Saturday, October 01, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Beauty tips
General Hair Care Tips
Hair Care
A healthy hair is depended mainly on a healthy diet, good exercise and proper care. Head hair is located underneath of scalp skin. Hair is produced from the hair follicles. The necessary protein for hair growth is supplied through blood circulation in the scalp area. Here we can understand that the food we eat also decides hair growth. Pertinacious food helps the hair growth. Fish, meat, milk, butter and food grains contains protein. Fresh fruits also help in this. Also eat green leafy vegetables that can increase the iron content in the blood. The iron in the blood can stimulate oxygenation in the body.
If your hair is too dry you have to oil once in a week. But do not keep hair so oily. If the hair is oily then you have to shampoo once n a week. Always take care to keep hair not too oily or too dry. Hair must be in a medium or combination level. Normally the oil glands under the scalp can produce the required oil. There is no need to put oil externally. But sometimes the oil glands may work up normally. It may produce excess oil or it may not produce enough oil. In this condition you have to mange it by adjusting your diet. But if the oil production is not becoming normal then you have to go for shampooing or oil massage.
Another main and important matter I have to mention is about over shampooing. If the hair and scalp is extremely oily then there will be a tendency to wash hair very frequently. This is not a proper method. If you wash away total oil by over shampooing then the oil glands on the scalp may try to produce more oil. As you wash more the glands tends to produce more oil. Do not over wash, that will not solve the problem. First of all try to solve the problem by food control. Next use mild shampoos that only reduce the oil very little. Do not use any shampoo that may make hair very dry. Instead of using shampoo you can try a suitable homemade hair pack.
Another important thing is over oiling. If your hair is too dry there will be tendency to oil hair. Oiling is good but do not put more oil. It may produce dandruff. If you are in a habit of oil the hair once in a week that is good. You can put enough oil on hair and scalp. After half an hour remove the excess oil by using a suitable shampoo. If you don't like shampoo again homemade hair packs are good.
For a healthy scalp and hair it is highly advisable to do a head massage, with oil or without, once in a week at least. That will increase the blood circulation in scalp area.
Chick pea powder or green gram powder can be used to wash hair. Apply oil before using this. Hibiscus leaves can be used as shampoo and conditioner.
Natural Skin Care
Natural Skin CareHere are some tips for caring your skin. Most effective beauty aids are lemon, potato,carrot, cucumber, tomato. For oily skin, lemon is very effective. Add a small quantity of milk and few drops of lemon juice in oat flour. Apply this mixture on the face, leave it for 20 min. and then wash off with luke warm water.
For black spots and shadow on face here is a simple and definite solution. Mix lemon juice and fresh milk cream can be applied before retiring to bed. Leave it overnight. This will reduce the appearance of dark spot or shade by consistent use.
Applying cooked and mashed potato also keeps the skin clean and fresh.
Carrot is a very good ingredients in many face packs. A simple and effective face pack can be made at home. Chop carrot into small pieces, boil these in water. Mash it to get a paste and apply on the face. Keep it for half an hour.
If you have clogs on the skin it should be removed frequently. For cleaning clogged pores, mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity. Apply this on face by using fingers or cotton ball.
Grated cucumber can be applied on face to make the face fresh. This removes the dark circle effect. Also cucumber piece can be placed on eyes.
SKIN CARE IN SUMMER
Everyday clean your face and neck with a good cleansing milk.
You can use good astringent for oily skin.
After cleaning your face, take a piece of ice and massage your face slowly with it.
Wash your face with cold water at least thrice a day.
A light massage with a cream on face before going to bed is very useful. (water based cream.)
SKIN CARE IN WINTER
Do not use soap. If your skin is oily, then wash your face with soap only once in a day. Cleansing cream can be used on face in case of dry skin. For oily skin use skin tonic. Do not wash your face with very hot water. Using moisturizer reduces dryness of the skin. Do not forget to massage your face with cold cream or skin tonic before going to bed. Use as little make up as possible if you have pimples.
Make a paste by adding maida to milk and rub it well on face. This will remove dirt and dust and skin becomes soft.
For dry and rough skin: Take the seed of water melon, pumpkin and cucumber in equal quantity. Grind them in milk adding fresh milk cream. Apply this on face and leave it for half an hour.
To get a glowing skin: Take three tsp. or more mustard seeds. Clean them and grind. Make a paste either in milk or water. Apply it on face and leave it for 20 min.
30 Beauty Tips for Teenage Girls
Confidence and Self-Esteem
While anybody can learn a few tricks with their makeup brush, not everybody knows how to carry themselves afterward. In short, confidence and self-esteem are also important traits in regards to beauty.Confidence is what gets girls noticed, and self-esteem is what gives them confidence. All it takes is being willing to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. Everyone has insecurities, but accepting your imperfections is key to unlocking your true potential. Now onto the beauty tips!
