In India, festivities and marriage celebrations are not
complete without mehndi. Mehndi plays an important role in marriages, festivals and other
ceremonies. It is considered auspicious to apply mehndi on your hands and feet. Mehndi
is a form of body art and temporary skin decoration originating in ancient
India, in which decorative and creative designs are created on a person's body, using a wet paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant.
Dating back to ancient
India, mehndi is still a popular form of body art among the women in
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal,
the Maldives, Africa and the Middle East. In the late 1990s,
mehndi decorations became fashionable in the West, popularized by Indian cinema
and entertainment industry, where they are called henna tattoos. It was
popular mainly among the young who found it akin to tattoos. The advantage
being, it fades after some days and then they could go for new designs.
Mehndi is derived from
the Sanskrit word mendhikā. The application of mehndi
and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual
books. It was originally used for only women's palms and sometimes for men, but
as time progressed, it was more common for men to wear it too. Staining oneself
with turmeric paste, as well as mehndi, are Vedic customs, intended to be a
symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are
centered on the idea of awakening the inner light. Traditional Indian designs
are representations of the sun on the palm, which, in this context, is intended
to represent the hands and feet. Mehndi has a great significance in performing
classical dance like Bharatnatyam.
There are many variations and designs depending on
the occasion. Women usually apply mehndi designs on their hands and feet. Some,
including cancer patients and women with alopecia occasionally
decorate their scalps. The standard color of henna is brown, but other
design colors such as white, red, black and gold are sometimes used.
Mehndi in Indian tradition is typically
applied during weddings and Hindu festivals like Karva
Chauth, Vat Purnima, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Navraathri, Durga Pooja
and Teej. Muslims in South Asia also apply mendh
during Muslim weddings, festivals such
as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. During Hindu festivals,
normally women apply mehndi to their hands and feet and sometimes on the back
of their shoulders too, as men apply it on their arms, legs, back, and chest. And women, it is usually drawn on the palm, back of the hand and on feet, where
the design will be clearest due to contrast with the lighter skin on these
surfaces, which naturally contain less of the pigment melanin. Some even
use it to dye their grey or white hair. But it tends to look brown reddish
colour.
Similarly, Alta, Alata, or Mahur is a red dye
used similarly to henna to paint the feet of the brides in some regions of
the South Asia, for instance in Bangladesh and Indian States of
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
Due to the desire for black tattoo, some people add
the synthetic dye p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) to henna to give it a
black colour. PPD may cause severe allergic reactions and was
voted Allergen of the Year in 2006 by the American Contact Dermatitis
Society.
Mehndi is an auspicious ceremonial art form which originated in
the ancient Indian subcontinent. On the mehndi day, it is typically applied during weddings -
for Hindu and Muslim brides. In Rajasthan, the grooms are given designs
that are often as elaborate as those for brides. In Assam, apart from
marriage, it is also applied by unmarried women during Rongali bihu. Muslims
in Afghanistan also use it as an indication of coming of age. In the Middle
East and Africa, it is common for women to apply henna to their fingernails and
toenails and on their hands.
Henna paste or Mehndi is usually applied to the
skin using a plastic cone, a paintbrush or a stick. After about 15–20 minutes,
the mixture tends to dry and begin to crack, a mixture of lemon juice and white
sugar is applied over the henna design to remoisten the henna mixture so that
the henna will leave a darker stain. The painted area is then wrapped with tissue,
plastic, or cloth to lock in body heat, creating a more intense colour on the
skin. The wrap is normally not a traditional method, is worn for two to six
hours, or sometimes overnight, and then removed. When first removed, the henna
design is pale to dark orange in colour and gradually darkens through
oxidation, over the course of 24 to 72 hours. The final color is reddish brown
and can last anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the quality and type
of henna paste applied, as well as where it was applied on the body (thicker
skin stains darker and longer than thin skin). Moisturizing with natural oils,
such as olive, sesame seed, or coconut, will also help extend the lifetime of
the stain. Skin exfoliation causes the henna tattoo to fade.
Traditional Hindu or Sikh weddings in India are
often for long durations with rituals and elaborate customs and traditions with
many pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding ceremonies. South Asian Muslim
weddings may also have pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding ceremonies.
