schoolmath

Father and Son - An Inspirational Story

2016-08-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

The following story captured our heart. It happened several years ago in the Paris opera house. A famous singer had been contracted to sing, and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the house packed and every ticket sold.

The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the man whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute we hope will provide you with comparable entertainment.

The crowd groaned in disappointment and failed to hear the announcer mention the stand-in's name. The environment turned from excitement to frustration.

The stand-in performer gave the performance everything he had. When he had finished, there was nothing but an uncomfortable silence. No one applauded. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, Daddy, I think you are wonderful! The crowd broke into thunderous applause.

We all need people in our Lives who are willing to stand up once in a while and say, I think you are wonderful.

And at times others are expecting this from you.

Are you telling them how wonderful you are?

Say it now and make someone's day or may be someone’s life more pleasant.

Good Friends - Two Horses

2016-08-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Good friends are like that. You may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Be kinder than necessary - everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly...

Leave the rest to God.

- Anonymous

IDEAL TODAY, IDEAL TOMORROW, MY VISION

2013-11-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

An ideal world will only exist when no one goes hungry to bed.

The word ideal as defined in the dictionary means something which can exist only in one's imagination, or is perfect but not likely to become a reality.

Inspite of having made developments in the field of science, technology and medicine, our world cannot be defined as ideal. It's a complicated place to live in and is plagued by various issues such as those related to that of the environment, Social issues like poverty and unemployment, political issues between nations which has resulted in hundreds of people being displaced from their homes and several others being killed every day, increasing crime rates, discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and many more.

An ideal world would exist only if these problems were to be eradicated. It would be where we can all exist in mutual harmony with each other, respect each other despite of any differences that may exist, and wise use our knowledge for the betterment of the world not just for us, but for the future generations to come.

- Raj Jain

You Are Special In This World

2012-12-09T02:05:00.002-08:00

In a classroom of 50, the speaker asked, “Who would like this hundred rupees note?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the note.

He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. ‘Well’, he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.

“My friends you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money. You still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth a full hundred. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make, and the circumstances that come our way.”

“Do you know you are unique? Taking into consideration the past hundred years and in the future century, no one had or will have your fingerprints, your lip prints, your ear or toe prints. Your DNA is unique. Doctors have shown that the composition of your blood is peculiar to you. You are, in fact, a special individual with a capacity to achieve great things.”

“Do you remember at school, for example, thinking: ‘how can I do that’ whenever you were instructed to use new skill? Yet each time, after pushing yourself, you ‘discovered’ you had the ability – you even enjoyed it. Once accomplished you never forgot how to ride a bicycle, you had the ability. But you had to really draw on yourself as a child to overcome the inevitable falls. The secret is that this potential must be called upon. Those who give up, fail in their lives. This is known as ‘mind limitation’.”

“We feel we are worthless. But no matter what has happened, or what will happen you will never lose your value. You are special. Don’t ever forget it!”

Now, let’s go to another scene which must be familiar to most of the students:

1. Why can’t you be good for a change?

2. Why are you so selfish?

3. Why do you have to fight with everybody?

4. Why can’t you be like other children?

5. Why must you interrupt everybody?

6. Why can’t you keep your mouth shut once in a while?

7. Why are you so slow?

8. Why do you always rush?

9. Why must you be such a pest?

10. Why are you so disorganised?

11. Why are you such a busy body?

12. Why do you forget everything I tell you?

13. Why are you so stupid?

It is said 12,000 such negative suggestions and rebukes are confronted by child in a span of 15 years. This greatly affects the self-esteem, learning and other skills, thus hampering academic performance, in most of the cases.

Just remember, as the currency does not diminish in value despite being crumpled, stamped and thrown about, the human value never changes adversely despite several such shabby treatments.

Students should learn to overcome this problems, to become a winner!

Blame and guilt are cry baby words; let us get them out of our talk about education. Let us use the word ‘responsible’ and ‘commitment’.

CBSE to Introduce Open-Book Testing in Board Exams

2012-08-12T21:31:00.001-07:00

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introducing an open-book exam within its class X and XII board assessments is a welcome move. It reflects a fresh, innovative spirit trying to reshape education in India - and creating measures to give students a break.

A quick look at the open-book methodo-logy illustrates why. In this mode, students are informed of possible topics for testing some months before their exam. They thus have time to read up thoroughly on these areas and prepare to answer analytical questions rather than mechanical queries. Such questions, designed to teach students how to mine material thoroughly, encourage analytical thought, original perspectives and creative linking of different sorts of information in examinees' minds. What these cancel out is rote learning or getting through coursework using guide books that break subjects into technical question-answer sets, not open fields of knowledge students learn to navigate with skills and practice.

Open-book testing is decidedly a step in the right direction - one which the CBSE should follow the whole way. For critics who prefer the traditional chants of rote learning, get real. Current data shows rote is doing very little for India's learning. Despite our chest-thumping over producing doctors and engineers by the barrel, a recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study shows how Indian educational standards have slipped so low, we now rank second-last from the world's weakest - one step above Kyrgyzstan. This, when some of our best students took the PISA test conducted over 73 countries.

Power Of Positive Talk..

2011-08-27T02:24:00.000-07:00

A man was lost while driving through the countryside. As he tried to reach for the map, he accidentally drove off the road into a ditch. Though he wasn’t injured, his car was stuck deep in the mud. So the man walked to a nearby farm to ask for help.

