flockpost.com » causes

Dear Mark Zuckerberg, Please Read This

zazo — Thu, 20 May 2010 04:24:40 +0000

Dear Mark Zuckerberg,

Muslims all over the world are not terrorists nor they support any Muslim terrorists but there are group of people who always intend to hurt Muslim’s emotions and belief.

One such example of online hatred toward Muslims and Islam is a facebook group who dare to make fun of Holy Prophet by trying to imitating their physical appearance which is not allowed in Islam.

Facebook Group of 10,000 users who hate Muslims has joined this group, just to hurt Muslims all over the world.

This act can very possibly gives self proclaimed jehadis a fair reason to react, most probably another attack on innocent civilians who have nothing to do with anything like this.

Prophet Mohammad was the flag bearer of Humanity, Peace and Spirituality. He was the only one who set an example of being a great saint, king, warrior, entrepreneur and a great man who always respected other religions, people and their faith.

You need to read authentic books to see what he was and what he left for the world.

Unfortunately, few of Prophet’s followers misinterpreted his teachings and few of anti-Islamic people helped these so called Islamic extremists to grow their evil power to terrorize the world.

Terrorism was always strictly condemned by Islam and in any case it cannot be justified.

I request you to shut down such groups to avoid any negative reaction online or offline. Social networking is a bridge to connect people of the world despite of their caste, race or religion. We all need peace in the world and to get that we cannot use hatred as a weapon.

I don’t need to request your support. I request you to speak the truth. Right is always Right and Wrong is always Wrong.

Hope you will do the needful.

Twitter’s #endmalaria- Social Media for Noble Cause

Aditya Joshi — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:19:35 +0000

Your one Tweet can save life of others, what better you can do with your daily twitter activities than saving someone’s life?

Here is an opportunity for you to join hands with twitter for a noble cause. #endmalaria.

On occasion of The World Malaria Day on 25^th April Twitter with Malaria No More and The Case Foundation has started a mission.

Your One Tweet may save One Million Lives. If a person sends one tweet containing tag #endmalaria and pledges to donate 10$, twitter will utilize the fund generated to provide life saving bed-net to the needy people. Moreover The Case foundation will also be providing the sum equal to the twitter’s collection so as to make the double impact.

This Social Media effort will definitely help to save the life of individuals. And not the ordinary individuals but of those who live in the poorest countries on the face of earth battling with this killing disease of Malaria.

As there is a saying that prevention is better than cure. This step is far effective than providing medicines to the diseased people. Providing Bed-nets is going to prevent the spread of malaria.

WHO states 10 facts about malaria and few of them are:-

“Pregnant women are at high risk not only of dying from the complications of severe malaria, but also spontaneous abortion, premature delivery or stillbirth. Malaria is also a cause of severe maternal anaemia and is responsible for about one third of preventable low birth weight babies. It contributes to the deaths of an estimated 10 000 pregnant women and up to
200 000 infants each year in Africa alone.”

“Malaria causes an average loss of 1.3% of annual economic growth in countries with intense transmission. It traps families and communities in a downward spiral of poverty, disproportionately affecting marginalized and poor people who cannot afford treatment or who have limited access to health care. Malaria has lifelong effects through increased poverty and impaired learning. It cuts attendance at schools and workplaces. However, it is preventable and curable.”

What are you thinking now? let’s be the part of this mission let’s join hands together.

End Malaria official website

End Malaria facebook group

Earth Day 2010

Aditya Joshi — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:30:09 +0000

Today is Earth Day.
Humans have been exploiting and consuming the earth since The Stone Age. We have used all resources of Earth namely Water, Soil, Forests, Wild life, Wind and Minerals.

Yes it is necessary for us to use these resources for our survival. But our rate of exploiting these resources has increased many folds in past 100-300 years and hence environment has been affected worst. Global warming, extinction of species and depletion of Ozone layer are early symptoms of Doom.

……….

History Of Earth Day.

To create awareness among citizens of earth globally US Senator of Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea of celebrating a 22 April as the World Earth Day. It was first celebrated in Philadelphia in 1970.

In Northern Hemisphere Earth Day is celebrated in Spring Season while in Southern Hemisphere it is celebrated in Autumn.

……….

The Name “Earth Day”

April 22^nd was the birthday of Julian Koenig who was in Nelson’s organizing committee. Nelson found that earth day was rhymed with birthday. An interesting way to teach people how to conserve environment by celebrating the birthday of earth. Like you do good things on your birthday let us do things good for earth.

……….

Why it is important to be a part of Earth Day?

Every human no matter how rich or poor he/she is dependent on earth for survival. If we need to survive then we must help our planet to sustain its environment. We can’t be so much ignorant about earth. If we keep on ignoring this issue one day we all will be left without key elements like fresh water to drink, soil to grow crops, wood for furniture and no fuels to produce energy. In short we will be devastated by our own acts. Earth Day is a small initiative to bring bigger changes. The choice is in our own hands

……….

How to be part of this Revolution?

You need not to yell slogans on saving the earth instead adopt practices to make it clean and green.

Discard Plastic bags:- Substitute them with fabric bags.
Recycle:- Use only those goods which can be recycled again and again thus we will be less burdening the planet.
Conserve Energy and Fossil Fuels:- Put off lights and fans when not in use. Try walking then riding, use of car pools and public transport is also one of the options of making our planet smile.
E Media:- if we choose E-media over print Media we will be helping in saving trees and a large variety of wildlife along with it.

I feel like going and personally thanking Raymond Samuel Tomlinson the inventor of Email. Because of this, tons of paper and millions of trees are saved which would have been used to send mail in different parts of earth.

Social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn Orkut and Twitter are also contributing a lot in saving the planet. Many busy people who don’t have time to watch T.V. or read magazines or newspaper, Teens and youth can be informed and suggested measure online.

Communities on such sites are helpful in creating awareness. People are Pledging on Facebook to improve environmental conditions. Personally by seeing these pledges I have learned more ways to protect the Environment.

