Happy Eid al Adha or simply Eid Mubarak

Mike Ghouse Essence of Eid-al-Adha  Eid-al-Adha is also known as Hajj or Bakrid (variations listed below) if you wish to greet Muslims on this day you may say “Happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak”.  At the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid-al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).     During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows: An-Nahl (The Bee) 16:120 – “VERILY, Abraham was a man who combined within himself all virtues, devoutly obeying God's will, turning away from all that is false, and not being of those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God:” Love and Sacrifice A parent would risk his or her life to protect the child.  People in love have the passion to value their beloved's life and are willing to get the bullet and save the life, they are willing to rescue him/her from the freezing lake risking their own lives, even strangers do that. It is the willingness to put the life of the loved one’ above one’s own life. Every day our Police officers risk their own lives to protect ours, the firemen and women risk their lives to save a child, a pet or an aged person from a fire; and every day our soldiers put their lives at risk to save fellow soldiers and to save our freedom. Honoring Police, Firemen and soldiers I urge fellow Muslims and all others to stop and salute every one of these men and women, honoring them for their sacrifices and their love for the humanity. Better yet, call the Fire, Police, City and other places and let them know that as a Muslim you appreciate their sacrifice, and this festival is also about appreciation for such sacrifices. Abrahams commitment Love is sacrifice. God wanted to test Abraham’s faith, love and devotion. One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of God to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to God’s will, firmly believing that God means good at the end. When he was all prepared to do it, God revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God. Thus the tradition of symbolic sacrifice began, where one would sacrifice a lamb to continue the tradition of Abraham. During the celebration of Eid-al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.  Why sacrifice? God does not need one to sacrifice; it has nothing to do with atoning sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:37 [But bear in mind:] never does their flesh reach God, and neither their blood: it is only your God-consciousness that reaches Him. It is to this end that we have made them subservient to your needs, so that you might glorify God for all the guidance with which He has graced you. And give thou this glad tiding unto the doers of good: The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow God's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from God, and we should open our hearts and share with others. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid-al-Adha is given away in three ways; self, relatives and the poor. It is a symbolic act in the western countries, but it becomes meaningful in those countries where people are under nourished and don’t get to eat the meat as we do. The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the right Path. Each one of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A Muslim is one who submits him/herself completely to the Lord and is willing to follow God’s commands obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us. God's ultimate will God does not want anything more from us than asking us to be just and truthful.  It brings tranquility and balance to an individual and what surrounds him; life and environment. The creator would be pleased when his creation is nurtured, cared for and sustained. Indeed, to be religious is to be a peacemaker, one who seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence. The Rituals Eid-al-Adha is one of two major Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Qur'aan. Eid-al-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba). Eid-al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for two to three days or more depending on the country. Eid-al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan. Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (Salatu'l-`id) in any mosque. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid-al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days. Eid-al-Adha is a concrete affirmation of what the Muslim community ethic means in practice. People in these days are expected to visit their relatives, starting with their parents, then their families and friends. I am familiar with the practices in the Indian Subcontinent, where the individuals visit the local cemetery to pray for the loved ones, almost like the Memorial Day. In fact the formal prayer which most Muslims recite, asks God to forgive parents, teachers, those living and those that are dead and every one else. It is a sense of purification one goes through. God in the Qur’aan says the one who forgives is dearest to him. I request Muslims from around the world to write if this is a practice in their culture as well in the comments section below. When it comes to food, I can share the practice of my family; The whole family gets to eat the breakfast together, usually the Flat bread (Paratha, Naan or Roti) with Meat balls (Kofta Curry). Then they would join the procession to a place outside the town where they go and pray as a large congregation, usually it is the cemetery grounds. Then everyone comes back home, and enjoys the Biryani (Indian version of fried rice) and Shami kabob. Then visiting as many friends as they can is part of the culture, have a bite to eat while meeting them and greeting them with hugs. I am pleased to invite you to join and experience these congregational prayers at Mosques and Cemeteries around the world with Muslims of different denominations.   I wish a happy Eid to my wife Yasmeen who is celebrating Eid in Atlanta with her brother and sisters family.  I am blessed to be with my brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, uncles and cousins and friends here in my home town Yelahanka. I will be going to the Yelahanka Mosque for the Eid prayers.   I congratulate my younger brother Mohamed Farooq and his family who are performing Hajj this year.    Eid Mubarak to all, and Hajj Mubarak to those who are blessed to perform. Watch his blog Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at this link --- Mike Ghouse is a frequent guest at the TV, radio and print media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. He is a thinker, writer, speaker, optimist and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Co-existence, Peace, Islam and India. He His work is reflected at three websites and 22 Blogs at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

