It is easy to say God is dead. Atheists believe that there is no God. There might be logic in their argument. Questions like: “If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in this world?” or “Why do people who profess to believe in God, do wrong things?” or “Isn’t it enough that I just be living a good life; trying to help others and not doing harm?” do not have easy answers.
Having said that, let me try to raise a few concerns.
Man is busy trying to explain origins dating back to billions of years. But while they are proposing theories; the reality of cold dark death bites. Why death?
Secondly, most human beings wear dress.
Forget about fashions; but think of normal wear. Why this distinction? If man is a social animal as many love to term it; why is man different from all other animals, birds, and reptiles in this regard? Isn’t it that the shame of the original sin in the Garden of Eden is haunting all men and women even today?
Thirdly, man thinks. And he expresses his thoughts through words.
As Dr. Samuel Johnson said, “Language is the dress of thought.” But why so many languages in the world. Well, the world had one speech and language at the dawn of human history. Was it not God who scattered men all around the world by confusing their languages because of man’s rebellion against him?
I do agree that love has been corrupted much. But then you will all agree that love is that which affirms us that we belong. It is love that reduces friction and makes hope-filled waiting possible. Who put love within man’s heart in the first place? If not God, then who? So then, Is God Who Gave You Life, Dead?
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, Dear Parents, and my fellow students,
Introduction
I stand here at this school assembly looking at the faces of young students who are the future of our country, India. There is much potential, talent, and energy in all of you. With discipline and creativity, imagination and enthusiasm, dream and drive; there is no limit to what each one of you can achieve. But sadly, today, there is a cloud that seems to darken this brightness; it is the menace of drug addiction. So let me start off this campaign by having all of you say no to drugs.
The other part of that slogan should be, “Say Yes to Life.” When saying yes to life, let me share a word of wisdom to all the stakeholders here.:To teachers, parents, as well as students.
Teachers
First of all, let me talk to our teachers. You constantly shine a light on our paths. You encourage us. We are grateful to you for that. But beyond this let me ask one more thing from you. Do not compare us with others. Do not compare our marks or our appearance.
What we expect from you is a word of appreciation. A good word of encouragement can go a long way in building our self-esteem. Give us a word of hope that in spite of our failures and mistakes we are going to make it. Perhaps the confidence you can give us, the trust you show us can in the long run help us say no to drugs than anything else.
Parents
Now let me to talk to our parents. You have made life possible for us. You have given us love and care and affection. You have given us great learning opportunities. We are here today only because of you. But there is one mistake that many parents make. You give the best toys and gadgets for your kids. You give money for their needs.
But how much of your time do you give them? Do you know the best gift you can give them is your unhurried time; your willingness to listen to them; and maybe play with them when you get a chance. Young children grow fast. And when you realize that time has flown; they will be already adults like you. Then it will be too late.
Many children turn to drugs because they seek love and acceptance they did not get at home. So they find it difficult to avoid the peer pressure and fail to say no to drugs.
Students
Now at last, let me to talk to you my friends. There is only one life. When you are young it is the springtime of life when everything is in bloom. But there are predators everywhere. They are those who seek to drain away the nectar of your life by luring you with the temptation of entertainment, pleasure, easy money and the like.
Always know that drugs come into your life to steal, kill, and destroy. It will hook you, addict you to a path of misery, and make a wreck of your mind, body, and soul.
Those who peddle drugs will make it look attractive and even innocent. But hidden behind could be the arm of mafias and terrorist outfits who have no respect for life. Know that their only aim is money by making you compromise your bright future by trading it off for illegal enjoyment the present moment.
Therefore think long-term. Think of the people who love you. Do not bring them to tears. Say no to drugs.
Conclusion
Let me end now. Even when you’ve made a mistake by chance or choice or by being forced, there is always a U-turn possible. Keep up hope. It takes courage to return and you can. It is like the prodigal son returning home to his father’s love after having wasted all his possessions in wild living.
Therefore, let me urge you once again, if there is anyone who has taken the wrong step already; it is not too late. Say no to drugs and return to life and there will certainly be a future for you.
Is entertainment the religion of the 21st century Masses? Oh, yes! Everywhere people line up to be entertained. Be it sports, films, music bands, reality shows, politics, gaming, or even religious meetings, people love to be entertained.
