Yes you can. There is no reason why you can’t? Simply believe. Go deliver your speech with enthusiasm.
Step #2 Smile
Never forget this basic human relationship principle. Remember to smile at the beginning of your speech and maintain a pleasant attitude throughout your speech.
Step #3 Salutation
Address people on the dais with appropriate titles and respect. Do not use wild gestures and broad sweep of the arms. Gently tilt your face and look at each person addressed when you say their names.
Step #4 Introduction
A catchy introduction makes people give you attention. A quote, a story, a question, or even an interesting object or picture shown can make the audience curious and compelled to listen to you.
Step #5 Mention the Topic
Tell the audience what is the topic of your speech and the broad elements you will be covering in the speech. For example if you are going to speak on the Importance of Reading, you can also tell them that you will be covering how reading can inspire, inform, and entertain. That will help the audience look forward to those sections of your speech.
Step #6 Create a Framework
It is the skeleton that gives shape to the human body. Likewise a framework can give your speech an intelligent structure which will help not only you remember the main points of your speech but also enable your audience to follow your speech.
Add details to each point you want to say. For example if you are speaking on Covid-19 you can mention its global spread, statistics of people affected, mortality rate, post Covid medical care needed, vaccines, stories of survivors, the role of medical personnel, politicians, administrative officers, police, and volunteers who made sacrificial contributions in fighting Covid-19
Step #8 Summing Up
You can summarize your main thoughts at the end of your speech. It will help people recall the main points you covered in your speech.
Online classes have changed the way children learn. It has also given rise to the practice of fashionable cheating. It is considered smart; but is it?
Many parents without second thoughts help students, especially young children with answers. And children get good marks. Parents are proud and children are happy.
But what are the consequences of this?
First of all, truth no longer has any weightage in the mind of the child. He or she is shown by example that it is ok to cheat by his or her parents who are most likely their primary role models. In this situation, how can you expect a child to grow up without resorting to greater malpractices in future?
Sadly, honesty is the best policy will remain in this growing up generation, a proverb to be recited and not to be practised.
Secondly, children will grow up thinking that getting full marks is quite easy if one is smart enough to invent ways to cheat. He or she will never be able to appreciate an objective evaluation whenever that happens. A child under the present fashionable cheating contexts grows up with no understanding of how to cope with mistakes,failures, criticism,rejection and unfavourable comparisons too.
Sad to say, a child grows up with a false estimate about one’s own intelligence and academic knowledge.
Thirdly, parents need to remember that children will grow up soon. They will learn to stand on their own feet. The Internet will become a gateway for them to a virtual world where one’s safety depends much on self-discipline. A child growing up learning fashionable cheating will soon master the craft of doing more tricks online that can bring real heartache for everyone concerned.
In all earnestness let me say that then it will be too late to correct.
Finally, what many parents are not aware of is that online video conferencing or online classes are tricky. Sometimes there can occur unexpected bugs. While they think that audio is mute, it actually might not be. When they help children write exams the instructions they give and the answers they whisper to their children are all heard by many. Many teachers might even be able to know which child is being helped. In this context, does fashionable cheating sound nice to you?
Readiness is a prerequisite to capitalise on opportunities in life. If you are prepared you might find opportunities suddenly present itself to you. This is not luck, but simply a direct result of preparedness.
To find yourself prepared for your opportunity, you will have to look beyond negative circumstances. The Bible says that, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”1
To find yourself prepared for your opportunity you should show great foresight. You might have to anticipate where the action is going to be like a striker in a football game positions himself near the goal area to get the ball and score a goal.
To find yourself prepared for the opportunity you need to be optimistic and have faith. In life, there will phases which are slow-moving and when nothing seems to happen. It is a time when critics will question your waiting for opportunity. You should not yield to discouragement then.
To find yourself prepared you need to show excellent attitude. You should exhibit perseverance and be willing to pounce on the opportunity when it comes. Any slackness or lack of readiness on your part will find someone else grab what should have been rightfully yours.
Life is too short. Therefore do not miss opportunities when they come. Instead be prepared for your opportunity when it comes.
But experience has taught us that New Year resolutions are broken sooner than expected in spite of all the good intentions behind them. And it is heartbreak time then. And giving up all as lost when promises are broken.
One thing you should never forget is that in our unending quest for ideal beginnings in life we wait to the end of the year postponing every good thing we could have attempted. Many opportunities are lost in this kind of waiting.
Instead of waiting for the New Year to come, why not start today with your resolutions. Attempt something you always wanted to do. Begin small. Even when you fail start again. That is the true promise of life.
Achievements and success is not to be seen as destinations and the end of our journeys. Instead see attempts and failures as the real cornerstones of success.
So start today and now. Do not delay. Be realistic that there will be failures and setbacks. But be determined to bounce back. Enjoy the process. And then you will have a beautiful journey ahead.
Do not wait for the New Year. In spite of all the hype and promise about welcoming a New Year it is a deception as far as resolutions are concerned. Do not believe the lie that something magical is going to happen the first day of the year. It can happen or it might not happen.
But if you trust God, and believe in him for your future; today is the best day and now is your opportunity. The promise the Bible declares is that God’s compassions never fail and they are new every morning1.
So get up and start to put your dreams to reality. By the time New Year comes around, you would have far advanced than most of those who chose to sit and watch and wait!
1Lamentations 3:22, 23.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Pandemic Covid-19 has changed the global landscape completely. It has made us realize how unpredictable life is. I would like to focus today on the social and humanitarian changes brought about by the pandemic.
The first change that has been effected by the pandemic is social distancing. There is an increased awareness of keeping oneself safe while going about one’s daily routines and businesses. Wearing of masks has become the norm while fashion statements are made through them too. Normal social greeting like handshake has disappeared while smiles are hidden by the masks we wear.
The next change brought about by the pandemic is the isolation and confinement it has brought on the elderly as well as little children below ten years. Many elderly people are now unable to meet their kith and kin due to travel restrictions and the need to stay at home. Children who are used to grow up playing with friends, going to school and having an outing in the park or beach find themselves totally imprisoned within the four walls of their homes. This can seriously affect their socializing and making friendships beyond their immediate neighbourhood.
Again we find classes going digital. It has brought with it possibilities as well as challenges. There are small segments of the student community who do not have access to internet and unable to buy proper gadgets required to continue studies. At the same time geographical boundaries now do not prevent you from taking a course on the area of your interest from esteemed massive open online course provider aimed at professional adults and students like Udemy for example.
Another change we cannot forget is how the definition of work has changed. With the aid of technology Work from home (WFH) has been effectively implemented. It has been prominent in the IT sector. Work from home has created much stress as people are made to work more and be available on duty for more than normal working hours. Reduction of local as well as international travel related to work is also part of the change.
We also need to remember how wedding ceremonies and the way funerals are conducted have changed as a result of the pandemic. We need to see the fact that many top brands have faced a decline in sales as people started to rethink on the futility of displaying the pride of life through brand statements they made.
