10 life lessons we learned from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Former President & eminent scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passed away in Shillong on Monday. Kalam collapsed during a speech at IIM Shillong and was immediately rushed to the nearby Bethany Hospital.

Here are some of Kalam’s inspirational sayings through which he will be remembered forever…

“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”

“My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to the young people.”

“To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”

“Let me define a leader. He must have vision and passion and not be afraid of any problem. Instead, he should know how to defeat it. Most importantly, he must work with integrity.”

“Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.”

“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”

“Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”

“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”

“You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.”

Courtesy: timesofindia

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Profile of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Born on October 15, 1931, at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, specialized in aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology. Dr Kalam made significant contribution as project director to develop India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) which successfully injected the Rohini satellite in the near earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of Space Club. 

Pay your last respects to former President Kalam 

He was responsible for the evolution of Isro's launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration. 

After working for two decades in Isro and mastering launch vehicle technologies, Dr Kalam took up the responsibility of developing indigenous guided missiles at Defence Research and Development Organisation as the chief executive of integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). 

10 life lessons from APJ Abdul Kalam 

He was responsible for the development and operationalization of Agni and Prithvi missiles and for building indigenous capability in critical technologies through networking of multiple institutions. 

He was the scientific adviser to defence minister and secretary, department of Defence Research & Development from July 1992 to December 1999. 

During this period he led to the weaponisation of strategic missile systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration with department of atomic energy, which made India a nuclear weapon State. He also gave thrust to self-reliance in defence systems by progressing multiple development tasks and mission projects such as light combat aircraft. 

As chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) and as an eminent scientist, he led the country with the help of 500 experts to arrive at Technology Vision 2020 giving a road map for transforming India from the present developing status to a developed nation. Dr Kalam has served as the principal scientific advisor to the government of India, in the rank of Cabinet minister, from November 1999 to November 2001 and was responsible for evolving policies, strategies and missions for many development applications. Dr Kalam was also the chairman, ex-officio, of the scientific advisory committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C) and piloted India Millennium Mission 2020. 

Dr Kalam took up academic pursuit as professor, technology & societal transformation at Anna University, Chennai from November 2001 and was involved in teaching and research tasks. Above all he took up a mission to ignite the young minds for national development by meeting high school students across the country. 

In his literary pursuit four of Dr Kalam's books - "Wings of Fire", "India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium", "My journey" and "Ignited Minds - Unleashing the power within India" have become household names in India and among the Indian nationals abroad. These books have been translated in many Indian languages. 

Dr Kalam was one of the most distinguished scientists of India with the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions. He was awarded the coveted civilian awards - Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). He was a recipient of several other awards and fellow of many professional institutions. 

Dr Kalam became the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002. 

His focus was on transforming India into a developed nation by 2020. 

(Source: http://www.abdulkalam.nic.in/profile.html) 

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Do self help books really work?

Breaking the Myths
It is very funny to hear out these objections against the self-help books; even the people who have not read a single book have an opinion about them. Can you comment on the entire Bollywood film industry after watching few films by KRK (Kamaal R Khan)? How can you comment about the entire self help and personal development industry without reading at least 50 books? Through this write-up, I just want to clarify three few things around Self-help industry:

1. Nothing works if you do not work on yourself: We underwent formal education for 20 years, and then we had to work on what we learned to make a living. Likewise if you read a self help book, then you have to take action on the information mentioned in those books. Trust me; it will not take you 20 years to transform your life. Surprisingly, after 5-10 books on a particular subject you begin to understand what is stopping you from living the life you want to lead.

Personal development or self-help books push you out of your comfort zone and exhort you to explore your potential. The strategies, tool and stories shared in these books can save you a lot of time and costly mistakes. Get all the information and then use your intellect to decide how you are going to use that information. How can information about your unlimited potential be bad? It is the way you use that information that makes it good or bad. Reading a book does not change your life, taking action on what you read will surely change your life.