Skin Care Tips
Tip #1 (Tissue Test): One of the most important aspects of taking care of your skin involves knowing exactly what skin type you have. The five basic skin types are sensitive, normal, oily, combination and dry. When you're trying to diagnose your skin type, do a simple test in the morning with a tissue after waking up. This is the easiest way to tell which of the five basic skin types you have. To perform the test, just unfold the tissue, and lay it so that the tissue covers your face. Then press it onto your skin, and remove the tissue to see what it reveals. Use these descriptions to find your skin type in order to take proper care of yourself.Tip #2 (Sensitive Skin): Your tissue will have little-to-no oil left over from your skin. Sensitive skin can become a challenge to treat since it often feels tight and dry with reddish-scaly areas. In addition to this, sensitive skin can itch and tingle with spotty breakouts. If your skin becomes inflamed or irritated easily, then you probably have sensitive skin.
- Sensitive Skin Care Tips:
Avoid facial exfoliants and cleansers with sand or peach pits to avoid worsening your red skin; instead, use cleansers made with castile soap because it is soothing and gentle on your skin. Do not use facial cleansers that contain large amounts of benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) and/or beta-hydroxy-acid (BHA) since these can irritate acne further. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a facial cleanser that treats sensitive skin in drugstores because these are the most common ingredients in many cleansers and exfoliants on the market.
- Normal Skin Care Tips:
The best thing to do if you have normal skin is to wash it every day - morning and night - with gentle soap so you don't irritate the balance that your skin already has. Use a toner if you like, and of course apply a moisturizer daily.
- Oily Skin Care Tips:
To keep your skin looking young and supple, while also keeping it from wrinkling as you get older, use proper facial washes designed to treat oily skin. You won't have any trouble finding treatments for oily skin because there are a variety of products to choose from. But don't use the same soap you use on your body since it will dry your skin out, and leave you with unwanted pimples! Use an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week to combat breakouts.
- Combination Skin Care Tips:
Your dry zones are typically your cheek and eye areas, and these won’t need much attention until the age of 30 or older. The other areas of your face are known as oil zones, and they require daily cleansing and weekly exfoliating with a product designed for oily skin.
- Dry Skin Care Tips:
You can easily fight off wrinkles and aging by developing healthy skin care habits that involve plenty of moisturizers containing hypoallergenic ingredients. Use lukewarm water to cleanse with since hot water irritates skin. In the winter, these tips are especially important to keep in mind!
Makeup Tips
Makeup is used to make women appear older, sophisticated, trendy, and of course, it's used to hide pimples, scars, and red areas on the face. Finding the right makeup to use for your own special complexion is difficult because there are hundreds of different brands, colors, formulas, and prices to consider before making a purchase. There are a number of makeup items you can use during the application process including, but not limited to, primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss.Tip #7 (Choosing your Foundation): You can find foundation in a few different formulas including liquid, whipped, cream and powder. Liquid foundations typically come formulated specifically for every skin type; however, liquid foundation isn't always the best choice. Use your skin type as a guide to find the best foundation formula because if you're using the wrong foundation, your skin can look similar to a powdered doughnut, or it can even look like you're wearing a mask. In order to keep any of this from happening, learn how to find the right foundation for your skin type.
Tip #8 (Foundation for Dry Skin): If your skin is dry, using a hydrating powder, stick, or an oil-based liquid foundation will give a positive result. Sticks and liquids have both a moisturizing and creamy texture; the hydrating powders are specially designed to release moisture to the skin, while covering better than a normal pressed powder. If you choose to purchase hydrating powder, make sure the packaging says something similar to "compact makeup" or "foundation".
Tip #9 (Foundation for Oily Skin): Liquid or powder foundations that are labeled oil-free are ideal for oily skin. Mineral foundations will also work well on oily skin since these products absorb excess oil to give your face a smooth, matte finish. These foundations are good for covering up acne, or when used as a concealer for dark under-eye areas. For skin that has frequent breakouts, use foundation containing salicylic acid to dry the oil-producing glands that create pimples.
Tip #10 (Foundation for Combination Skin): Combination skin is best covered up with powder, whipped or cream foundation. You will get strong coverage with any of these products, as well as the added bonus of intense moisturizing benefits. Plus powder, whipped, and cream foundations are all easy to apply, and are better choices than that of a liquid or stick foundation.
Tip #11 (Foundation for Sensitive Skin): If you have eczema, rosacea, or you’re highly prone to acne breakouts, then you have sensitive skin. Assuming you have skin that is tight, scaly, red and irritated, then try using a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers will provide you with light coverage, while also giving your skin plenty of moisture. Another option is to use mineral makeup; however, it’s possible for the mineral makeup to dry your skin, so in combination with this foundation, you should use a toning spray to set and lock in moisture throughout the day.
Tip #12 (Foundation for Normal Skin): For skin that has minimal problems with oil, acne or dryness, you'll be able to use almost any formula of foundation.