“Warwick can get you out of that ditch,” said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The man looked at the decrepit old mule and looked at the farmer who just stood there repeating, “Yep, old Warwick can do the job.” The man figured he had nothing to lose. The two men and the mule made their way back to the ditch. The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins, he shouted, “Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull, Warwick!”

And the mule pulled that car right out of the ditch.
The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule, and asked, “Why did you call out all of those names before you called Warwick?”
The farmer grinned and said, “Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he’s part of a team, he doesn’t mind pulling.”

Sharpen ur Skills

2011-08-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job with a timber merchant, and he got it. His salary was really good and so were the working conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to fell the trees. The first day, the woodcutter brought down 15 trees.
"Congratulations," the boss said. "Carry on with your work!"
Highly motivated by the words of his boss, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he only could bring 10 trees down. The third day he tried even harder, but he was only able to bring down 7 trees. Day after day he was bringing lesser number of trees down.

"I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.
"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked.
"Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees..."

That's right. Most of us NEVER update our skills. We think that whatever we have learned is very much enough. But good is not good when better is expected.
Sharpening our skills from time to time is the key to success.

Smart Work..!! Good Story..

2011-08-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS

2011-03-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen..

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.

Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?

Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.

I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.

He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:

"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.

"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because

if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!

That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

SBPS 2011 Good Luck Party

2011-02-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

Poems by Students..

2011-02-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

School Life

I go to school

to make my brains full

To see my teachers

Who have many features

They teach me to learn

In future how to earn

There I have my lunch

With many friends in bunch

My school has a big ground

Its shape is round

We study maths which kills

But our teachers have many skills

We have many subjects

Which sometimes students object

We have the best Principal

Who follows his own principles

We play there many games

With different – different names

Many students bunk classes

And many pass with 1^st classes

When teachers take chalk in hands

The students like to talk with friends

Many students wear specs

For their eyes vision lack

When teachers sit on chair

The students need to stare

In the school we wear tie

And never dare to speak lie

We like to pin up many charts

When our school starts

We sit on wooden benches

With class door having latches

I love my school

For its so cool..!!

-By Amrit Jivan & Vrinda

Facebook

Book.. Book.. Book..

Everywhere facebook

People are caught on net

Like a fish in fisher’s net

Those who are lazy,

Like them crazy

People differ

Relation differs

But the creator never differs

The friends they make

Are always fake

And add in a friendlist just for sake

They update the status

To downdate the famous

The facebook asks what’s in your mind

But people write out of their kind

The concern the least of safety

And always tries to act crafty

-By Amrit Jivan & Devyanshi

Republic Day Speech for students

2011-01-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

Speech 1:
The Republic Day of India is a national holiday of India to mark the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950 and the adoption of the Constitution of India.

Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. During the transition period from 1947 to 1950, King George VI was the head of state. C. Rajagopalachari served as the Governor-General of India during this period. Following January 26, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the president of India.

A republic is a state or country that is not led by a hereditary monarch. A Republic India signifies the end of British domination on Indian people. This day signifies the power of Non Violence to lead a country to Victory with total Dignity.

Dreams of great people who have fought and sacrificed everything for our country have come true on this day.

This one day is what great people like Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Lajpat Rai and many more would have loved to see and experience. But now if they would have been alive they would not bear the situation of our country-truth , nonviolence, harmony have faded, we are running blindly towards doom, we are aiming for a lazy life.

My dear friends come Let us begin on this Day a new war for India's Progress, for India's Peace and for India. Let the Revolution begin....

source: YAHOO! Answer

Speech 2:

As soon as we hear the word Republic Day we start looking for an answer to the question that why do we celebrate Republic Day? The answer is on this day our Constitution came into act.

The other question arises, what is the Constitution?

It is legal sanction of the principles by which the country is organized. A preamble is the soul of any constitution and so is ours. Our preamble states that – We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist, secular and democratic republic and to secure all its citizens justices, liberty, equality and fraternity. From this preamble we can get clearly an idea that how the drafting committee though of the people. This committee consisted of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojni Naidu and 295 other personalities.

Now you would be thinking how are we benefited from the constitution?

So let me throw light to the fact that it has given us the Fundamental Rights and duties by which we are leading a harmonious life. Thus, without a constitution a country is like a body without a soul. I end my speech by paying tribute to those great visionaries who have shaped our democratic India.

Vande Mataram..!!

Report: Huge number of Indian youth remain unemployable..!!

2010-12-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

IANS, On Sunday 26 December 2010

Rapid economic growth in the country is expected to generate 10-15 million jobs by next year but lack of suitable skilled candidates poses a major threat, a leading industry lobby said Sunday.

'Approximately 10 to 15 million jobs are expected to be created by next year, in which 75 percent will require vocational training. If not addressed properly it can lead to a slowdown in the country's economic growth,' said a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

According to the report, the principal reason behind India's growth is its youth force, the largest in the world. However, millions of young Indians are jobless because they do not receive proper vocational training.
'The huge numbers of Indian youth are not only unemployed but unemployable, whereas large numbers of white collar jobs are waiting for suitable candidates,' the report said.

It further said that though 90 percent of jobs in sectors like information technology (IT) and IT Enabled Services (ITES), biotechnology and the services sector are skill-based and require training, only six percent of the total workforce receive such training.

The report also predicted that 2011 will be a boom year for the IT & ITES sector, accompanied by a corresponding rise in salaries.

'The year 2011 is likely to be a boom for skilled workers in IT & ITES, biotechnology and services sectors. As against the 15 percent hike in salaries in 2010, it is expected to be registering 30 to 40 percent growth,' Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said.