2. Why reinvent the wheel? A lot of us keep our problem for a long time, because we want to be the first ones to solve it. Every problem that you have ever faced or will ever face has a solution which has been documented by someone in the form of a book or a seminar. Never let your ego come in the way of learning. I think self help is the best help because there is no one who is going to come from outside to change your life. Any person who is reading this is a human being, and every human being has some problems and dreams which we want to solve and achieve respectively. Even the dreams you have in your mind, have been achieved by someone else and all the strategies that were used by them are available under the so called ‘self-help’ category that you have been avoiding for years. It is silly to spend 5 years on a goal that could have been achieved in 5 months. When I face a challenge, the first question I ask myself is – what are the 3 books I need to read to solve my problem? More often than not, I find the answer in the personal development books.
 3. Solution is already out there: The steps to success and happiness have already been figured out for you. If you have the luxury of time, then you may spend years in figuring out what is already known but no wise person should ideally do that. There are books that can teach you- how to start a business from scratch, how to be a leader in your company, how to be a great student, how to be a great spouse, how to be a great parent, how to do meditation, how to have more money, how to have great relationships, and how to lead a healthy life. These books have been written by people who have already produced great results in their lives. If an author spent 5-10 years to identify a solution to one of the problems that you are facing and he has documented it in a book which you could be read in a matter of 10 hours, you would be a fool not to access that powerful treasure of perspective. Thus, the only thing you must check is the credibility of the author. The books keep you inspired and tell you that you are bigger than your problems and can achieve all your dreams. I am a big fan of personal development industry, and I believe that we all need some coaching in certain areas to live a better quality life. I became an author 6 years ago but I have been reading self-help and personal development books for over 16 years now. This one habit has helped me in helping and serving people through coaching and counseling. Remember it is not about self-help, it is about success strategies. And beware of the author who tells you that your life will change only by reading his or her books. 

Siddhartha Sharma is a life-coach and a professional motivational speaker. His workshops and books have transformed over a million lives. His is the bestselling author of 5 books- Love Your Mondays and Retire Young, The Millionaire Entrepreneur, 60 Keys to Success with NLP, Mom I got the Job, and TGIM-Thank God It’s Monday. You can connect with - him on his FB page- http://www.facebook.com/Siddhartha.successmonks or his website -http://www.successmonks.com/founder/. 

Courtesy: Indian Express

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5 foods that can control diabetes

Here's what to eat if you want to control your blood sugar levels.

Dates: This brown and sticky fruit not only has a sweet taste but is rich in fiber, making it a diabetes-friendly snack. According to a study, they are richer in antioxidants as compared to a serving of grapes, oranges, broccoli and peppers. Have raw dates or stuff them with walnuts.

Milk: One of the best sources of calcium and Vitamin D, milk is blood sugar-friendly. You can also opt for other dairy products like cottage cheese and low-fat yogurt to quell diabetes. Use milk in your cereal for breakfast or have cottage cheese as a snack.

Flaxseeds: A good source of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, which your body converts to omega-3, flaxseed is known to lower blood sugar and cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues. Have them with oatmeal for breakfast or paneer.

Sage: This herb boosts insulin secretion and activity, which helps to curb blood sugar in pre-diabetics and manage it in Type 2 diabetics. Besides, it also keep your liver functioning well, thereby improving your body's immunity. According to a German study, consuming sage on an empty stomach can reduce the blood glucose levels. This herb can also be added to your tea.

Beans: Since beans are high in fiber,they help you feel full, steady blood sugar, and even lower cholesterol. Moreover, they are said to burn body fat since they contain calcium. Make a bean and sprout salad or have them in your soup.


Courtesy: Times of India

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Benifit of blowing shankha

The conch blowing is a procedure by which , powerful cosmic waves travel in such a way to destroy the , harmful germs from environments and it is more effective  at the time of sunrise. It is clear that conch blowing is not a religious symbol and it is a environments naturopathy. Daily blowing of conch is helpful for speech therapy, resparatory treatments and psychological treatments.  The blowing of Shankh for different purposes, in different styles and sounds, creates the different results, mentioned in ancient Bogshadi Vidya

The conch posses supernatural scientific significances with  great power of  balancing the ecological balances in environments . The Shankha Dhwani creates the sound waves , by which many harmful germs,insects [not visible with open eye] , destroyed immediately. The mosquito breeding also effected by conch blowing, to decrease the malaria. The conch blowing is pure environmental injection to improve the quality of  living being.

The sound of the conch with its inherent 7.83 hertz can be heard by the ears and well as the human heart.

The conch can sound at the fundamental frequency 7.83 hertz of OM , the Hindu king mantra.  OM opens up quantum tunneling for the wormholes to happen , where the speed of light is NOT the limiting factor. 

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Bad habit to quit for a healthy living

You became an 'Owl' at night

Many of us, burn the midnight oil for exam preparations and work. But if this becomes routine, you will damage your body in the long run. Without 6-8 hours of good sleep, you are damaging your immune system and other body processes and systems. Due to lack of sleep, your immune system becomes weak and thus produces fewer 'germ fighters' - lowering your tolerance for withstanding common bugs in your environment. To fight against various diseases, it is necessary to at least get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good sleep on most nights of the week. A good night's sleep also helps you stay awake and fresh throughout the day.

