Ashirvachan v1.i1 Jul-Sept '14

ashirvachanBUiLDinG cOUraGE, inTELLiGEncE anD KnOWLEDGE | vOL. 1 issUE 1 | `50

JULy-sEPTEMBEr 2014

caUsaTiOnPrOTEcTinG

naTUraLBOrDErs

schOOL OF ThE FUTUrE

rEsOLvinG DisPUTEs

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EMPOWEr yOUr caUsE ThrUashirvachan.cOM

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Embracing Thought Leaders, Educators, And Spiritualists from across the globe

Panel Of advisOrs

artravinder Kalsi

educatiOnshabbi luthravinita sehgal

HealtHashok Khurana

Maria angelica sassone

lawP.K. Ganguly

Mediacol. r.K. Kapoor

shashikant Kapoor

MusicJawahar wattalPreet raj Kwatra

sPiritualityvimla luthra

tHeaterdanish iqbal

welfareJ.r. luthra

title verificatiOn cOde.:delenG18676/29/1/2014-tc

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asHirvacHan vol. 1 issue 1 in tHis dais

PROTECTING NATURAL BORDERS on p.4Veteran Broadcaster, Spiritual Author, and MysticSHAMSHIR RAI LUTHRA speaks out to save the ecospherethat is oxygenating residential areas of South Delhi.

SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE on p.6What will the “school of the future” look like? How will learning be organized in this school? Educator, Consultant,Presenter DR. SHABBI LUTHRA shares her insight.

RESOLVING DISPUTES OVER WATER on p.8Gandhian, Author, Journalist, Water Conservationist andEnvironmentailist ANUPAM MISHRA prompts us to makepeace over issues of water, either local or transnational.

HOPE THROUGH MUSIC on p.10Artisan, World Traveler, and Singer WANAYRAN ALVAREZANGERER uses music as a means of developing self-esteem in children, and creating hope for the elderly.

IN COMMUNION WITH THE NERVOUS SYSTEM on p.12Qualified Spiritual Consultant, and Touch Therapy Healer,MARK BREACH describes the otherworldly relevance of the human nervous system and it’s influence on spiritual healing.

ART ON A BRACELET on p.14Painter, Sculptress, & ‘Expressionist Par Excellence’ EMANUELA DI STEFANO creates a unique range of jewelry, and collectibles.

‘AshirvAchAn MAgAzine’ is A sequel to ‘AshirvAchAn DAis’ - A shAreD-KnoWleDge confluenceWhich eMbrAces vision leADers, eDucAtors, Artists AnD spirituAlists froM Across the globe

cover photo: robert pack choreography: Dr. ivan pulinkala Kennesaw state university Dance companyiMportAnt notice: All rights to reproduce, and transmit the ‘contents’ are reserved. You are not permitted to use any ‘contents’ such as articles, quotes, photographs, or graphics without explicit written permission from the authors, artists, and photographers themselves. Most images have been borrowed under the creAtive coMMons license. in case we’ve unknowingly used any image/s without prior consent, kindly inform us immediately, and we shall remove them from our future reprints. DisclAiMer: the views and opinions expressed in Ashirvachan are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors. the publisher and editors are not responsible and liable for any comments, or advice given by the authors, advertisers and content-contributors and will not be liable for any damages. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/ new Delhi only.

ASHIRVACHAN JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014 p.3

PrOtectinG natural bOrdersTO SAVE THE DESTRUCTION OF ECOSPHERE THATOXGENATES RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF SOUTH DELHI

BY SHAMSHIR RAI LUTHRA

tHis is a call-Out tO yOu tO sPeaK fOr tHis cause, and standby Our friendsin new Media, Press, residents welfare assOciatiOns, law and GOvernance,

and GlObal envirOnMental aGencies

Join the signature campaign on ashirvachan.com & facebook.com/ashirvachan

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p.4 ASHIRVACHAN JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014

caUsaTiOn

When the boundaries of nature are compromised, our subsistence is at stake.Our friends, and our enemies; our children, and their children; we both breathe the same air, and we both are answerable to the same universe.When natural reserves are conquered, where will the clean air you and they breathe, come from? When water resources are compromised, where will the clean water you and they drink, come from? Neither you, nor your enemy, will be able to use the poisonous air and water.Nature neither belongs to us, nor to them. But, we are all created by it, and eventfully, will return to it. Hence, we must remain faithful to it.