Currently, IT and ITES industry alone provides direct employment to about 2.23 million people and indirect employment to a further eight million.
The report added that this sector in particular will experience a shortage of skilled manpower.

'The employers are trying to catch the highly skilled manpower and the salaries are going through the roof. It is expected that the salaries in this sector will be growing at a par of 30-40 percent during the year 2011,' the Assocham report added.

10 GOLDEN LIFE MAKING MESSAGES..

2010-12-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

Diseases and Conditions

2010-12-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Can u say it a Bus..??..

2010-11-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Class X - (SA II) FAQs

2010-11-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Q1 Who is eligible to appear for school conducted SA-II?

Ans : Students of Senior Secondary Schools who do not wish to move out of the CBSE system.

Q2 Who is eligible to appear in the Board conducted SA-II?

Ans : i. All the students of Secondary Schools; and ii. Students of Senior Secondary Schools, if they wish to move out of the CBSE system.

Q3 If I intend to change my school after Class X but do not want to change the CBSE Board, do I need to sit for the Board conducted SA-II?

Ans : If you are a student of a Secondary School, then you need to sit for Board conducted SA-II; if you are a student of a Senior Secondary School, then you need to sit for the School conducted SA-II only.

Q4 Will the certificates of those students who appear in School conducted SA-II and Board conducted SA-II be different?

Ans : No, the certificate being issued by the Board to all the students passing out of the CBSE affiliated schools whether they have appeared in School conducted SA-II or Board conducted SA-II will be the same.

Q5 Will the syllabus for Board conducted SA-II cover the entire year (first and second term) and that for school conducted SA-II be for the second term only?

Ans : No, the syllabus for both types of SA-II will be the same and it will be the one prescribed by the Board for the Second term only. This is available on the CBSE Website (www.cbse.nic.in).

Q6 Will the method of assessment between the Board conducted SA-II
and School conducted SA-II will be different?

Ans : No, both types of Answer Books will be assessed based on the Marking Scheme prepared by the Board. The assessment under Board Conducted SA-II will be done by the school teachers from outside the school, while that under School Conducted SA-II will be done by the school teachers of the same school.

Q7 If I have taken School conducted SA-II and I am transferred to a place where there are no CBSE affiliated school, will other Boards admit me in Class XI?

Ans : As the certificate at the end of Class is going to be issued by the CBSE there should not be any problem for you in getting admission in Class XI, as there is equivalence between Class X of different Boards.

Q8 If I sit for Board conducted SA-II, will my certificate show Grades for only SA-II obtained by me and not Grades given to me by the School under CCE throughout the year?

Ans : No, Board conducted SA-II will only be one part of the overall statement of assessment to be issued by the Board. The certificate will show the overall Grades obtained by you in Summative and Formative Assessments (SA and FA). SA consists of both the Summative Assessments and FA consists of all the four Formative Assessments.

Q9 How will a School know whether I am leaving the CBSE system or not? (Student Query)

Ans : Schools are asking the Parents to give in writing about their intention to continue in the CBSE system or otherwise.

Q10 If I give in writing that I am leaving the CBSE system and after the end of Class X results I do not go outside the CBSE system or want to stay in the same school, will I be forced by the school to leave the CBSE system or my school?

Ans : You are expected to make a conscious decision before giving in writing about your intention of going out of CBSE system. But having given in writing that you are going to leave the CBSE system, you may probably forego your priority in admission in Class XI in the same school. However, such cases would be dealt with on merit by the school as they have autonomy to decide and the CBSE has never micro managed schools as per past practice.

Q11 Some of the schools are liberal in giving marks while some of them are not. Will I not suffer on account of strict marking by my school?

Ans : No student would suffer because of strict marking or benefit from lenient marking as the Marking Scheme for all Question Papers in all major subjects would be provided by the Board and teachers would be directed to adhere to the Marking Scheme in each subject. However, to avoid any such apprehension the Board is contemplating to undertake moderation of marks based on marks distribution of the students in the school as well as random verification by the CBSE of the assessment done by the school.

Q12 If I have given an Option that I will be appearing in Board conducted SA-II but afterwards, say, in 22nd Dec., 2010, I want to change my option to school conducted SA-II, and vice- ersa, will I be eligible to do that?

Ans : The Board expects you to make a conscious decision. However, for this year the Board will permit change of such options. All such requests, duly forwarded by the school, must be received in the Board’s concerned Regional Office latest by 15th December, 2010.

Courtesy: CBSE.NIC.IN

Obama's Speech to India's Parliament

2010-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

New Delhi: Text of US President Barack Obama's address to the joint
session of India's parliament made at its Central Hall on Monday:

Mr. Vice President, Madame Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, Members of the
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and most of all, the people of India.
I thank you for the great honor of addressing the representatives of
more than one billion Indians and the world's largest democracy. I
bring the greetings and friendship of the world's oldest democracy-the
U.S.A, including nearly three million proud and patriotic Indian
Americans.