On the humanitarian side we have a new awareness of how sacrificially medical and paramedical staff including doctors, nurses, volunteers, ambulance drivers etc. has stood along with us to fight the pandemic. We cannot forget the role of the law enforcing agencies which mainly consists of the police and their constant alert and vigilance which has helped us prevent rapid community spread of the Corona virus in many areas. We cannot forget the media which has played a critical role in raising awareness about the need of personal hygiene and the importance of simple hand washing using soap or sanitizers.
But the greatest challenge in the humanitarian front seems to be the plight of daily labourers. This includes, for example, auto drivers. Many people have lost their daily means of sustenance due to less business activities. Many businesses have closed. Any move to normalcy should take into consideration lending a helping hand to those put out of business by enabling them to have access to long-term loans and other infrastructure support.
We also need to seriously consider the attitude of people towards those once affected by Covid and then tested negative. These people should not be discriminated against and awareness should be created so as to how they can come to back to resume their normal life at home as well as in their careers.
Let me end by saying that Pandemic Covid has disrupted life globally. It has a many-sided socio-economic and humanitarian impact. We cannot expect Governments alone to handle the crisis. NGO’s and other organisations have a key role to play in rebuilding normalcy as far as it is possible. We all have a role to play.
Let us approach this situation with trust in God, with optimism and hope. Let us lend a helping hand to all who need it. And let us believe in the words of the old negro spiritual that we shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome some day, oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall overcome some day! Thank you.
I would like to share a story that happened at Christ Nagar School1 where I had done my schooling in VIII C Class during the third term. The year was 1986, the year remembered for Argentina’s FIFA World Cup win under Diego Maradonna’s mesmerizing captaincy.
At the end of first term our English Teacher left because he got a job elsewhere. At the end of the second term the same thing happened with our next English Teacher too. Then our beloved Principal, Rev. Fr. Gerard Thevalasseril, a genius as well as a strict disciplinarian, himself came to teach us English even though he was known to teach history.
One day (I distinctly remember I was seated on the second bench, middle row), he asked me to read a portion of the English lesson that was being taught. I read. Before I sat down he lifted up his hand in a gesture of blessing and said, “Good reading, you are going to become an orator.”
I did not understand the word “orator.” And I did not have the courage to ask him then. We were all really afraid of him. He commanded that kind of respect from all of us.
So I went home and looked up the word in the Oxford pocket dictionary. The meaning was given as “good public speaker.” I laughed to myself and thought the Principal had gone crazy as I had never given a public speech before. But encouraged by his words I joined for a competition in school a couple of weeks later.
The topic was discipline. I started off with the Principal’s own words which he made it a point to repeat and emphasize on every Monday and Thursday morning school assembly: “Discipline is one’s ability to adjust oneself to the given situation.” Then I said some more of his famous words: “Where there is discipline there is order, where there is order, there is harmony, where there is harmony there is beauty . . .” That was all I could say. And nothing more.
I left the classroom where the competition was held, thinking, “Public speaking is not going to be my cup of tea!” And that was practically my first and last public speaking attempt at school.
But what I thought was not what God had planned as later events proved:
After passing out of school (SSLC) I got chances in elocution competitions in my church where too I made blunderous beginnings. The very first competition I participated in was conducted in Malayalam. Having sought the permission of the judges I spoke in English. I found myself staring at the ground after the first two minutes having run short of ideas amidst audible jeers from a youthful crowd.
And it was only towards the end of the third year at college that I found courage to participate in a debate. The next year as I finished speaking for an elocution competition in the college auditorium, one of my former classmates who chanced to witness it came rushing to me to say, “Bejoy, you wasted four years of college life!”
At that time, I wrote a registered letter to our former School Principal telling him this story I am telling you now. I wrote to him that his words were prophetic: Not only did I become a public speaker but also had begun to train students in public speaking. I was so happy to receive the acknowledgement due slip to the letter (even though his once classy signature had shrunk to a small one due to his prevailing ill health then).
The point of my story is that I had never dreamt of becoming a public speaker or a trainer. But my Principal’s words proved prophetic in my life.
It became even more significant as two of my schoolmates attended my first batch of public speaking as well.
You are not a loser if you believe that you can put in one more effort, one more try, one more attempt to do something in which you have already failed many many times. Be a fighter!
You are not a loser if all that you could do was put a smile on someone’s face by your presence with them in their hour of greatest need.
You are not a loser if you have faith that in spite of all past mistakes and failures in your life; God can put together all those broken pieces to display a design of marvellous beauty and grace.
You are not a loser if you have failed in all your exams, interviews and business attempts; but still have a thankful heart in someone who acknowledges that it was you who helped him or her to succeed in life.
My dear friend, know that loser is a term that others throw carelessly and thoughtlessly at you. Throw that label into the trash can where it rightly belongs. For you are not a loser; but a fighter!
No one else knows what exactly you have passed through; what struggles unknown to others you had to face; and with what unseen tears you wept when people rejected you saying you are a loser. God alone knows and has a record of those.
Therefore, today, if your heart is burdened because others call you a loser; get up from your bed of despair and prove to the world that you are a fighter till the very last. My friend; who knows how you might have inspired someone to get up from their bed of despair by the mere sight of you bravely fight your battles!
How can you tackle self-doubt? Let us look at seven steps to do so:
Look at the worst that can happen. You might fail. So what? At least your fear of failure will be removed; isn’t it?
Look at your best performance in the past. If you could do it then, you can certainly repeat that again; can’t you?
Look at all those who are eagerly waiting for you to do your part. Maybe it is your speech, your song, or your batting. Whatever it be they are all looking forward to your success. Isn’t that encouraging?
Look at those closest to you: Your parents, brothers and sisters, teachers, friends, Coach etc. They are people who believe the best about you. They know you can.
Look at the opposition. If they are strong it should bring out the fighting spirit in you. Therefore do not yield to a spirit of despair. You can conquer your doubts and win.
Look to yourself. You are unique; isn’t it? Doubts are not a sign of lack of talent but it is usually nervousness playing its trick before a critical performance. So learn to master it. Self-doubt comes to those who are genuinely talented.
Finally look to God. He is a great encourager. He says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. I know you by name. You are mine. I have given you both skill and wisdom to perform the tasks I have called you to do. And I will never leave you nor forsake you. Therefore, be strong and courageous!”
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Some of you will be called to lead by choice or chance. It is a privilege but a great responsibility too. Let us look at some key thoughts regarding leadership.
Know where you are going. You should have a clear idea about where you are leading your followers to. You can call this a leader’s vision.
Tell your followers how you are planning to move forward. Without this vital information how will people put their trust in you and follow you? This is what you call leadership communication.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have good looks. In a world which focuses on external appearances, what really matters in leadership is your character. That is what is on the inside of you. That is what makes people trust you and be loyal to you.
Now think about names of leaders you can recall quickly. You will see that these people are remembered because of the way they served in their domains of service—be it political leadership, corporate leadership, leadership in sports or in Charitable Organisations. But note that their influence has been felt around the globe. Therefore, remember leadership is how much influence and impact you make on others. It cannot be fully measured.