I am so 'lonely'

Dr. Vahia says - the key for good health is a healthy and fresh mind. If your mind is unhealthy, it will affect your immune system and put you at several health risks. If you spend most of your time obssessing over your loneliness, and any other social challenges, or whatever could cause feelings of despair and frustration, then you are harming your mental health, detaching yourself from people, and stressing your mind and body.

Wearing headphones for long hours

Headphones or earphones are the sole companions for some of us throughout the day. We listen to music to pass time, while travelling or while working out. But, if you have plugged in for hours, with no breaks, then you need to keep this habit under check. Dr. Vihang says - listening to loud music via earphones, can cause hearing loss. He further adds - headphones aren't the culprits, it is the volume and the hours that can land you in trouble. Besides, ignoring minor symptoms of hearing loss is also one of the biggest criminals.

TV trouble

Sitting for hours on the couch, watching that idiot box can put your heart and eyes at risk. Watching too much TV can put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and obesity. The more you are glued to the TV, the more immobile life will affect your levels of fat and sugar in your blood. Besides, it also strains your eyes and causes damage to the refractive lens.

Wearing heels

Women who wear heels on a daily basis, do lots of harm to their bodies. Dr. Tina Mahendraker - Physiotherapist, Mumbai says - high heels can affect your posture, put pressure on joints - which can cause arthritis, back pain and tendon injuries and other heels related accidents. Thus to prevent such horrible effects on your health Dr. Tina says - limit your heels to not more than 1.5 inches, and wear insoles to reduce the pressure on your joints.

Carrying an extra heavy bag

We love to carry our world wherever we go, because we can't afford to miss a single thing. This habit of hauling the world with our (lots and lots of) worldly things on the back or shoulder causes lots of harm to our health. Carrying heavy bags can cause various long term effects like serious back pain, neck pain and poor posture - says Dr. Tina. Hence, to avoid ageing your body prematurely, do yourself a favour and empty that bag.

Snacking, even if not hungry

If you disrupt your regular eating pattern, then your body will no longer send hunger signals and you may end up eating even when you are full. This extra eating can flood your body with extra calories and unhealthy ingredients, which can further cause serious chronic health problems like diabetes, heart problems and acidity.

Lying constantly

Surprised to see this one on a healthy living post? Those minute white lies can cause serious damage to your health. If you lie constantly, you will have constant fear of the truth being disclosed, this will create a feeling of stress in you, says - Dr. Vihang. Stress, is the worst thing for your body, as it damages your heath due to the release of stress hormones. Besides, it further leads to headaches and anxiety.

Skipping breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - says Ms. Eileen - Nutritionist, Mumbai. If your entire breakfast comprises one cup of rushed coffee and a toast, then you're setting yourself up for an unhealthy future. This will affect your digestive system. Besides, it will also harm your energy reserves and negatively affect your metabolism. If you skip your breakfast, you are likely to eat more during the other meals and this can lead to weight gain. Eileen says - the key to a good breakfast is a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Ignoring sex

Whatever the reason for a low libido might be, whether too much work or stress, avoiding sex altogether for many days and months at a time is not good. Sex is good for you and your health. It helps to improve your immune system and relationship. But if you are not interested in this pleasurable act, then you need to talk to your doctor immediately. Because, a low libido can be beyond stress, it can be caused due to an under active thyroid, hypertension or simply a hormonal imbalance.

Fast eating

Eating at lightning speed due to work pressure or lack of time can adversely affect your digestive system. You should take at least 20 minutes to finish each meal. If you just gulp your food, without chewing it properly, it can cause acidity, bloating and excess gas in your stomach. Hence, slow down and enjoy your food.

Bad habit to quit for a healthy living # 20: Picking at your skin

If there is some flaw on your face, you must resist yourself from constantly stressing on it. If you constantly keep worrying about acne by touching it, it will act up more. Besides it will lead to scars and inflammation. Hence, stop picking at your face to avoid worsening skin issues.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

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Rudraksha---

Why should one wear Shiva's Rudraksha?
Rudraksha is a amalgamation of two words ‘Rudra’ meaning ‘Shiva’ and ‘Aksha’ meaning eyes. The Rudraksha tree is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva's tears. The Rudraksha beads range from being one faced to 21 faced; however, only 1-14 faced Rudraksha are worn by humans. Each of them has their own significance and is believed to have a few extraordinary powers. Read on to know…

Ideal for Body, Mind & Soul
Rudraksha induces power in the body, which fights against diseases hence improving overall health. As per Ayurveda, Rudraksha strengthens the body constitutions. It removes the blood impurities and strengthens the body substance. It removes the bacteria inside as well as outside the Human Body. Rudraksha removes the headache, cough, paralysis, and blood pressure, heart disease and maternity problems.

