What’s Ozone Layer?

Ozone layer is a layer of ozone molecules (O3), which is found particularly in the stratosphere layer of atmosphere ranging between 20km to 40 km from earth surface.

How it Forms?

Ozone layer is formed in the atmosphere when the ultraviolet rays from the sun break a single oxygen atom. The oxygen atom (O-) then merges with oxygen (O2) and thus forms the ozone molecule (O3).

What is meant by “Ozone Hole”?  

The scientists have detected a severe drop in ozone concentration in the atmosphere, creating an enormous “hole” in the ozone layer.

Why it concerns you? 

The ozone molecules absorb the sun’s ultra violet radiation (UV) which will be harmful to us if it reaches the earth surface.  The most significant effects will be the increased incidence of skin cancer, eye cataracts and damage to the ecology of the earth. Most scientists agree that without the ozone layer, life on Earth will cease to exist.

What causes this phenomenon?

The ozone depletion in the atmosphere is caused by ozone depleting chemicals such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which is used in AC, Fridges and fire extinguishers.

How to protect Ozone layer?

-Buy AC and Fridge that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant.

-Buy fire extinguishers aerosol products that do not use Halons/HCFC/CFC as propellants.

-Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of AC and Fridges to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage

-When AC needs servicing, make sure that the refrigerants are properly recovered and recycled instead of being vented to the atmosphere.

-Plating more trees and use of eco-friendly vehicles

World Ozone Day is celebrated on 16th of September every year to spread awareness and bring attention to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Ozone depletion is the major cause health hazard, climate change and global warming and disturbing the ecosystem in our mother earth. World Ozone Day provides a great platform among the people of the world to make them aware that it’s high time and we must all put our best of efforts to preserve the ozone layer.

A devastating floods killed many people and livestock, destroyed thousands of hectares of crops in the southern Indian state of Kerala in what local officials say is the worst flooding in 100 years.

Why is this happened? The simple answer is heavy rain due to climate change. But I would say this has happened mainly due to man-made controllable factors.

In the name of the development, we had hurt nature and it’s ecosystem. Due to structural changes in our society and increase in urbanisation, nuclear families are taking over the joint family systems; therefore the need of housing is increasing day by day. We constructed buildings by converting low farmland and blocked waterways irrationally. We thought that there will be no repercussion. We overlooked the importance of wetlands. Now, where will the water drain? This rain has taught us a big lesson. So, floods are not surprising.

Many other causes – quarrying, mushrooming of high rises, mining, illegal repurposing of forests and reclamation of waterbodies accelerate these calamities.

Therefore, it is a controllable man made calamity, the nature not to be blamed only.

It is high time to retrospect on how to preserve our mother nature to control the repetition of such tragedies.

 Today 15^th August 2018, India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day to pay tribute and remember all the freedom fighters who had contributed a lot and fought for the Independence of India.

During the celebration at Red Fort, New Delhi many tasks including March past are performed by the Indian army and cultural events by the school students are performed. After the national Flag hosting and national Anthem (JANA GANA MANA) recitation, the prime minister of India gives his annual speech.

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi also celebrated the day in grand way. HE Navdeep Singh Suri, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag. He read out the Indian president’s address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day. In a short cultural programme  at the embassy auditorium, Troilee Dutta and Soumen Hazra made a mesmerizing performance on  Sarod and Tabla.

A few interesting facts on Indian independence:

• India got freedom from 200 years of the British rule on 15^thof August in 1947 in the midnight.
• Mahatma Gandhi (also called as the father of nation) led the country through his non-violent movement to get freedom.
• India never invaded any country in her last 100000 years of history.
• When India became independent, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became its first Prime Minister and hoisted the national flagon Red Fort, Delhi.
• During Independence, India didn’t have any National Anthem. Jana Gana Mana’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 and was officially adopted in 1950.
• It is said that the first version of the current national flag was made by Pingali Venkayya at Bezwada in 1921
• Goa was a Portuguese colony even after Independence and only became a part of India in 1961.
• Four other countries, including North Korea, South Korea, Republic of Congo and Bahrain share their Independence Day (albeit in different years) with the Indian Independence Day.
• The kite flying sport in India symbolizes the Independence Day. The sky all over India becomes full of countless kites (flown from rooftops) of various sizes, shapes, styles, and shades.