Finding Your Foundation Shade
The next time you're at the mall, find a makeup counter and try some of their different shades. When doing this, keep in mind that the skin on the back of your hand is the closest match to the skin on your face; so it's the best place to find a match if you're not wanting to apply lots of different shades on your face. Using natural light can prove to be difficult in a store or mall, but it will reflect more accurately on how the foundation really looks on your skin. It’s also important for you to have a clean face when you're experimenting with different foundation shades.Tip #13 (Fair Skin Tones): Skin that is slightly translucent (having visible veins), pale, or sunburns easily is considered to be fair. The ideal shades of foundation for fair skin tones are ones that have pink or beige undertones.
Tip #14 (Olive Skin Tones): Foundations with beige, green, or yellow tones work well with Asian and olive skin tones. Powders that have peachy or pink bases warm up skin that looks unhealthy or pale.
Tip #15 (Medium Skin Tones): Neutral, beige, gold, and earth tone shades of foundation wear well on Latina or medium skin tones. If you're using powder, the powder should still be in the neutral earth tones; you might also consider using translucent powder to set the foundation.
Tip #16 (Dark Skin Tones): Mango or banana-toned powder will warm up darker skin tones. It’s worth mentioning that when cool colors are used on darker tones, the skin can turn out ashy so avoid these. Also keep in mind that it might be necessary to use two different shades of foundation if you have two different skin tones. Luckily, some foundations are available with two colors for easy blending.
Concealer
Tip #17: If you have problems with dark circles under your eyes, concealer needs to be applied before foundation. If you are looking to cover up acne, the concealer can be applied after the foundation.Tip #18: There are makeup brushes specifically made for the application of concealer; however, they aren't a must-have item. All you need for application is a q-tip, or even a finger will work fine when applying the concealer to acne. It’s important to be precise about applying the concealer directly onto the pimple, and not just the general area where you have a lot of breakouts.
Tip #19: It’s important to know there are concealers that offer medication to treat acne, as well as cover the pimples up. It is also worth mentioning the idea of using foundation that offers strong coverage so you won’t leave your skin looking cakey.
Eyebrows
Everyone is born with bushes above their eyes, but it can be easy to make the bushes look like groomed shrubs. When it comes to your eyebrows, you have options, but don't go overboard with waxing, plucking or trimming. The worst thing you could do for your eyebrows is to kill the hair follicles by over-plucking them. The easy way to get perfect eyebrows is to use a brow kit that provides you with stencils, eyebrow powder and a brow brush; however, not everyone can afford to purchase a kit. Here are some tips on how to achieve perfect eyebrows.Basic Eyebrow Grooming
A few things to keep in mind when maintaining your own eyebrows is to pluck one hair at a time, get as close to the root as possible, and pull in the direction of hair growth. If you have thin eyebrows, you can use eyebrow powder and stencils to fill them in; if you don't have eyebrow powder, experiment with your eye shadow to find a color that matches as closely as possible.Use an eye shadow padded wand to make small strokes to fill in your brow. There are also eyebrow pencils that are perfect for filling in thin brows. Apply the color with small strokes beginning at the inner corner, then working towards the end. Use a brow brush to comb excess color off your brow, and then use a very small amount of brow gel or regular hair gel to finish off the look. If it’s the first time you're plucking your eyebrows, beware of the redness that will occur. Assuming you plan on leaving the house, be prepared to explain why your brows are red. Also, you can use a cold wash cloth to hold onto your brows to help close the follicle.
Find Your Eyebrow Shape
Tip #20: Take a straight object like a pen, eyeliner pencil or popsicle stick, and hold it vertically along the side of your nose. The object you've held up should reach your eyebrow to indicate where your brow should start.Tip #21: Use the straight object again, only this time, line the object with the center of your eye (the pupil) because this is how you indicate where the arch of your brow should be.
Tip #22: To find out where your eyebrow should naturally end, hold the straight object up so that it makes a line from the corner of your nose to the corner of your eye. The object should reach your eyebrow to indicate where it should naturally end.
Tip #23: If your eyes are close-set, your brow will look better if it starts a little in from the corner of your eye. Your arch looks good if it is slightly outside of the center of your eye. Your brow looks best if it ends just a little past the outer corner of your eye.
Tip #24: For girls with eyes that are well spaced (an eye's width apart), start your eyebrow directly above the inside corner of your eye. Your arch looks best directly above the center of your eye's pupil. The brow looks good if it ends above the outer corner of your eye.
Tip #25: Some girls have eyes that are more than an eye's width apart, which is completely normal. Begin your eyebrow closer to the nose with your arch a little in front of the center of your eye. Your eyebrow looks best if it ends slightly above the outer corner of your eye.
Fingernails and Toenails
It may seem weird to hear that people judge others by their hands, but it is true. When you meet someone for the first time and shake their hand, it's the first thing that they notice about you. This being the case, having dirty hands isn't cool, so find out ways to keep your nails looking fresh and clean.Tip #26: Never bite your fingernails! The reason why is because prolonged fingernail biting causes the nail to become misshaped and curved.
Tip #27: Use a nail file properly, and always go in the same direction when you are filing your nails. By doing a sawing motion on your nails, you're creating small tears in your nails that will eventually make them break off.