Again, a quality you need as leader is courage. Especially this is important when it comes to facing a crisis. If you can face it with calmness, that itself will make your followers place their confidence in you.
Another area on leadership you should be good at is decisiveness in decision-making. A leader is looked upon to make decisions—be it in your school classroom, in the family, in your Resident’s Association, or in whatever place you are called to lead. Know that a right decision which is delayed can do harm, can be ineffective, or can make people doubt your competence.
Finally, a good leader is focused on developing leadership in his or her followers. See, good leadership doesn’t happen by chance. You should consciously make plans to see that you identitify potential candidates, make them part of your team, encourage them, give them opportunities to act independently in situations demanding leadership, and paint before their mind’s eye a time when they will lead. In doing so, you multiply your effectiveness and ensure that the good work you’ve begun will continue.
But leadership models we often see are quite the opposite. We find leaders busy trying to secure their position by putting down any potential candidate showing promise of future leadership. In this context, listen to the words of Jesus who said:
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”1
To conclude, let me tell you that you might not learn everything about leadership in one shot. But know that it is worth studying about. For there is great need today for good leadership in all walks of life.
If you can become a leader who can lead with humility, exercise power vested in you with care and compassion, and are willing to stand by the side of those you lead in their hour of need; you will leave a legacy that will shine out far and wide even beyond your tenure of leadership!
Science has gone to extraordinary lengths to come up with interesting explanations like Big Bang about origins.
The Bible says all beginnings originated with God. Time, Space, Eternity; all begin and end with God.
In the beginning. God created.
He called to existence things that can be seen from what is not visible. But he made man from the dust of the earth. There was his personal touch and breath of life in man. Man was made in God’s likeness and image with freedom of choice. Therefore man has the capacity to rebel against God.
It is this rebellion in the heart of man that makes him come up with fanciful theories all dated billions of years away and without any cause or beginning. All that is an attempt to dethrone God and substitute him with anything else if God can be kept away. God enthroned in heaven laughs at these attempts.
In the beginning. God created. The heavens and the earth.
Singularity and black holes have brought to light that laws of science that we know here do not hold together there. But are black holes created when stars die? The Bible declares that God created the stars; he calls them each by name and because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Perhaps we are trying to work backwards to understand what is too complex and mysterious instead of simply looking to God and worshipping him with adoration and praise for his infinite wisdom and incomparable power.
In the beginning. God created man, male and female. Yes, God created man a little lower than angels. And crowned him with glory and honour.
If, as Charles Darwin proposed, man evolved and made that final leap from monkeys what is the logic in man wearing dress to cover his shame? No other animal species has this habit; do they? The Bible says man’s sense of shame began when he sinned against God and hid from him when he realised that he was naked.
Then again the evidence of the microscopic as well as the telescopic world proclaim the wisdom of our Creator. Yet we deliberately choose to ignore God.
Still again, why are there so many languages in the world? Research has pointed towards families of languages with common origins. The Bible however points to a historic moment at a place called Babel where man tried to defy God and rebel against his authority by building a tower that reaches up to the heavens. And God confused the languages at that place. Interesting; isn’t it?
The proud will never find God because his head is full with his own ideas and in his heart there is no room for God. But God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
My friends, God is not against science. Not at all. Mankind has benefited greatly from technology; but is reaping the misuse of science in the hands of those who put profit over people and those who use unethical methods for selfish ends.
Let me end by saying that each discovery that man makes is a proclamation of how small he really is and how ignorant he is of the laws of God that govern the Universe.
As many colours are there so also are there many lenses with which to view success. Each will show a different image; coloured by the way each person likes to see success:
Success!
It all starts with a desire to do something worthwhile. Most of us fail right here. Our focus is inward. Trying to receive; but reluctant to give. But blessed is the man who learns to give of his time, talent, treasure and knowledge to others.
Success!
It is one’s ability to stick to a purpose. You can call it constancy to purpose. The oft-quoted example is that of the postal stamp which sticks to the envelope and makes it to the destination.
Success!
It is one’s ability not to wait for seeds to sprout. You might have heard the historic legend of Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman (September 26, 1774 – February 18, 1845), who went around planting apple seeds across many states in U.S.A. and kept on travelling doing good.
He did not wait for the seeds to sprout. But knew that someday the good that he had planted would multiply when the seeds would sprout and grow and bear fruit. The point I am trying to make is, “He who conducts an orchestra must turn his back to the crowd.”
Success!
Is all about the quest for excellence. Sometime ago I read somewhere that “Michael Angelo painted with a brush in one hand and a candle in the other to prevent his shadow from covering his masterpiece in progress.” Such quest for excellence should inspire us to do better.
Success! It’s all about keeping on moving while waiting. There is a saying by Thomas Alva Edison, “Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.” What does it mean? To hustle here means to move energetically and rapidly. But how to do it while waiting? that’s the question!
It doesn’t take much to build a good habit. If you can aim for five minutes each day it can be done. Brushing one’s teeth is a simple example of the power of habit. We were taught to do it when we were young. The fact that we continue to do it is because of the habit formation that happened in our childhood.
Let me suggest a few habits you can try out each morning for five minutes. We will start with a spiritual habit. Most of us don’t realize that several people across the globe don’t wake up each morning. So be thankful to God for giving you grace to see a new day.
Take five minutes just to praise him, just like the birds do at dawn. Thank him for goodness shown to you. Do not bring in your needs or requests or complaints at this time.
Another habit you can think about us to read something inspirational for five minutes each day. Or you can choose to listen to an inspirational talk. Why is this important? It is important because we all need reminders. We often forget fundamentals. Reading or listening can remind us of basics.
For example, reading from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible can remind you, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”* We have seen a spiritual habit and a habit for engaging your mind.
Now let us look at play. Look around you. What is the sight that you see everywhere. Isn’t it that of the young and old with heads bowed down? Are they praying? No, not at all. It is sad that physical activity has now come down because people find entertainment in mobiles. Nature of work for many also encourage sitting down for long hours.
So make it a point to spend five minutes doing physical exercise. It can not only ensure physical wellness but also contribute to emotional well-being.
Finally, let me conclude with a social habit. Greet people with a smile. If done from your heart it can spread happiness. What better time to do it than when you see a person first thing in the morning? To conclude, let me say that five minutes a day can change the way you dress up for success. Good habits formed can help you win in life like no other.
Pop culture or popular culture in society is mostly seen to impact youth. It is the culture that is happening or trending. It is what is commonly popular. The stage for pop culture is set through what is popularly seen, heard, and talked about through all kinds of mass media. Now let us just look at a few key areas where pop culture dominates.
The down side is that youngsters will compare their appearance to what they see and feel inferior.
Cartoons Cartoons influence children in a huge way. It defines the way they imagine, think, talk, and behave. In a positive way it helps the children build up their vocabulary. It helps them construct short meaningful sentences at an early age.
In a negative sense cartoons can influence them in wrong behaviour, disrespect towards elders, violence and so on. It is also seen that most of the things children consume like bags, shoes, books, soft drinks, snacks etc all carry the images of their favourite cartoon characters. Isn’t this limiting their imagination and creativity; I wonder?