Rudraksha rosary is used for Japa
The process of Japa increases spiritual power and self-confidence to move in multi direction of life. Therefore, Rudraksha seeds are found be useful for providing health benefits as well as helps in gaining spiritual success. Wearing Rudraksha results in the destruction of sins from previous birth that causes difficulties in the present life.

Rudraksha wards off negativity
As per the ancient Indian scripture like Purana, it is well known that Each Rudraksha is linked with Particular deity. This Positive Power in terms of Deva or Devi always protects the wearer from Negative Powers and enmity and provides a powerful shield against all negativities.

Rudraksha has no religion
Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between earth and heaven, and though Hindu scriptures like the updated Jabal Rudrakasha Upanishad have made the berries their own, modern scholars and gurus have described them as being of no particular religion or rather non religious & have pointed out that they can be used as a mala, rosary or Tasbih (sibah).

Health benefits of Rudraksha
Though mired in obscurity so far, the Rudraksha is slowly but surely making its way into the lives of the health conscious human beings. The Rudraksha helps in relieving from blood pressure and lessening stress. Soak it in a glass of water overnight and drink it the next day to relieve stomach disorders. Dip it in any vegetable oil for 21 days, and apply it on your aching joints and feel the relief you get.

It’s a matter of Faith!
Of course, most people who have tried this have done so along with their regular medicine, but one must approach the Rudraksha with a mixture of open mindedness and faith, rationalism as well as emotion, to get positive feedback that is why many who put it under their pillow have sworn that it cured them of their insomnia. Ancient medical texts claim that the Rudraksha can prevent aging and can prolong life.

Rudraksha boosts luck
The Rudraksha Beads have also been boosting the luck and prosperity of the wearer significantly. It is quite understandable as with enhanced self-esteem and confidence one achieves greater success in all ventures. Buddha wore them, Gandhi wore them, and Dalai Lama wore them.

Medicinal & Scientific Value of Rudrakasha
Rudrakasha beads have several amazing powers due to their electromagnetic character. This Electromagnetic character empowers the bead to cure the human body medically as well as spiritually.

Specialty of Ek Mukhi Rudrakasha
The Majestic thing in Ek mukhi Rudraksha is its overcoming natural powers. This Rudraksha makes the person equal to Lord Shiva. It transmits Abundant Power. Salvation (Mukti) is in his hands!

Rudraksha malas
Rudraksha malas with 108 beads is called Purnamala, with 54 beads is known as Ardhamala and with 27 beads is called the Nakshatra mala. A Mala with 21 mukhis of Rudraksha is known as Indra Mala and is extremely rare.

Rudraksha and the 5 elements
Rudrakshas are said to have properties of panchadhatu (5 elements) – which when energized by cosmic rays and transmitted in to human body results into good health and peace in life. So, wearing or chanting with Rudraksha malas are said to have very good healing properties.


Courtesy: timesofindia.com

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Math in real life

=>Number of match to be played in a league round, each team playing each other team once.

N = (X^2 - X) / 2
Here X is no. of team in league.
So for example if there is 7 team in a league than no. of match =(7^2 -7)/2 = 21

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11 genius home remedies you must know!

Menstrual pain: Mix the juice of 2-3 lemons in cold water and have it every day for relief.

Chronic headache: Peel and chop apple. Dash some salt and have it the first thing in the morning.

Flatulence: Mix about 1/4th spoon of baking soda in water and drink for relief.

Sore throat: Boil 2-3 basil leaves in water and let it boil on low flame till the juice of the leaf is extracted. You can use the liquid for gargle.

Mouth ulcers: Ripe banana with honey offer instant relief. This can be turned into a paste and applied on affected areas.

Sinus congestion: Mix organic apple cider vinegar with a pinch of cayenne pepper powder in less than half a cup of hot water. Have it while it is warm atleast twice a day.

High BP: Have amla with milk daily is believed to lower blood pressure. This should ideally be taken early in the morning.