Tip #27: Push your cuticle up toward your skin daily to keep your nails from looking shaggy. This is easiest when your fingers are wet, thus making the ideal time right after you get out of the shower.
Tip #28: Keep your nails at a safe length that you're comfortable with by using nail clippers. When you're trimming your nails, don't try to clip the nail in one cut. Use multiple cuts until the nail is trimmed so that you get a nice shape.
Hair Tips
Not every day is a good hair day, but there are ways to make most days good, while also skipping out on the hot blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons (damaging to the hair). There are also easy hairdos that only take 5 minutes or less, but look like they took an hour to do like braids, buns and half-up-dos. One more thing worth adding is that there ways to make your hair smell good without using expensive hair products and shampoo. Now that we’ve covered all of this, here are a couple of good hair tips.Tip #29: Create a chic pony tail by using an anti-frizz cream in curly hair, or curling cream in straight hair. Then tease your hair at the crown, and follow up by pulling the hair into a low ponytail. Leave a section of hair out on one side that is about a half inch wide, and use a clear ponytail holder to secure the ponytail. Use the hair you left out to wrap around the ponytail, and then hold the hair in place with a bobby pin.
Tip #30: Spray your favorite body spray or perfume onto your bristle brush, and comb your hair immediately afterward to make your hair smell fresh all day. If you have matching lotion, rub a little in your hands, and then put the excess lotion on your strands. This takes care of static, and gives your hair a delightful scent.
Enjoyed reading our "30 Beauty Tips for Teenage Girls" article? Please do not forget to share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter using the buttons under the article.
Natural Homemade Pimple Cure
At home remedies for Acne/Pimples
Are you looking for some natural and home made simple way to cure acne/pimple. In India there are some herbs used to avoid acne/pimple. For example Cinnamon powder is used to reduce pimple. Indian tips are good to reduce the effect of acne or pimple on your face. You know, the bark of Cinnamon tree is used as a spice in cooking meat etc. The concept is when it produce some good taste to that particular food, it also gives protection against such infections like acne or pimples. Most of the ingredients explained in this post may be used in Indian cooking. So it is safe to use as a cure to certain problems. It is not having much side effects. But I have to tell you that if you have any allergy problems due to sensitive skin like Pepper etc. then please try these tips on the inner wrist and make sure that you do not have any problem.
Now please continue reading Indian natural tips to Acne/Pimple
Pimples cure using cinnamon: Do you have cinnamon in your kitchen? Take fresh cinnamon and grind it or buy cinnamon powder and mix some water to make a paste. Apply this mix into the pimples. Apply on the pimples only. Sometimes it may produce irritation in other areas of your face. Leave it for some time and wash it off. Repeat it for few days till the pimples/acne disappears.
Papaya is a best cure for pimples. Take a piece of ripe papaya (not over ripe) and mash it to get a paste. Apply this paste on your face to reduce pimples. If it is not very ripe, put it on pimples only because the white milk existing in papaya may produce irritation to other areas of your face. After 20 min. wash your face. Do it for 4 days to cure acne/pimple.
Take powder of nutmeg (to buy), pepper and add a little water. Apply this on acne/pimple spots only. Pepper may give a burning sensation. So please avoid on sensitive skin.
note: you can select any one of these tips based on the availability of products.
Make a paste by mixing white onion juice, honey and rock salt in a proportion of 10:5:1. Apply it on face in pimple/acne and leave it for 20 min. then wash it off.
Mint is having so many medicinal values. Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. To cure stomach aches, put dried mint leaves in boiling water, then, when it cools drink it. This tea is called monstranzo. During the Middle Ages, powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint tea is a strong diuretic. Mint also aids digestion.
Apply a paste of ground mint leaves on pimples/acne and leave it overnight. Next morning wash with cold water.
Warm a little honey and add gram flour. Apply this paste on pimples. Leave it for 15 min. and wash with warm water.
Take Tulsi or Basil leaves and grind it adding a little water. Apply this on acne/pimple area and face.
Grind neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and turmeric powder, add a little water. Apply this on pimples/acne.
I hope the above natural homemade pimple cure Indian tips you enjoyed.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
A Touching Song, Tune Mere Jaana Kabhi Nahin Jaana….