 It is Plastic Ban by all Means.

The State Government of Uttar Pradesh has banned the production and use of Polythene bags including all the plastic or thermocol products  with effect from 15th August 2018.

It is a good initiative on this year’s Independence Day by the State Government towards protecting our environment and cleaning our Rivers and water bodies.

Let us salute our freedom fighters.

Jai Hind!

Today (7^th August 2018), on the occasion of the greatest poet, short-story writer, song composer, playwright, essayist, and painter Rabindranath Tagore’s 77^th death anniversary, I would like to pay a small tribute to the ‘Gurudev’ or the “Poet of poets”,  by wiring a few lines.

Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian ever to receive a Nobel Prize and the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in recognition of his work Geetanjali, a collection of poems, in 1913. He composed the national anthems of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Rabindranath was the youngest of the thirteen children born to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. He was born on 7th May 1861 in Calcutta, Bengal. A child prodigy, Rabindranath wrote his first poem when he was merely seven. He did his early education at home and spent most of the time in the lap of nature.

In 1878, he was sent to Brighton, England, to study law, but he failed to complete his studies and returned to Bengal in 1880. Back in his hometown, he devoted himself completely towards his love for reading and writing. In 1882, he wrote one of his most acclaimed poems, ‘Nirjharer Swapnabhanga’. In 1883, Tagore married Mrinalini Devi and fathered five children.

In 1901, Rabindranath founded Santiniketan, meaning ‘Abode of Peace’, an international university with an extensive and flexible curriculum suitable for students with different aptitudes and needs.

In 1915, he was granted knighthood by the British, which he relinquished as a symbol of protest against the 1919 Jalianwala Bagh massacre. “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them”- these inspirational words of Rabindranath Tagore infused new life into the young Indian freedom fighters. He used to deeply admire Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi and it was he who gave him the title “Mahatma”.

Most of Rabindranath’s poems, stories, songs and novels talked about the social evils prevalent during those times such as child marriage and dowry. Tagore had composed about 2,230 songs, which are often referred to as ‘Rabindra Sangeeth’.

Rabindranath Tagore loved to travel; during his lifetime, he visited more than thirty countries on five continents and spread the essence of Indian culture and Literature. His works have been translated into many foreign languages also including English, Spanish, German, Dutch etc. Even today, years after his death, this sage-like man, is alive in the hearts of the people of India through his treasured contribution in the realm of literature and music.

His devotion towards his country is shown by the following statement, “My country that is forever India, the country of my forefathers, the country of my children, my country has given me life and strength.” And again, “I shall be born in India again”.

The greatest man left for heavenly abode on 7^th August 1941 (Bengali: 22 Shravan 1348).

F– Few
R– Relations
I– In
E– Earth
N– Never
D– Die
Happy Friendship Day

“One best book is equal to hundred good friends but one good friend is equal to a library.” ~ Dr A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

Friends are the family we choose and to celebrate this beautiful bond, the first Sunday of August in observed as Friendship Day every year. People have acknowledged the importance of friendship since time immemorial through poetry, plays and novels.

Having a true friend is one of the most precious gifts one can ever have in their life. A person should consider himself/herself one of the luckiest persons on the earth if he/she has a true and sweet friend in their life. Real friends give us any sweet and pleasurable memories to rejoice for. None of us will ever want to lose a true friends as that’s where we find our self-most comfortable. A friend is somebody who will without exaggerating will keep appreciating you to help you keep going with a positive frame of mind. The will keep on thriving forever for all those years you will be there on the earth. Keeping sane balance between two people in friendship is in fact not an easy task and you need to be transparently honest to be able to maintain the balance.

A friend is always devoted to you in helping you out on various issues of life and that develops a sense of feeling protected with a friend.

Spread the joy of friendship to each one in your family…to your neighborhood…to your country and rest of the world …to human beings, plants and all living & non-living creatures in your beautiful mother earth! We all can make our common home a lovely place to live together.

Let’s celebrate the friendship day not only for today, it should be observed everyday…every hour…every minute…every second…every moments of our life.

Thank you so much to all of my lovely friends 🙂

“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Go the whole hog.” – Matilda

Matilda a hilarious story of little lovely girl written by British novelist and short story writer Mr. Roald Dahl.