It is foreseeable, that if we intentionally disturb the all pervading, yet subtle forces of nature today, we will be instigating misfortunes on ourselves, and our descendants, in the close future. When nature is assaulted, neither friend, nor enemy, neither governments, nor law-breakers are spared.Like millions of species on this living planet, our existences are time-bound and our exchanges are temporal. Nonetheless, as human

beings, we have been gifted with the intelligence to live fulfilling lives, by designing actions that are in concordance with the ecosphere.Nature is an incarnate spirit, born with the birth of this planet, and is an inseparable part of this glorious universe. Hindu scriptures reveal, that our great forests, are protected by the ‘Van Devi’, (the Goddess of the forests), and historians describe that Delhi, is the city of Djinns, and there are several shrines of Sufi saints still concealed amongst green territories.In the midst of South Delhi, surrounded by residential areas such as Majid Moth, Pamposh Enclave, Greater Kailash Part 1, Kailash Colony, Kailash Hills, Siri Fort Road, Panchsheel Enclave, Greater Kailash Part 2, and Krish Vihar, dwells an enchanting, breathing ecosphere that has been oxygenating our homes, as well as providing respite to countless species of migratory birds, animals, and invaluable shrubs, herbs, and trees. After numerous decades, these natural milieus, along with several generations of India’s national bird, the peacock is on the brink of being exterminated by profiteers.When green terrains are encroached upon, there is a calculating tendency to profit from it, by first destroying all the natural Eco patterns

sustaining it, and then populating, and building over it.The more builders will build, the more our breathing spaces will be peddled, and the less fresh air and peace of mind we will all have. These green covers act as natural sound and pollution absorbers, thereby providing a continuous source of fresh air, and healing environs.

Today, the flimsy walls of our brick and steel-framed homes whine with the din of electrical wires, and signals from mobile cellphone towers. And our doors and windows open into congested streets and highways, which are polluted with noise and smoke.

Breathing problems, and neurological disorders continue to affect our health and the wellbeing of our elders and children. Therefore it’s important, that we all come together, to preserve these ecosystems, which oxygenate our residential areas.

When natural calamities in modern times occur, those who break the laws of nature, must be held responsible, for they are the ones who bring misfortunes, and curses upon us, and our dear ones by assaulting our mother earth, massacring our forests, and destroying our peace.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERSHAMSHIR RAI LUTHRA shares his light through various

mediums such as writing, social service, education, arts,and public speaking. His voice and presence heals.

POPulace affected:

residents Of Greater KailasH Part 1, MasJid MOtH, PaMPOsH enclave, KailasH cOlOny, KailasH Hills,

east Of KailasH, siri fOrt rOad, PancHsHeel enclave, cHiraG delHi, KalKaJi, KrisH viHar, Greater KailasH Part 2,

and areas arOund tHe 5 KMs. radius

nuMber Of trees tO be PrOtected: 25,000 +

Over 150 PeacOcKs, rare birds and cOuntless livinG sPecies under tHreat Of eXterMinatiOn

natiOnal security tHreat due tO PrOXiMity Of vsnl tOwers


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scHOOl Of tHe futureWhat will the “school of the future” look like?How will learning be organized in this school?

BY DR. SHABBI LUTHRA

continuing the series of posts (on talkingtimes.com) on changes in schools during this century, this article is a summary of forecasted changes in education in the next decade. it’s a thought-provoking list intuitively structured by dr. luthra with references to reports published by institute for the future, Knowledgeworks foundation, and new Media consortium.

Photo: Garry Knight


EDUcaTiOn

1. Development of adaptive Learning Tools and resources – for ALL learners, not just special needs learners. Adaptive learning implies individualized, personalized learning. When considering instructional technology, focus will be on how it can support connected, continuous, relevant, and adaptive learning.