No wonder people are fans of those who not only perform but also entertain. Without realising it, there is a kind of worship of heroes and heroines in all genres of popular entertainment. Therefore entertainment is a religion in itself.
These icons or celebrities of entertainment help sell tickets, build brands, promote causes, and influence popular opinion. They are active on social media too.
In fact, life for the masses revolve around their admiration for heroes and heroines. What is reflected here is a search for meaning, for belonging, and for role models. Not to mention social acceptance and a sense of identity. The religion of entertainment promises all those and delivers too.
But does it fall short of expectations? What might be missing in this pursuit of happiness is life on a higher plane. Entertainment can never satisfy beyond its immediate gratification. What then follows is a vacuum, an emptiness, a sense of craving and addiction for more entertainment.
Therefore entertainment cannot be an end in itself. Rightly viewed, it is a kind of substitution of deep longings to find meaning in life. For riches, fame, power, and success have not given men or women lasting satisfaction, ever! Neither has entertainment of any sort even if it be the best the world can offer!
So, what can possibly quench the thirst for entertainment. Perhaps one should ask, can God? If your thirst is real, then he can meet it with rivers of living water that will ultimately satisfy! But will the lights and music and cheer groups and the glitz and the glamour of entertainment—the religion of the 21st century masses—stop you from seeking further?
Youngsters are into gaming. It has changed a lot in the past few years. And in this short speech, I look at gaming as career, entertainment, and addiction.
There are a huge number of career opportunities in the field of gaming. Some of them are game designer, game developer, sound engineer, gaming critic etc.
There are a lot of people who make a career in gaming as has become an industry generating billions of dollars. It is a chance for many to convert a hobby into a career too.
Now coming to entertainment, there is no doubt that the young generation are totally into gaming. It is a totally different experience these days in contrast to the solo video games that children used to play a generation ago.
Today, it has become competitive and online with multiple players (multiplayer games) joining from across the globe. The experience is really intense as you can play against or play along with others.
Well, there are several stories we hear every now and then about gaming becoming addictive. Youngsters lose interest in studies and in having a real social life with their friends. Some lose sleep and forget to eat food at proper times and thus destroy their health.
A lot of psychological problems also do result. This is because the experiene provided by gaming is so immersive and addictive. It is a kind of virtual world invading the real world and conquering it.
Of course, many might not like to mention the addictive aspect of gaming and a lot more might disagree saying that there are many benefits of gaming. Of course, there are benefits but when gaming becomes extremely addictive, human relationships suffer.
Let me conclude saying that with technology improving each day and with lot more youngsters being involved in the world of gaming, it will continue to open up new career options, continue to entertain and continue to be addictive.
The question is, will you be able to maintain your edge and expertise in the career of gaming over the years? Will there be a boredom emerging through entertainment? And finally, will addiction to gaming become fatal? Think about these earnestly.
Creation versus Evolution debate has been raging for many decades now. The world is still divided. In this speech, let me argue for Creation.
First of all, every country has a currency. It is with that currency all transactions and trading is done. Now the interesting thing is that the currency as far as Creation is concerned is faith. It believes in God who created the world and the universe and all living beings. But more interesting is the fact that it requires greater faith to believe in Evolution which is a theory propagated as science.
Secondly, everything has a beginning. Creation says that “In the beginning God created.”1 So, the beginning was God-initiated. On the other hand, there is no cause for beginnings as far as Evolution is concerned. It was all chance that brought everything together from simple to complex. Is that true? You need to suspend logic and reason to believe it; don’t you?
Thirdly, look at the order and design and harmony everywhere. Just look at the innumerable stars, and galaxies in the vast unexplored space and universe. Look at the way in which one tiny unseen cell becomes a complex human being—a system of systems; truly “fearfully and wonderfully made!” 2 Look at the atomic and the sub-atomic and the microscopic. Do you think the order and design and harmony came by chance?
Fourthly, what about purpose? Life exists only on Planet Earth. The Planet Earth has just the right environment, the right distance from the sun, atmosphere, water, and all other elements needed to support life. So the earth was created to be inhabited.3 Now man is going to the moon, and sending people to space as part of space tourism, and even sending missions to Mars and other planets. But nowhere is man going to find life. Because earth was the only planet where human life has been created with a purpose to know God, love him, praise him and live in friendship with him.
