Single-Use Plastic Exhibition in Rohini Zone

By Shweta Dewan – Teacher, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Rohini Zone

An exhibition regarding the ban on single-use plastic was organised at M.C.D. Primary school, Sector 7-B, Rohini, Delhi on 1 March 2023. The exhibition-cum-event was attended by Ms. Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner, Rohini zone, Sh. Amitabh Srivastva, Asst. Commissioner, Rohini zone, Dr. Ruby Makhija (Director, Why Waste Wednesday Foundation), Sh. Rishipal Rana, DDE/Rohini zone and other officials of the Rohini zone.

The event was organised to sensitise people about single-use plastic. Five M.C.D schools of the zone displayed exhibits about reusing plastic and converting them into usable decorative material instead of throwing them away. The aim is to minimise the use of plastic and decrease it to zero level by the use of viable alternatives.
These were the highlights of the event:

M.C.D. Primary School, J Block, Sector – 16, Rohini displayed the model “Best out of plastic waste”. They made decorative pots, flower vases and flowers from plastic bottles. The main highlight of their model was a robot, which was made with single-use plastic water bottles. Children confidently showed the model to the dignitaries and explained the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. They also showed the bio-degradable alternatives that can be used instead of plastic.

2. M.C.D. Primary School, Sector – 7B, Rohini displayed beautiful face masks that were made by using waste single used plastic bottles. They also displayed flower vases, pen holders etc. that can be made of waste plastic. Some clay vases were also exhibited by them.

3. M.C.D. Primary School, Sector – 17, Rohini beautifully displayed decorative pots for plantation model of a well. This was made by using a single used plastic box. A lamp made by S.U.P glasses was also displayed. The children of K.G. class sang a beautiful poem “Say No to Plastic” which was well appreciated by all present.

4. M.C.D. School, 11G, Rohini displayed the bad effects of plastic on the environment. They have made beautiful flower pots, pen stands and cutlery stands from single-use plastic bottles. They also displayed attractive items such as Jute bags and cloth mats weaved by children.

5. M.C.D. Primary School, Mubarikpur Girls displayed their exhibits under the theme of best out of waste. They presented a model of a house made with waste cartons. The highlight of the model was a water dispenser made by children with waste plastic bottles. They also displayed a working model of a cooler built with waste material.
   The exhibition’s main motive was to create awareness about how plastic waste is killing the earth. It highlighted the need to sensitise and educate people to stop plastic pollution. This journey begins with our young prodigies.

मूलभूत साक्षरता और अंकज्ञान (एफएलएन) और एनईपी 2020 – अपने बच्चों को भविष्य के लिए तैयार करना

श्वेता दीवान – शिक्षिका, दिल्ली नगर निगम, रोहिणी क्षेत्र

“हम सभी के पास समान प्रतिभा नहीं है। लेकिन हम सभी के पास अपनी प्रतिभा विकसित करने का समान अवसर है।“ – एपीजे अब्दुल कलाम

शिक्षा न सिर्फ जीवन, बल्कि समाज और राष्ट्र को भी बदलती है। शिक्षा का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा सीखना है, जो मूलभूत साक्षरता और संख्यात्मक कौशल या एफएलएन पर निर्भर है। सरल शब्दों में, यह लिखने, पढ़ने और बुनियादी गणितीय कौशल का अधिग्रहण है जो एक बच्चे द्वारा बाद में सीखने की नींव के रूप में कार्य करता है। भारत जैसे देश में जहां हर बच्चे को शिक्षित करना अभी भी एक दूर का सपना है – एफएलएन का अत्यंत महत्व है। आइए एफएलएन की चुनौतियों और महत्व के बारे में जानते है और यह समझते है कि यह बच्चों के सीखने की क्षमता को कैसे प्रभावित कर सकता है। 

एफएलएन बच्चों की कैसे मदद करता है?

 जब एक बच्चे के पास सीखने के “बिल्डिंग ब्लॉक्स” होते है, तो बच्चा एक ठोस नींव के साथ सीखना शुरू करता है। पढ़ने, लिखने और गणना करने के ये कौशल बच्चे को जीवन भर काम आते हैं। इससे बच्चो को सीखने, समझने, लिखने और सोचने की क्षमता मिलती है। वे स्वयं को स्पष्टता के साथ अभिव्यक्त करने में भी सक्षम होते हैं। इससे उनकी आगे की शिक्षा में तेजी और उनके जीवन में गुणात्मक परिवर्तन भी आता है।

एफएलएन – एनईपी 2020 का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है जो इसे बचपन की शिक्षा के अभिन्न अंग के रूप में मान्यता देता है। विशेषज्ञों का सुझाव है कि बच्चो की मूलभूत शिक्षा को तीसरी कक्षा तक  पूरी कर लेना चाहिए। इसलिए यह महत्वपूर्ण है कि उन्हें बुनियादी और मूलभूत शिक्षा आवश्यक कौशल हासिल करने के उद्देश्य से दी जाए। यह बच्चो की सोचने और उनकी समस्या समाधान क्षमता को बढ़ाने में मदद करता है। 

अपनी कक्षा और विद्यालय में एफएलएन को कैसे शामिल करें? 