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People's World to pick up labor journalism prize

by: BARBARA RUSSUM

november 8 2010

The Peoples World will be in Washington D.C. Nov. 19 where one of its editors will be among those honored by the nation's labor journalists for excellence in their craft.

During the International Labor Communications Association's Media Awards ceremony at the national headquarters of the American Federation of Teachers the Peoples World labor editor, John Wojcik, will receive a feature-writing prize for his Sept. 19, 2009 story, "Steeler Nation Fights Its Way Back."

ILCA judges said about his story: "John Wojcik uses sports fandom as a poignant window into the long-term costs of blue-collar layoffs in the country's heartland...an eloquent argument for an industrial policy in America."

 The country's labor press comes together every year to celebrate excellence in labor journalism and to exchange ideas on how to better deliver labor's message in the mass media.

During the awards ceremony, Jennifer Berkshire, a writer for the Massachusetts AFT Advocate, will receive the 2010 Max Steinbock Award, the highest honor given by the ILCA. In her story, We Wanted a Voice, she recounts the successful effort by teachers at Conservatory Lab Charter School in Brighton, Mass., to form a union.

American Federation of Musicians, Local 802 newsletter Allegro will receive one of three Saul Miller awards, named after the longtime director of the AFL-CIO publications department and ILCA vice president. Miller's son David, is a member of Local 802 and wrote the winning article about his father.

At the awards event Ed Ott, former executive director of the New York City Central Labor Council, will give a talk on trends in nontraditional organizing drives and how such organizing has secured respect on the job for huge numbers of service workers.

There will be a panel discussion on how to use the new social media to win labor campaigns. Journalists coming to the gathering report that from countering attacks on teachers, to building support for all kinds of strikes, the social media have been an effective tool.

The labor journalists will also get a chance to learn how the Department of Labor will respond to the expected attacks that will come from the new Republican majority in the House, Carl Fillichio, senior adviser for communications to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will discuss this topic and answer questions for the reporters. (Courtesy : People's World)

A child sings "The Prayer"

 A child sings "The Prayer" during a remembrance ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, Nov. 5, 2010. The ceremony commemorated the lives of 13 people who died in a shooting incident on the installation Nov. 5, 2009. (DoD photo by D. Myles Cullen, U.S. Army/Released)

Floodwaters surround a tent city outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Floodwaters surround a tent city outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during a flyover by a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter Nov. 6, 2010. The helicopter is from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), which, if tasked, will conduct humanitarian relief operations in support of the government of Haiti, United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and United States Agency for International Development. (DoD photo by Sgt. Samuel R. Beyers, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

Amnesty International Calls on Malaysian Authorities to Ensure Fair Trial for Georgian Women