Over the past three days, my wife Michelle and I have experienced the
beauty and dynamism of India and its people. From the majesty of
Humayun's Tomb to the advanced technologies that are empowering
farmers and women who are the backbone of Indian society.
From a Diwali celebration with schoolchildren to the innovators who
are fueling India's economic rise. From the university students who
will chart India's future, to you-leaders who helped to bring India to
this moment of promise.
At every stop, we have been welcomed with the hospitality for which
Indians have always been known. So to you and the people of India, on
behalf of me, Michelle and the American people, please accept our
deepest thanks. Bahoot dhanyavad.
I am not the first American president to visit India. Nor will I be
the last. But I am proud to visit India so early in my presidency. It
is no coincidence that India is my first stop on a visit to Asia, or
that this has been my longest visit to another country since becoming
President.
For in Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging; India
has already emerged. And it is my firm belief that the relationship
between the United States and India-bound by our shared interests and
values-will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
This is the partnership I have come here to build. This is the vision
that our nations can realize together.
My confidence in our shared future is grounded in my respect for
India's treasured past-a civilization that has been shaping the world
for thousands of years. Indians unlocked the intricacies of the human
body and the vastness of our universe. And it is no exaggeration to
say that our information age is rooted in Indian innovations-including
the number zero.
India not only opened our minds, she expanded our moral imagination.
With religious texts that still summon the faithful to lives of
dignity and discipline. With poets who imagined a future "where the
mind is without fear and the head is held high." And with a man whose
message of love and justice endures-the Father of your Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi.
For me and Michelle, this visit has therefore held special meaning.
Throughout my life, including my work as a young man on behalf of the
urban poor, I have always found inspiration in the life of Gandhiji
and in his simple and profound lesson to be the change we seek in the
world. And just as he summoned Indians to seek their destiny, he
influenced champions of equality in my own country, including a young
Martin Luther King. After making his pilgrimage to India a half
century ago, Dr. King called Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent
resistance "the only logical and moral approach" in the struggle for
justice and progress.
So we were honored to visit the residence where Gandhi and King both
stayed-Mani Bhavan. We were humbled to pay our respects at Raj Ghat.
And I am mindful that I might not be standing before you today, as
President of the United States, had it not been for Gandhi and the
message he shared with America and the world.
An ancient civilization of science and innovation. A fundamental faith
in human progress. This is the sturdy foundation upon which you have
built ever since that stroke of midnight when the tricolor was raised
over a free and independent India. And despite the skeptics who said
that this country was simply too poor, too vast, too diverse to
succeed, you surmounted overwhelming odds and became a model to the
world.
Instead of slipping into starvation, you launched a Green Revolution
that fed millions. Instead of becoming dependent on commodities and
exports, you invested in science and technology and in your greatest
resource-the Indian people. And the world sees the results, from the
supercomputers you build to the Indian flag that you put on the moon.
Instead of resisting the global economy, you became one of its
engines-reforming the licensing raj and unleashing an economic marvel
that has lifted tens of millions from poverty and created one of the
world's largest middle classes.
Instead of succumbing to division, you have shown that the strength of
India-the very idea of India-is its embrace of all colors, castes and
creeds. It's the diversity represented in this chamber today. It's the
richness of faiths celebrated by a visitor to my hometown of Chicago
more than a century ago-the renowned Swami Vivekananda. He said that,
"holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any
church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women
of the most exalted character."
And instead of being lured by the false notion that progress must come
at the expense of freedom, you built the institutions upon which true
democracy depends-free and fair elections, which enable citizens to
choose their own leaders without recourse to arms; an independent
judiciary and the rule of law, which allows people to address their
grievances; and a thriving free press and vibrant civil society which
allows every voice to be heard. And this year, as India marks 60 years
with a strong and democratic constitution, the lesson is clear: India
has succeeded, not in spite of democracy; India has succeeded because
of democracy.
Just as India has changed, so too has the relationship between our two
nations. In the decades after independence, India advanced its
interests as a proud leader of the nonaligned movement. Yet too often,
the United States and India found ourselves on opposite sides of a
North-South divide and estranged by a long Cold War. Those days are
over.
Here in India, two successive governments led by different parties
have recognized that deeper partnership with America is both natural
and necessary. In the United States, both of my predecessors-one
Democrat, one Republican-worked to bring us closer, leading to
increased trade and a landmark civil nuclear agreement.
Since then, people in both our countries have asked: what next? How
can we build on this progress and realize the full potential of our
partnership? That is what I want to address today-the future that the
United States seeks in an interconnected world; why I believe that
India is indispensable to this vision; and how we can forge a truly
global partnership-not in just one or two areas, but across many; not
just for our mutual benefit, but for the world's.
Of course, only Indians can determine India's national interests and
how to advance them on the world stage. But I stand before you today
because I am convinced that the interests of the United States-and the
interests we share with India-are best advanced in partnership.
The United States seeks security-the security of our country, allies
and partners. We seek prosperity-a strong and growing economy in an
open international economic system. We seek respect for universal
values. And we seek a just and sustainable international order that
promotes peace and security by meeting global challenges through
stronger global cooperation.
To advance these interests, I have committed the United States to
comprehensive engagement with the world, based on mutual interest and
mutual respect. And a central pillar of this engagement is forging
deeper cooperation with 21st century centers of influence-and that
includes India. This is why I believe that India and America are
indispensable partners in meeting the challenges of our time.