That brings us to our next point. Creation as we see today is marred. Something had gone wrong. We find that in spite of literacy and education, modern civilizations; advancement in technology and artificial intelligence; there is hatred and war, crime and lack of love. Why? Who is to be blamed? Did God get things wrong? God did not want to create robots. So the first man and woman had the ability to choose. And they chose to disobey God. What it meant was they wanted to run things independent of God. In plain terms, it was rebellion against God. The Bible calls it sin. And rebellion had to be punished by death. So decay and death entered the world as a result of man’s sin against God. Now let me ask you, how does evolution explain death?
Again, where did man get his intelligence from? From where comes his ability to smile, to have friendship, to communicate, and above all to love? You might agree with me, that men and women in all cultures have that bent of mind to worship something? Why is that so? What about languages? Did they evolve? What about the dress we wear? Why is that only men and women wear dresses and no other creature has the need to do so?
Finally, where is life headed to? Does Evolution throw any light on where human history is headed to? Creation story tells us that the whole creation is groaning in bondage until God creates a new heaven and a new earth.4 The old will be gone; and God will create everything new.5 The basis of this transformation will be God’s intervention in human history when his Son, Jesus, hung on the cross on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem and bled to death for the forgiveness of the sin of all mankind. Someday soon there will come a final judgement before the renewal and refreshing of all things. Those who refuse to believe can hold on to evolution.
Who created me?
Why am I here?
Where am I headed to?
Does it matter how I live my life on earth?
Is there life beyond death?
Can I find God? Does God love me?
Oh, yes, such big questions of life are answered in Creation. So my friends, consider. On what are you basing your confidence? Would you like to believe in something simple even a child can believe in? Or do you want to place your trust in Evolution which has a shaky beginning, has a lot of missing links, degrades the dignity of man created in the image and likeness of God6 to that of animals, and cannot account for the moral depravity in mankind and the reality of death? Think about it. Your destiny will rest on your decision.
“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” — Colossians 1:17, 18 Bible NIV 1984.
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.
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.
Mobile phones have changed the way people communicate. Everywhere you see people talking over phone while on the move.
For many people life revolves around mobile phones. The advantage is that you can keep in touch with people with ease. You can maintain friendships and relationships. Through mobile phones and a variety of apps, distances and memories are bridged in real time. It is nothing less than amazing what technology has wrought through mobile phones.
That is about connection.
Another advantage is the sense of security it gives to people. For example elderly parents when alone at home can get in touch with their children in an instant in case of an emergency. Mothers can keep in constant touch with their daughters while they travel alone. Or even if your vehicle gets punctured on the road or meets with an accident you can call for help right from there. These advantages cannot be overlooked.
That is about confidence.
Third advantage is that most mobile phones give you access to world wide web and the information super highway. Knowledge is just a search away. Whether it be referring to a dictionary, or looking up “how to” do something in a Youtube video, or gathering information from Wikipedia, websites, blogs and the like; people find it at lightning speed with the help of search engines like google.
That is about comprehension.
If you still try to analyze the benefits of mobile phones it includes banking, shopping, purchasing tickets, photography, music and to mention the ease of switching on the light in case of a sudden power cut. In that sense some people say mobiles are extension of their hands.
That is about convenience.
So, the benefits of mobile phones can be summed up in four words: Connection, Confidence, Comprehension, and Convenience.
Now let me mention how mobile phones can become a bane.
First and foremost mobile phones can easily make people addicted to its use. The long hours people spend on mobile phones certainly steal from quality time you can spend at work, with family and friends. In other words mobile phones are a distraction preventing you from sharply focusing on your task ahead.
Secondly, people do use mobile phones to engage in secretive relationships. It is used to violate private spaces including the sacred marriage relationship. Somehow Facebook, WhatsApp and other apps have given a sense of ease and a false sense of freedom to people to engage in clandestine relationships. This has destroyed many families. Children are growing up seeing their parents spend long hours chatting with strangers neglecting their family responsibilities. Of course, you might call me outdated when I say so. But I prefer to be labelled than to stop saying the truth. Let me repeat again, this is a dangerous aspect of mobile phones.
That is about demolition.
Yet another negative of mobile phones is the damage it does to one’s body in the long run. Whether radiation is causing harm or not is still debated. But today we find people engaging with their mobiles with heads bowed down. There are people who injure their necks and back and wrists and eyes and ears because of long use of mobile phones. How can I fail to point out the great number of accidents caused by people using mobile phones while driving.