I hope we all will work in the direction of saving all of us i.e. saving the Planet Earth and make this Earth Day a Very Happy Birthday to her,

Youth Democratic Front-Online Community With A Real Mission

zazo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:27:41 +0000

When any untoward incident occurs in any part of India we can see online communities like Orkut and Facebook reacting to it quite actively. Most young Indian Internet users want an outlet for their emotions and when they don’t find any better forum to express their feelings they end up making online groups with the intention to make wrongs right. Corruption, terrorism and racism are among the most disturbing rudiments India has been fighting for a long time.

Since social networking and blogs have become suitable platforms to express one’s feelings and share thoughts with others, we are witnessing thousands of groups and blogs related to India’s socio-political scenarios being created in Orkut and Facebook social networks. Most of such groups, however, have not been able to expand their work because of certain limitations, such as distance, lack of support and ground work. But Suyash Deep Rai and his friends have been exceptionally successful in their mission.

Youth Democratic Front (YDF) is a social group which was first formed in Orkut by Suyash Deep Rai, a B-Tech Graduate from Gorakhpur (UP), Venkat Kondaveeti, Saurabh Sharma and Ashutosh Kumar. It all started with Suyash being actively involved in different Orkut communities related to India and the problems its people were facing socially and economically. He was not benefiting much by community forums and wanted something which could provide him with real results. Then he, with a few friends, formed a group and named it Youth Democratic Front. Though the members were located in different Indian cities but it never became a disadvantage for them but, instead helped to spread their mission far and wide. And social networking played a major role to make young Indians from all over the world to become aware and unite.

Youth Democratic Front is based on four main motives:

United India
Justice for Common Man
Fight against Corruption
Rural Empowerment

This online group is soon to become an organization; it already has its website/ blog, Facebook fan pages and has started assigning tasks to different group members in different areas. All over more than 1000 youth from different cities have joined YDF online or offline. They are actively involved in the ground work to spread public awareness, carry out peaceful protests, meetings and promote their revolutionary mission.

Till now YDF has been involved in protesting against regionalism and organized a Unity Walk in Lucknow to protest division of the state on the basis of caste and language. They also carried out signature campaigns in New Delhi and Bangalore to protest Ruchika murder case and sent petitions to CJI and the Bar Counsel of India to re-open such cases. The campaign received more than 3000 signatures. YDF is also active in a campaign to end corruption and for that it is using RTI (Right To Information) as its main tool, Suyash has filed many RTIs against the ministry of health to display the pathetic conditions of various government-run cancer hospitals which don’t even have a single radiotherapy machine working and this step was supported by many doctors too.

YDF is also focusing on another issue which is Rural Empowerment and has started a project from Rajasthan. Suyash has informed in an email conversation that “On the 6th and 7th March I with my team am going to many villages in Suratgarh district of Rajasthan which are untouched from any development since a long long time. The villagers contacted us through one of my local friend over there and raised the issue. So we are moving there”.

YDF was started as an online group by a few young enthusiasts and has now become a strong group comprising thousands of youth who have joined hands to make a better India and the world a better place to live in.

To learn more about this group, check its website or join them on their

YDF Website

YDF Facebook Page

YDF Orkut Community

Check Out-The Africa They Never Show You

zazo — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:29:22 +0000

I had the same views about Africa like most of the non-Africans or those who never visited any country of Africa have, who believe, it is a continent full of poverty, diseases, crimes and corruption. My outlook has completely changed after I visited this place thrice and got to stay there for 7 long months in my last stopover. I sincerely apologize for my prior view about Africa, however I now simply adore this beautiful continent which I think, is the only (naturally) blessed continent of the world. I feel lucky to get an opportunity of staying there and understanding the people and culture of Africa, which has left a deep impact on my heart. Not everyone is lucky to see what I have seen in Africa but to some extent one online group can help changing your pessimistic vision about Africa.

“The Africa They Never Show You” is a Facebook group with more than 150,000 members from all parts of the world. The group encourages its members, both Africans and non-Africans to come in concert on one single platform and discuss various issues related to Africa, the second largest continent of the world. The International Media has always projected Africa more as a suffering continent apart from the fact, that Africa is also a happening place, a place full of life and a place which can compel you to visit itself again and again.

Richard Smith Obiri native of Ghana is the creator of “The Africa They Never Show You” has described this group “You’ve seen the images on TV about Africa: the huts, the famine, disease, wars and suffering but they never show you that Africa is beautiful, has happy people and that not every part and person in Africa is poor” Richard is the one who took initiative of making this virtual place to express his feelings and to show the Africa, he has seen all his life. Like Richard there are thousands of Africans hailing from different African countries who have joined this group making it a one and only virtual spot to discuss what’s going on in those 53 beautiful countries of Africa.

The Africa They Never Show You has many active members, who debate, discuss and even joke sometimes with each other, though the main purpose of this group initially, was to show the other side of Africa which is good, blissful and rich but today this group became one of the best online community of people who care about Africa and talk on every political, social and economical issues which helps them to get updated and to understand each other’s views broad mindedly.

Alan Gaya a Kenyan is a very active group member and also a good friend of mine, while talking with him about the group, I asked why did he joined this group?, Alan replied “My main motive and intention when joining the group was to link up with diverse people’s irrespective of race or any other societal difference, who have workable ideas and show a genuine concern about the plight of our continent. The Africa I believe am showing is one where its people are intelligent are well aware of the challenges that face Africa, solutions and our problems as Africans…all I all that they are Africans who are more than capable of addressing our problems and moving Africa ahead. I seek to also show that despite our differences as Africans together we can UNITE and forge ahead.”

There are many solicitous discussions running in the group. The one I loved reading was a discussion thread titled “Three Ways to Help Africa Reach Her Greatness in 2010” by an International writer and speaker Patricia Omoqui where she described the three main points, ‘Find your Passion’,’ Be a servant ‘and ‘Respect Others and Aim for excellence’ which earned many praise worthy replies by fellow group members. Patricia is also writing columns for one respected Nigerian News Paper Vanguard. Though Patricia is an American woman married to a Nigerian man but she is committed to the betterment of not only Nigeria but whole Africa. Patricia replied in the same discussion thread that “As I travel I see untapped potential everywhere I look. Africa’s progress is near to my heart”. This selfless love of Patricia for Africa inspires others in the group as well.