Posted on Sat, Nov 6, 2010 at 12:35 AM

Washington, D.C. Amnesty International calls on the Malaysian authorities to ensure that two Georgian women accused of drug trafficking receive fair trials that meet international standards.
Darejan Kokhtashvili and Babutsa Gordadze, who were detained on October 26 in Penang and Sabah respectively, face the death penalty under Malaysian law.
“The Malaysian authorities must ensure legal representation for the two Georgian women who face the death penalty,” said Lance Lattig, Malaysia researcher at Amnesty International. “These women must have an interpreter to translate the proceedings into a language they can understand.”
Babutsa Gordadze, 26, whose pre-trial hearing was held on  November 4, was not provided either a lawyer or translator, according to news reports. The preliminary hearing for Darejan Kokhtashvili, 32, is to be held on November 8. Both trials are expected to begin next week.
Gordadze has been charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which imposes mandatory death by hanging. Moreover, this provision flouts international human rights standards by presuming the defendant to be guilty unless she can prove her innocence.
Both defendants are mothers of young children.
“These women deserve a fair trial," said Lattig. "Regardless of the trial’s outcome, they must be spared from the death sentence.”
Background
Sixteen countries in Asia apply the death penalty for drug-related offences. Since many countries in the region do not release information on the death penalty, it is impossible to calculate exactly how many drug-related death sentences are imposed.
However, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, reports indicate that a high proportion of death sentences are imposed upon those convicted of drug offences.
Despite these executions in Asia, there is no clear evidence of a decline in drug-trafficking that could be attributed to the threat or use of the death penalty. There is no credible evidence that the death penalty deters serious crime in general more effectively than other punishments.
(Issued on:Friday,November 5,2010)


Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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A Message of Happy Diwali from Pakistan

Journalists For International Peace extends heartily felicitations to the Hindu Community , all over the world, on the eve of' "The fesitival of Lights"- Devali The myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a celebration of South-Asian identities.
While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. 

The celebration of Deepavali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.

While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).JIP hope that such festivals may promote interfaith harmony peace, Love and Tranquality among the various Parts of the world and segments of the society..

Iftikhar Chaudri 
President
Journalists for International Peace
Islamabad , Pakistan

Amnesty International Urges Ukraine Authorities to Stop Harassment of Trade Union Activist

Washington, D.C: Amnesty International has urged the Ukraine authorities to stop the harassment of a trade union activist who remains in hiding after a court ordered him to undergo a forced psychiatric examination last week. 
"There is a very real concern that Andrei Bondarenko will be subjected to a forced psychiatric examination because of his legitimate trade union and human rights activities," said Heather McGill Amnesty International's expert on Ukraine.
A court in Vinnytsya, south west Ukraine on October 29 granted the order for an examination after prosecutors argued that Andrei Bondarenko has an "excessive awareness of his own and others' rights and [an] his uncontrollable readiness to defend these rights in unrealistic ways." 
Andrei Bondarenko has no record of mental illness and has already undergone three psychiatric examinations to prove his sanity. The most recent examination took place in October. 
The court ruling against Andrei Bondarenko comes in the wake of a number of recent cases in which activists have been assaulted and harassed in the last few months. 
"Any examination should be conducted outside of the Vinnytsya region by an officially recognized psychiatrist to ensure impartiality," said McGill. "Andrei Bondarenko should not be subjected to any treatment until he has exhausted all legal channels." 
Andrei Bondarenko has campaigned for the rights of employees in Vinnytsya region since 2006. His work has often exposed the unlawful and irresponsible behavior of local officials. In August 2010 he founded an NGO called Movement for a Corruption Free Vinnytsya Region Prosecutor’s Office. 
Andrei Bondarenko also appears to have angered the authorities with his work in defense of  the rights of sugar factory workers. These seasonal workers are employed for only a few months a year after the sugar beet harvest and are frequently not paid. Many of these factories are officially owned by shadow companies, although in fact the real owners are influential local people many of them high up in the local administration. 
Andrei Bondarenko started a campaign of taking the shadow companies to court to demand payment of wages. According to one prosecutor's statement, he started 80 such cases in 2008 alone. 
The trade unionist was not present at his trial on Friday and was represented by two civil defenders and a lawyer, who was ordered out of the court by a panel of judges. 
The recent harassment of other activists points to a worsening climate for human rights in the Ukraine. 
On  October 15, police in Vinnytsya searched the house and office of Dmytro Groysman, the chair of Vinnytsya Human Rights Group, which supports asylum-seekers and campaigns against torture. 
Police questioned staff about their work, and confiscated over 300 items, including UNHCR files, computer discs, memory sticks and a laptop. 
Andrei Fedosov, the chair of a mental disability rights organization, Uzer, was assaulted by unknown men in May, after receiving threatening phone calls in April. Police took no action. In July he was detained for a day in relation to a crime allegedly committed 10 years ago when he was 15 years old. 
"All these activists appear to have been targeted because of their legitimate work," said McGill. "The Ukrainian authorities must ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their activities unhindered and protect them against any violence, threats and retaliation." 
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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DOD Names Best in Information Management, Technology