Asthma: Mix one tablespoon of honey with half tablespoon cinnamon. Have it at bedtime.

Dandruff: Mix camphor with coconut oil. You can apply this every night before going to sleep

Premature graying of hair: Dry amlas and cut boil in coconut oil till the amla pieces turn like charred dust. Massage it daily on the skin.

Dark circles: Mix orange juice with glycerine to lighten the dark circles.

Courtesy: Timesofindia.com

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Saving Smartly! 10 Quick Tips To Get You Started

Money saved is money earned. Make this your mantra in 2015 and begin your journey on the road to riches. Work fetches money and that is what keeps us going. But how about money fetching more money?

That's exactly what your goal should be. And the first step for that is learning to save. It does not mean you cut down on occasional weekend dinners or not give in to the retail therapy once in a while. Saving need not be boring. You just need to think a little and make it a part of your lifestyle. Make saving a habit by being intelligent, creative and join the cool 'rich' club.

#1 Review that home loan
Take time out to review the interest that is paid on your home loan. There is so much competition for this product in the market and you must take advantage of this. Make sure your bank is giving you the best deal. If not, compare and negotiate!

#2 Too many cards kill the budget
Empty those credit cards from your wallet and pick two which you want to continue with. The deciding factors should be reward points and low interest rate. Since, most of the time, one credit card carries only one of these benefits at a time, it is a good strategy to retain two cards. Having limited cards also helps keep a tab on spending habits. Spending is done more consciously and unnecessary expenses are automatically cut down.

#3 Savingup tips for car loans
Negotiate for better rates using your CIBIL credit score. Lenders often offer lower rates for borrowers with better CIBIL scores. Also, make sure you don't finance the car add-ons. For the accessories or add-ons check with local dealers for better rates. That way it turns out to be a cheaper option, rather than paying interest on it up to the entire loan repayment.

#4 Get organized and play CID
Arrange for all bills, statements, etc. to reach you before a pre-decided date every month. On a weekend evening, analyze and check for mysterious charges. This habit will also help you recognize your spending patterns. These can then be corrected or can be planned for in advance thus helping you in the save money mission.

#5 Plan ATM trips
Impose a restriction on your ATM visits. This simple act helps in numerous ways. Expenses are planned in advance since cash needs to be withdrawn accordingly. There is no room left for temptation to withdraw cash whenever an ATM is in the vicinity. Many banks have started charging customers for ATM usage when the number of transactions cross the permitted transactions number. By planning withdrawals in advance one can easily avoid bearing such charges.

#6 Savings while getting insured
No one understands your needs like you do. Do your homework and work out your own insurance amount. Agents have a tendency to talk you into more. Also, before buying any new insurance check if you are already adequately covered under an existing insurance scheme. If not, go in only for the additional amount. It is also a smart thing to shop around a bit after you have worked out the requirements. Go for an insurance plan that suits you the best. And while at it, remember that insurance works best when it is not coupled as a saving plan.

#7 Track your expenses
Have a personal tracker to keep a check on your daily expenses. Either maintain a small diary if you are old school, like geeks do or download a mobile application which will help you with this. Analyzing expenses on a regular basis can prove to be a very effective way to save on expenses which are not accounted for or are unnecessary.

#8 Choose banks wisely
Take stock of all the bank accounts and lockers which you own. It's time to de-clutter and get organized. Shut down accounts which have not been used for regular transactions since six months or more. Also, check on the lockers currently in use. It is not uncommon to change lockers along with a change in address. However, the old lockers remain in your name. Closing old accounts and lockers can free up the deposit money which can be reinvested as per your own.

#9 Save up during sale season
Retail therapy indulgence reaches new levels during the sale season. While discounts on products leave you with some free money after the purchase, why not make this free money work for you. Next time you avail a discount, deposit the discounted amount into your savings account and incorporate it in the investment plan.

#10 Don't leave your investments unattended
While one does feel a sense of relief after planning, choosing and implementing an investment scheme, it is important to note that these investments need to be reviewed regularly. A decision made two years ago may not be fetching the same returns today. Analyze and decide your next investment move accordingly.

Saving is not a onetime plan but a way of life. This is one habit which will fetch positive returns right from the moment you start. May you save up heaps this year only to multiply your wealth for the years to come.

Courtusy: Rajiv Raj
http://www.businessinsider.in/Saving-Smartly-10-Quick-Tips-To-Get-You-Started/articleshow/45882112.cms?utm_source=TOInewHP_TILwidget&utm_medium=ABtest&utm_campaign=TOInewHP

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