The group is full of activities and discussions, members sometimes play games, they even fight and then become friends again. They dream for success and they are adhering to a better today and best tomorrow. The Africa They Never Show You is just a small start by few thousands of people of the continent which has the long colonial history, military rule, lack of health awareness and crimes but this young 21^st century’s African generation is all ready to change the face of Africa as a destitute land to a fruitful land of hope and happiness. Facebook and other social media tool has become their way to bring a wave of new social reform.

Facebook group culture is not much popular like other social networks, although Africa They Never Show You is among few best facebook groups which are really doing something meaningful as an online community.

Mission Suicide Prevention – Meet Some Real Heroes

zazo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:48:33 +0000

“Love life and life will love you”. Though there are numerous kinds of gifts God has given us, but still we are thankless. We complain for little things which we don’t have but most of the times, we forget to thank God for so many big things he has given us. Out of depression, sadness and pessimistic approach towards life some people find it hard to stay alive, which leads them to either ignoring the issues through drugs and alcohol or they just try to end their life by suicide.

Committing suicide is not a new phenomenon but stopping it by the medium of any social networking website is something innovative and really helpful, a Facebook group with more than 200 thousand people are discussing on one of the most sensitive topic -life and death. This group is essentially divided into 3 sub groups of people who are depressed and wish to end their life, people who are keen to stop them to commit suicide and people who have gone through the trauma of losing their family and friends who had committed suicide.

So, how it all started? This is a story of four friends, four vigorous and enthusiastic young guys from United States, it was shocking for them when they came to know that their best friend tried to commit suicide, just to cheer him up and make him feel the importance of his own life. They tried to calm down the unsettled nerves of their friend through jokes and advice. In doing so, they realized that there are many others who need similar support and help to boost the confidence and to get hope from life. In order to achieve this, four of them started a mission alivecampaign.org to save others from doing this crime to their own self. These guys started their journey on bicycle from Texas to Alaska and finished it pretty successfully promoting life and hope for those struggling with mental health issues and those dealing with the loss of a loved one who committed suicide. But, their journey didn’t end here, in fact that bicycle ride turned out to be the starting point for a new journey. This new journey culminated in the formation of a new Facebook group “Four Guys, one destination, one mission – Suicide Prevention”. This group aimed to find more people with similar aim and thoughts to prevent suicide.

These four guys known as, Kyle Ferguson, Alyson Erikson, Justin Brown and Nathan Lloyd started a gracious work for humanity but they are not alone now. There are thousands of people who joined their hands to stop people committing suicide. Many media and news agencies published the story of these four friends but very few people know that the Facebook group of these guys have some real heroes too who have saved and are still saving many lives and giving a spark of hope and love to the lonely and the destitute, who have lost hope in life.

Though “Four Guys, one destination, one mission – Suicide Prevention” is just a forum like millions of others on the same topic on the internet, but they have some intense discussions and contemplations on all aspects related to the topic. There are people who have issues which can give you some real goose bumps, there are real life stories full of tragedies and pain, there are so many depressed, hurt and failed people. In all this, there are also people with hope, hope to give a hope of life to others. There are people with optimism and power of their inner self; these dedicated members are doing their best to take the pain from those who need someone to share their sorrows. One such member is Kelly Peter (name changed) from Europe, who is doing really admirable work of injecting the feelings of liveliness in the heart of the depressed and sad, who had decided to end their life. Kelly Peter is a lady with great determination and patience, she with her group of friends is always active in this facebook group consulting and discussing with others. She met many depressed people on this group, one such person had messaged her once that he’s going to end his life, Kelly tried to stop him but could not, now the last way was praying and it worked, that man was saved at the last moment. Like Kelly there are many others who are dedicated and are working single mindedly towards their aim of preventing suicide, either by praying or through consultations and discussions.

This mission of four guys is now a mission of hundreds and thousands of people globally. Even if it is just online on Facebook, it’s helping real people and giving real hope and love for life. “Four Guys, one destination, one mission – Suicide Prevention” is most helpful group on internet. OrkutHeroes.com salutes guys like Kyle Ferguson, Alyson Erikson, Justin Brown, Nathan Lloyd and people like Kelly for their great work for humanity.

International Relations – Online

zazo — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:26:47 +0000

“I am not an Athenian or Greek but a citizen of the world – Socrates”. If you agree with this famous quote or even if you disagree with it, still It’s a right of every common citizen of this world to be aware and concerned about what’s going on and around the globe keeping behind all the differences of nationality, language, culture and caste and to contribute even in any small possible way to make more mutual understanding and friendly atmosphere to live peacefully while respecting each other’s views and opinions. With such small but effective contribution of more than 16000 people who are interested in debating on vast numbers of subjects including international politics, sociology, terrorism, human rights and many more, here I am presenting a wonderful online community on orkut.com named International Relations.

To define International Relations, no definition can suit best as this “International Relations is a branch of political science which deals with relationship among states vis a vis their foreign policies. IR draws upon diverse fields such as philosophy, sociology, economy, law and other social sciences with respect to interactions and relations of states and non state actors. Discussions pertaining to IR often deal with diplomacy, strategic studies, and conflict resolutions.”

Orkut’s IR (International Relations) community is one of the most active and well organized communities. The journey of IR community went successfully through the leadership of more than 2 different owners from last 5 years. Vidar Stefansson is the present owner of IR community since last one month. In his early 20s Vidar is half Icelandic and half Norwegian, presently residing in Norway and studying medicine at the University of Bergen (in Norway). He is quiet passionate about international politics and that’s the reason he is on orkut’s IR community, however he never considers himself as an active member in terms of posting threads in the forum but a regular reader of ongoing debates, although these days Vidar is much active in the community than before.