By Cheryl Pellerin of American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON : Defense Department officials announced team and individual recipients of this year's DOD Chief Information Officer awards at a Pentagon ceremony yesterday. The award is the highest honor granted for achievement in information management and information technology, and 2010 is the 10th anniversary of the awards. David Wennergren, assistant deputy chief management officer in the office of the deputy secretary of defense, presents the first-place award in the team category to William McAvay, who represented the Project Director Team for Defense Communications Systems-Southwest Asia. The award ceremony was held Oct. 27, 2010, at the Pentagon. U.S. Army photo by Eboni Myart  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. CIOs are used to being in the spotlight when things go wrong, David Wennergren, assistant deputy chief management officer for the office of the deputy secretary of defense, told the audience. "But every day, good things are happening and you don't get so much attention," he added. "We don't often get time to pause and reflect upon what great accomplishments we're achieving every day." Until this month, Wennergren served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for information management, integration and technology, and deputy chief information officer in the office of the secretary of defense. Team awards were presented to: -- The Project Director Team, Defense Communications Systems-Southwest Asia, Fort Belvoir, Va.; -- The Collaboration Support and Information Division Ronna Team at U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.; -- The Joint Staff CIO Team; -- The DOD Visitor Team, Defense Information Systems Agency, Baltimore; and -- The Apps for the Army Challenge Team, U.S. Army. Individual first-place awards were made to Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Gateau of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and Jack Summers, command information officer for Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. The second-place individual award went to James Lee, the Army's team chief for Radio Frequency-In Transit Visibility. The eight finalists were chosen from among 70 nominations of civilian government and military service CIOs and teams that came in from around the world. Officials evaluated nominees based on outstanding achievement in one or more areas, including acquisition, management and standards, identity and information assurance and cyber operations, and information sharing and data management. The awards are given to recognize outstanding achievement in DOD information management based on the intent of Title 40 of the U.S. Code, known as the Clinger-Cohen Act, and the strategy, goals and vision of the DOD CIO. On Oct. 26, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced his appointment of Teri Takai as DOD's new chief information officer. Takai has served as CIO for the state of California since 2007 and was a past president of the National Association of State CIOs. She will assume her new duties Nov. 7. (Issued on:Oct. 28, 2010)

Related Sites:  DOD Chief Information Officer

'Education is about making the perfect man'