शिक्षकों और प्रधानाध्यापकों को अपने सभी पाठ्यक्रम और शिक्षण विधियों में एफएलएन को शामिल करने की आवश्यकता है। यह “नर्सरी” से ग्रेड 3 तक के बच्चों के साथ करना आवश्यक है। शिक्षकों को खेलने और सीखने के अपने मौजूदा तरीकों, ध्वनियों, चित्रों, आकृतियों और छवियों की पहचान में एफएलएन का उपयोग करना सीखना होगा।

यह सब अभी अपनी शुरुआती अवस्था में है और गलतियों और अभ्यास के साथ हम इस क्षेत्र में बहुत कुछ सीख सकते है। हमें एफएलएन के परिणामों का डेटा एकत्र करने की भी आवश्यकता है। इससे शिक्षण के तरीकों और विभिन्न शिक्षण सामग्री के उपयोग को मानकीकृत करने में मदद मिल सकेगी।इस प्रक्रिया को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए यह कुछ सरल कदम हैं:

Ø  उम्र, ग्रेड और पूर्व शिक्षा के आधार पर एफएलएन लक्ष्य तय करें

Ø  सीखने के सीमित लक्ष्य पहचानें और तय करें

Ø  प्रगति को रिकॉर्ड करे

Ø  जहां आवश्यक हो, परिवर्तन या पाठ्यक्रम में सुधार करें

Ø  प्रक्रिया में विशेषज्ञों और “स्टेकहोल्डर्स” को शामिल करें  

Ø  एफएलएन पर कार्यशालाओं के माध्यम से माता-पिता को शिक्षित करें 

सरकारें और एनजीओ (गैर-सरकारी संगठन) इसमें कैसे मदद कर सकते हैं? 

जंहा एफएलएन एनईपी 2020 का एक अभिन्न अंग है, यह एक बहुत बड़ा काम है। इसके लिए केंद्रीय और राज्य स्तरों पर सरकारों, शैक्षिक बोर्डों, नगर निगमों, गैर-सरकारी संगठनों और समग्र रूप से समाज की सक्रिय और व्यापक भागीदारी की आवश्यकता है। हालाँकि शिक्षक सीखने में इस क्रांति का नेतृत्व करने में सबसे आगे हैं, उन्हें इसके सफल होने के लिए सभी हितधारकों (स्टेकहोल्डर्स) के समर्थन की आवश्यकता है। सरकारें, गैर-सरकारी संगठन और समाज इस प्रकार मदद कर सकते हैं: 

Ø  डिजिटल लर्निंग प्लेटफॉर्म और शिक्षण सामग्री के निर्माण में मदद करना

Ø  एफएलएन पर शिक्षक प्रशिक्षण, इसके उपकरण और क्षमता का निर्माण

Ø  समाज का सक्रिय सहयोग  

एफएलएन भारतीय समाज को कैसे लाभान्वित करेगा?

एनईपी 2020 के हिस्से के रूप में एफएलएन द्वारा भारतीय समाज को दिए जाने वाले आश्चर्यजनक लाभ हैं। जैसे कि:

Ø  उच्च शैक्षणिक प्रदर्शन

Ø  सामाजिक परिवर्तन और समाज के सबसे कमजोर वर्गों को सशक्त बनाना

Ø  आर्थिक विकास

Ø  सक्रिय नागरिक

मूलभूत साक्षरता और अंकज्ञान आने वाले वर्षों में पूरे समाज को प्रभावित करेगा। यह इसे तय करेगा कि हमारे बच्चे कैसे सीखते हैं? यह उनके मस्तिष्क के विकास को बढ़ा कर उन्हें भविष्य की चुनौतियों के लिए आवश्यक कौशल प्रदान करेगा।आर्टिफिशियल और मशीन लर्निंग (एआई ) के विकास और तकनीकी सफलता के साथ, यह जरूरी है कि हम अपने छात्रों को कल की दुनिया के लिए तैयार करें। एफएलएन समाज में सकारात्मक बदलाव लाने और सभी बच्चों के लिए एक समान क्षेत्र प्रदान करके इसे विकसित करने में मदद करने के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण उपकरण है।