A Touching Song, Tune Mere Jaana Kabhi Nahin Jaana…. February 19, 2011
Posted by shaikh hashim in Random Stuff.trackback I was going to write about my traveling which would start from tomorrow and couple of other things which did happen today but then, I got a call from a friend who asked me that whether I have heard the above mentioned song? Well, I didn’t apparently. He made me hear the song over his phone and told me a story behind this song. I liked the song so much that I immediately asked him to email me the song which he did and the next step for me was to find that how really well it’s out in the web world. To my amazement, it’s really is a popular song! About the story behind it, I have been reading different versions of it, even this that it’s fake but nevertheless, I would still mention it here. If it turns out to be a rumor, I shall put a note and will edit it in the future. But I do believe that what’s mentioned in the story, it might have happened in real as well. With all due respect to all the girls of this world, I still do believe that what is mentioned in the story, it really might have happened! So the story is this that a guy from Indian Institute of Technology(Guwahati) Rohan Rathore, who was suffering from Cancer, was madly in love with a girl(her name is there on the web but I won’t mention it here), refused to be with him because he was suffering from Cancer. After 15days of recording this song, Rohan died. Now, I have no means to check that it’s a true incident or not but I do believe that it’s possible that the gal might really have left the guy because he was going to die anyways. If you are a gal and you are feeling upset about me saying it, well, trust me, it’s possible that a gal really will do it! Anyways, I did like this song so much. It’s a mix of English and Hindi. I searched for the video of it on Youtube and I found couple of them. I have picked one which had lyrics of it( though I do think that a line or two are incorrectly mentioned and I shall write my understanding of lyrics here). The Hindi portion of the song, I shall translate here. It has a word Jaana which refers to the word Jaan meaning life so Jaana is someone who is dearest like life. I guess, that’s the best part of the song but that’s my humble opinion. Before I put the video, a disclaimer, it’s not made by me and I am not aware about any copyright violations whatsoever, if any, caused by the making of it. If you, the reader, thinks that the video (or even song) is a copyright violation, do let me know by putting it in the comments and I shall see what to do. But by no means, I am related to either in the recording of this song and/or in the making of this video. So with that note, here goes the video,
And here goes the lyrics,
Oh love of mine,
With a song and a whine,
You’re harsh and divine!
Like truths and a lie!
But the tale’s end is not here,
I’ve nothing to fear,
For my love is yell of giving and hold on.
In the bright emptiness,
In a room full of it,
Is the cruel mistress!
Oh ho ho….
I feel the sunrise,
That nests all hollowness,
For i have to let it go and not come!
And i feel so lonely yeah,
There’s a better place from this emptiness!
And i’m so lonely yeah
There’s a better place from this emptiness!
Yei yei yei!
Aaa aaa aaa(echo)
Toone mere jaana,
Kabhi nahin jaana,
Ishq mera, dard mera haaye!
Toone mere jaana,
Kabhi nahi jaana,
Ishq mera dard mera!
Aashiq tera,
Bheed mein khoya rehta hai!
Jaane jahaan,
Puchho to itna kehta hai,
And I feel so lonely yeah,
There’s a better place from this emptiness!
And I’m so lonely yeah,
There’s a better please from this emptiness!
Yei yei yei!
Aaa aaa aaa(echo)
I have made the portion which is in Hindi underlined so here goes the translation of that portion alone in English,
You my beloved,
Never did understand my love, my pain!
You my beloved,
Never did understand my love, my pain!
Your lover,
Is all alone even in the crowd,
Oh beloved,
If someone asks, all just he says!
I think that irrespective of the story, the song is just so good, so touching and definitely so sad! And about the story, as I said, I am not sure that’s its true or not but I have seen myself, even when someone is on the bed, at times, people still call him wrong, tell him that he is not good, stubborn forgetting that the most important bit at that moment is to ask how the person is because one may not be able to see it but it’s still possible that the person who is on the bed and is sick, he may be in a lot of pain, definitely physically and may be equally, emotionally!
Hats off to the write, singer, music composer of this song , whoever they are! And if it’s true that the song is by the guy Rohan who is dead now, may god give his soul rest and peace and to that gal whom he loved so madly, a heart!
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Why didn’t the media address corruption before Anna?
Anant Rangaswami Aug 29, 2011
The free press in India failed India by not keeping the pressure on the other three estates – the legislative, the government and the judiciary – over decades. Reuters
We’ve questioned the acts of omission and commission by the government, by the Congress party and by politicians in general. We’ve debated the stand taken by Anna Hazare and the wisdom behind, and the appropriateness of the strategy employed by Hazare and his team. We’ve dissected every statement and action by all these worthies, we’ve questioned their intent and their commitment, we’ve looked for hidden agendas and we’ve rapped them on the knuckles for transgressions.
What about the role that media has played? Who puts the news media under a microscope to check if all is well?
News television is patting itself on the back on the contribution to a victory for Team Anna and, consequently, for the people of India.
The self-congratulation is misplaced; Anna Hazare’s movement was born because all news media, including television, had failed him – and the people of India.
A free press is one of the pillars of a democracy, the pillar that influences the legislature, the judiciary and the government. Has it played the role expected of it?
“Numerous observers have emphasized that a free press is valuable for democracy, for good governance, and for human development. This perspective is exemplified by Amartya Sen’s famous argument that in independent and democratic countries, the free press encourages government responsiveness to public concerns, by highlighting cases of famine and natural disasters. “…in the terrible history of famines in the world, no substantial famine has ever occurred in any independent and democratic country with a relatively free press,” says a Harvard study on the role of the press in democracy.
Media has failed as the Fourth Estate. Reuters
In theory, we have a free press inIndia, and the fourth estate should have encouraged ‘government responsiveness to public concerns’ and should have helped build ‘the public consciousness needed to bring about change’. The free press in India failed India in this instance, by not keeping the pressure on the other three estates – the legislative, the government and the judiciary – over decades.