Food Homely food and having family dinner around the table at home are becoming a thing of the past. Instead ordering food online or eating out at eateries is becoming common. With youngsters, eating out becomes a point of socialization with many.
The negative side of this pop culture is the kind of junk food consumption it encourages.
Music
The world of music like pop and rock and heavy metal and country music sets trends. It throws up icons and celebrities. Young people look up to them as role models. The lyrics of some of the popular songs celebrate love and romance, freedom and throwing away of restraints, pain and agony and so on.
The trouble comes when some of the legends of popular music end up in substance abuse or suicide or broken relationships. Then these idols as role models are shattered in the minds of millions who followed them.
Communication
In olden days tea shop was a place of get together; and around of cup of tea conversations about daily news would take place. Gone are those days. Today, in a gathering of people anywhere, the latest trending books or comics one reads (Comic Con), or a popular film people watched can all instantly open up conversations.
Suddenly the participants feel a sense of belonging to a community. There are no rules but simply participation and a feeling of being included. Perhaps it gives a sense of acceptance, identity, self worth, and security!
Social Media
A lot of life revolves around social media these days. People are heavily influenced by what they consume through social media. It not only allows people to express themselves but also enable them to rally around popular causes easily. It is seen that some changes in society are even driven through social media.
Entertainment
The way sports and games have grown into industries which generate billions in terms of dollars and euro and rupees is astounding. So many sports stars, especially football, cricket and tennis players, have shaped the way youngsters look at life. Then there are television shows, serials, news shows, musical reality shows and so on which have impacted much. The episodes become the talk of the town quite easily and effortlessly.
Then there are video games. Somehow youngsters are glued to mobile screens and gaming stations when they play what is popular. Even when claims to the benefits of playing video games abound; the kind of violence and killings encouraged in most of them in the name of strategy is alarming.
Advertising
A product is no longer sold because it is good and superior to other products in the market. Instead, advertising determines how a product survives the competition. Now what do advertisements basically do?
They create a dissatisfaction in our minds about existing situations. Then they show us a new improved version available. By that time they have created a sense of need; sometimes genuine and desirable but often a false sense of urgency to act immediately.
The appeal of advertisements in determining pop culture is huge. Just look around to see people rush out to buy and consume things that are popularly advertised. And you will know the impact of advertisements on pop culture.
To conclude, pop culture is an indicator of how the world thinks and moves. It shows us how quickly the world dumps something that is trending today and goes after what’s latest, glamorous and new. As the world grows smaller each day; pop culture grows bigger because it spreads at the speed of light all across the globe aided by digital technology. And not one of us can escape this tidal wave of pop culture.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
— There Is Nothing New Under the Sun
“All of life is far more boring than words could ever say. Our eyes and our ears are never satisfied with what we see and hear. Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun.”
— King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:8, 9 Contemporary English Version Bible).
“I the LORD do not change”– Malachi 3:6
Welcome all to the 74th Independence day. This time we are celebrating in the midst of a global crisis due to Covid-19.
This is a time we cannot come together to celebrate the joy of independence. At the same time we cannot miss to observe this most important day of Indian history.
Therefore we have joined together online to mark the occasion.
Let us remember with gratitude all freedom fighters and all those who sacrificed much to make India free.
Today, we are in the front ranks of the nations of the world and we can be proud about our secularism and democratic principles that has stood the test of time.
Freedom, as our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his famous First Independence Day Eve speech Tryst with Destiny 1 said, brings responsibility. So dear children, freedom not only brings privileges but also duties. Therefore let us join hands today to preserve our hard-earned freedom.
We should remember and never forget that democracy survives on freedom of speech. Therefore tolerance and respect should be the watchwords that we should keep in mind to maintain unity in diversity in this colourful and pluralistic land of rich traditions and ancient heritage.
On this occasion of Indian Independence Day, let us remember the meaningful words of Rabindranath Tagore which he penned in his great work Gitanjali:
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Let us therefore pledge to do all in our strength to guard the flame of independence and freedom that our freedom fighters lit for us.
Let us say no to all divisive forces. Let us salute our national tricolour and proudly say Mera Bharat Mahan!
Life has changed after Covid-19. Classes are online. I miss the warmth of friendship, the ambience of learning, and the fun of doing things together.
Life has thrown new challenges. In this context, as I look back at all my experience of teaching, I think there are three things every student should know. Let me share that with you.
First of all finding yourself where you are now was never your choosing.
When you were young it was your parents who decided things for you; perhaps they still do.
You might not like everything they do and might not agree with all that they decide for you. But there are no perfect parents on earth and yours are no exception. Learn to forgive in case they are wrong.
At the same time do not give up when you find yourself in a course of study that was never your first choice.
Instead make best use of time and opportunities that are present for you. Do not compare yourself with others and feel inferior. Negative circumstances are just the right conditions for you to excel.
Who knows! If you show passion for the subject that you find yourself in today, your skill in it might just be the most wanted in the changed world tomorrow.
Secondly, learn to do ordinary things exceptionally well.
Let me start from the simplest of examples. From drawing a margin in your notebook, writing today’s date on the blackboard when given the chance, tying your shoelace properly, are all indicators of greatness.
No task is below your dignity if you can stamp it with a divine “nothing left undone that could be done” attitude. Whatever you do, do it with enthusiasm and as if there is no second chance.
When such an attitude becomes a habit there are no end to possibilities. What is mundane and routine becomes ablaze with glory.
So then, aim high and keep on doing the ordinary with the best of your efforts every single time you attempt. Let there be no exceptions.
If you look at circumstances, if you look at the wind and the clouds and the surging waves, you will never move out of the safety of the shore.
What does that mean? It means you lose your opportunity. And opportunities might not knock a second time.
Therefore have an eye that looks out for opportunities. They might not present themselves well-dressed and might even appear in beggar’s clothes. But it is your eye that looks out for the opportunity which sees potential hidden within.
Secondly, ask, seek, knock. Opportunities will never come for those who simply sit, wait, and daydream. They come only to those who actively seek for it. Be bold and persistent. And be gently persuasive. But do not give up.
Above all, never think closed doors as permanent. Trust God. He can open doors where no opportunity seems to exist. He can bring things to life out of what others term as dead situations.
Therefore be wise in the way you use God-given opportunities in life. It can mean the difference between failure and success!
Finally, treasures and riches mean what it means. We all love to store up money. Nothing wrong with it when it is made through genuine hard work.
Yet Jesus asked us to store up our riches in heaven where moth doesn’t eat and rust doesn’t corrupt. It points out the uncertainty of riches in this world. And the permanence of what is sacrifially given away out of compassion and love for others.
Let me conclude. When God is promising you such great treasures of darkness and riches stored in secret places, will you settle for less?
I stand here today to speak to you because of what happened this morning. One of our classmates had to leave the class in tears. She is our friend; yet our words and actions caused her to leave in shame and distress.
Who is responsible? We all are.