BOOK REVIEW #9 PAANCH DIN। पाँच दिन – SURERNDERA MOHAN PATHAK

पाँच दिन जैसा रोचक उपन्यास केवल पाठक जी ही लिख सकते थे। मुझे इसे पढ़कर बहुत आनंद आया। उनमें और अन्य लेखकों के बीच अंतर यह है कि वे जो लिखते हैं, मैं उसकी हर एक पंक्ति और शब्द पढ़ता हूं।

जहां तक ​​किताब और कहानी का सवाल है, सुधीर हमेशा की तरह बेहतरीन था। रजनी के साथ उनका रिश्ता अब दूसरे ही स्तर का है। नौकरानी घुंघरू का किरदार दिलचस्प था। “मुझे लगा कि मैं थाईलैंड में था” जैसी टिप्पणियाँ पढ़कर मुझे हँसी आई।

एक बदलाव जो मैंने देखा है वह यह है कि सुधीर अब सुनील जैसा होता जा रहा है – जहां तक ​​महिलाओं के साथ उसके व्यवहार का सवाल है। क्या वह परिपक्व या बूढ़ा हो रहा है? मैं आशा करता हूँ कि हम उनकी और भी अद्भुत कहानियाँ ऐसे ही पढ़ते रहेंगे।

आप यूं ही लिखते रहे, हम यू ही पढ़ते रहे। आमीन.

मेरी रेटिंग 5/5.

Only Pathak jee could have written such an interesting novel as Paanch Din. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The difference between him and other writers is that I read every single line and word of what he writes.

As for the book and the storyline, Sudhir was great as always. His relationship with Rajni is on another level now. Ghungroo the maid was an interesting character. I laughed reading observations like ” I felt I was in Thailand.”

One change I have noticed is that Sudhir is becoming more like Sunil – as far as his dealings with women are concerned. Is he becoming mature or old? Lastly, I wish and hope to keep reading more amazing stories from him. 

Aap yun hi like rahe, hum yu hi padte rahe. Aamin.

My rating 5/5.

book link: https://www.amazon.in/Paanch-Din-%E0%A5%A4-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%81%E0%A4%9A-%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8/dp/9392820682

बुक रिव्यु 6: राख

• 

• 

किताब नाम: राख
लेख़क: जितेंदर  नाथ
प्रकाशक: सूरज पॉकेट बुक्स

बेहतरीन क्राइम थ्रिलर
रेटिंग: 5/5

ऐमज़ॉन डिस्क्रिप्शन: प्रेम नगर में एक के बाद एक होती हुई मौत की अबूझ पहेली के चक्रव्यूह में उलझा हुआ था इंस्पेक्टर रणवीर कालीरमण, जिसे सबूत के नाम पर हासिल थी सिर्फ ‘राख’ । एक ऐसी कहानी जिसमें मौत के नाच के बीच दबा था एक ऐसा अनसुलझा रहस्य जिसका अंदाजा किसी को भी नहीं था । जुर्म और सबूतों के बीच कशमकश की रोमांचक दास्तान ‘राख’ ।.

यह दास्तान हैं एक पुलिस इंस्पेक्टर की एक खूनी की ख़ोज की – एक मात्र क्लू हैं राख़. क्राइम थ्रिलर और डिटेक्टिव कहानियों का अपना अलग ही नशा होता हैं. सर आर्थर कॉनन डॉयल के शेरलॉक होम्स से लेकर अगाथा क्रिस्टी के पोइरोट तक, सुरेंद्र मोहन पाठक के सुनील और वेद प्रकाश शर्मा के केशव पंडित तक, हर लेखक ने इस शैली में हाथ आजमाया है और पाठकों को एक दिलचस्प कहानी देने की कोशिश की है। इस परंपरा का ताजा नाम है जितेंद्र नाथ, जो एक स्कूल शिक्षक, कवि, अनुवादक और अब एक प्रकाशित लेखक हैं।

उनका गद्य नदी की तरह मुक्त प्रवाहित है और प्रत्येक पृष्ठ उनके शोध, परिश्रम और परिपक्वता को दर्शाता है। लेखक ने दिल्ली/एनसीआर का सटीक वर्णन किया हैं, जो कथाकन को विश्वशनीय बनाता हैं. एक सफल अपराध लेखक की तरह वह अंत तक उलझाए रहते है – जब वह एक मंच के जादूगर की तरह टोपी से खरगोश रूपी हत्यारे को बाहर निकाल कर  आपको आश्चर्यचकित करते है।

बतौर लेखक उनको अपनी सीमाओं को एहसास हैं और उन्होंने उसी में एक बढ़िया कहानी देने का प्रयास किया हैं. आशा हैं की अपनी अगली और आने वाली किताबों में वह और ज़्यादा खुल कर और बड़े कलेवर पर लिखने का प्रयास करेंगे. अगर आप क्राइम थ्रिलर्स पसंद करते हैं, तो इस किताब को अवश्य पढ़े.