That is about destruction.
Finally, what about the market influence of mobiles? Why is there such flashy media hype about new mobiles arriving at the market? Why is it that even selfies, a kind of social disease, are made the stuff of advertisements? It is amazing to see how people get so choosy and obsessed with gadgets. Mobiles beyond their functionality and variety of uses often becomes a style statement. It becomes synonymous with a man’s purchasing power and social status. Gadgets and their possession is a terribly deluded way to compute one’s attempt to define the meaning of one’s life.
That is about display.
Let me once again note the four words related to the negative influences of mobiles: Distraction, Demolition, Destruction and Display.
Now that both sides have been heard and let me conclude.
None of us today can afford to avoid mobile phones. But certainly we can ensure that mobile phones are our servants and not our masters. We can fix boundaries for the time we spend with mobile phones; boundaries that should not be stretched or crossed. We can then live with dignity with the assurance that mobile phones serve our cause and that they will not dictate us to a life of bondage and slavery and unending boredom with so called entertainment.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” — Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15 Bible)
Today, in contrast to the past centuries, we find women literate, educated, and liberated to lead. We find their surge forward not only in the political front, but also in social life where they act as agents of change contributing to economic development as well.
Empowerment is about being given authority and power to do something. Empowerment is about becoming stronger and confident. Empowerment again means to become aware of one’s rights and privileges. Empowerment also means the ability to control one’s life in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.
The term empowerment naturally presupposes a sense of powerlessness; doesn’t it? Well, with women it has been rightly so. As we look back at the centuries we find many dark ages where women in different lands were suppressed, treated as commodities, with no voice in decision-making and no role in deciding how social and community life evolved. But empowerment of women made a radical change in the whole situation.
And this change has come about not without its struggles and sacrifices, protests and conflicts. This transformation passed through many difficulties when those who led with a vision to emancipate women were often viewed with suspicion from within the ranks of women themselves and opposed by the male-dominated hierarchies. Even today there are ripples and reflections of these tendencies. One can never say the world has seen gender equality and rights of women championed in the fullest sense.
But change did come.From powerlessness, women have come to recognize that they are individuals made in God’s image and likeness just like men; and are valuable and precious in God’s eyes. They have come to celebrate their differences from men not as a reason for subjugation, but as a joyous gift of God to give an active support and contribution to the family first, to the workplace next and the community at large in a broader sphere.
In all these areas women have risen to greatness and power by utilizing available resources and increasing their influence in the decision-making process. The key to this change has been literacy and education. Economic freedom came through women finding employment in different spheres like nursing, teaching, management, and the like. Today, women have made their presence felt in the field of police, defence, sports, space exploration,* research and development, social work, and many other fields as well.
But all this was not enough as they had to have a political empowerment which especially came through right for women to vote through some tough campaigning. Emmeline Pankhurst who helped women win the right to vote in Britain cannot be forgotten. Perhaps a day will come when the most awaited 33% reservation for women in the Indian Parliament would become a reality. If that happens it will be a grand day when the the voice of women will ring out more loud and clear in the central hall of the world’s largest democracy.
Personally, I have been motivated by many examples where empowerment of women is first of all felt by the masses through the vision of a pioneering lady.
Be it Ida Scudder who in response to witnessing three tragic deaths of women in childbirth in Tindivanam in a single night in the late 1890’s responded to the challenge and heard God’s call to become a missionary doctor and establish the reputed Christian Medical College (CMC Vellore, first started for women),
Be it Amy Carmichael, who dyed her skin with dark coffee to make her skin brown to gain access to and acceptance with young girl children and rescued hundreds of them from a life of forced prostitution in Dohnavur,
Be it Pandita Ramabai, a scholar in Sanskrit who saved the lives of thousands of women in famine struck times through her Mukti Mission in Pune; the list goes on.
Today, the need is to have women with such vision and burden for the upliftment of women.
There are countless examples in modern times; Malala Yousafzai is one young voice many listen to today. Her courage and words inspire; and she emphasizes the importance of education as a means of women empowerment. As she said in an interview,
“The important thing to note is that it is not important whether Malala was shot or not — Malala is not asking for personal favors or support. She is asking for support with girls’ education and women’s rights. So don’t support Malala, support her campaign for girls’ education and women’s rights.”