And what is the problem? Somehow we enjoy jokes at other’s expense. Everybody laughs. Maybe even the person about whom the fun was all about also joins in the laughter.
But that doesn’t mean that the fun was cool. Knowingly or without thought we have wrongly succeeded in destroying the sense of worth of another person.
Now why do we crack silly and frivolous comments about someone’s personal appearance or dress or mannerisms? It is an attempt from our part to appear smart by diminishing someone else.
The temptation to do so is great, but with a little patience and effort you can overcome the urge to make fun of others. Instead, if you yield to it; someday it will boomerang on you.
I appeal to all who were involved in making fun of our dear friend to understand the deep hurt you have caused her. For you, it was moment’s joke; for her it is a lifetime of pain and shame.
What did you gain by making fun of her? Let me ask you, do you become smarter when you make fun of others? Or does your beauty increase when you demean others by your thoughtless remarks?
My dear friends, I ask you to try your best to redeem the situation. Reach out to her and say with genuine hearts that you’re sorry. There is still a ray of hope that things can be straightened out. Act before it is too late.
Let me conclude by appealing to the whole student community to put to an end to the insensitive act of making fun of others.
Do not give up. Problems in life will keep coming just like waves keep hitting the shore. Do not fear when you see them. Instead of running away you have to look for ways to ride on the waves.
Do not give up. Life is precious. You are given only one. So make the best use of it. Focus on what you can do today. God has given every man and woman promise of strength for each day’s troubles.
Do not give up.
Some people whom you trusted might have let you down. It is now your feel that no one can be trusted. But there are others who will come to help you and stand with you. Have hope.
Do not give up.
You might have lost many opportunities in life. You might have wasted many years. My friend do not brood over a dead past. God can always give you a new beginning. He will take care of all that was lost.
Do not give up.
Good things to happen in life takes time. Be patient. When difficulties come in life and no progress is made in what you planned to do, be patient. Use this time to slow down, make plans, and dream big. Do not allow people’s opinions to frustrate you.
Do not give up. You may not have much money. You may be lacking much needed resources. These are limitations. But they need not stop you from thinking creatively. Adapt to limited resources. Think big. Cut your expenses wherever possible. Put off certain purchases. You can make it through a rainy day. The sun will shine again.
Do not give up.
If you believe that God is watching over you, do not become anxious. I know it is easy to say, “Do not worry.” But it is difficult to practice. When loss and hurts and distress come it is quite natural to ask God, “Why?” You might not get all the answers. When you feel like giving up then, just ask God to hold you tight. Don’t You Quit
The computer will soon replace the book Intro
Computers will soon replace the book is a topic of debate. It is highly relevant in this fast paced world where technology has changed the way man thinks and acts. Though computers has made a new kind of reading habit possible, my strong view is that books and reading of the same will remain for a long time to come. Conclusion
In the light of the above mentioned points it is very evident that computers can never replace books. This is because the habit of reading books is so close to the human heart.
The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an addiction Intro
Mobile phones are here to stay. They have changed the way people communicate. It has come with several advantages. At the same time we need to look at the way it has made people addicted. We always see people bowed down and looking at their screens all the time. Conclusion
Mobile phones has made instant communication possible. But it has destroyed relationships. When members of family sit together around a dining table and all are engaged with their own mobiles, has mobile phones made life better or worse? Without doubt this addiction is going to destroy the moral fabric of society.
Money is important for happiness Intro
Money is important for happiness is a topic that is highly relevant. In today’s world we find people in a mad rush to make money.Though such extreme love of money leads to unhappiness, the absence of needed money can cause conflicts at home. Money with contentment will bring happiness. Conclusion
Money is needed. It is a great slave but a bad master. So if one can make it serve one’s needs, then money will bring happiness.
No other subject taught in school is as important as moral science Intro What is education for? Is it just to gain knowledge? Or is the purpose of education to help a man or woman live life better? If that is the purpose, then definitely moral science taught in schools has an important role to play. As technology invasion has destroyed the moral fabric of society and families in particular the relevance of the subject of moral science is more important than ever. Conclusion
Education system should not be a factory producing the same kind of products. Instead the realization that it is investing in the lives of youngsters who are the citizens of tomorrow should define the subjects taught. Moral Science will do greater good than all other subjects because it teaches a student what life is ultimately all about.
Cinema both entertains and educates the masses Intro Cinema is a medium which has influenced mankind tremendously in the last one hundred years. It reflects the realities of society. In that sense it educates. But the craft of the story, the larger than life screen in which it is shown, the popularity of the actors, the music, and beautiful locations in which it is shot entertains us. Conclusion
In the history of mankind, there has not come into being a greater form of mass entertainment than the Cinema. Through its power to change the minds of people, it has educated people about very important situations that affect the world. Cinema will continue to impact people for decades to come.
The commercialization of festivals has eroded their real significance Intro
Festivals are part of our culture. They bring people together. It is a time of joy and festivity. In the Indian context of pluralism, we are blessed with a wide variety of traditions and arts that give festivals a richness of colour. But sadly, these days too much commercialization and pop culture has slowly taken away the beauty of these festivals. Conclusion
If you ask the older generation how a particular festival was celebrated in their younger days, they often reply with a certain sadness in their eyes. This is because festivals during their younger days represented more of human goodness and care for each other. Today like many other walks of life, business mentality has stolen the innocence of festivals.
Teenagers today are more worldly wise than their parents Intro Teenagers of today are better informed, better educated, better entertained, and better connected. Technology has made this possible. With cable TV, internet, mobile phones and access to information about anything at their finger tips they are certainly more worldly wise than their parents. Conclusion
Parents can never keep pace with the kind of technology invasion that is happening. It takes young and fresh minds to do so. This is what enables teenagers to keep one step ahead of their elder generation.
Animals should not be used for drug development or medical research Intro
Human beings any day have greater value and dignity than animals. If animals are not used for drug development and medical research, how can scientific progress be made? Think about the severe consequences of the absence of animals in such activities. Who is going to suffer? Mankind will go back to the dark ages when no medication was available for epidemics that wiped away large sections of the human population. Conclusion
We are not advocating cruelty against animals. At the same time, we cannot do away with the use of animals in medical research and drug development.
Men and women should have equal rights Intro
Right from the time of Adam and Eve this debate has raged in human history. Though it is declared that all men and women are created equal we do not find this equality in practice. This is a very complex and sensitive subject. But without doubt, it needs to be said that women should have equal rights with men. Conclusion
By claiming equal rights, women are not going to overthrow men in any area of life. She will still be a great mother and builder of the family. However she will actively participate in democracy, in education, in charity drives, in sports and even in space exploration. Without women having equal rights, how will a modern society survive?
They come as guests uninvited but plan to stay if you give permission.
Secondly, say no to impure thoughts. Most of them make a way into our minds from outside like flaming arrows shot to fall inside heavily-guarded forts. In real life situations, the guards will do the fire fighting. But in our minds we are too lazy to fight.
One way to fight impure thoughts is to keep yourself busy thinking on pure and lovely thoughts, thoughts of success and excellence. This will keep your mind occupied that it won’t have space for impure thoughts that try to enter your mind.