International Relations community is a best place to witness the reaction of the world’s biggest news and events. Any breaking news gets its separate room to discuss it in this forum. Healthy debates sometimes even turned violent but it doesn’t cross its limit, that’s because of the team of moderators and also because of the maturity and intelligence the members are carrying with themselves. From the nature of the subject IR seems to be a very serious community and it has to be but there are also some great numbers of lighter threads where members can have some jolly times with their fellow group members like IR Music Recommendation thread where they post their favorite music videos and links etc, there are few more off topic threads like IR Quotes. In all, you can find unlimited number of discussions and debates in this forum on every possible subject related to International Relations. Although orkut.com has a majority of Indian and Brazilian members but IR community on orkut has members from all countries and continents. “. We have Christians, Muslims, atheists and Hindus. Most of our active members are young (in their 20s), but we have older participants too. Overall it’s a varied mix of people with all kinds of opinions.” Vidar said, when asked about the demography of the community in an email conversation.

While reviewing IR community, I came across a very interesting thread which helped me in understanding the thoughts of these dedicated IR Community members who gives at least an hour to this community by posting, replying or reading different threads every day. “And the point” is the thread which has many personal opinions posted regarding why and what IR community is giving or making differences in anybody’s life. Dale Sundstrom a graphic designer from Chicago has replied “I’ve learned a lot about other people’s perspectives and been able to share my own, usually with people I would otherwise never get a chance to interact with. It’s helped me learn about issues I wasn’t aware of or didn’t understand clearly, and develop my own opinions on them.” Another active member has said “Reading the forum every now and then helps me develop my opinion on logical non biased lines. Helped me respect people for their opinions and cherish the gift of 21st century ‘freedom of expression’.”

The forum is well managed by 5 dedicated moderators from different part of the world, Vidar is proud of his team, he said: “Along with my team of moderators, our role is to settle disputes and keep the community from succumbing to flame wars, trolling and spam. We also handle admissions, trying to screen out probable trolls. The community has been running quite smoothly for a good while now, so it hasn’t been much work so far, thankfully. In the past, the owner and moderators have had to step in to keep the community from boiling over from heated debate, especially about Indian-Pakistani disputes.
Overall, things have calmed in the past year or so, as members have realized that everybody gains from having a community where sensitive topics can be discussed without personal insults and trolling.”

As Facebook is more popular social networking site worldwide, I also asked Vidar that does he think that IR Community could be more successful on Facebook than Orkut? He said that Orkut has better forum interface than Facebook so, IR community on Facebook could not get as successful as Orkut’s. However, there are some technical flaws on orkut which Vidar wants to get reached till orkut’s technical team by the medium of flockpost.com. That’s about moderating the community forum:

He said, “The “pending members” screen is totally inadequate for handling large volumes of membership requests. It’s very time-consuming and boring to approve or deny membership to one person at a time, when you have dozens or even hundreds of requests pending. The “pending members” screen only allows one to view ten applicants at a time, and one can’t scroll through them to find specific applicants. I would be very grateful if the interface could be improved to allow me to approve or deny multiple profiles at once, and to allow me to view more than ten applicants at a time. Furthermore, I would like to be able to scroll through all pending requests, not just the ones randomly assigned to the “pending members” screen. If you know anyone who is involved in the Orkut technical staff, I would be grateful if you could pass on my complaint.”

No doubt that orkut.com and similar social networks are not only became the medium of connecting with friends but it’s also becoming an international stage for people to meet and discuss on some very serious and important global issues, IR community is one best example. Over all, it’s a great community for debates and to meet some very interesting people.

Akash Patel – One Of The Youngest Motivational Speakers

zazo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:52:20 +0000

Akash Patel is the first personality I discovered not from orkut but from facebook. This is also an extension of flockpost.com which is no longer limited to orkut. Though, Akash is also a very active orkut user with more than 900 friends and 100 fans. I found him one of the youngest multi talented personality and a very friendly, down to earth teenage guy. Limca Book of Records may reward Akash as the youngest motivational speakers of the world. The interview with this talented Iowa university (USA) student was one of my best experience and it’s worth reading for everyone.

Please give your short biography, your birth place, family and school life.

“Seva Parmo Dharma” -The Bhagwat Gita (Service is the highest religion)

The above shloka (verse) from one of the greatest epics “Bhagwat Gita” sums up my philosophy in life. Though born and brought up in a family of business lineage, I have aspired and strove to make a positive difference in the lives of people and contribute something of permanent nature. I was born and brought up in the Wine Capital of India: ‘Nashik’ which is no longer a town – it is a metro in the making! My childhood has been quite simple and I have an identical twin brother Anand who is equally talented and gifted as I am! We brothers were extremely outgoing and ‘go-getters’ right from the beginning. My first leadership experience was as the President (Head Boy) of Nirmala Convent High School, my alma mater, an abode of eternal inspiration, motivation and knowledge. I am currently pursuing my Bachelors in Engineering & Journalism at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (USA) and also working as the International Student Ambassador of this esteemed institution. I started teaching ‘Human Values’, ‘Personality Development’ and ‘Motivation’ at a tender age of 16 and this has helped me apply for the prestigious Limca Book of World Records for the 2011 edition as the youngest motivational speaker of the world! I also worked as a free lance writer for Nashik Times and a YO! (Young Opinion) journalist for The Times of India’s YO! Bureau. I am currently on the Publication Board of the well-know college newspaper Iowa State Daily and also on the University Committee of Lectures, English Club and the Committee of World Affairs. I and my twin brother are also the founders of ‘The Indian Culture – Sanskriti’ Club at Iowa State University.

This whole hearted effort of conducting workshops on ‘Value Education’ and ‘Personality Development’ and ‘Motivation’ is based on Helen Keller’s ideology:

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

As a child, what was your dream and aim in life?