I am sure there are several other names that come to your mind even as I speak. Indira Gandhi, Prathibha Patil, Rani Lakhsmibai of Jhansi, Kalpana Chawla, Indra Nooyi, Kiran Bedi, Arundathi Bhattacharya, Bachendri Pal, the list goes on.
If you recognized some of these names, it is simply because women have learned to lead, have challenged existing norms of society and have taken a proactive role in changing traditions and rewriting history. Surely, women empowerment is a reality; isn’t it? I am sure you are compelled to agree.
Now let me point out that social reformation alone is not just enough for women empowerment. The mind-set of society also has to keep pace. To ensure this transition, laws had to be enacted. Several laws have been enacted to ensure the safety and protection of women especially in the workplace.
But it is sad that there still needs to be a radical change in the way women are viewed in society. A women gets educated, earns a well-paid job and then suddenly finds herself being bargained for in the marriage market. This is sad and tragic. In this world of commercialization, women are in many places regarded as liabilities rather than as assets. This has to change if women empowerment has to become a reality in the fullest sense.
Finally, top leadership is something that women can aspire and reach to. But massive change for the empowerment of women has to begin and be sustained at the grass roots level. Assurance of employment, maintenance of good physical and emotional health should also be priorities as far as women empowerment is concerned.
Kudumbashree, a community organization of neighbourhood groups in Kerala started by the government in 1998 has proven itself as a successful model of women empowerment at the grass roots level. Such models need to be multiplied across different geographic regions across the world where there is a felt need for women empowerment.
Before I conclude, let me point out one more historical moment of women empowerment. When Jesus Christ rose from the dead; it was Mary Magdalene who had the privilege of seeing the Risen Lord first and had the unique distinction of being the first witness to the fact of his resurrection. This was her testimony: “I have seen the Lord!” the echoes of which still resonates in many millions of human hearts even after 2000 years of its happening.
But the point is that Jesus by allowing Mary Magdalene to be the first witness was empowering women for all time. This is stunning because Jesus did not reveal himself first to his inner circle of disciples who were all men and Jewish law did not permit women to be witnesses. And in that society, men usually prayed thanking God that they were not born as women. The way Jesus treated women with respect and dignity will always empower them to claim their rightful share not only in God’s kingdom but also in homes and workplaces; in politics and economics as well.
Two more new areas of women empowerment cannot be left unmentioned in this 21st century:
One is of women’s active presence in the social media. Several women needs and priorities have been brought to light through intense campaigning through the social media. This is powerfully used to promote a cause, share a story, change public perception and even prevent negative stereotyping of women.
The second area of women empowerment in the 21st century is the need to have a massive drive for bringing school and college students into sports and games and outdoor activities. This coming together will not only help teenagers gain self-confidence and esteem; but also increase their physical and emotional health.
Let me now confront some bitter truths. Women empowerment is definitely a reality today. But the question is, Is it enough? Is there more work to be done? Without doubt, there are many places where the voice of women is still not heard. Discrimination still exists and even in the Corporate world we talk about the glass ceiling. The media sensationalizes crime against women which is growing alarmingly.
Domestic violence, dowry, gender discrimination, continue to be evils of our times. Politics is still male dominated even when half the population is female. The dignity of women and their worth as persons and individuals is often tainted by wrong portrayals in movies, advertisements, and even in beauty pageants. The lot of sales girls in ever growing super market outlets looks glamorous with their uniforms and dignity it seems to afford; but some serious study should be done as to how difficult their days are in spite of the smiles they gift us with. The list of negatives can go on.
But there is hope. The voice of women will still be heard loud and clear in spite of attempts to silence them. More stories of women empowerment are being scripted in every village and city not only in our state and nation but across the boundaries. It can very well be the transforming reality of the present. Thank you.
In appreciation of the work of Pandita Ramabai for the advancement of Indian women, the government of India approved the issuance of a commemorative stamp of Pandita Ramabai in 1989.
Ida Scudder as a young girl heard three knocks at her door one night. Three men from different religious background came at different times with the same request to assist their wives in childbirth. Ida
Scudder told her lack of medical experience and offered the services of her father, a doctor. But those men could not bear the thought of a male presence. The next day Ida Scudder saw the corpses of three women being taken for cremation. This incident which all her biographers note challenged her to earn a medical degree and come back to India and do something for the health and well-being of women.
The world listens in eager anticipation to these words every year.