Having good friends and deliberately turning your eyes away from looking at all that is evil can help.
Thirdly, say no to thoughts of hatred. Life brings us lots of hurts. It can come from parents, brothers or sisters, close relatives or friends, neighbours, teachers, friends or strangers. Having been at the receiving end when you were innocent, young, and having not the courage or wisdom to resist brings life-long trauma.
The result is that you harbour unforgiveness in your heart. You hate others. Unless God heals this brokenness, there is no deliverance. So seek God’s help.
Finally, say no to gossip. Don’t tear down a person’s life by listening to jokes about him or her. Gossip gives us great thrill because we are enjoying at another person’s expense. Gossip separates close friends, betrays confidence, and creates unnecessary quarrels. Listening to gossip doesn’t become any less poisonous just because it is flavoured with strawberry or butterscotch and sugar.
Taking a decision not to listen to gossip and saying that you are not interested when someone else starts speaking about another in a wrong light is the solution.
Let me conclude. The more you allow negative thoughts, impure thoughts, thoughts of hatred and entertain gossip; you become more and more of a garbage dump. And you know what: People have a tendency to throw more garbage when they see it piled up somewhere. Don’t you think that it is so?
Even now it is not too late. Is there someone to whom you can say thank you? Pick up your phone and make a call. Or if that doesn’t work for you, write a thank you note on a card or send a mail.
Flowers are lovely. They make the earth beautiful.
Flowers represent life. They show us the promise of life when it buds. They charm us with their youthful loveliness in bloom. When they fade and fall, their glory lies trampled on the ground. It reminds of life that dust is and to dust returns.
Flowers make its appearance in all our occasions in life—be it weddings or funerals, welcome or farewell. The red rose which has become inseparably wedded to love , the white jasmine that has become a garland of purity, and the orchids that stay long with elegance are all very much part of our lives,
Flowers proclaim the wisdom of our Creator. With how infinite variety has he made them all. How much joy flowers create, how varied their colours and how majestic when they bloom in endless rows in wide fields and plains. From the tiny flowers that dot the green pastures to the flowers of aquatic plants, flowers surprise us with joy.
2 Minute Speech on the Meaning of. Life
Flowers beautify our gardens. Flowers in gardens make us nostalgic. They refresh our minds with times we spend together with our loved ones and friends. In this busy world where we are confined to concrete jungles, how relaxing is a walk in a garden full of blooming trees and plants sporting beautiful, lovely flowers!
Flowers create special memories. Who can forget the story of the beautiful blind young girl selling flowers at the beginning of the classic movie by Charlie Chaplin, City Lights. The brilliant end of that movie when the girl who can now see offers Charlie Chaplin the tramp a flower and the moment of recognition when their hands touch is simply unforgettable.
Let me end by saying that when I think of flowers, along with Wordsworth, my heart with pleasure fills and dances with the daffodils!
Talent alone will not take you places. As Stephen King has said: “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”
Now what should you do with your talent?
First of all be thankful to God that you have been uniquely gifted. On the other hand if you become proud, someday there will be a fall. And like Humpty Dumpty after his fall, no one might be able to put you back together again.
Secondly, do something to improve your talent everyday–be it singing, drawing, speaking, writing or anything else. Doing something each day will take you nearer your goal.
Fourthly, discipline yourself. You need to take care of your health, your habits, your relationships, and how you spend your time. As H. Jackson Brown, Jr. has said, “Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.”
Fifthly, when you are focused on bringing others happiness through your talent your light shines out. Someday, God will demand an accounting of how you used your talent. Then you shall earn your reward for best utilization of your time, talent, and treasure.
Sixthly, some people never take an effort to use their talent. It is like digging a hole in the ground and burying it. Be sure that it will rust to its death and ruin there. What is the use of it, then?
Finally, talent without perseverance cannot succeed.There will come obstacles, rejection, criticism, and setbacks. There will come times when you will pass through loss of confidence and self-doubts. These are common to those who are uniquely gifted and talented. But it is your ability to hold on and move in spite of all these that will help you finish strong.
Let me conclude reminding you once again that talent is God’s gift to you. Don’t let it remain unopened, unused, and neglected. Instead, fan into flame1 or kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you.
In this short speech (Read on LinkedIn) I would like to focus on a few courageous women who dared to dream.
They challenged the sterotype roles imposed on women.
They boldly said that Space was not off-limits to women.
Through their brilliant examples, they persuaded us to leave our comfort zones and push beyond known horizons.
Some of the women like Kalpana Chawla the first Indian woman to go to Space inspired us. Her sense of awe for the heavens started when she was small and lying in her cot looking up at the skies during summer nights. It reminds us that every achievement starts with a vision of reaching there; where your heart is speaking you to go.
Her example like other women who went to Space is a call to go from here to there;
from what is known to the unknown;
from what is seen to what is visible in the dark;
where noise is an eternal silence
and distance is simply vastness unending.
So listen to your heart.
But a lot of people never dare to try to achieve what their heart says to them. The reason is that they look at circumstances and they turn back. But what Sunita Williams, yet another Indian astronaut, who did a lot of spacewalks said should challenge us. She spoke from her heart when she said: “Don’t get bogged down by the notion of limits. There aren’t any.”
Now daring to dream doesn’t mean the journey is easy. Like any other adventure mission to Space also had its dangers. Some of the women met with tragedy like Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher, who lost her life in the Challenger disaster in 1986. She was such an inspiration to the student community. The then President of the United Sates comforting a nation in grief concluded his speech by saying that the crew had “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.”
Kalpana Chawala too lost her life when Columbia space shuttle broke apart during reentry to the earth’s atmosphere in 2003. In a glowing tribute from her high school it was said that “She always wanted to reach the stars. She went there, and beyond.” Their deaths while in the path of duty and action remind us that there is a sacrifice involved and a cost to be paid when you follow the dictates of the heart.
We also need to remember that our lives are better today because someone showed us the way ahead. Yes, they did so at great personal cost and sacrifice. They were in the relentless pursuit to better science and humanity. In this context let us look at some of the the pioneers among women in Space expeditions.
The Russioan Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in space in 1963. This “First Lady of Space,” said “A bird cannot fly with one wing only. Human space flight cannot develop any further without the active participation of women.” Her words reflect the fact that God made both men and women in his likeness and to complement each other; and not to fight with each other for supremacy.
Svetlana Savistskaya, became the first woman to walk in space in 1982. She was again the first woman to be sent to space twice. Eileen Collins, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force became the first woman to pilot a space ship in 1995 and later in 1999 the first female to command a space ship. These were small steps but giant leaps of inspiration to women in all walks of life. Women were proving themselves able to blaze new trails and lead with confidence.
Now there are questions of work-life balance being raised everywhere around the world. Especially with working mothers increasing in the workforce. Space exploration was no exception. And it was the American astronaut Anna Lee Fisher who became the first mother to go to Space in 1984 when her eldest daughter was barely two-years old. It was work away from home; the farthest distance possibly achieved by any woman.