अमेज़न लिंक

Speculative Science – The search for Philosopher’s Stone

Long before an English writer living on Government support decided to write a novel on a boy wizard and his search for the Philosopher’s stone, the quasi magic powder has been the stuff of legends. From the whispers in the hashish filled rooms of Constantinople to the lifelong tolls in the secretive laboratories of Bavaria, the ‘prime substance’ has been the issue of much debate and drive.

What is Philosopher’s stone?

 For the novice it can be best described as a chemically evolved substance that has the ability to turn base metals into Gold. It is also said to have the ability to cure diseases and prolong the life of a mortal man indefinitely or make him immortal! No wonder that it has been the subject of such myth, speculation and obsession. In the Western tradition of Alchemy (traditional word for modern chemistry) the Philosopher’s stone is also known as the ‘tincture’ or the ‘powder’. The first mention of the mythical chemical substance dates as far back as 300 A.D., with the text of Plato and other Greek philosophers mention it. In the 8 Century an Arab/Persian scholar Jabir ibn Hayyan revived interest in the legend by creating al-iksir from which the western word elixir is derived. His work has said to have been replicated in Europe with at least one credible account of witnessing of turning base metal into gold by Albertus Magnus in the 13 century.

Domino effect

While the mainstream science still disputes the existence or even the possibility of the philosopher’s stone or a akin object, there is no denying that the early chemist’s interest in the same ignited revolutions in the fields of chemistry, metallurgy, and pharmacology from which we benefit even till this day.

Popular culture

We have all heard of the mythological story of King Midas, king of Pessinus in Phrygia that was awarded the ‘golden touch’ by the Roman God Dionysus by which everything the King touched was turned into Gold. There have been numerous other stories, plays and movie based on the same premise that have enthralled and intrigued generations of readers and viewers. Like the hugely successful novel ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho published in 1988. And of course the Harry Potter series with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone as the first adventure of the boy wizard. The popular online game World of Warcraft also has the ‘Philosopher’s stone’ in one of its advanced levels.

Philosophy and Spirituality

 It is a mistake to see the philosopher’s stone as purely a chemical substance borne out of chemical processes in a laboratory. And therein lays its conflict with mainstream science that is still unresolved. It is said a seeker of the Philosopher’s stone needs to synthesize and purify himself in stages akin to the chemical process he is following. Not only the chemical substance in the glass pot over the fire synthesizes and purifies but the same happens to the chemist or alchemist who is conducting the exercise.

Another bone of contention is the claim that the elixir can cure many life threatening diseases and can prolong life. The claim of immortality is too harshly contented and lack evidence to mention or debate here.

Parting thoughts

While the existence or plausibility of the Philosopher’s stone per-se is debatable there is no denying the way it has inadvertently helped the evolution of various branches of science. And if it is indeed possible to turn base metals into Gold or to cure life threatening disease, if not achieve immortality then there is nothing wrong for continuation of research into the creation of the elixir of life that is primarily a individual chemist’s private and secret enterprise. On one level each one of us coverts a Philosopher’s stone that can transform and enrich our lives. Do we not?

Book Review 1: Madam Natasha Ka Premi

A fast-paced thriller with interesting characters

Book Name: Madam Natasha Ka Premi

Publisher: Book Cafe Publication

Format: Paperback/Kindle

Rating: 4.5/5

Language Hindi

Amazon: https://amzn.to/35vvYLv

Flipkart: https://bit.ly/35xxmgJ

Pustak Mandi: https://bit.ly/2Mb5qYm

Pocket FM (Audiobook): https://bit.ly/2IKL2uY

Storyline: Madam Natasha Ka Premi is a romantic thriller with an interesting storyline. It tells the story of a Gorakhpur girl who turns into a lady killer – literally so. The basic plot is simple – a sadhu predicts that the girl Natasha will never find the love of a man. Her father dies at her birth and she sets about to prove the Sadhu wrong, forgetting that stars and destiny are sometimes more powerful than ordinary mortals. It is also the story of a man, who unwittingly, plans for his own murder.