Yes, films have entertained the world for so many decades now. With technology at one’s finger tips watching movies happens at one’s leisure through mobiles and tablets as well.
But the nagging question is about the influence of movies on youth. Does society influence films or do films influence society? Especially youngsters.
It is true that many script writers find their plots from what they see, hear and experience in society. It is also true that some books have been made into great movies as well.
At the same time we need to consider the impact of the big screen or the silver screen on youngsters.
The first thought is about role models. Youngsters shape their thoughts and subject their emotions to the way their favourite film stars speak and act. Many forget to remember that what is shown on screen is idealistic and not realistic.
The second concern is about violence and crime. Many movies show violence. In many cases we find that those who do these crimes are not duly punished. So movies influence youth to consider violence as a justifiable means to achieve their goals in life.
Thirdly, we need to consider wrong signals some movies communicate about relationships. For example the divine institution of the family is constantly under threat. Several movies portray wrong relationships in a glamorous and desirable manner. This undermines the cherished values of marriage and family.
Again, we have to ask the reason why people rush to the theatres to watch movies? Isn’t it because there is an irresistible pull when a new film is released? If there is no pleasure or entertainment will people especially the youth throng to the movies?
Sometimes it is the dance and the music, at times it is the cinematography or choreography that makes people crowd at the movies. Often films influence youth not only in fashions but also speech patterns. Youngsters learn to use curse words and four letter words from popular English movies.
Again, movies often show physical abuse and violence against women. In a good number of films, women are shown as objects to be desired than as persons to be valued, cherished and respected. Of course not all films portray women negatively. Some do show women at their best in family life as well as careers. But “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”*
Movies also equate money with success, and glamour and beauty a with social acceptability. The flood of such movies cannot be counteracted by the good movies that show courage, heroism, sacrifice, moral values, and patriotic fervour. It is also to be noted that the glorification of scientific fiction in Sci-Fi movies almost desensitize youth to see the real needs of human beings like poverty and injustice around them.
The larger than life images that appear on screen, the glossy images of film stars that are too unreal and appearing on magazine covers and pullouts, the love stories that pepper films; all do influence youth mostly negatively. Immoral lifestyles seen in movies are often imitated by youth in real life.
Whether youngsters know to choose the good and leave the bad is a question that I leave open ended. Thank you.
When was the last time you asked an intelligent question? Why is that the frequency of your questions decreased as you grew from a child to an adult? What prevents you from asking questions now? Is it stage fright? These are important questions.
But more importantly, you need to relearn the art of asking questions. Why is this important? This is important because asking questions enable you to think with clarity. It helps you to communicate to the other person that you are serious about the matter under discussion. Questions help us to gather vital information, show genuine interest, clarify doubts, etc.
“It has been said that the whole art of gaining and of communicating knowledge consists in asking the right questions. It could be said that the way to certainty is to have the right kind of doubt.”1
A child is able to ask many questions because the child has a sense of wonder. Most questions begin with “Why?” in childhood. So to ask good questions, you need to be curious.
In a business setting, a few questions can really get you a lot of information. Having the right kind of information is an absolute must in decision-making; isn’t it?
Basically, there are two types of questions? One is the closed question. The other is the open-ended question. Closed question requires only a short response. Did you watch the movie yesterday? This just requires a Yes or No response.
On the other hand an open-ended question encourages the listener to talk more. Questions like, “Why do you think there are less women CEO’s in the industry? Is it because they hit the glass ceiling?” can make people talk and air their opinions.
If you ask questions aggressively, it can make people nervous and put them on the defensive. Many people are afraid to face questions because they have terror-filled experiences about it from School. So you need to be gentle when you ask questions. And show proper respect wherever and to whosoever it is due.
At the same time, asking wrong questions can show your lack of intelligence. It can reveal your ignorance and also make people question your credibility as well. Therefore do a lot of homework before you ask questions.
Finally, if you know how to ask questions, you can trap those who wanted to trap you. Here is a classic example:
Some people wanted to trap Jesus Christ. They came to him saying, “We know you are a man of integrity . . . Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesear or not?” But Jesus knew their evil intent and asked them why they were trying to trap him. He asked them, “Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” When they brought the coin (a denarius) to him, Jesus asked, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Casear’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”2
This type of asking questions to turn the tables is an art. You too can be good at it if you try. Remember, sometimes the difference between failure and success in life is simply your ability to ask the right questions!