My aspirations were totally different in childhood than what I desire to be in the present-day. I always dreamt of being a pilot when I was a kid but DESTINY changed the course of my life. I never knew that I would be a social activist, writer and a motivational speaker in the long run. It was something incredible! My goals are now to be an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, writer and social activist; in this pursuit, my long term goal is to work selflessly to win the Nobel Peace Prize (I know it is a farfetched dream but I shall work assiduously to achieve it!).

At such a young age you have experienced so many facets of life, you worked so hard. What is your source of energy and confidence?

It’s all the magic of PASSION, an unflagging zeal and an indomitable will power to do things with a difference! I think that life is real and earnest and that the GRAVE is not the ultimate goal of life. We have to do something epoch making, get up and set our shoulders to the wheel, otherwise what is the difference between us and the trees and stone. They, too, come into existence, decay and die! I am very optimistic and have a store house of abundant energy that helps me get up everyday and do something for a noble cause! All you need is a tireless will power and determination to work!

My mother and two of my High school teachers play a key role in my success. Veteran teacher and Nashikite Vinodini Seetharaman was the great person who discovered the hidden talent in me that was waiting to be exploited. She allowed me to teach ‘English Composition’ and ‘Communication Skills’ to her students which eventually helped me leave a mark as a free lance writer and a YO! Journalist in The Times of India and Nashik Times. This fun filled experience of teaching at ‘Seetharam Classes’ all the more helped me develop my oratory skills to a great extent! High School Teacher Sheila Doke is like my second mother, she was the person whom I approached for all my spiritual needs.

Everybody says “Failure is a part of life”, but how do you take failures in your life? Would you like to share any real life experience with us?

Failures are the stepping stones to success! To be very honest and candid, I failed in all elocution competitions in High School but ‘at least’ made an attempt. I kept trying but failed in most of the Inter School Elocution competitions. I remember just getting a Consolation Prize once! Otherwise, I just couldn’t make it in most of the competitions. These experiences helped me develop my speech and today I proudly affirm that I can speak confidently even in front of a crowd of thousands of people. I owe a lot of my gratitude to FAILURE! In the past 2 years I have:

Conducted more than 250 workshops on ‘Moral Values’, ‘Personality Development’, ‘Motivation’ in and around Nashik district (Maharashtra, India) for students, teachers, parents, politicians, lawyers, doctors, industrialists, police officers, juvenile delinquents, hard core criminals, etc.
Motivated more than 1, 00, 000 people of India. Bagged the credit of being the youngest motivational speaker of Nashik.
Conducted a seminar for politicians on March 30, 2009 in the august presence of Senator Sameer Bhujbal and a myriad of other dignitaries. This workshop was telecast on one of India’s popular TV channels Star Maza.
Delivered 5 speeches, Audio Visual presentations at the Central Jail of India, Jail Road, Nashik on September 25, 2008.
Conducted a ‘Police Training workshop’ for the police officers of Nashik at the Police Commissionarate (Sinhasth Auditorium), Nashik on July 27, 2009.

Who is your idol? Why?

‘My life is my message’, ‘I have nothing new to teach the world, truth and non violence are as old as the hills’ – these are the lofty thoughts of the Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who has been my role model ever since childhood followed by two more noted personalities and visionaries Barack Obama and APJ Abdul Kalam. All their lives teach me HUMILITY. They teach me to accept good as well as bad with gratitude! These people are so down-to-earth even after their extra-ordinary and exemplary achievements. Their life reminds me of the inspirational lines by H W Longfellow from the famous poem ‘The Psalm of Life’:

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time

Being on stage and speaking for hours on one subject is challenging. Isn’t? How was your first experience as a speaker?

Speaking for hours at length on the same subject at different places is indeed a challenging job. My friends used to often ask: Don’t you get tired conducting the same workshops at so many places? Aren’t you bored? I used to always say: It’s so much of fun and exploration, meeting so many different people like students, teachers, parents, politicians, industrialists, nurses, doctors, police officers, juvenile delinquents, hard core criminals etc. This job gives me satisfaction and immense happiness. My experience at the Jail is different from a school, hospital, industry, etc. So every workshop is unique and opens up a plethora of new options and opportunities. Above all, I like doing this noble job as I LOVE to see a SMILE on the face of a person who is distressed, crestfallen or who smiles just for the sake of smiling and goodwill! I always mention in my workshop: Anger is a cup of poison that you are drinking and thinking that the other person should die or something bad should happen to that person. So, always be happy always wear a smile not because life is full of reasons to smile but your smile itself is a reason for many others to smile. Smile a lot, it costs nothing!

I was very zealous about studying Psychology, Philosophy, Spirituality et al and people slowly started knowing me and acknowledging my effort as an Assistant teacher at ‘Seetharam Classes’. It was my first opportunity when I was going to present something to students and wanted to see their response and gain some valuable feedback. It was Kilbil St Joseph High School where I planned to present my first workshop. The Principal Sister Grace was very stringent and first and foremost asked me to present the entire workshop in front of her. I did it enthusiastically. She was so enamored that she quickly asked her Supervisor to allow me to speak to the Grade 9 students. This triggered off my vast endless journey in the realm of Motivation and Moral Values. I learnt and developed my speech everyday with new locations and new spectators. Slowly and gradually people recognized my efforts and then I was roped in by the Collector of the District, S Chockalingam, who granted me the permission to conduct this seminar in all schools of Nashik District!

Akash, what are those basic points which every human being despite of his caste, color religion, wealth and country should do to make his life happy? I asked this question to you because I personally feel that a lack of positive attitude towards life and depression is one most common illness present in this world.

‘Satisfaction-content’ is the key to happiness. One must have abundant faith in oneself and be self-motivated to do anything that he aspires to achieve. In this process, if he fails to attain and accomplish certain goals, he must possess perseverance and patience, he must remember the human being who lives in dire straits, in extreme poverty or the person who is visually challenged, physically handicapped and is still willing to do something different, that shall be a source of motivation.

I have always heard people saying: Mera Naasib hi Kharab hai (I am unlucky right from birth/ Luck doesn’t favour me!), for such lethargic, sluggish, lazy people, I have only 1 thing to say:

Never believe what the lines of your hand predict about your future because people who don’t have hands also have a future! Believe in yourself!