Different countries and regions of a country celebrate the ceremonies in
different ways according to their own marriage customs, rituals, and culture.
A mehndi ceremony is a tradition held before a wedding in many South
Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African cultures.
According to Hindu tradition, the ceremony is
mainly held at the bride's house or at a banquet hall on the eve of the
marriage ceremony or few days before the marriage. Generally, the bride and
groom attend the event together and on the occasion, a professional mehndi
artist or a relative applies mehndi to the bride's hands and feet. The designs
are very intricate. Often hidden within the mehndi pattern, the name or
initials of the groom are applied. The event generally has a celebratory
festival feel to it with the women dancing and singing traditional songs and
the girls wearing vivid colors such as hot pink and yellow.
In Pakistan, the mendhi ceremony is referred
to Rasm-e-Heena and is often one of the most important pre-wedding
ceremonies, which is celebrated by the bride's family. In Bangladesh, the
mendhi ceremony has traditionally been separated into two events; one organized
by the bride's family and other one, by the groom's family. Mehndi ceremonies are
also popular outside the Indian subcontinent amongst the South Asian community
and abroad wherever people from the Indian subcontinent are settled. These are known
hot spots for lavish mendhi celebrations and big fat weddings and celebrations.
Amazon emerged as the biggest spender on research
and development in 2020 with R&D investing totaling $43 billion. Companies
with the highest R&D investment expenditure in 2020 are as follows -Alphabet
with $27.6 billion and Huawei with $22 billion were second and third in the
list. Next on the list were Microsoft with $19.3 billion, Apple with $18.8
billion, Samsung with $18.8 billion and Meta with $ 18.5 billion.
Companies with the highest R&D investment share
from net sales - For Amazon it was 11% of net sales, Alphabet, it was 15% of
net sales, Huawei, it was 16% of net sales, Microsft, it was 13% of net sales,
Apple it was 18.8% of net sales, Samsung, it was 18.8% of net sales and Meta,
it was 21% of net sales.
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The Bodhi Tree, also known as the Bodhi Fig Tree or
Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Siddhartha, the prince who went on to be a the spiritual teacher and who later became
known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi circa 500
BCE under it.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, the
Mahabodhi Temple and the famous Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha attained
enlightenment after six years of meditation, is believed to be the fifth in its
succession. The original Bodhi Tree was destroyed due to natural calamity. However
historians say, in 254 BC, Tissarakkha, Emperor Ashoka's queen, destroyed
the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, as she did not favour Ashoka sacrificing
the materialistic world and embracing Buddhism after his victory in the Kalinga
battle. The bloodshed and destruction made him give up everything and take up
Buddhism.
There are many things to see about this 2300-year-old sacred
fig tree, which is also known as the bodhi or bo tree: The Sri Maha Bodhi is said to the oldest and
longest-surviving tree in the world. It was planted in 288 BC during the reign
of King Devanampiyatissa.
The sanctum sanctorum is home to the gold painted
Buddha. Temple complex consists of other spots where Buddha is believed to have
sat in meditation. One of them is Mucalinda Sarovar. It is believed that he
would meditate here after he attainted enlightenment and, during heavy rains, a
snake would appear and protect him.
The Bodhi Tree is located in the small dusty town
of Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar in northern India. This is a prime pilgrimage
centre for Buddhists as this is the Mahabodhi Temple, where Gautam Buddha
attainted enlightenment stands.
After seven years of wandering Gautama sat under a
peepal tree. He attained peace knowledge under this tree and was enlightened
here. He renamed the tree as Bodhi tree which means the tree of wisdom. Buddhism,
founded in the late 6th century B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), is
an important religion in most of the countries of Asia. Many people around the
world are attracted to Buddhism and the spiritualism in India.
The Bodhi tree remains a powerful symbol in
Buddhism since it represents a human being's capacity to attain
enlightenment and find the joy and peace of Nirvana. Since the leaves of the
Bodhi Tree are shaped like a heart, Buddhists believe in allowing their
enlightenment to grow as the Bodhi Tree grows.