Since taking office, I've therefore made our relationship a priority.
I was proud to welcome Prime Minister Singh for the first official
state visit of my presidency. For the first time ever, our governments
are working together across the whole range of common challenges we
face. And let me say it as clearly as I can: the United States not
only welcomes India as a rising global power, we fervently support it,
and we have worked to help make it a reality.
Together with our partners, we have made the G20 the premier forum for
international economic cooperation, bringing more voices to the table
of global economic decision-making, including India. We have increased
the role of emerging economies like India at international financial
institutions. We valued India's important role at Copenhagen, where,
for the first time, all major economies committed to take action to
confront climate change-and to stand by those actions. We salute
India's long history as a leading contributor to United Nations
peacekeeping missions. And we welcome India as it prepares to take its
seat on the United Nations Security Council.
In short, with India assuming its rightful place in the world, we have
an historic opportunity to make the relationship between our two
countries a defining partnership of the century ahead. And I believe
we can do so by working together in three important areas.
First, as global partners we can promote prosperity in both our
countries. Together, we can create the high-tech, high-wage jobs of
the future. With my visit, we are now ready to begin implementing our
civil nuclear agreement. This will help meet India's growing energy
needs and create thousands of jobs in both our countries.
We need to forge partnerships in high-tech sectors like defense and
civil space. So we have removed Indian organizations from our
so-called "entity list." And we'll work to reform our controls on
exports. Both of these steps will ensure that Indian companies seeking
high-tech trade and technologies from America are treated the same as
our closest allies and partners.
We can pursue joint research and development to create green jobs;
give Indians more access to cleaner, affordable energy; meet the
commitments we made at Copenhagen; and show the possibilities of
low-carbon growth.
Together, we can resist the protectionism that stifles growth and
innovation. The United States remains-and will continue to remain-one
of the most open economies in the world. And by opening markets and
reducing barriers to foreign investment, India can realize its full
economic potential as well. As G20 partners, we can make sure the
global economic recovery is strong and durable. And we can keep
striving for a Doha Round that is ambitious and balanced-with the
courage to make the compromises that are necessary so global trade
works for all economies.
Together, we can strengthen agriculture. Cooperation between Indian
and American researchers and scientists sparked the Green Revolution.
Today, India is a leader in using technology to empower farmers, like
those I met yesterday who get free updates on market and weather
conditions on their cell phones. And the United States is a leader in
agricultural productivity and research. Now, as farmers and rural
areas face the effects of climate change and drought, we'll work
together to spark a second, more sustainable Evergreen Revolution.
Together, we're going to improve Indian weather forecasting systems
before the next monsoon season. We aim to help millions of Indian
farming households save water and increase productivity; improve food
processing so crops don't spoil on the way to market; and enhance
climate and crop forecasting to avoid losses that cripple communities
and drive up food prices.
Because the wealth of a nation also depends on the health of its
people, we'll continue to support India's efforts against diseases
like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and as global partners, we'll work to
improve global health by preventing the spread of pandemic flu. And
because knowledge is the currency of the 21st century, we'll increase
exchanges between our students, colleges and universities, which are
among the best in the world.
As we work to advance our shared prosperity, we can partner to address
a second priority-our shared security. In Mumbai, I met with the
courageous families and survivors of that barbaric attack. And here in
this Parliament, which was itself targeted because of the democracy it
represents, we honor the memory of all those who have been taken from
us, including American citizens on 26/11 and Indian citizens on 9/11.
This is the bond we share. It's why we insist that nothing ever
justifies the slaughter of innocent men, women and children. It's why
we're working together, more closely than ever, to prevent terrorist
attacks and to deepen our cooperation even further. And it's why, as
strong and resilient societies, we refuse to live in fear, we will not
sacrifice the values and rule of law that defines us, and we will
never waver in the defense of our people.
America's fight against al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates is why
we persevere in Afghanistan, where major development assistance from
India has improved the lives of the Afghan people. We're making
progress in our mission to break the Taliban's momentum and to train
Afghan forces so they can take the lead for their security. And while
I have made it clear that American forces will begin the transition to
Afghan responsibility next summer, I have also made it clear that
America's commitment to the Afghan people will endure. The United
States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan-or the region-to the
violent extremists who threaten us all.
Our strategy to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its
affiliates has to succeed on both sides of the border. That is why we
have worked with the Pakistani government to address the threat of
terrorist networks in the border region. The Pakistani government
increasingly recognizes that these networks are not just a threat
outside of Pakistan-they are a threat to the Pakistani people, who
have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremists.
And we will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist
safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the
terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice. We must
also recognize that all of us have and interest in both an Afghanistan
and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic-and none more
so than India.
More broadly, India and the United States can partner in Asia. Today,
the United States is once again playing a leadership role in
Asia-strengthening old alliances; deepening relationships, as we are
doing with China; and we're reengaging with regional organizations
like ASEAN and joining the East Asia summit-organizations in which
India is also a partner. Like your neighbors in Southeast Asia, we
want India to not only "look East," we want India to "engage
East"-because it will increase the security and prosperity of all our
nations.
And as two global leaders, the United States and India can partner for
global security-especially as India serves on the Security Council
over the next two years. Indeed, the just and sustainable