It is one of the bestseller children novels published in 1988 by Jonathan Cape in London with having 232 pages. The book is complemented for its attractive pictures, illustrated by Quentin Blake. Pink and blue, cheerful colours that children like the most, dominate the cover page.

The story revolves around a five year old girl, Matilda who tried to live between her ruthless parents and headmistress. Her parents the Wormwoods having dishonest used car business. Matilda said “But that’s dishonest, daddy,” “It’s cheating.” “No one ever got rich being honest.” Matilda is a genius, a gifted child. She loves book. Despite her parents’ negligence, Matilda teaches herself to read at the age of three.

She quickly learns that her headmistress Miss Trunchbull is even crueler and unfair than her own parents. Her behavior toward the students can be considered as an abuse. However, Matilda’s class teacher Miss Jennifer Honey is a sweet, smart and kind teacher. She becomes Matilda’s best friend afterwards.

At the end of the story, Matilda uses her supernatural power to punish Miss Trunchbull and helps Miss Honey get rid of Trunchbull’s foul. “Oh, I was. I was flying past the stars on silver wings,” Matilda said. “It was wonderful.” At the same time, her father’s selling tricks have been known by local police. She eventually lives with Miss Honey after her parents decides to move to Spain to avoid the police.

That makes me smile and cheer for Matilda as she gets rid of the evil people around her.

The book is definitely one of Roald Dahl’s best books. Such a heart-warming tale of a young girl, living a tough life, and finding a way to come out of it.

To me, Matilda teaches us to persevere even though there are people who under-estimates us. Personally, everyone should have the same attitude as Matilda. Matilda has a wonderful message- even if you’re little you can do a lot. Matilda is the most touching and suspenseful story ever!

Thank you, Mr. Roald Dahl for writing this story for kids to inspire them to become strong in the harsh reality.

I would like to rate it 10 out of 10.

I strongly recommend this book to all children as a specific and to everyone in general. It is rich in motivational texture of positive thinking to aim high. C’mon friends. What are you waiting for? Get it. Read it!

To ALL FAMILIES: WAKE UP NOW AND NOTICE YOUR CHILDRENS ACTIONS CAREFULLY as u never know: one of yours may be possessing the same qualities as this brilliant girl Matilda!

At the end, I would like to express the great gratitude to my parents who encouraged me to read this exceptional book and support me to write the review.

Thank you.

“The real spirit behind progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities.’’ – By HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Rarely in history do we see men who leave footprints that generations to follow. HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan (May his soul rest in peace) is one such man. A leader and a nation-builder – who continue to inspire an entire nation, even a century after his birth.

I feel extremely privileged and honoured to get this opportunity of sharing my views on the greatest leader of UAE in this auspicious year ‘The Year of Zayed’.

Born in the city of Al Ain on 6^th May 1918, Sk Zayed was the youngest of 4 sons of the royal family. He became the president of the UAE, was the man who turned the desert green.

He understood the unity is strength,  therefore, he stitched the seven emirates into a one land of unity, the ‘United Arab Emirates’ the ‘Spirit of Union’ and that was the beginning of new era…era of happiness…era of giving…era of tolerance…a place where every dream turns into reality.

A rapid program of development undertaken during his leadership by building of the roads, schools, hospitals, housing and much more. He strongly believed: “wealth is of no value, unless it is used in the service of the people’

Al Ain University is the best gift of Sk Zayed to the students of UAE.

He has given the equal opportunity to women and men. He supported women by saying “The woman is half of the society; any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy.”

Other than his humanitarian efforts, Sheikh Zayed campaigned to save of our mother earth. His famous words ‘Cut a path, but don’t cut a tree’.

He used to recognise every single resident of the UAE including the expatriate as instrumental to the country’s success.

In short, all the virtues we boast today – charity, literacy, tolerance, equality, education and economy – are all legacies of Sheikh Zayed, the father of the nation. UAE becomes a symbol of prosperity and role model of rest of the world. The great leader left us at the age of 86 years on 2 November 2004.

We all are fortunate to live in this great nation, to live a glorious present with a bright future.

Thank you.

“It is not the will to win that makes you a winner, but the will to prepare to win which does.”