2. increase in service Learning projects focused on health, environment, education – with a deeper and more engaged role for students in leading these projects, aimed at instilling in them a sense of stewardship for self and environment.

3. innovation is valued in the world of business and will be embraced in schools. Schools will become important hubs of design knowledge, rapid prototyping, and problem-solving skills.

4. With the amount of data continuing to increase, data visualization will become the norm to make sense of this information. This will require new skills in recognizing and understanding meaningful patterns. Students, teachers, and parents will need to become sophisticated at pattern recognition in order to create effective and differentiated learning experiences.

5. social media and collaborative tools will leave “data trails” of online interactions. Visible data picture of our lives as citizens, workers, and learners will be available anytime and online. School administrators and teachers will need to learn how to communicate and interact in this new world.

6. Technology will become a means for empowerment, a method for communication and socializing, and a ubiquitous, transparent part of our lives. Educational discourse will take place in online public forums and spaces as “educitizens” share the status of schools and educational decision-making, resources, and activities in their communities.

7. Digital natives and empowered educators and students will challenge traditional ways of organizing learning. There will be changes in the architecture of schools. We will witness growth in alternate forms of learning.

8. With the need to be prepared for disasters and uncertainties, schools will work on building resilience into school systems and for creating lightweight, modular infrastructures to support the health and wellbeing of students, staff, and families.

9. There will be increased interdependence between the school and the local community and businesses. Partnerships and networks will be essential and critical for building resilient school communities. Educator-business partnerships will grow to develop learning content.

Children have a natural curiosity and imagination, which they can use to channelize their thinking in many ways. This is perhaps the key to their overall development. By facilitating each individual to access his or her own personal and very extraordinary uniqueness, and by providing the child with appropriate resources in a learning environment, would itself lead to transformation. The benefits of nurturing creative thinking can be profound, offering children tools for success in all endeavours.

scHOOl Of tHe futureby dr. sHabbi lutHra

fOsterinG creative tHinKers by dr. sHayaMa cHOna

there are many important and challenging questions to answer. . . what will the “school of the future” look like? How will learning be organized in this school? How will stakeholder roles evolve? . . . would be exciting to paint a picture of this school! and then build it!

ABOUT THE EDUCATOREducator, Consultant, Presenter DR. SHABBI LUTHRA is empowering educators, students, & parents, & building powerful 21st century learning environments. She is currently the Director of Research & Development, at the American School of Bombay.

ABOUT THE EDUCATORDR. SHAYAMA CHONA has 45 years of experience of dealing with children in the age group of 3 years to18 years: the bright and talented, along-with the mentally and physically challenged. She is the Founder of the Tamanna School.

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RESOLVINGDISPUTESOVER WATER

We must not forget the liquid ‘water’, whenever we talk about ‘solid’ world peace. There are disputes over water between villages, between districts and between two states. It may not be necessary to give any examples, but how can we ignore the Cauvery Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu or the sharing of water between Punjab and Haryana. It doesn’t matter weather these states are ruled by two different regional parties or ideologies or ruled by a single national party. In the bigger picture, these disputes enter between two different countries. We have supported Bangladesh from the very beginning, but now we seem to be haggling over a few buckets of water. Hence, we must not forget the importance of the phrase, ‘Peaceful Waters’ and must make peace over the issues of water.

let us MaKe Peace Over issues Of water,bOtH lOcal as well as transnatiOnal

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTALISTANUPAM MISHRA has been associated with the Gandhi Peace Foundation

for the last 30 years for Water and Environment Related Issues. His book on Water Harvesting has a print run-up of 100000 copies and is being

translated into several Indian Languages.

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FOsTErinG PEacE

The secret of bringing peace on earth is seeking, wherever possible, points of discussion on which you and others can agree. The secret of bringing peace on earth is recalling that the promise of peace came down to earth from heavenly regions. It is not the gift of governments. The secret of bringing peace on earth is to accept that ‘creating’ peace is not another persons job only: It is your responsibility. The secret of bringing peace on earth is to relinquish selfish desires, and thereby to establish peace and freedom in your own heart.