international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that
is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate. That is why I can
say today-in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N.
Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.
Now, let me suggest that with increased power comes increased
responsibility. The United Nations exists to fulfill its founding
ideals of preserving peace and security, promoting global cooperation,
and advancing human rights. These are the responsibilities of all
nations, but especially those that seek to lead in the 21st century.
And so we look forward to working with India-and other nations that
aspire to Security Council membership-to ensure that the Security
Council is effective; that resolutions are implemented and sanctions
enforced; and that we strengthen the international norms which
recognize the rights and responsibilities of all nations and
individuals.
This includes our responsibility to prevent the spread of nuclear
weapons. Since I took office, the United States has reduced the role
of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, and agreed with
Russia to reduce our arsenals. We have put preventing nuclear
proliferation and nuclear terrorism at the top of our nuclear agenda,
and strengthened the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation
regime-the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Together, the United States and India can pursue our goal of securing
the world's vulnerable nuclear materials. We can make it clear that
even as every nation has the right to peaceful nuclear energy, every
nation must also meet its international obligations-and that includes
the Islamic Republic of Iran. And together, we can pursue a vision
that Indian leaders have espoused since independence-a world without
nuclear weapons. This leads me to the final area where our countries
can partner-strengthening the foundations of democratic governance,
not only at home but abroad.
Now, in a new collaboration on open government, our two countries are
going to share our experience, identify what works, and develop the
next-generation of tools to empower citizens. And in another example
of how American and Indian partnership can address global challenges,
we're going to share these innovations with civil society groups and
countries around the world. We're going to show that democracy, more
than any other form of government, delivers for the common man-and
woman.
As the world's two largest democracies, we must also never forget that
the price of our own freedom is standing up for the freedom of others.
Indians know this, for it is the story of your nation. Before he ever
began his struggle for Indian independence, Gandhi stood up for the
rights of Indians in South Africa. Just as others, including the
United States, supported Indian independence, India championed the
self-determination of peoples from Africa to Asia as they too broke
free from colonialism. And along with the United States, you've been a
leader in supporting democratic development and civil society groups
around the world. This, too, is part of India's greatness.
Every country will follow its own path. No one nation has a monopoly
on wisdom, and no nation should ever try to impose its values on
another. But when peaceful democratic movements are suppressed-as in
Burma-then the democracies of the world cannot remain silent. For it
is unacceptable to gun down peaceful protestors and incarcerate
political prisoners decade after decade. It is unacceptable to hold
the aspirations of an entire people hostage to the greed and paranoia
of a bankrupt regime. It is unacceptable to steal an election, as the
regime in Burma has done again for all the world to see.
Faced with such gross violations of human rights, it is the
responsibility of the international community-especially leaders like
the United States and India-to condemn it. If I can be frank, in
international fora, India has often avoided these issues. But speaking
up for those who cannot do so for themselves is not interfering in the
affairs of other countries. It's not violating the rights of sovereign
nations. It's staying true to our democratic principles. It's giving
meaning to the human rights that we say are universal. And it sustains
the progress that in Asia and around the world has helped turn
dictatorships into democracies and ultimately increased our security
in the world.
Promoting shared prosperity. Preserving peace and security.
Strengthening democratic governance and human rights. These are the
responsibilities of leadership. And, as global partners, this is the
leadership that the United States and India can offer in the 21st
century. Ultimately, however, this cannot be a relationship only
between presidents and prime ministers, or in the halls of this
parliament. Ultimately, this must be a partnership between our
peoples. So I want to conclude by speaking directly to the people of
India watching today.
In your lives, you have overcome odds that might have overwhelmed a
lesser country. In just decades, you have achieved progress and
development that took other nations centuries. And now you are
assuming your rightful place as a leader among nations. Your parents
and grandparents imagined this. Your children and grandchildren will
look back on this. But only you-this generation of Indians-can seize
the possibility of this moment.
As you carry on with the hard work ahead, I want every Indian citizen
to know: the United States of America will not simply be cheering you
on from the sidelines. We will be right there with you, shoulder to
shoulder. Because we believe in the promise of India. And we believe
that the future is what we make it.
We believe that no matter who you are or where you come from, every
person can fulfill their God-given potential, just as a Dalit like Dr.
Ambedkar could lift himself up and pen the words of the Constitution
that protects the rights of all Indians.
We believe that no matter where you live-whether a village in Punjab
or the bylanes of Chandni Chowk…an old section of Kolkata or a new
high-rise in Bangalore-every person deserves the same chance to live
in security and dignity, to get an education, to find work, and to
give their children a better future.
And we believe that when countries and cultures put aside old habits
and attitudes that keep people apart, when we recognize our common
humanity, then we can begin to fulfill the aspirations we share. It's
a simple lesson contained in that collection of stories which has
guided Indians for centuries-the Panchtantra. And it's the spirit of
the inscription seen by all who enter this great hall: ‘That one is
mine and the other a stranger is the concept of little minds. But to
the large-hearted, the world itself is their family."
This is the story of India; it's the story of America-that despite
their differences, people can see themselves in one another, and work
together and succeed together as one proud nation. And it can be the
spirit of the partnership between our nations-that even as we honor
the histories which in different times kept us apart, even as we
preserve what makes us unique in a globalized world, we can recognize
how much we can achieve together.
Thank you, Jai Hind!, and long live the partnership between India and
the United States."