The shuttlecock is smacked over the net falling quickly to the shinny wood flooring. I dive to the ground, reach out an arm, letting the white shuttlecock hit against my pale arms turning them bright red. I push the shuttlecock over the net and get back up on my feet ready for the next ball that comes my way. I love playing sports, especially badminton. The excitement in the games is overwhelming, and you have to be ready at all times for a shuttlecock to come flying your way. Yes it is trying not thinking for winning should be the goal of all… no matter the result is in favor to yours or others.

No, winning is not “everything” and it is not “the only thing. ” Turning failure to your advantage is everything! Learning from failures is the only thing. Normally, when we achieve success, we get so busy in rejoicing that we actually learn little from it. When we fail, we can focus our entire attention on learning from it. We can learn far more from a failure than we might from a success. One who does not understand this about failure may win a battle or two, but may lose the war of life.

Winning and losing are two sides of the same coin both have their own effects. The road to success is littered with failures. The most important things are won in life only when one has learnt the art of conquering his/her failures.

As we have day-light & dark, right & wrong, similarly we do have winning and losing, but for it is to happen one should essentially and sincerely participate. So, which is first, is it participation or winning, undoubtedly it participation which comes first. Does mare participation is enough, no not at all; it is not useful if you donot learn your mistakes and bridge the gap between failure and success……and combine your dream and dedication to achieve it….it is not an individual competition it is for the greater success of life.

Irrespective of the strength of your opponent, you should come-up with a winning mindset. If you are not able to win, learn from the mistakes that you did and try not to repeat the same in future.

All the participants cannot be winners but when you decide to participate, you are gifting yourself with a golden opportunity for showcasing your talents in front of everyone. It’s a great chance to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and helps you to take proper measures to correct your own mistakes and explore yourself to get the best out of you next time.

When your emphasise is only on winning, unknowingly you are developing a fear for failure. Each failure is an experience and let’s learn to celebrate our failures more than our success. This attitude will definitely boost your confidence and make you more matured to deal with probable problems.

A well-known example is of Thomas Edison who invented the light bulb and many other useful things. Edison failed thousands of times before he hit upon the right solution. What others viewed as Edison’s “failed attempts, ” he considered them as “successful” experiments because they taught him what doesn’t work. That opened the way for him to explore other options.

“Winning is something, but participation is everything.”

Therefore; Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.  -By Swami Vivekananda

I run in my beautiful village. The streams alongside my path murmur as small fish rush away at the sound of my feet. The air is crisp and fresh. But, the scene changes rapidly as I board the train that will bring me to our state capital. The train cuts through paths made in the trees and the streams are tinted brown with waste and carry plastic bottles instead of live fish. My eyes, which were once stunned by the beauty of green nature, are now sad with tears.

I feel extremely privileged to get this opportunity of sharing my write up on ‘Save Environment’. Taking care of our ‘common home’.. saving our mother earth.. Creating a cleaner, greener and safer place to live in harmony with the nature and her ecosystem. Increasing population, rapid urbanization and industrialization has generated pressure on our mother earth. Global warming and green house are causing melting of polar ice and extinction of many wildlife species.

Mother Teresa wanted us to stop wasting precious environmental goods. The father of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May his soul rest in peace) once said ‘Cut a path, but don’t cut a tree’. We should follow these visionary leaders and aim to transform their dream into reality…by planting more tree, turning off unused lights and reduce the usage of water, and practicing the concept of 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace. Recycling just one tonne of paper can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water.

Each of us has a role and responsibility to protect our environment.  We students can also contribute to save our mother earth to reduce water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and land pollution. We are living in City there is limitation in space … no issue, you can even keep small tubs of plants in our balcony or doorway. We should not throw the newspaper in the dustbin; instead we can donate the newspaper to various NGO like Emirates Environmental Group and paper recycling industries. We should turn off the lights and AC while we leave class room.

United Nation observes World Environment Day on 5 June and Earth day celebrated on 22 April every year, for encouraging awareness to protect our nature. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a campaign in India that aims to clean up the environment.

Friends, take this time to think, for just a moment. In the past second, one and a half acres of rainforest were cut down, destroying the homes of many species of wildlife. In the past minute, the energy used in the UAE was equal to 100 million tons of oil, which we can never get back. In the past hour, 160 children died for lack of safe drinking water.

To sum-up; Let us take an oath today to contribute in environmental protection and also educate others to safeguard our common home ….our mother earth..

“The nature has enough for everyone’s need, but not for anyone’s greed.” –By the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi

Thank you…