Rajya Sabha Member Dr.Ram Parkash born on October 5, 1939 at  Village Tangore, Distt. Kurukshetra (Haryana). He performed many responsibilities in Haryana and at Parliament.  He says future generations must be made aware of their cultural heritage. Man cannot live by blood alone. So emphasis on finding one’s roots is very important.Many attempts have been made. For instance, India has resolved to revive the old Nalanda University in Bihar. The Indian Parliament has passed a resolution in this respect during the monsoon session. Collaboration with Mauritius on this project must be encouraged. He visited Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, U.K., Canada, U.S.A., France, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Romania, The Netherlands, Belgium, Mauritius and Kenya. Remembering his services and devotion to the peoples radio and TV journalist Madhu Gujadhar sent us a link of his interview from Mauritius by News Now which is given below. we hope you will like it. Cultural heritage must be saved A member of the Rajya Sabha, a socio-cultural organisation born in India which has worked tirelessly for the emancipation of Hindu women, Professor Ram Prakash talks to SUNIL GOPAL about his current mission to Mauritius  Professor, we know that over the years you have become a close friend of Mauritius and that you have often travelled to Mauritius. What brings you this time?  In 2007, the Arya Sabha Mauritius and the Kurukshetra University, Haryana, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.  Earlier the Kurukshetra University had taken certain decisions which enabled Mauritian students to pursue their tertiary education in the land of their forefathers. The MoU formalised the arrangement for Mauritian students to study for a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in various subjects. On Sunday there was the first convocation for the graduation ceremony at the Arya Sabha here in Mauritius. The leaders of Arya Sabha Mauritius asked that I deliver this first convocation.  How did this first batch of Mauritian students fare? What are your future plans?  Dr Udhay Narain Gangoo from Arya Sabha Mauritius made several trips to India to finalise the MoU and solve problems that arose. I was also involved in the process as I am one of the signatories. On Sunday, some 50 Mauritian students graduated.  We want to expand this collaboration further. Currently Mauritian students are doing the following courses at the Kurukshetra University: B A in English, B A in Sanskrit, BA (Hons) in Philosphy and BA (Hons) in Sanskrit and various MA degrees. We want to expand this. The first batch were very successful. The degrees are approved both in India and Mauritius, which is something important. The Kurukshetra University approved the conditions of the Tertiary Education Commission.  On Sunday, both the Minister of Education and Human Resources Dr Vasant Bunwaree and the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology Dr Rajesh Jeetah were present at the graduation ceremony. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, Professor Konrad Morgan, was also present.  There is one good point here. People always talk about collaboration between India and Mauritius at government level. This MoU is a collaboration between the citizens of the two countries. They are the children of the same forefathers.  The Kurukshetra University is autonomous; so is the Arya Sabha Mauritius. But I must underline that the agreement has the blessing of the Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam and the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda.  How would you describe the cooperation between Mauritius and India in the education sector?  Mauritius and India in the education sector? It has evolved because the two countries share the same cultural heritage. But education is not merely getting a university degree; it is a about making a prefect man.  This is possible only through ethical values. India is the homeland of the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the six Darshan Shastras. These holy scriptures preach universal truth for the whole world.  One must have some roots in the tradition of their forefathers. This constitutes a definite advantage when students come to India for their tertiary education. Through the efforts of the Arya Sabha Mauritius, Mauritian students have the possibility of getting a degree from India.  What could be the other areas of cooperation between Mauritius and India?  India is a very big market and every country is trying to capture it. I think the children whose forefathers came from India must have access to education, business and the economy in India.  They should be benefitting from these facilities.Sunday was indeed a historic day because through the first batch of Mauritian graduates from the Kurukshetra University, the two nations moved closer together.  I feel that emphasis should be laid on technical education as well because the sugar cane industry will no longer provide so much employment. The hardworking, down-to-earth and modest people of Mauritius should have some solid knowledge in the technical field. This will enable the younger generation to stand on their feet.  