While media certainly needs to be congratulated on cornering various governments on the larger cases of corruption, such as the 2G scam, the CWG scam, the mining scam and so on, they paid scant attention to the culture of corruption that directly affected the common man – a constituency that Anna Hazare understands well.
The failure of the news media in this area was what Anna Hazare spotted in the first place – and the power of the media witnessed in the scams highlighted above is one that he both recognised and understood. In effect, for the common man, Anna Hazare became the Fourth Estate, using news media, firstly, to raise awareness about the issue of corruption and, secondly, to force the legislative and the government into acting on the issue.
None of this would have succeeded unless Anna Hazare had understood the pulse of the people in his choice of cause. Hazare saw what media failed to see. As a result, the media coverage on the Lokpal Bill over the past few months, but more so since Anna Hazare’s fast began, has followed a timeline and an agenda set by Anna Hazare. Anna Hazare became the cynosure of all eyes, the embodiment of trust and honesty – and the one that the populace could rely on in their battle against corruption.
Did they even know that they had a battle? No, not till Hazare told them.
This is where media has failed as the Fourth Estate. The media should have highlighted the issue in a sustained campaign years ago, pressurizing the political classes into action. They should have created and presented their version of a Lokpal Bill. They should have forced the houses of Parliament to debate the issue.
Instead, a media without power or influence is the tail of the dog, wagged by all those who can give them more eyeballs, be they politicians or representatives of civil society. Like the politician, the media could not ‘occupy’ the position of being honest and caring about the people. Where were they (as far as corruption was concerned) all these years?
So it will stay in the present instance – unless news media does what it is supposed to do. Instead of relaxing during a break between acts in this riveting drama, media must help citizens understand the nuances (and differences) between the various versions of the Lokpal Bill and, as a consequence, take a position on who is fighting their fight.
Going beyond the Lokpal Bill, news media needs to re-own the role that society defined for it. Not just the India that lives in the metros in comfortable houses, but the India that lives just above (and below) subsistence levels of income.
What are the issues that affect them the most? Anna Hazare himself has highlighted some: land policy, election-related corruption, education, and so on.
These – and others – are all opportunities for the Fourth Estate to demonstrate that they understand and fight for the causes of the common man. This is not simple; investments need to be made to first understand areas of the government and the legislature failing the common man, then to highlight these issues and their ramifications and, finally, to pressurise the government and law-makers into action.
Failure to do so will result in many Anna Hazares leading many causes across the country, defining agendas that are set and executed by them – and followed by the media.
That would be a sad commentary on the Fourth Estate.
Salman Khan
Salman: My father thinks my best is yet to come
Salman Khan is a phenomenon. He always was. There's no genre he hasn't attempted, he has an incredible fan following and he delivered some of the highest grossing films in the past couple of years.
Quite interestingly though, the star's father -- noted scriptwriter Salim Khan -- is of the opinion that his best is yet to come
In an exclusive interview with Sonil Dedhia, Salman raves about his film Bodyguard, shrugs off his disastrous previous pairing with Bodyguard co-star Kareena Kapoor, and clears the rumours about the Sanjay Dutt spat.
Your father Salim Khan has said that your best is yet to come.
If he says so, then I guess my best is yet to come.
After three blockbusters (Wanted, Dabangg and Ready), do you feel you have what it takes to deliver a blockbuster?
The audience has to love my work for a film to be a hit. It is they who declare the film a hit or a flop. We make films so that people get entertained. Cinema is the biggest form of entertainment in India and I am just giving what my fans and the audience wants.
Did the success of Wanted and Dabangg prompt you to release Bodyguard on Eid?
Bodyguard was ready and the best date to release was Eid. It's all about releasing a film on a good day or during the festive season when people are happy and want to go out with their family and friends and want to enjoy.
Image: Salman Khan
Bollywood cheers Anna Hazare
Shilpa Shetty tweeted: 'Heartfelt salutations and gratitude to Annaji and all the people with him 4 the selfless fight they've put up on our behalf. RESPECT!'
Preity Zinta called it a golden day: 'Today is a golden day 4 each Indian ! Its now r job 2 see that we do not lose momentum & finish what V started with Anna. JAI HIND !'
Punit Malhotra wrote: 'Finally Anna won.. finally the people of India won. A 74yr old man showed us the way, we need to walk on it... Now let's take this forward:)'
Mahesh Bhatt, who was against Anna's movement, tweeted his wishes: 'Congrats to Anna. The Govt did not have the moral courage to lock horns with his movement because their hands were stained with blood.'
Lara Dutta praised Anna: 'Anna's fight is in every home. This will impact every1 of us for years to come!In my life I hope I'm able 2 keep this alive in my small way.'
Karan Johar tweeted: 'The peoples hurricane hits the government!! And there is no shelter this time...ANNA HAZARE is a storm to reckon with!! RESPECT!!!'