Non-violence and Peace are a celebration of our consciousness, to honor life and creation. Facing the challenges of one’s own truth is the foundation of universal harmony with the human mind without violence, and the environment without pollution.

inner Peace tO tHe wOrldby tara GandHi bHattacHarJee

brinGinG Peace On eartHby swaMi Kriyananda

ABOUT THE THOUGHT LEADER

TARA GANDHI BHATTACHARJEE

is thegranddaughter ofMahatma Gandhi.

She is theVice-Chairpersonof Gandhi Smriti

and Darshan Samitiand

Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial

Trust.

ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL MASTER

SWAMIKRIYANANDA

(J. Donald Walters) is the

direct disciple of Paramhansa

Yogananda and the

founder ofAnanda Sangha.

He has written over eighty books and composed

over four hundred pieces of music.

Photo: Mr Hayata


HOPE THROUGH MUSIC

wanayran alvareZ anGerer was born in tegucigalpa, Honduras. she is a Mystic, artisan, world traveler, Mother,

international woman’s rights advocate and an extremely talented singer. ‘wanny’, as she is affectionately known, sings

smoky renditions of classics, like Quisaz. when she is notcrooning to international audiences, wanny is involved

in a number of advocacy projects including the use of music and arts as a means of developing self-esteem in children,

and creating hope for the elderly.p.10 ASHIRVACHAN JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014

Photo: Park Rollerz

MissiOnary ZEaL

arMed witH sHOvelsABOUT THE GREEN CRUSADER

PHD Scholar, and President of the Paryavaran Welfare Society,RAJNEESH VERMA’s focus and belief’s are being accoladed by

nature lovers across the country. The Society has recently launched a magazine titled ‘Green Vision’.

Under the aegis of the Paryavaran Welfare Society, they intend to mobilizethe interest of both young and old citizens of the city of Patiala (in India), to take

time out and accompany them to plant trees, clean unkept areas, and lookafter saplings, planted by them across the roadsides. This group of a few,

chosen friends, and believers, seem determined to do their part,without waiting for others to follow.

rain or shine, these men of steel are determined to make their city a ‘green heaven’ on earth. armed with shovels, and buckets of water,

they trek through areas that haven’t been looked after by thecivic authorities, or have been trampled over, and misused by the citizens.


Image Source: Rajneesh V

erma

Behaviour is a biological process that stems from two main sources; the nervous and the endocrine systems. It is mainly described as ‘common’, ‘unusual’, ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’.We evaluate it by applying social norms. We regulate it by means of social control.On the one hand it is good to be able to manage behaviour; on the other hand, it isn’t good, when well-behaved means suppressed.

communication in the nervous systemWe have a range of behaviours because we have a complex brain and nervous system. In effect, we integrate our inner self into the outer world through the sensory system. Billions of cells integrate and relay information. Imagine any task that you perform and you will see that highly complicated things are going on without your thinking about them. Stimulus from senses, cause a flurry of activity in the mind and body. Behaviour depends on fast and complex data processing. The nervous system handles information - just as the circulatory system handles blood.

Our nervous system has three tasksOur nervous system receives sensory stimulation, integrates it and transmits a response. A complex electrochemical reaction produces an electric charge. That is why our reactions can be incredibly fast. A stimulus charges us up, and we discharge it through our response. The power of the nervous system can be appreciated by looking at the effects when things go wrong. Some types of seizures can cause such uncontrollable convulsions that the body will almost tear itself apart.

endocrine systemThe endocrine system consists of glands that secrete chemicals into the bloodstream to help control bodily functions. Messengers in this system are called hormones. These are chemical substances released by the endocrine glands. Behaviours caused by hormones are deeper, slower and more long-term than those of the nervous system. We are like an electrochemical battery timed to ebb and flow.

energy in - energy OutWe take in the environment around us, and discharge it again on an ongoing basis. If a charge and discharge fail to balance naturally, an imbalance is created. When we see, hear, taste, touch or smell something and are unable to organize an equally discharging response then we ‘own’ the difference. Childhood has left us with an abundance of such imbalances.Unconscious influences in the energy body create ‘the shadow’ that influences so much of our behaviour.Healing the past is just ridding the body of blockage. Negative patterns of behaviour or positive ones can be eliminated or strengthened through bodywork.