One more crucial aspect is to learn the art of forgiveness and letting bygones be bygones. We often remember all the negative things (fights/grudges/verbal abuse) that we have had with another person. We must forgive and forget. I know how difficult it is to forgive; I acquired it only after a lot of meditation and contemplation. Rabindranath Tagore rightly says Forgiveness is the quality of the strongest.

We must always bear in mind: To err is human, but to forgive is divine. So, forgive others and acquire a divine quality. That is the essence of life.

We often say that Life is not a bed of roses, but how many of us accept life as it comes? Do we stop to think about all that has been endowed upon us? Time for introspection!

Your Journey has started from a small town. Especially in India, we have seen this common problem that the young people who hail from a small town comparative to metro cities find themselves less motivated to face this world ( Both educationally and professionally) , what is your opinion?

My hometown Nashik is in no way a small town but compared to metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Banglore, it is underdeveloped! When I was in High School, we didn’t have many International schools or the CBSE/IB/ICSE curriculum, nevertheless, Nashik is now an educational hub and also a metro in the making! Progress doesn’t depend upon the size, population or demography of the city! It all depends upon your zeal and will power. You need a tireless and an undying will to succeed both academically and professionally. I was groomed in a background where I hardly faced any adversity or difficult situation. I was ‘fortunately’ bestowed with everything that a student studying in a cosmopolitan city got; I wasn’t deprived of any opportunities. I do see eye to eye with the fact that guys from a small town aren’t exposed to many facets of life that their fellow friends from metro cities are; but that is, in no way a crucial benchmark of any human being’s success! Gandhiji, Dr Ambedkar, Business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani and Lakshmi Mittal were all born and brought up in small towns or villages.

What are your favorite free time activities?

I hardly get spare time during the day while living in the United States. I had some leisure time when I was in India but US life is very busy, since apart from studying, I also have to cook, shoulder the responsibility of a house and get involved in all the Clubs and Committees that I have pledged time commitment to. If I get some spare time, I love writing and reading. I am a voracious reader. In the States, I spend weekends by inviting people from all over the world (International Students at ISU) to have Indian food at my apartment. I also teach Yoga to interested students at Iowa State University.

India produces one of the most intelligent and qualified professionals in the world. Although, Indian educational and social institutions sometime pressurize and overburden students with their studies. How do you find the education system in India?

The Indian educational system is unique and exceptional. It is different and I recommend the Indian educational system since it subjects students to immense learning and a broader and deeper understanding of concepts. I still criticize the concept of ‘rote learning’ in India. If it is replaced by ‘Practical and pragmatic’ approach towards understanding concepts, Indian educational system will see a revolution and be rewarded as the best educational system in the world. The credit of my ‘tender age’ success and accomplishments goes solely and completely to the distinguished Indian educational system. I am proud that India is still one of the leading countries producing the best of engineers, doctors, scientists, physicians, writers, and above all GOOD HUMAN BEINGS! However, there is still scope for improvement and a lot of amendments in the educational system!

You have so many friends, followers and fans in India and now you have also started showing your magic in Unites States, Do you have a girl in your life? Sorry if it is too personal.

I do have many close girlfriends but not a ‘girl’ in the true sense. I don’t want to get into a relationship since it is not appropriate for a person of my stature. Tomorrow, if a student, teacher, parent or any other person who has attended my workshop or knows me as a motivational speaker sees me on the road or in any picture flirting with a girl; it would be a disgrace and a shame for me! I must Practice what I preach otherwise it is useless and futile. I will get an appropriate girl at the appropriate time!

Which is your favorite online spot orkut or facebook?

As far as my Indian and Brazilian friends are concerned, Orkut is the best spot for social networking, but these days I prefer Facebook over Orkut since it is a lot more secure, classy and trendy!

I love Orkut too!

Any message to readers?

My life is my message to the readers. Dear readers, you must just ponder and think for a few seconds – If a 16 year old lad can do so much for the society, why can’t I ? I am not trying to brag about my achievements but just trying to tell you how important it is to get involved in serving HUMANITY and helping someone in need. Service to man is Service to God.

One must bear in mind that Life is real and earnest and the grave is not the ultimate goal of life!

You can contact me on akapat3@gmail.com

Well, thanks a ton Zazo for considering me capable of being on Orkutheroes. It was fun and a delight to answer all your questions! Wish you and your team great success in all your future endeavors and May God bless u guys always!

Interview with Aminur Rashid – Orkut IPFC Moderator

zazo — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:06:45 +0000

India Pakistan Friendship Club is one of the most active and big communities on Orkut social network. Over the years, this orkut community became one of the most favorite online hang out for hundreds and thousands of people from India and Pakistan.

Aminur Rashid is not merely a member of this community but has also successfully won many hearts and is known as one of the key figure of IPFC. Members of IPFC both from India and Pakistan love him and respect him. Aminur is known to be a friendly, mature and a trusted person in IPFC circle. He is also a co-owner of this community; I got a chance to talk with Aminur about his views on India and Pakistan, and his life.

Let me share this interesting interview with you all.

Aminur, please introduce yourself. Your location, profession, birth place etc.

I was born, in Purnia, a small town in Bihar where my dad was posted. I hail from Bhagalpur Bihar, from where I completed my high school, from St Andrew’s school. I then moved to Aligarh where I completed my higher secondary and engineering from Aligarh Muslim University. It was a great stay and learning experience at AMU. I always wonder, why we stopped at just one AMU, which is indeed doing great work providing exemplary healthy environment to students from different parts of India, especially Muslims.

Currently I am working in our Software industry, and at present located in Munich, Germany.

India and Pakistan are known more as a rivals than as friends, what captured your interest in joining a community like IPFC (India Pakistan Friendship Club)?