Bipasha Basu also cheered Anna: 'Anna is our true leader n his spirit hs made evry1 conscious tht v cn do away with corruption n need nt accept it as a part of r lives. Big step forward for India n all of us.'
Shabana Azmi applauded him: 'To a new beginning. Let's applaud Anna for leading the people of India into a nonviolent show of strength.I'm proud to be an Indian. Jai Ho.'
Hema Malini wrote: 'People power is recognised by the parliament. Victory to both. Anna s dream has come true.'
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted: 'One man unites an entire nation. Peacefully
Image: Shilpa Shetty
Photographs: David Moir/Reuters
Friday, August 26, 2011
Anna Hazare
New Delhi
Cong MPs give Lokpal notice in LS; new crisis emergesAgencies
Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare speaks during a rally at Ram Lila grounds in New Delhi. Hazare......
"I am not saying that there will be no discussion but it looks less likely today because of other businesses, including private members' bill," he said.
Asked whether this meant that there will be no discussion, the minsiter said "no, I am not saying that. There will be a discussion but it has to be decided when and how to do it."
Meanwhile, Team Anna stuck to its stand saying that Anna Hazare will not call off his fast till the government sends a written assurance on the three sticky points whereas the government wants Hazare to promise he will end fast once the debate begins in Parliament.
According to TV reports, the government has asked Team Anna to redraft its Jan Lokpal Bill.
On Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assurances on Thursday on a discussion in the House and the situation in view of the deteriorating health of Hazare, he said, he would also like the Gandhian to call off his fast.
Asked whether he rules out the possibility of the discussion today, Bansal said he was not ruling out such a possibility because it can be worked out and if a decision is taken, media will get to know.
"I hope Anna's health does not deteriorate further and he breaks his fast. The Prime Minister appealed emotionally to him yesterday that the nation is with you. What more can Parliament do," he said as the Gandhian's fast for a strong Lokpal entered the 11th day.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has met the Prime Minister reportedly to discuss the Lokpal Bill issue.
Very few social activists have captured the attention of Indians across the globe as Anna Hazare did during his "fast unto death" over the issue of the Lokpal Bill in New Delhi in April 2011. Hazare, a Gandhian by belief, outlook and practice, has become the face of India's fight against corruption. During his fast over the Lokpal Bill, Hazare, a quintessential traditional Indian by looks and mannerism, managed to inspire and mobilize the support of even the ultra-modern Indians - Indians for whom the word "social" only means having a profile on social networking sites. The "Anna Hazare fast" can be described as the first real "social networking movement" in India. Hazare, a former Army man, began his social activism from Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, where he successfully led a movement against alcoholism and made Ralegan Siddhi a "model village". Hazare's campaign was instrumental in the implementation of the Right to Information Act in Maharashtra, which is considered one of the best RTI Acts in India. A Ramon Magsaysay award winner, Anna Hazare, like his idol, Mahatma Gandhi, has triggered a debate over the use of fast as a means of protest in India. By sheer commitment and simplicity, he has demonstrated that Gandhian principles are relevant even in the 21st-century India.
Anna Hazare has his way, govt agrees to debate his Lokpal Bill demands in Parliament
Police detain Anna Hazare's supporters from outside the PM's residence.
| Utilities | ||
 |  |  |
| Get social | |
 | |
 | |
Debate on Anna's demands on Friday
Anna Hazare at Ramlila Maidan.
The debate will take place under Rule 184 and will be followed by a resolution passed by the House, in which many of Hazare's demands may eventually get included.
3 versions of Lokpal Bill to be debated
Law Minister Salman Khurshid said Parliament will also discuss three versions of the Lokpal Bill. These are Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill, National Advisory Council member Aruna Roy's version of the Lokpal bill and another version presented by Andhra Pradesh MLA Jayprakash Narayan.
"We will discuss three versions of the bill and we are hopeful that all the sticking issues will be sorted out," Khurshid said.
Anna's fastThe Parliament debate, however, does not mean that Hazare will end his fast immediately. Hazare's associate Kiran Bedi said the social activist will not end his fast till the three key issues flagged by his group are resolved.
"Anna, as I heard, will end his fast only if resolutions on the three issues are passed by Parliament," Bedi tweeted.
Hazare's associates and the government had been locked in hard bargaining for several days over the three contentious issues, but without success. After a complete breakdown of talks on Wednesday night, Hazare on Thursday hinted that he could end his fast if the government agreed to initiate a Parliament debate on his demands.
"I can consider ending my fast, if there is consensus on the three issues we have raised. A discussion should start on Lokpal from tomorrow (Friday) in Parliament," he told the gathering at Ramlila Maidan.
But Hazare made it clear that the protests at Ramlila Maidan would continue. "Even if I end my fast, my dharna will continue till all my demands are accepted by the government," he said.
The fasting Gandhian had earlier sought a written assurance from the government that the three contentious issues be discussed in Parliament in a time-bound manner. Team Anna meets BJP leadersHazare's team met BJP leader L.K. Advani on the eve of the Parliament debate and claimed that the party broadly agreed to their views on the Jan Lokpal Bill.
