember:You are the CEO...