You said it all. India and Pakistan are indeed rivals. For a number of people from both sides, our patriotism starts and ends with bashing Pakistan (if we are Indians) or bashing India if we are Pakistani. I will be frank here, to say, when I saw this community created by Rahul, a friend of mine, I joined as an inquisitive member, as a member to know how our Indian counterparts has taken this idea of friendship, what is the reaction of Pakistani members. But once I joined, it was never a coming back.

Your journey in IPFC is quiet successful as a moderator, member, mentor and friends of many community members, how do you think personally about it? Is IPFC successful to its mission?

Like I said, I joined the community as an inquisitive member, but then what community provided me was a platform to know people. To interact with them, heated or normal, does not matter. What was more important was we were interacting, and in turn, got a chance to know each other, what the people at other side of the border feels, which normally never happens. We always see people from different field crossing borders and saying good/bad about each other, but interaction between common people of both side and knowing their views, uncensored was a great step ahead. In turn, I met lots of reasonable people from both side of the borders and I feel happy about it.

I would call IPFC moving ahead towards success, albeit slowly. People often complain that the community looks more than a fight club instead of a friendship club, where members keep on fighting. What I say to them is, it’s always the new members who keep on coming back to heated arguments. In IPFC what I have observed is, people join at times with intention to hit back at members from outside, they start with blaming each other, and in span of time, start believing in message of friendship. And then we get new set of people, joining in, starting the same again. So looking from this point of view, you see, with each cycle the community is changing hearts of few, if not many.

What I regret is that IPFC has not done much outside web world, which many feel is just a virtual world. We have come up with an excellent web-site [self praise ]http://ipfc.info to reach out the people outside orkut world and are trying hard to see how we can spread the message in real world as well. In fact you can also help us in the mission; any idea from your side, to help us will always be appreciated.

After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, India, both Indians and Pakistani citizens find a big gap between themselves, both politically and socially. Was IPFC affected with it too?

Yes, IPFC was affected as well. There was surge of emotions from both sides. While members, both Pakistani and Indians condemned the horrendous, inhuman attacks in equal terms, but their approach in who were the perpetrators of the crime, was different. And then there were, like always, heated arguments.

But then what was satisfying in the end that members from both side agreed that its common people from both side who are suffering at the hands of this monster, Terrorism.

Aminur, what are your political views on India and Pakistan? Nowadays, the least relation with Pakistan i.e. “cricket” has also disappeared. In all this, your community IPFC looks like a challenge or a dream. Politically and diplomatically what could be the best solution of this unsolved rivalry of more than 50 years?

My Political views on India and Pakistan is totally different. I don’t see the two nations to be friends politically in near future. Even if the current government decides to go the friendship way, you never know with change in governments and in turn the policies, the same can continue.

I would like to see politicians leaving the friendship for the common people of the country and instead taking care of building an environment of trust, an environment where both the nation could look into their internal problems first, without poking the nose in each other’s affairs. Let politicians of both countries forget what is happening on the other side of the border, and contribute towards the internal problem of their nation (which ironically is similar for both the countries, for e.g. terrorism, illiteracy, malnutrition, women exploitation, child exploitation)

The only solution what I have felt is via more of people to people interaction. Free border is a distant possibility in near future, but once we achieve that then it can shed many of the myths about people from both sides. Ask any of the cricket fans, who have crossed the border from either side to cheer up their team; they will always talk highly of the treatment they would have got from the local people. So when these small flows of people have produced positive result, why not let the larger chunk of people to move from one side to other. Yes, there will be security concerns and other concerns as well, but then we all need to sort those concerns, instead of just curtailing the relationship itself.

Then there is not to be talked about Kashmir problem, where both the nations seem to be reluctant to decide about it. This problem must also be solved, (although it’s not as easy as said) taking the interests of Kashmiris in account.

Regarding disappearing of cricket, I feel it was a blessing in disguise. Imagine what happened to Srilankan cricketers, if it would have happened with Indian cricketers. The relationship would have taken a further dip.

What was the toughest phase of your life and how did you came out of it? Please share.

Alhamdullilah, life has treated me very well so far. And even if I try to recall from pages of past, I am not able to find any thing, which really was tough or unusually unfortunate for me. I hope, Lord treats me the same he has been treating so far.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

To excel technically and to be at the level of whom I consider as my role models. Apart from the career related goal, I do wish to be a better human, each passing day.

Besides, I also wish to see an EU like union, in our south Asia, at least in my life time. I am not sure if it is realistic or not, but then nothing wrong in dreaming.

Do you have any role model? Please describe.

Yes, I do have role models. In my professional life, I find professionalism in Sathish Kumar, Steve Muench, and Thomas kurian – all the three from previous company. Sathish Kumar was my manager having excellent managerial skills, along with exemplary technical skills. He has contributed a lot in shaping up my career in positive way.

Steve Muench is one person; you would like to have knowledge like.

Thomas Kurian is the most apt person to lead any organization. These are the guys who motivate you to go the extra miles at your workplace.

There are many people apart from my professional life, who inspire me a lot.

How is the life in Germany? Do you miss India?

Life in Germany is good. There’s lot of things to learn from German colleagues. But yes, I do miss India at times. Specially during festive time. Although to make it up, we tried celebrating festivals together, e.g There was a celebrations and get together on Diwali and Eid as well but then, I feel nothing can beat being at home during festive time.

I will also miss the elections hungama this time as well. Unfortunately, I was out of India, even last time we had elections at center in India. That is a big loss to miss all the fun and action.

Aminur what are your favorite pass time, any hobbies?

Well my favorite stress buster was sharing tea with my friends on our regular Tea stall in the evening when I was in India. I am missing the fun. Apart from that, I enjoy playing badminton a lot.

I do have this unusual habit of flying kite, whenever I get a chance.

Any memorable moment from IPFC community you would like to share?

Definitely I have one. One of our IPFC member’s neighbor was coming to Bangalore, to get their kid operated at Narayana Hridiyala Bangalore. He was skeptical about how the city may treat them, and he asked us, since we were in Bangalore to take care of them. It was a memorable period to meet them. Unfortunately the doctors were not able to save the kid, but the couple did went back with a positive feedback for my country – that was indeed satisfying moment.