"The meeting was positive. We exchanged our concerns," said Kejriwal.
BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said, "The BJP backs Anna's campaign against corruption in and outside Parliament. We appeal to the government to resolve the crisis."
BJP leader Arun Jaitley said that the discussions were held on resolving the crisis within the ambit of the consitution. "Their approach towards the talks was constructive. If the government is sincere, all issues can be resolved," Jaitley said.
Team Anna warns of 'Dilli Chalo' stir
Hazare's associates had in the morning accused "some strong elements" in the government and the Congress's "internal politics" of nullifying the entire dialogue process on the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Arvind Kejriwal, a key associate of Hazare, warned of a 'Dilli Chalo' campaign. "If there is no resolution by Saturday, we will give a call to people across the country to come and camp in Delhi until the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed," Kejriwal said.
While Hazare's team threatend to intensify its agitation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar appealed to him in Parliament to call off his fast.
Be rational: PM to Hazare
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks in Rajya Sabha.
Rejecting Hazare's deadline for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said: "It is the duty of Parliament to pass a law only after its members have had reasonable time and opportunity to hear a wide range of public opinions and apply their minds to its various provisions."
Singh agreed that the views of the entire civil society must be presented along with the government draft of the Lokpal Bill to Parliament for consideration. "However, Anna Hazareji and his supporters insist that the Jan Lokpal Bill, which perhaps reflects one section of views, must be passed in this session of Parliament itself and without referring it to the Standing Committee," he said.
Can't trust govt: Anna
Anna Hazare says he suspects the government's intentions.
"I suspect the intention of the government. It says something and does something else. If the government really appreciates my efforts, why did it wait for me to fast for 10 days? Why did it not do anything six months ago when I raised the matter?" he asked.
Hazare questioned the Opposition parties for their silence on the Lokpal issue. He called upon the people to continue picketing MPs. "I request people to gherao homes of all MPs," he said.
Anna writes to PMResponding to Singh's appeal in Parliament, Hazare wrote a letter to the prime minister. It was carried to Singh by Congress leader Vilasrao Deshmukh, who had been rushed to the Ramlila Maidan to engage Hazare.
Singh discussed the ongoing crisis with Deshmukh, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Law Minister Salman Khurshid.
Chidambaram, Sibal played spoiler: Team Anna
Stating that they were ready to hold talks in an "honest and sincere manner", Hazare's associates had in the morning alleged that Home Minister P. Chidambaram and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal's tough posturing caused the breakdown of talks on Wednesday night.
"It appears there are some strong elements in the government who want to nullify the entire dialogue process... We were told that during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), Chidambaram and Sibal were completely opposed to any kind of agreement or any kind of dialogue," said Kejriwal.
Arvind Kejriwal speaks to the media at Ramlila Maidan.
'Who do we talk to?'Hazare's team said it was no longer clear who they should talk to. Kejriwal said if the CCPA and government can "ignore" the views of a senior leader like Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the government's chief negotiator, then who should they talk to.
According to activist Kiran Bedi, "Who should we talk to? Who is in control? We can talk only if there is somebody who is capable of making decisions. Who will take the decisions? Today in this country, who do we speak to?"
Khurshid hardens stand
An anti-corruption protest in Ahmedabad.
Reacting to Bedi's comments, Khurshid said, "We were talking to them. If they have doubts, find somebody else."
Khurshid said the government was deeply concerned about Hazare's health and its "door wide was open for discussions".
Rahul Gandhi concernedCongress general secretary Rahul Gandhi said he was concerned over the Lokpal logjam.
On the other side, the prime minister said "nothing should be done to undermine Parliamentary democracy".
I will not die till we get Lokpal Bill: Anna
Supporters of Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan.
Hazare had on Wednesday night urged his supporters at Ramlila Maidan not to stop the police in case he was forcibly evicted and instead turn their protest to picketing of MPs' homes.
"My appeal to you is to please maintain peace. If they evict me, please don't stop them. If you stop them, violence may break out. We will maintain calm. Doesn't matter if I have to go to jail," Hazare had said.
Anna down 6 kgNaresh Trehan, head of the team of doctors monitoring Hazare's health, said on Thursday evening that he was stable but had lost six kg.
"Anna Hazare has lost six kg and there is need to keep a strict vigil on his health. The team of the doctors will keep monitoring his health the entire night," Dr Trehan said. .
Manish Tewari apologises to HazareCongress spokesperson Manish Tewari apologised to Hazare for calling him "corrupt" and urged him to call off his indefinite fast. "I know some of my recent utterances have hurt Mr Hazare. I regret the same and I would like to appeal to him as a citizen of this country to end his fast," Tewari said. "In the course of political cut and thrust, certain things are inadvertently said, which cause pain," he said.
Team Anna distorting facts: Pranab
Supporters of Anna Hazare in Delhi.
"I appealed to him to break his fast," Pranab said, adding that the "nation requires a robust and healthy Hazare".
"What has appeared was totally distorted. No (such) word was said. I did not say a word (to that effect)," he said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)