You appear to have much affection for Mauritius?  I love this country more than any other country. I may refuse to go to another country but I will never refuse to come to Mauritius. We have similar roots.  How would you evaluate relations between Mauritius and India?  The bond between Mauritius and India is natural and so it is very strong. In our country people do not refer to Mauritius as just another country. For us, it is more than that. I have found similar feelings here, especially among the older generation of Mauritians of Indian origin. “Apne desh se aya hain”(He comes from our own country) say the elders here regarding someone coming from India. This bond is going to be strengthened further and we should give credit to our political leaders for that. There is an Indianness in Dr Navin Ramgoolam and Shrimati Veena Ramgoolam. I think this is in the interest of both countries. Because of Dr Ramgoolam’s continued efforts to strengthen this bond of friendship between Mauritius and India, the Kurukshetra University has resolved to confer on him the LLD Honoris Causa. I am carrying a letter from the Vice Chancellor of the Kurukshetra University seeking the prime minister’s convenience to come over to Kurukshetra to collect the honorary degree. You know, whenever we confer honorary degrees to people from other countries, people ask why it is being done. But in the case of Dr Ramgoolam, when the decision was taken, everybody endorsed it. We see the people of Mauritius as our own brothers and sisters.  What are the other avenues of cooperation within the education sector – and other sectors as well?  As far as education and social reform is concerned, Arya Sabha Mauritius is doing good work. I feel that emphasis should be laid on technical education as well because the sugar cane industry will no longer provide so much employment. The hardworking, down-to-earth and modest people of Mauritius should have some solid knowledge in the technical field. This will enable the younger generation to stand on their feet.  There should be more collaboration on the cultural front as well. Concurrently, other areas that can strengthen the economy of Mauritius must be explored. This place can be good for medicinal plants.  Close collaboration between scientists of the two countries can help achieve good results. I fail to understand why dairy farming is not getting its due place here. Milk is a very essential commodity. If the small planters are leaving sugar cane cultivation, this is a sector which could be developed. India, as I said earlier, is a very big market. Why can’t Mauritius benefit from that?  The government of Mauritius, in particular the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, is making lots of efforts to attract more Indian tourists. What can be done to achieve positive growth in this field?  The idea in my mind is cultural understanding. Many things can be done to make your tourist spots more attractive. Mauritius is preferred by the common tourists. While coming here, I saw many young couples on the airplane. They come to Mauritius because they consider it safer, cheaper and having far more scenic beauty than other destinations.  What can be done to preserve rich ancestral culture and values?  This is a problem throughout the world, including my own country. Future generations must be made aware of their cultural heritage. Man cannot live by blood alone. So emphasis on finding one’s roots is very important.  Many attempts have been made. For instance, India has resolved to revive the old Nalanda University in Bihar. The Indian Parliament has passed a resolution in this respect during the monsoon session. Collaboration with Mauritius on this project must be encouraged.  While speaking on the Nalanda University Bill, I emphasised the importance of setting up a department of the various ancient scripts: Devanagri, Brahmi and Krishti. It is a fact that we have very few scholars who are experts in these ancient scripts.  So all that is available – I mean, written or carved ancient scripts on stone, copper and other material unearthed after archaeological digs, are useless to us if we cannot read them.  Human history is getting lost. Similarly, if Mauritians do not dig for more knowledge about their ancestors, they cannot understand appropriately their cultural heritage. Any other specific project between the Arya Sabha Mauritius and the Kurukshetra University?  Kurukshetra University has a positive approach; it is not a commercial institution. It is trying to help and accommodate Mauritian students. Arya Sabha Mauritius wants us to conduct a course in Vedic Purohit (meant for prospective priests). We discussed it and we are happy to say that the attitude of the Kurukshetra University on this matter is very positive.  On the other hand, I will work on a project to help prospective Mauritian students from deprived families to follow courses in a polytechnic. I am also running a school bearing the name of my late father, Shri Prabhu Dayal. This project is being looked at seriously.       (Courtesy: News Now)