Birthday of A Martyr on orkut- Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Tara — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:13:16 +0000

26/11/2008 was one of the most horrifying night in the history, for India and its people when a handful of beasts entered our place and ruined it in a way which not only wounded our people’s body and mind but our heart and soul as well.

Out of all those heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their life for saving ours on the fatal night, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was among those brave commandos who launched an assault operation in Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, one of the seized locations by terrorist. Major Sandeep bravely kissed the martyrdom, fighting bravely, saving the other commandos and the fellow civilians. This brave son of India was born on March 15^th 1977, and his martyrdom raised a flame of anger against terrorism, the flame of hope to make India united and powerful, a flame to fulfill his dreams and do not let his and many brave soldiers martyrdom go in vain.

As the night snatched away country’s sleep and peace, some young Indians made an online community on Orkut in honor of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The very community, started with a few and has now reached at a membership of around 1600 plus members, and is proud with the fact that, father of Major Sandeep, Mr.K.UnniKrishnan, is also a part of them now. This community of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan which is the biggest, official and most genuine community of its kind on orkut is all set and determined to reach its goal and accomplish its mission of making India once again a serene place to dwell where the citizens are all united, and strong despite of any caste, religion, color and belief.

On its way towards this mission, the very first and biggest event of this community has arrived, and it’s the Big Day for them, when it’s the 32^nd Birthday of the Nation’s Hero, Shaheed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. This online community has members from all fields of life, of all ages and of different places in India as well as outside the country. The community has gone through tough phases as any of the successful communities go through and still heads at the top with all members full of fervor, and zeal to work and contribute in any little possible way they could, for their nation and the martyrs.

Graphic by: Devdeep Ahuja

There are a number of activities done by this community till date, but I am not talking about them here, as the event of Major Sandeep’s Birthday has so much in it to write about , that the other activities won’t find a place in this article. The preparations of celebrating Major Sandeep’s Birthday started weeks before. There have been several competitions held, like, MSU Birthday Poetry Contest, MSU Birthday Poster making competition. And the creations done by the members are awesome and lack words to appreciate. Many of them came up with beautiful and soulful posters and poetry with heart warming messages. Its been decided that the best poster will be framed and presented to Major’s parents in Bangalore by Anurag Chaturvedi, a member, on behalf of the community as a token of love and respect on their brave son’s birthday and convey to them , that their son is not forgotten and would never be.

The community showed the feeling of ecstasy and pride on his birthday by changing their official display picture, wishing Major Sandeep a happy birthday. There is another thread in the forum which says, “Plan on MSU Birthday- Changing DP” and it’s difficult to express in words how the community is looking when most of the members have picture of Major Sandeep as their display picture in his honor and wishing him on his birthday. Lined up in the forum are more threads, with one or the other way of celebrating the birthday like, “Wishes for our hero Major Sandeep”, “What’s your plan on MSU Birthday”, “[Birthday Special] Be with us on March 15th “Online” where all the members of the community will be getting online on yahoo messenger at a decided time, i.e. 11.00 a.m. (IST), making merry all together.

Apart from celebrations online, the community is also making best efforts for doing things offline. One of the members of the community, Rakesh Bhamare from Nashik, initiated the work and in true sense made the community feel proud. He celebrated in a grand manner with his friends at Niradhan Balsangopan orphan Home at Pune.

They followed the custom of cutting a huge birthday cake and then distributing food, ice creams and had fun playing with those lovely kids, painting, drawing and then dispensing small gifts like color pen, crayons and games etc, simply to bring a smile on those beautiful faces. The community members are waiting eagerly for the day to come, because there is another event lined up in the way to be organized, by Aditi Nandhu from Chennai, another active member of the community. She will also visit an orphanage, BABA Gurukulam, which has 105 children and 25 old age people, on behalf of the community on 15^th March. The community has planned for at least managing a nice lunch for all of them. The members are all geared up and are praying for Aditi and wishing her luck to make this event a success. The community has planned to go for a newspaper article on the occasion, giving messages and wishes to Major Sandeep on his Birthday and letting the entire nation know about it. The charge of this activity is taken over by Vrinda Bajaj, a senior member of the community from Delhi.

Talking about all this may sound unusual to some people, but, the community is living this great elation each moment of their lives. For them, Birthday of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is a matter of great pleasure, far more and above their own birthdays. Biju Krishnan, one of the most sincere members of the MSU community from UK, has been really enthusiastic about the upcoming birthday of MSU. He compiled a video of all the posters from the poster competition held in the community with songs that make us feel the warmth as if MSU is alive and smiling with us.

A birthday wish from Abhishek Tiwari, a keen young member of MSUOC, is, “hello sir, I know you are still with us in form of our inspiration because, I believe if you were not with us we would not have achieved what we have done little bit till now. It does all because of your blessings sir .I wanna wish you a very very HAPPY B’DAY! I promise you we will always continue on the path you showed us and always be ready to give 100% for my country and continue the good work for my motherland.”

Other active members like Kishore, Devdeep, Sneha, Saniya, Anil, and many more are all walking with hands together and heads high waiting for the good to happen as decided.

The MSU community is breathlessly waiting for the great day to come so that all of the members may pay their highest tribute to this Martyr, on his 31^st Birthday.

We at Orkutheroes have always tried to bring in front the great deeds being done in the virtual space of Orkut through such online communities, so it was hard to resist writing about this great and praise worthy endeavor made by the member of MSU community.

Our only message to the departed soul of Major Sandeep on his Birthday is. “Long Live Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan!”

Post Updated( March 15th 2009) : The picture below is Mr & Mrs Unnikrishnan with two of the orkut community of Major Sandeep respresnetatives and active members Anurag Chaturvedi and Bikash Kumar presenting a graphic poster on behalf of the community created on occassion of Major Sandeep’s Birthday

Website of Sandeep Unnikrishnan created by MSU community : www.sandeepunnikrishnan.org

All photographs are the property of SandeepUnnikrishnan.org

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