Birth of India's Nuclear Weapons Program

2010-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

In 1995, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao decided to carry out nuclear tests. But the plans were halted after American satellites picked up signs of preparations for testing at Pokhran. The Americans under President Bill Clinton exerted enormous pressure on Mr. Rao to stop the preparations. Finally, on 11 and 13 of May 1998, under prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted its second group of nuclear tests.

After the detection of the test preparations by American satellites in 1995, it was decided that preparations for the May 1998 tests should be undertaken under a blanket of secrecy so that foreign countries will not be able to detect the preparations. Extensive planning was drawn out and executed in order to deceive intelligence agencies around the world. Even the senior most cabinet members of the Government of India did not have slightest hint of these elaborate preparations. The preparations were managed by a closed group of scientists, military officers and politicians.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister, and Dr. R. Chidambaram, the head of the Department of Atomic Energy, were the chief coordinators for the operation. They were assisted by the 58th Regiment of the Army Engineering Corps in preparing the test site. Scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) were involved in assembling the weapons, moving them to Pokhran, placing them into shafts in the ground and laying a network of sensors to gather data during the explosions.

The Regiment 58 Engineers had learned much since the aborted 1995 test preparations about avoiding detection by American satellites. Much work was done at night, and heavy equipment was always returned to the same parking spot at dawn so that satellite image analysts would conclude that the equipment was never moved. Piles of dug-out sand were shaped to mimic the wind shaped dune forms in the desert area. The shafts were dug under camouflage netting. When cables for sensors were laid they were carefully covered with sand, and native vegetation was replaced to conceal the digging.

The scientists involved in the operation took care to ensure that even their close friends and colleagues would not detect the work being undertaken at Pokhran. All scientists involved in the operation did not depart for Pokhran simultaneously, but left in groups of two or three. One group would use the pretext of attending a seminar or a conference, and would tell their wives that they could not be contacted while they were away. Tickets were bought for a destination other than Pokhran (or cities nearby) under pseudonyms, and after arriving at their destination, the group would secretly leave for the military base in Jaisalmer from where they would be taken by the army to Pokhran. After finishing their work the group would return, retracing their path. Then another group would leave for the range employing similar means to do their work. In this way, information about the test was kept tightly under wraps. All technical staff at the range wore military fatigues, so that in satellite images they would appear to be military personnel maintaining the test range.

On the diplomatic front, India adopted a policy of ambiguity about deciding to go nuclear. Statements by Indian politicians and diplomats gave an impression to the world that India was not yet decided about its nuclear status. Deliberate steps were taken to ensure that the world community would not take the BJP's campaign promises seriously. In separate meetings with American officials, then Foreign secretary K.Raghunath and Defence Minister George Fernandes stated that India had not yet decided about going nuclear and they also conveyed to the officials that the National Security Council would be meeting soon to discuss the matter and decide about the nuclear option. The council was to meet on the 26th of May. Both the Indian officials had categorically told the Americans that "there would be no surprise testings". All this led the Americans and the world community to believe that India was not going to pursue the nuclear option in the near future. But today is a super power nation..!!

Agneepath Poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan

2010-10-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a famous poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. An inspirational poem dedicated to all my students

Translation:
(There may be huge, warm and shady trees all around)
(Don't even as the shade of a single leaf)
(Walk on the Path of Fire, Walk on the Path of Fire)

(You will not stop, You will not turn, You will not halt)
(Take this oath, take this oath, take this oath)
(The Oath of Fire, the Oath of Fire, the Oath of Fire)

(This is a great situation)
(Man Walks)
(Tears, Sweat and Blood)
(They swathe Him, they swathe Him)
(Walk on the Path of Fire, Walk on the Path of Fire)

Fabulous Quotations

2010-10-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Napoleon said.. "The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people!"

Einstein said.. "I am thankful to all those who said NO to me. It’s Because of them I did it myself.

Abraham Lincoln said.. "If friendship is your weakest point then you are the strongest person in the world."

Shakespeare said.. "Laughing Faces Do Not Mean That There Is Absence Of Sorrow! But It Means That They Have The Ability To Deal With It"

Shakespeare said.. "In The Times Of Crisis I Was Not Hurt By The Harsh Words Of My Enemies,
But By The Silence Of My Friends".

Shakespeare said.. "Never Play With The Feelings Of Others Because You May Win The Game But
You Will Surely Lose The Person For Life Time"

Shakespeare said.. "Coin Always Makes Sound But The Currency Notes Are Always Silent.
So When Your Value Increases Keep Yourself Calm Silent"

William Arthur said.. "Opportunities Are Like Sunrises, If You Wait Too Long You Can Miss Them"

Hitler said.. "When You Are In The Light, Everything Follows You, But When You Enter Into The Dark, Even Your Own Shadow Doesn’t Follow You"

Shiv Khera.. "If We Are Not Part Of The Solutions, We Are The Big Problems" "Winners Never Do The Different Things, They Do The Things Differently".

John Keats said.. "It Is Very Easy To Defeat Someone, But It Is Very Hard To Win Someone"

First CBSE Aptitude and Interest Assessment Test 2011

2010-09-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

As you are well aware CBSE has recently extended the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation scheme in classes IX & X, introduced grading system in class X and has phased out class X exams for students of senior secondary schools. The common factor running across these initiatives is to make the entire spectrum of school education learner friendly.

The new approach also highlights the fact that each individual is unique with different sets of abilities. Identifying and optimizing abilities while preparing an individual for life and the world of work is one of the important and meaningful tasks of education. Senior secondary stage becomes the most defining phase as it influences higher studies and career choices later in life. More often than not, the choice of subjects is determined by the marks as also by the parental and peer pressure or the role models. In an ideal situation a child should be allowed to choose subjects based on his abilities and interest.

Therefore, in order to facilitate a child, CBSE has designed a tool named as the Students Global Aptitude Index (SGAI) to measure the aptitude in combination with the interest.

The Aptitude reflects the inherent capacity, talent or ability of a child. Aptitude testing is a student-friendly, universally accepted mode of rating capabilities for a particular activity. Aptitude tests are known to be reliable predictors of future scholastic achievement as they provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses of a student.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CBSE STUDENTS GLOBAL APTITUDE INDEX (SGAI)

Although a variety of aptitude screening tests are already in vogue to help the student identify personal interests and vocations, yet:-

1. SGAI is a battery of Aptitude Tests which also combines Interest profile of a student.

2. It has been customized to suit the Indian context and variety of student population in CBSE affiliated Private, Government and Aided Schools.