Photos: Jamirouddin Yeadally

Program Helps Guard, Reserve Families Reintegrate

By Elaine Wilson of American Forces Press Service

Posted on: Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 3:59 AM

Army Staff Sgt. Luke Summerlin spends time with his wife, Michelle Summerlin, and their 3-year-old son, Trent, during a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, a post-deployment event, in Houston, Oct. 17, 2010. Summerlin deployed to Iraq with the Texas Army National Guard's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. DOD photo by Elaine Wilson 

WASHINGTON : I traveled to my old stomping grounds of Texas recently to speak with a group of Texas Army National Guard soldiers and their families about how they're dealing with the challenges of reintegration after a yearlong deployment in Iraq, and to learn more about a Defense Department program that's aiding them.

I joined nearly 1,800 soldiers of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and their families in Houston for their unit's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program 60-day post-deployment event. This program offers Guard and Reserve members, and their families information and resources to help smooth the process through events held before, during and after deployments. 

The event featured topics such as relationships and communication, financial management, stress and anger management, and health and education benefits. 

I spoke with several soldiers, both single and married, and their family and friends. As always, I was amazed by the strength and resilience of our military that has weathered nearly a decade of war. 

I was grateful that they spoke so candidly to me, offering me a glimpse into some of the challenges they face throughout the deployment cycle. 

I learned a lot in just a few days. I expected military couples to vent about their relationship issues, but was somewhat surprised to find that their issues were more about their kids than each other. 

One spouse, Michelle Summerlin, told me that her biggest post-deployment challenge involved readjusting to her husband's stricter ways with their son. In his absence, she had adopted a more flexible style, and his return triggered some parenting arguments that took some time to resolve. 

Single soldiers pointed out their challenges with being unmarried and in the National Guard. Upon their return from deployment, soldiers scatter to their respective homes and the single soldiers end up feeling isolated from the support system that had carried them through for the past year. 

One soldier, Army Sgt. 1st Class Karen Perry, told me that her live-in boyfriend had broken up with her the day she returned from Iraq. Without the support of her battle buddies around her, she felt completely alone, she told me. 

The military is working to combat this isolation through programs like Yellow Ribbon. The program not only offers servicemembers and their families coping and communication skills, but an opportunity to reunite with comrades and create support systems that can help sustain them. 

Most importantly, Yellow Ribbon gives them resources and information so Guard and Reserve families have avenues of help and support as they navigate their way back into civilian life, most without easy access to the support of an active-duty installation. (Issued on: Oct. 27, 2010)

Military Spouses are Heroes, First Lady Says

By Cheryl Pellerin of American Forces Press Service  QUICK HIRE OF MILITARY SPOUSES WASHINGTON: The needs and concerns of military spouses, whose sacrifices benefit the nation, should be of concern to all Americans, First Lady Michelle Obama said today. "These women and men -- they are heroes and it's time that we recognize the challenges they face and the obstacles they overcome and the contributions they make," Obama said at the Women's Conference® 2010, held Oct. 24-26 in Long Beach, Calif. "It is an issue that I believe should be on the agenda of every women's conference, right up there with equal pay, right up there with work-family balance, right up there with breaking the glass ceiling," the first lady told 30,000 attendees who gathered to hear Obama and more than 100 other speakers during the annual forum. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, hosted the meeting. The Women's Conference also is a global online community with more than 1 million participants. Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, also addressed the conference. "One of the best parts of my role as second lady is the time I spend meeting servicemembers, military families, veterans and wounded warriors – people who honor us with their service across this country and around the world," she said in prepared remarks. Women make up 15 percent of the military and serve in leadership positions in every branch of the service, Biden added. "In recognition of that evolution," she said, "the president is expanding and enhancing care for women veterans and looking for ways to expand childcare." Obama said her husband, President Barack Obama, also has worked hard on behalf of military families -- strengthening support programs and counseling services and increasing funds for housing, childcare and career development. "He's extended the Family and Medical Leave Act to more military families and caregivers, and we're working with states to streamline requirements so that spouses don't have to reapply for professional credentials and take new tests every time they move," she said. "But the truth is that there is so much more that each of us can do and should do right in our own communities ... [and] it's time for each of us to act," the first lady said. Obama called on teachers, school administrators and PTA members to see what their schools can do to better support military kids. Lawyers, accountants or counselors can offer services pro bono to some military families in their communities. Small-business owners or human resources professionals who work in large companies, she said, can make an effort to hire more military spouses and help make the workplace more accommodating to military spouses. People with time to volunteer can go to the United We Serve website to find out how to help military families in their areas, Obama said. The needs and concerns of military spouses "should be on the agenda of every woman and every American because they represent the very best this country has to offer," the first lady said. "It's time that each of us did our part to give them the support they need, the recognition they deserve and the gratitude they've earned," she added. "I look forward to working with all of you in some way, shape or form to make that happen in the months and years ahead." (Issued on:Oct. 26, 2010)

Related Sites:  United We Serve Related Articles:  First Lady Calls on Nation to Support Military Families