The Bodhi tree (wisdom tree) is a sacred symbol in
Buddhism for a number of reasons which variously represents the place of the
Buddha's enlightenment, mythical world tree, growth toward liberation, etc.
Bodhi, (In Sanskrit and Pāli: awakening,
enlightenment), in Buddhism, the final enlightenment, which puts an end to
the cycle of transmigration and leads to Nirvāṇa, or spiritual release; the
experience is comparable to the Satori of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
The place attracts the followers of Buddhism,
tourists and visitors throughout the year. Approximately 130 km from Patna,
Gaya district is characterized by the crowds and noise. But as soon as you move
to the centre of Bodhgaya, you find peace, serenity and a sense of calmness,
except a chorus of chants by monks and nuns from across the world. The
experience is spiritual and satisfying. In July 2012, a series of bomb
explosions rocked the temple and disturbed the peace there. But now, one can
experience the same serenity and the sense of calmness as before.
One of the favourite spot is the butter lamp house,
a part of the holy tradition, offering lamps comes naturally to every Buddhist.
The Meditation Park, which is close to the entrance of the main temple complex
allow visitors to meditate from sunrise to sunset at a nominal charge. The
entry to the temple complex is free. The closest airport to Bodhgaya is Gaya
airport, 21 km away. One can also reach the place by train and bus from other
cities.
It is said that emperor Ashoka's daughter,
Sanghamitta (or Sanghmitra), took a branch from the original Bodhi tree from
Bodh Gaya to Sri Lanka, and planted it in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. That Bodhi
tree is still alive and is supposedly the oldest continually documented
tree in the world.
People like writers, artists, painters,
manufactures, marketing, service-providers and people from other fields have
found a platform for louder expression of ideas. The silent and shy-type have
found an expression to their creative urges without having to spend. In no time
the thought, ideas or expression reaches your friends and others who matter
around the world. In many cases the early struggles of the previous generation
have vanished making communication much easier and instant allowing one to
reach a wide audience in the blink of the eyes.
It makes it easier to make friends and helps one to
finding his voice. It tends to foster empathy and offer support. It offers speedy
communication making the world seem smaller. It helps in building a business
and establishing authority. It has also become a fantastic medium for
communication and marketing. And online business has made it easy for a wider
reach and a larger market. It helps you build relationships, even across places,
borders and countries
With all the positives, it has a negative side too.
It is also responsible for the spread of fake news as news spread fast, leading
to excitement or panic and disturbances. Inflammatory messages leading to
misunderstanding among people, groups, communities thereby creating
differences, anger and leading to abuse and violence. And some people out to
make quick money resort to cheating and swindling funds. And some misuse the
social media for their own benefit without bothering about others reputation
and standing.
Friends on social media may not actually be your
friends, and may even be strangers. Increased usage, the more time spent on
social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure
to content that is not appropriate. Social Media is addicting.
There are many positive aspects of social media,
but there's also a darker side to the endless scroll that keeps coming back for
more. Social media can often harm one's mental health. It can cause
depression and anxiety and can lower self-esteem. Then there is FOMO (Fear of
Missing Out), Unrealistic expectations, negative body image leading to
unhealthy sleeping and eating habits and general addiction.
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Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, PVC (P) - For his
extraordinary courage he was awarded Param Vir Chakra (India’s highest military
gallantry award awarded during wartime). Major (later Col.) Late Hoshiar Singh,
PVC who was a witness to his courage and guts, mentioned about his bravery in
his interview too. He was impressed with his dedication and raw courage.....
Many people of the present generation ask - What
did Arun Khetrapal do in the Bangladesh War to deserve a Param Vir Chakra? Second
Lt Arun Khetarpal was a young Indian military officer of 17Poona Horse, which
had a big reputation in Indian military history. His father was himself a Brigadier
in the Engineer Corps and took part in 1965 India-Pakistan war. Second Lieutenant
Arun Khetarpal PVC was born in Pune, Maharashtra, was an officer of the Indian
Army and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest
military decoration for valour in face of the enemy. The youngest
recipient of Param Vir Chakra then, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, is
remembered for his bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Born in Pune, Khetarpal had army blood running in his veins as he was the
fourth generation officer from his family.
Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune, Maharashtra on 14
October 1950 into a Punjabi family. His family originally belonged
to Sargodha, Pakistan, and had migrated to India after partition as
refugees. His father Lt Col (later Brigadier) M. L. Khetarpal was
a Corps of Engineers officer serving in the Indian Army and his
family traced a long history of military service. Attending The
Lawrence School, Sanawar, he distinguished himself both as an able student and
sportsman and was the school prefect. Khetarpal joined the National
Defence Academy in June 1967. He belonged to Foxtrot Squadron where
he was the Squadron Cadet Captain of the 38th Course. His NDA No was 7498/F/38.
He subsequently went on to join the Indian Military Academy. In June 1971,
Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse.
The Battle of Basantar is considered to be one of
the bloodiest tank battles fought in the Indian war history. It happened during
the Bangladesh Liberation war in 1971 war. The war was nearing the end. But the
intension of Pakistan to take revenge was always looming. And the Pakistanis
planned to enter Kashmir through Shakargarh bulge to take the Indian forces by
surprise and avenge their humiliating defeat in Bangladesh.
During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971,
the 17 Poona Horse was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry
Brigade of the Indian Army. Through the duration of the conflict, the 47th
Brigade saw action in the Shakargarh sector in the Battle of
Basantar. Among the tasks set for the 47th Brigade was to establish a
bridgehead across the river Basantar. By 21:00 hours of 15 December, the
brigade had captured its objectives. However, the place was extensively mined,
which prevented the deployment of the tanks of the Poona Horse, and the
engineers clearing the mines were halfway through their tasks when Indian
troops at the bridge-head reported alarming enemy armour activity, asking for
immediate armour support. It was at this critical juncture that the 17 Poona
Horse decided to push through the mine-field. The regiment was able to link-up
with the infantry at the bridge-head by first light the next day.
And then began the horrific battle. In retaliation
Indian forces crossed the border and captured some strategic points and posts
in Pakistan. The Pakistan forces tried to recapture it but failed, and later
they launched an assault with tanks. Poona Horse was called to meet this
challenge. Col (later Lt Gen) Late Hanut Singh was the commanding officer. He
ordered his forces and the tanks to repulse the attack.
There was this young officer who was undergoing his
YO course for tankmenship and only few weeks were remaining for the completion
of his training. He was Second Lt Arun Khetarpal. He volunteered to join the ongoing war but he
was not permitted as he was still undergoing training. He requested Col Huntie (Hanutji)
to allow him to join the battle. But he refused as his training was on. But the
young officer was adamant to see action.
On his insistence and seeing his zest to
participate in the war Hanut Singh agreed to his request but on one condition;
he had to clear a test before being allowed to go for war. Arun Kethrapal completed
the test successfully and he was given permission to go. He was thrilled as he
was going to see real action for the first time. And he wanted to be a part of
it along with others.
On reaching the battle ground, he saw the actual
fighting which was fierce with deadly firing from both sides. Young Arun
Ketharpal took charge and immediately started targeting the enemy tanks and
destroyed around seven enemy tanks. In this firing, his tank was hit by an
enemy tank and it was on fire. Khetarpal was ordered to come back. He responded
– No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will
get this bastards. These were the last words of young Arun Khetarpal.
He launched an attack and destroyed the enemy
positions and hit more tanks. In the ensuing tank battle, Lt. Arun Khetarpal
with his two remaining tanks fought off and destroyed ten
tanks before he was killed in action. In this confusion and cross-firing,
an enemy tank only a few meters from his tank hit his tank. Famagusta (Arun
Khetarpal’s tank) was destroyed and up in flames, his tank crew, too were all
badly injured, and Arun Ketharpal was severely wounded his body was badly burnt.
He asked his buddy for water, but an officer asked him to give tea. As he
returned, the brave young Arun Ketharpal succumbed to his injuries, a supreme
sacrifice for his motherland.
The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to
him reads: On 16 December 1971, the squadron Commander of 'B' Squadron,
the Poona Horse asked for reinforcements as the Pakistani armour that was
superior in strength, counter attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector.
Brigadier Naser from the Pakistan army had met
Brigadier Madanlal Khetarpal thirty years after the 1971 war and had confessed
to killing his son Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal on the battlefield. This is
what happened at their meeting in Pakistan.