Natasha sets about to falsify a prophecy that she will never find a man’s love. Every man that comes in his life, her exploiter, boyfriend, lover or husband dies at her hand. But is she is a villain or a victim of circumstances? And will she be able, even for once, to prove the Sadhu and his prophecy wrong?

The book reminds of Ruskin bond’s story Susannah’s Seven Husbands where Susannah, whose screen role was essayed by Priyanka Chopra goes on a husband killing spree. But the similarity ends there. For one Amit Khan has his own unique Desi treatment of the story and the novel is neither copied nor inspired by Ruskin Bond.

What I liked?

The story was fast-paced and I finished the book in just 2 days. The characters were interesting and Natasha was every bit the fete-female that could carry the story. Other characters that I liked were Vikram and Abhijeet Ghosh. The author beautifully weaved the story and made the readers sympathize with Natasha who is as much a victim as a murderer. But she begins to lose our sympathy at the end of the story, as she becomes more and more selfish. The twist, in the end, is also a signature style of Amit Khan and makes the story memorable.

What I did not like?

There is too much focus on Natasha and the smaller characters do not play an important role. The ending could have been better if 10-15 more pages were added – my personal opinion of course. The bold and steamy sex-scenes tend to restrict the age group that can read the story.

Final opinion

Amit Khan yet again shows why he is one of the best-selling author of more than 100 novels and a sought after screenplay writer of movies in Mumbai. Fast-paced thrillers and memorable characters make the novel a great read for the readers.

Top 10 Bestselling Novels

Top 10 Bestselling Novels

 

Read More->

 

 

 

The Black Magic in everyday life

 

 

 

You always thought that Black Magic existed only in Horror movies, novels and was the past time of psychos; right? Prepared to be surprised then; for magic – be it black or white is very much the part of our every day existence and it is sheer ignorance on our part not to recognize such occult phenomena. Or perhaps a part of us is fearful and mindful of the lesson we have been taught since childhood to steer clear of magic, occult and tantric.

 

If we talk of India, then the thugee was quite prevalent during the British Era and the thugs were not only known to kill their victims after fooling them but also engaged in a variety of black magic rituals. They were worshipers of Goddess Kali and are also said to have made human sacrifices to the Goddess. (link) To be sure Human sacrifice – hideous as it may sound – is not something restricted to India, take for example Incas of South America, who indulged in such practice in the 13^th century.

 

A good example of the Black Magic in everyday life can be found in any town or city in India during the festivals of Holi and Diwali. When you find the intersections of four road dumped with of talisman, earthen pots, red clothes, vermilion, lentils and lemons and brooms. The rationale is simple, to gift away your ills, diseases and misfortune afflicting you or your household to some poor soul who is foolish or brash enough to step on these black magic objects or pass it over in his car and crush it under its tires.

 

You must have also seen men dressed in green, who carry a green chador or single bed sheet of linen with coins and currency notes thrown liberally. They usually carry a broom of peacock feathers with which they brush your hair and shoulders and seeks alms.  One of them converted a 10 Rupee currency note into a small egg shaped stone in front of my own eyes; which I politely declined to accept.

 

One the other hand we have several instances of white magic; like the sadhus or holy men who bless their disciples with holy water and holy ash or murmuring few magical words with the tip of their thumb on the believer’s glabella or the spot between two eyebrows. The online and offline explosion of magic talisman like those that ward off evil eye and bring luck or your lover is too known to merit a description.

 

Another example of black magic in everyday life can be seen in the cremation grounds of Hindus, where the elder son performs Kapal Kriya, which is basically using a bamboo stick to crush the skull of the dead man on the funeral pyre so that his skull cannot be used for black magic by a Kapalik or practitioner of darker side of magic.

 

Are people just ignorant or fearful about Black magic in everyday life and whether or not it really exists is matter of another debate. What can be said without argument is that there are forces and powers beyond our understanding that awe us and demand fearful respect. You can call them energy fields or demons or fairies or djinns whatever you wish; but until science and knowledge unravel all the mysteries of the universe people will continue to believe and fear the unknown and darker side of things and existence.

 

Image credits: Photographer; Agustí Ortoneda. Model; Draïgona Vampire.

The Neighbor’s wife.book trailer

He was Hitler’s sculptor, she was his neighbor’s wife. He was the toast of the Aryan society she was a persecuted Jew. He was obsessed with her beauty and she cloaked her motives. The affair of a Aryan with a Jew was unforgivable in Nazi Germany and yet they rushed in where Angels fear to tread. That’s the plot of my new novella in the works.