That brings us to yet another notable point. Travel to space means spending a lot of time getting prepared for it. There is much physical and emotional stress. The challenges are many. Yet women who went to space took up that challenge; even the test of feeling isolated in the vastness of space.
Above all this, women broke all kinds of sterotypes by their travels to space. There was a time a few decades ago that women were thought best for careers in teaching, nursing, or banking. Today, women have challenged all those sterotyping and has made it big in Space programmes including Space tourism as well.
Let me conclude.In the light of dreaming big, making great sacrifices, showing pioneering spirit, achieving work-life balance, displaying leadership, enduring stress, and challenging stereotypes; women who went to space have impacted our thinking in a big way.
They have truly challenged us to move beyond our comfort zones, say goodbye to our excuses, and set out on a journey of exploration and daring adventure. They have truly reached for the stars and beyond and inspiring us continually to do the same.
The first thing you need to be clear about is where and how your plane is going to land. Your audience will not like it if you go around in circles indefinitely and without purpose at the end of your speech.
Imagine you telling them, “That’s all” at the end of your speech. It is like the panic announcement over the loudspeakers after you have fastened your seat belts. As you eagerly await the landing; it is as if the Pilot announced, “I don’t know how to land this plane!”
So make sure where you are heading your plane to.
In case you want people to remember something after you stop speaking, you can try something like: “Let me end by reminding you once again that cleanliness is next to godliness. So if you find bits of paper lying on the floor making the place untidy, make sure you pick them up.”
If you want people to go home thinking about what you just said in your speech, just give them a thought to think about and ask them to think about it: “Now let me end by asking you, ‘Would you like to stay where you are and be like a frog in the well; or would you like to travel the world and have a taste of different cultures, manners, customs, and foods of the people all over the globe? Think about it.”
If you wish people to take immediate action, urge them to do something about it at the earliest. Right now if possible: “My dear friends, the simplest steps to save water and electricity is right at your finger tips. When you step out of your home, just go to every room and check if all lights and fans are switched off. If not, switch it off. Similarly make sure no taps are dripping. Close all taps. It is that simple. Do it now, do it every day.”
If you want to impact people make a thundering landing and crash into the nearby building in fire and smoke: “If not today, know that there is no other day. This is your last match. Go and play like you will never play again. And don’t come back with your tails tucked between your legs. As a coach I have taught you everything I know. But play I cannot. Winning or loosing isn’t everything; but today winning is all that matters. Get me that glittering trophy or go sell peanuts on the streets tonight. I will not accept anything short of victory.”
You can go for a quote at the end if it ties up with the topic of your speech quite strongly. For example, if you are speaking on Father’s Day, what General Mac Arthur said about a Father who builds up rather than tears down is a case in point: “By profession, I am a soldier, and take pride in that fact, but I am prouder, infinitely prouder, to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; a father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentialities of death; the other embodies creation of life; and while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me, not from the battle, but in the home repeating with him our simple, daily prayer, our Father Who art in Heaven.”
And don’t forget how advertisers find a lodging place for their products in the hearts of millions; through that slogan or sound bite that grips thoughts and emotions. Something like Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream,” something simple and persuasive like Obama’s “Yes, we can.” Apple co-founder Steve Job’s conclusion to his 2005 Stanford Commencement address, “Stay hungry, stay foolish” is a classic example of a sound bite that puts down its roots deep.
Yet another simple method to end is by going for a very short illustration or story. For example: A little girl was seen reading a book in a plane which had hit bad weather. Others around were tensed; some were earnestly praying for a safe landing. A man observed that there was no worry or anxiety on the face of a child seated next to him. So he asked her, “Little girl, are you not afraid.” She replied, “Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home.” Our trust in God our Heavenly Father should be like how this little girl trusted her Dad to pilot her home!
Finally, let me ask you not to make the mistake that millions of speakers make all the time. They start working on the introduction first. Then they work on the body of their speech. By the time all this is ready; they don’t have time to prepare the concluding lines. So they decide to land their plane as lucky as it gets. So far in the history of flying planes and public speaking no one has landed safely without planning a safe landing to perfection.
Hope from now on you will have the end in mind when you begin!
Isn’t it amazing that for every one human being there might be around 1 million ants in the world. So today, let us learn something from these common ordinary creatures.
Go to the ant. It is a tiny creature. But it is able to accomplish so many things.
Go to the ant. It stores its food in summer. That means it makes hay while the sun shines or it is storing provisions for difficult days ahead. In other words it has great foresight.
Go to the ant. It has tremendous perseverance. As you look closely at the ants moving, you find that they will not quit until they overcome obstacles somehow.
Go to the ant. It shows amazing teamwork. Together, they are able to carry loads that will surprise us. They unite and motivate each other to achieve common goals.
Go to the ant. They keep on communicating with each other. Have you not seen in how short a time the news of availability of some food is conveyed by one ant to many. The unselfishness of ants make them wonderful communicators.
Go to the ant and learn said Solomon the Wise King and Teacher. How wonderful it is that God our Creator has shown us wisdom through such tiny creatures as ants!
“Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
— Proverbs 6:6–8 Bible NIV
Sluggard means a lazy, slow-moving, inactive person.
Ants–Interesting Facts and Figures
Myrmecology (/mɜːrmɪˈkɒlədʒi/; from Greek: μύρμηξ, myrmex, “ant” and λόγος, logos, “study”) is a branch of entomology focusing on the scientific study of ants. [Source: Wikipedia]
Ants can lift objects which have 10 to 50 times their body weight!
Ants have two stomachs. One for holding their own food; the other for sharing with others!
There are more than ten thousand known ant species in the world!
Leiningen Versus the Ants is a Short Story by Carl Stephenson. It grips the reader with the fighting spirit of a man against an army of ants.
What is the purpose of education? Is it just imparting knowledge? Or something more?
Respected teachers and my dear friends,
I stand here today to oppose the topic, “Schools of tomorrow will have no teachers or books.”
Let me try to answer the question about the purpose of education. If it is imparting of knowledge alone; it is a short-sighted goal indeed. What about character formation? What about values like honesty, punctuality, discipline, and respect? These are learned in school in the early years. It has stayed with us; and I am sure will stay with children in future too.
But the argument is that in future when attendance is marked in class, both teachers and books will be missing. I wonder who dreamed about this improbable idea!
Let me ask again: How did the world get the gift of such a fine mind like Helen Keller? Was it not Anne Sullivan’s patient encouragement? And to those who are not aware, Ann Sullivan was the teacher of the blind, deaf and mute genius Helen Keller. And you still want to argue that there will be no teachers in future? Or read the autobiography Wings of Fire. There you will find the missile man of India, the late President Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam paying glowing tributes to the teachers who influenced him to dream big.
When you think about schools, I request you all not to just to think about schools for normal kids alone. What about children who are specially or differently abled? Do you think that such children can come into the mainstream of society without teachers or books? Or do you plan to totally ignore this special group of otherwise talented kids for the sake of embracing the bleeding edge developments in science and technology? Think about it.