in cOMMuniOnwitHtHe nervOus systeMUNDERSTANDING THEOTHERWORLDLY RELEVANCEOF THE HUMAN NERVOUSSYSTEM AND IT’S INFLUENCEON SPIRITUAL HEALINGBY MARK BREACH

ABOUT THESPIRITUAL HEALER

MARK BREACH is anexperienced spiritual

consultant and touchtherapy healer registered

with the InternationalNatural Healers Association,

POB 38636 Hollywood California. He is anaccredited master instructor of

Jyonetsu Reiki and G-JO acupressure.

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sPiriTUaL sEnsE

ABOUT THEYOGA MASTER

DANIEL LACERDAis the owner, creator

of Mr Yoga, a holistic lifestyle

company that inspires individuals to lead

yoga-conscious lives. He is actively

engaging yoga ambassadors to

spread awareness of yoga, and natural living

across the world.

Posture: Sit in a cross-legged position that is comfortable. You can sit on a chair, in Half Lotus or Full Lotus. Press your sitting bones into the ground as you extend up through the spine. Lift the crown of your head up to the sky. Place one hand on top of the other and have the thumbs lightly touch. Gently close your eyes.Breath: Visualize the numbers as you count throughout the set. This will help develop what is called “one point concentration.” Your breathing must be so fine that it does not ruffle a feather. Each count should be 1 second long. Inhale for count of 4 and feel your lower abdomen expand as you push it out. Hold and retain the air in your lungs for the count of 16. Exhale for a count of 8 as you squeeze the belly button back to the spine. After ten breath cycles are performed the exercise is finished. In an authentic yoga practice, the ego may not be permitted to intrude into the process. Don’t “perform” the exercises as if you had an appreciative audience. This is your journey. Explore and express yourself while you gain the wonderful physical and mental benefits. This breathing technique is called Abdominal Breathing and should be maintained during the entire yoga practice.Benefits: Calms the brain, Stretches the ankles and knees, and stimulates the pelvis, spine, abdomen, and bladder.

let tHe Mind breatHe

YOGIC ĀSANA TOCALM THE BRAIN, AND

ENERGIZE THE BODYBY DANIEL LACERDA

ASHIRVACHAN JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014 p.13Photo: MrYoga.com

WELLBEinG

Painter, sculptress, & ‘expressionist Par excellence’eManuela di stefanO creates a unique range of jewelry,and collectibles. Originally crafted by hands with the useof moulds, these priceless, yet affordable pieces are readyand waiting to be adorned. visit the emycollection store

(emycollection.jimdo.com)


Image Source: Em

anuela Di Stefano

arT OF My hEarT

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...AND MAYBE THEN, WILL THEIR CONSCIENCE AWAKE!wHat is tHe news? is it wHat yOu Have been readinG in tHe newsPaPers Or seeinG On televisiOn?

yOu Have been fed tHe news. yOu Have been Made tO believe every unrealistic PrOMise, and fOllOw every ‘biG stOry’. and yOu Have been used as Pawns Of influence, by tHOse wHO will never recOGniZe yOur faces Or reMenber yOur

vOices. but tHey will find ways fOr yOu tO recall tHeM, and add yOu as a nuMber.

dO yOu still celebrate yOur beinG, and reMeMber tHat yOu are Greater tHan tHe definitiOns tHat yOuHave been Given, by tHOse wHO trade yOur talents, and caPture yOur sPirits? dO yOu care tO Heed tO wHat’s

really iMPOrtant tO yOu, and fOllOw tHe Ones wHO are really wOrtH yOur tiMe, and yOur tHOuGHts?

Photo: Garry Knight

delenG18676/29/1/2014-tc

talKinGtiMes.cOM Here’s a lOOK at life, tHrOuGH yOur POint Of view

Self Improvement

Ashirvachan v1.i1 Jul-Sept '14