3. Unlike the conventional Aptitude Tests, which indicate professional orientations the CBSE SGAI will indicate subject orientations at +2 level.

4. The CBSE SGAI is meant for students of secondary classes. This coincides with the onset of adolescence and beginning of career concepts (although not in the
concrete form). It is therefore crucial to give a road map to the child which is realistic and favorable.

5. SGAI is aimed to empower a child with “self knowledge” in terms of the Aptitude and Interest, to enable the child in making informed subjects choices.

6. Since CBSE SGI purports to reduce the mismatch between the Aptitude and the Interest it will further help in :

Optimizing the child potential and enhance satisfaction
Increasing motivation
Reducing wastage of human and financial resources

SGAI : DESCRIPTION

CBSE SGAI is a battery of tests, designed for students pursuing class X in CBSE affiliated schools. It is a simple paper and pencil test, which requires approximately 2 – 2½ hours. Due care has been taken to make the assessment and interpretation less complicated for the teachers. The assessment broadly indicates:

Scientific Aptitude
Numerical Aptitude
Social Aptitude
Behavioral Science Aptitude
Art Aptitude
Interest areas

METHODOLOGY

A random survey was conducted in schools by devising a questionnaire to primarily gauge whether the schools, parents and students were aware of Aptitude Tests, at what stage should these tests be conducted and parents attitude towards Aptitude Tests. The responses received were studied by a group comprising of psychiatrists, psychologists, experts in Psychometrics and practicing counselors It was decided to construct a battery of Aptitude Tests and an Interest test which will be customized to suit the CBSE clientele.

THE PILOT TEST

The CBSE SGAI has been pilot tested on a sample of secondary level students drawn from 100 CBSE affiliated Private, Government and Aided Schools from different parts of the country.

IMPORTANT

CBSE- SGAI can be taken in class X to know the students preference for subjects after class X. However, it should be taken only as an indicator or a facilitator. The test will help the larger population including parents, teachers and students to initiate a dialogue on subject choices leading to careers ahead in life .However, the results of SGAI taken together with the student’s assessment from other sources will ultimately help students and parents in making informed choices. Mental preparedness and sincere responses are the pre- requisites for this test. SGAI scores may depend upon child’s environmental stimulus and motivation level.

ENROLMENT FOR CBSE SGAI

The CBSE SGAI will be offered to those interested at a very nominal fee of Rs.100 (one hundred) per student only. The first ever CBSE Students Global Aptitude Test will be held for class X students tentatively on 15th January 2011. The principals may assess the number of class X students who would be interested to enroll for this activity and thereafter register online on the CBSE website www.cbse.nic.in.

Math Test Taking Tips

2010-09-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

Repetition is important in math you learn how to solve problems by doing them so keep on practice problems but don't do it blindly. Make sure you learn how to recognize when/why you should use a specific method to solve a problem.

Work on practice problems for each topic ranging in levels of difficulty.

When practicing, try to solve the problem on your own first then look at the answer or seek help if you are having trouble.

Mix up the order of the questions from various topics when you are reviewing so you'll learn when to use a specific method/formula.

Make up a sheet with all the formulas you need to know and memorize all the formulas on the sheet.

When you get your exam, write down all the key formulas on the margin of your paper so if you forget them when you're in the middle of the test you can look back at the formula.

Read the directions carefully and don't forget to answer all parts of the question.

Make estimates for your answers... i.e. if you are asked to answer 48 x 12 = ?, you could expect a number around 500, but if you end up with an answer around 5000, you'll know you did something wrong.

Show all your work (especially when partial credit is awarded) and write as legibly as possible.

Even if you know the final answer is wrong, don't erase your entire work because you may get partial credit for using the correct procedure.

Check over your test after you are done with it. If you have time redo the problem on a separate piece of paper and see if you come up with the same answer the second time around. Look for careless mistakes such as making sure the decimal is in the right place, that you read the directions correctly, that you copied the numbers correctly, that you put a negative sign if it is needed, that your arithmetic is correct and so on.

Interesting Definitions

2010-09-26T03:40:00.000-07:00

Life Insurance: A contract that keeps you poor all

your life so that you can die Rich.

Nurse: A person who wakes u up to give you

sleeping pills.

Marriage: It's an agreement in which a man loses his

bachelor degree and a woman gains her masters.

Tears: The hydraulic force by which masculine

willpower is defeated by feminine waterpower.

Lecture: An art of transferring information from the

notes of the Lecturer to the notes of the students

without passing through "the minds of either".

Conference: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

Compromise: The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got

the biggest piece.

Dictionary: A place where success comes before work.

Conference Room: A place where everybody talks, nobody listens and everybody

disagrees later on.

Father: A banker provided by nature.

Boss: Someone who is early when you are late and late when you are early.

Politician: One who shakes your hand before elections and your Confidence after.

Doctor: A person who kills your ills by pills, and kills you by bills.

Classic: Books, which people praise, but do not read.

Smile: A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

Office: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.
Yawn: The only time some married men ever get to open their mouth.

Etc.: A sign to make others believe that you know more than you actually do.

Committee: Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that

nothing can be done together.

Experience: The name men give to their mistakes.

Atom Bomb: An invention to end all inventions.

Philosopher: A fool who torments himself during life, to be wise after death.

Chanakya Quotes Indian Politician, Strategist and Writer

2010-09-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.

The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.

There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.

As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.

Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead.

The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.

Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction.

God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple.

A man is great by deeds, not by birth.

Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.

Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends.

Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.

Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.

A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.