“No more teachers or books” means just one thing. There will be many a graveyard and valley of dry bones in the world where the unfulfilled potential of children will lie buried. Great talent that went unnoticed. Great torches that went unlit because there was no one to light the spark. Do you still wish to entertain the foolishness that in future, schools will have no teachers? I pity you!
Now let me come to books. Just take a look at Amazon where one of the largest percentage of books are being purchased online. Printed books have not died out just because ebooks are the in thing today. Neither has reading of books taken a downward plunge in spite of all the information and entertainment available in the internet at your finger tips.
My dear friends, books are not just storehouses of knowledge. They are our companions. There is a nostalgic flavour to the reading of books that no futuristic classroom can do away with.
Let me take you to yet another field. Sports and games. In spite of all the modern technology available why do individual players and teams have coaches? It is simply because the personal care of a teacher and mentoring cannot be substituted by anything else. So also future schools of tomorrow cannot do away with teachers.
Let me conclude. Many of the problems teenagers face today cannot be solved by artificial intelligence or smart classrooms. Relationship issues, substance abuse, stress because of broken homes, the search for meaning of life are part and parcel of young lives. Do you think absence of teachers are going to help them in any way? Or do you think more smart gadgets and smarter apps are going to make youngsters have better emotional quotient?
My dear friends, schools of tomorrow will continue to have better teachers and inspiring books as well. Thank you.
It is said that man is born with at least two fears.
Basophobia–the fear of falling
Phonophobia–the fear of big sounds.
Some add Xenophobia–the fear of strangers to the list as well.
Respected judges, teachers and friends,
A warm good morning to one and all.
As man grows up a lot more phobias get added to this list. In other words the list of phobias too keep growing. Today let me tell you about another phobia that has made it into the list of phobias in recent times.
Nomophobia or no mobile phone phobia is the irrational fear of being without your mobile phone or unable to use your mobile phone for a certain reason. Some people do not think it is a phobia because Nomophobia or NO MObile PHone Phobia is not strictly irrational. Running out of battery or being in a situation where signal is weak are real problems that need to be addressed.
At the same time Nomophobia raises a few questions. Let me try to answer some of them.
First of all, the question that is asked is, “Is Nomophobia a real thing?”
Well, it is real. Many people struggle with it. Surveys show that a large percentage of men and women, young and old are affected by this kind of anxiety disorder. But doctors today are looking into it seriously as Nomophobia can be considered a real problem affecting the mental health of users of digital media. It is reported that many do not even switch off their phone and feel stressed if at all their phones get switched off.
The second question is, “What is the impact of Nomophobia?”
Stress, anxiety, nervousness, depression, in extreme cases panic attacks; all these are related to Nomophobia. The fear that one will not be able to be connected to people can paralyze a few if not all. As people are depending on the mobile for practically everything; even simple things like remembering the phone numbers of close family members have become a lost art. In that sense, human memory and its capability seems also to be affected. Nomophobia can also be considered a non-drug addiction even.
The third and final question i want to raise is, “How can Nomophobia be reduced or overcome?”
Let me spell out a few techniques:
One, make it a point to spend quality time with your loved ones and friends and talk with them face to face. As you put human relationships and real life interaction with people a priority, your dependence on mobile phones will grow less and less. The point is engage in real human contact more and more.
Two, discipline your life as how you treat mobile phones. Set certain times to check your phone. Try to keep it at a distance when you are at home especially when you sleep at night. At least switch off your cell phone one hour before bed. Let mobile phones be your servant rather than you being its slave. The key word is discipline.
Three, set goals in life that are other-people focused. Why is this important? Mobile phones with social media sharing, selfies, and the craze after getting more likes for your posts have made people fall in love with themselves. This has made them addicted to cell phones. It is no secret that psychologists are employed by social media giants to get people more and more hooked to their chat platforms. But when you seek to empower others and help others achieve their dreams, you addiction to mobile phones might be reduced.
Let me repeat those three key words for you. Relationships, discipline, and goals that are other-people focused.
Now let me conclude.
As long as mobile phones and apps and social media are present in this world, Nomophobia will be on the increase. But like warning signals you find while you drive on the road, people are now being alerted to the overuse and misuse of mobile phones. If you are wise you will heed these warnings and find a meaningful life ahead. Let me end by saying mobile phones cannot be avoided but they can be better managed.
The Bible declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters”— (Psalm 24:1, 2).1
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, and my dear Friends,
Lend me your ears; and close your eyes for a moment. As you open them again, let me call your attention to the beautiful blue and white jewel that spins its way in space around the sun. The Earth we live in, God-designed perfectly for human life.
The atmosphere, land and water where countless number of birds fly, animals live, and fishes swim; provide this earth with an ecosystem unmatched and unparalleled in the entire known universe.
The brown soil, the deep blue oceans and the vast endless skies, the snow-capped majesty of the towering mountains, the greenery of the vegetation, the beauty and the fragrance of the flowers:
On this earth live Men and Women, the crown of God’s creation. But all is not well. The News is bad. Earth is reeling under pressure of Man’s greed and selfishness and thoughtlessness. Tomorrow looks bleak.
Pollution is the main villain. It comes in all forms. Air, water, food; all are contaminated. Plastics, pesticides, fossil fuels; all contribute to the problem. Once upon a time, if it was the green trees that dotted the landscape; now in its place have risen skyscrapers. Deforestation has spelled disaster.
On the one side are natural calamities and disasters. Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes all create havoc. Scorching heat at times, torrential rains that flood on other occasions; life is becoming more and more unpredictable. Clean drinkable water sources are fast disappearing and we are buying water in plastic bottles.
The debris that is dumped into the oceans is disturbing marine life too; while the debris we have left behind in space as an aftermath of space exploration programmes also will create trouble in coming years.
Who or what is to be blamed? Certainly, man’s selfishness and his greed and exploitation of natural resources.
Without doubt; climate change, global warming, emission of greenhouse gases, damage to ecosystems, rising sea levels are all matters of great concern. Not to mention the threat of a nuclear warfare, and possible takeover of the human race by robots empowered by Artificial Intelligence!
Will some debris from outer space hit the earth in future?
Will the earth reel under its impact?
Will human life survive?
Will the earth survive?
Will it handle the population explosion that is predicted?
Or is population explosion just a myth?
Is it just maldistribution of resources that is the problem?
My dear friends, life is not going to be easy in the coming years. Not all problems can be solved. But we can certainly make an honest attempt. It is the fruit of trees planted by our forefathers that we enjoy today. So, we owe our next generations a generous giving that they too may have a chance to live life with dignity.
The change will not begin in international summits; it can begin only in the backyard of our homes. There is something you alone can do. Do not wait for others to do it. Let life continue; for there is no other planet which sustains life in the entire universe. We have been gifted this earth as our home!
Inter-stellar and inter-galactic missions, Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan will continue. But let us not forget our earth; our home where we live and move and have our being. We bear the imprint of the dust of the earth but have in us the breath of heaven. Let us not forget that!
So friends, let us make a brave effort to preserve something of the beauty and richness of our Planet Earth for the next generations. Thank you.