In 2001, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal – then 81 years
old – felt a strong desire to visit his birthplace at Sargodha, now in
Pakistan. At Lahore airport, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was met by Brigadier
Khawja Mohammad Naser, who took it upon himself to be Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal
host and guide. Brigadier Naser really went out of his way to ensure that
Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house
in Sargodha. Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier
Naser for three days.
Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was overwhelmed by the
extreme kindness, deference, courtesy and respect bestowed upon him by
Brigadier Naser and by all the members of his family and his many servants.
However Brigadier Khetarpal felt that something was amiss but could not make
out what it was. Was it the long silences that punctuated their animated
conversation or was it the look of compassion in the eyes of the women in the
family? He could not make out but was sure he was being treated as someone very
special.
Finally, on the last night before Brigadier M.L.
Khetarpal's departure, Brigadier Naser said - Sir, there is something that I wanted to tell you
for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally, fate has
intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have
become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It
is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However, on
that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another,
fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to
tell you that your son died at my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he
moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his
safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us
left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I
was to live and he was to die. It was only later that I got to know how young
he was and who he was. I had all along thought that I would ask your
forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to
forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I
salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it
is character and values that matter."
Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was silent as he did not
know how to react. To be enjoying the hospitality of the person who had killed
his son was a confused feeling. However being a soldier himself he genuinely
admired the chivalry of an officer whose complete squadron was decimated by his
son. Both the Brigadiers retired for the night deep in thought.
The next day photographs were taken and Brigadier M.L.
Khetarpal returned to Delhi. Later the photos reached Delhi along with a note
from Brigadier Naser that said:
"With Warmest regards and utmost sincerity,
To: Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, father of Shaheed Second Lieutenant Arun
Khetarpal, PVC, who stood like an insurmountable rock, between the victory and
failure, of the counterattack by the 'SPEARHEADS' 13 LANCERS on 16 December
1971 in the battle of "Bara Pind' as we call it and battle of
"Basantar" as 17 Poona Horse remembers.
— --Khawja Mohammad Naser, 13 Lancers, 2 March
2001, Lahore, Pakistan.
Russia defaults on foreign-currency debt for first time in a century
Russia defaulted on its foreign-currency sovereign
debt for the first time since 1918, the culmination of ever-tougher Western
sanctions that shut down payment routes to overseas creditors. For months, the
country found paths around the penalties imposed after the Kremlin’s invasion
of Ukraine. But at the end of the day on Sunday, the grace period on about $100
million of snared interest payments due May 27 expired......
Russia defaulted on its foreign-currency
sovereign debt for the first time in a century, the culmination of
ever-tougher Western sanctions that shut down all payment routes to overseas
creditors. For months, the country found paths around the penalties imposed
after the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. But at the end of the day on
Sunday, the grace period on about $100 million of snared interest payments due
May 27 expired, a deadline considered an event of default if missed.
It’s a grim marker in the country’s rapid
transformation into an economic, financial and political outcast. The nation’s
euro bonds have traded at distressed levels since the start of March, the
central bank’s foreign reserves remain frozen, and all the biggest banks are
severed from the global financial system.
Russia has pushed back against the default
designation, saying it has the funds to cover any bills and has been forced
into non-payment. As it tried to twist its way out, it announced last week that
it would switch to servicing its $40 billion of outstanding sovereign debt in
rubles, criticizing a “force-majeure” situation it said was artificially
manufactured by the West.
“It’s a very, very rare thing, where a government
that otherwise has the means is forced by an external government into default,”
said Hassan Malik, senior sovereign analyst at Loomis Sayles & Company LP.
“It’s going to be one of the big watershed defaults in history.”
A formal declaration would usually come from
ratings firms, but European sanctions led to them withdrawing ratings on
Russian entities. According to the documents for the notes whose grace period
expired on Sunday, holders can call one themselves if owners of 25% of the
outstanding bonds agree that an “Event of Default” has occurred.
But given the damage already done to the economy and markets, the
default is also mostly symbolic for now, and matters little to Russians dealing
with double-digit inflation and the worst economic contraction in years.
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