school speech topics

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Music is an art form which is widely recognized and appreciated all over the world irrespective of the region. It forms an integral part of all cultures and civilizations. It has now transformed into an industry because many people earn their livelihoods through music. Music thus has a social value attached to it and also has a cultural and economic significance. The history of music is interesting and vivid. Though there is no specific origin of this art form, but still it was introduced to the humans long ago.

Music was basically a luxury once only enjoyed by the royalties. In many places, people engaged in making music had to face social stigma as it was considered to be a thing of shame. Many other civilizations promoted music as an act of religious importance and the people related to music were held in high pristine. Thus, we see that music was welcomed with mixed responses. With the promotion of this art form all over the world, the tastes and the opinions of the people changed gradually and it gained appreciation all over the world. Music includes both vocal music and instrumental. There are many types of music indigenous to many regions and cultures. From western English music to African and Arabian music to the various genres of Indian music, there is a wide range to suit all tastes.

Today music plays an important role in our lives. It is a mode of recreation, an art industry, means of expression and also a matter of pride for many societies. Playing an instrument, be it the guitar or the table is one of the most pursued recreational activity. It not only helps us use our time effectively but is an efficient stress buster. Musicians and bands all over the world create and edit music and promote it to earn appreciation and their livelihoods. They even intend to express their opinions and emotions about issues close to them through music. Michael Jackson was one such legendary singer who voiced his views through music. Many societies also attach their cultural sentiments to their own music and is thus of great significance to them.

Many Indian societies consider music to be a form of worship. Thus, music is widely recognized and respected these days. But, music is being commercialized these days. A lot of money is minted through the music industry. This should not affect the quality of the music. Music is also a subject of study these days. Thus, we can conclude that music is truly important for each one of us.

IMPORTANCE OF FILMS

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Films are one effective method of reaching out to the masses and to spread our views among them. Started off as a new venture for the purpose of entertaining people, films have now affected almost all parts of our lives by depicting almost all social, economic, political and socio-cultural issues. While some of them have an educative value attached to them, some are entertaining, and some others are documentaries which depict realities about certain sensitive issues and aim at solving out the matters by reaching out to the masses and the authorities responsible.

The films made for a commercial purpose of entertainment all over the world now form an integral part of most of the peoples’ lives and their leisure activities. Films belonging to various genres like drama, comedy, action are made every year which attracts numerous viewers from different sections of the society. Every year there are award functions to felicitate such movies and appreciate them for their work. Oscar awards are one such prestigious academy awards.

Documentaries are one category of films which are pictured with the motive of bringing out the reality about various day to day issues and depicting them to the masses with the aim of finding a solution to those problems. Such films are non-commercial and non-profit productions.

Films which have an educative value attached to them are produced to add meaning to the media industry. There have been many films made on matters of environmental concern, or creating a social awareness, or creating cultural or economic awareness among the masses. Not just the content of the movies, even the entire process of making a film and releasing it for public viewing is quite enthralling and interesting. The amount of researches and studies done about a matter is in itself a learning experience for its makers.

Films have many other benefits. They bring together people from different sections of the society and different walks of life. Being an integral part of the media industry, they provide us with a platform or interface to exhibit our talent and interest too. Films are also a matter of national pride when they are recognized and viewed worldwide. They are thus a complete entertainment and educational package with many other values attached to it.

ILLITERACY IN INDIA

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Illiteracy is one social vice which is a result of most other social evils and even a cause of many of them. It forms a vicious cycle of dire conditions and helplessness which often traps the rural societies of India. It is referred as the condition of lack of basic education and knowledge among the masses due to several reasons. India has a high rate of illiteracy of around 26 percent which is responsible for its erratic economic and cultural position on the global scenario.

Illiteracy is mainly the result of poverty and dearth of facilities coupled with the rural orthodox social outlook of India. Many people cannot afford the expenses of basic education even if it has been subsidized and made free. Moreover, there exists this mentality that girls need not be educated and deserve to do house-hold chores because the males are considered to be the bread-earners in our patriarchal society while the females are asked to stay back at home. Though this outlook is changing with the development of the nation, many other factors contribute to the high illiteracy in our country. One such factor is corruption. Corruption in the administrative level lead to the failure of many governmental and nongovernmental initiatives which aim at educating one and all in the country. Moreover, lack of employment opportunities, over-population and degradation in the quality of education in India these days account for the status-co of the society. Rising prices of the commodities also force people to drop out of schools and colleges to find means of earning livelihood to make both ends meet.

As we discuss the causes, we see that even the effects and results of illiteracy are similar. Due to large number of uneducated masses, the human population cannot turn into a useful resource and thus cannot contribute to the economic growth of our country. This leads to a low demographic dividend. Moreover, ignorance about the basic rights and principles of a citizen of the country leads to added corruption among the authorities and officials at any level. We also notice illiteracy leading to deteriorating health conditions of people as they are unaware about it. It leads to promotion of blind faiths, fads, misconceptions and superstitions in the society. Lack of awareness also deteriorates the cultural richness of our country as we cannot take proper care of it.

Thus we see, illiteracy is a social evil that shall encircle our country in darkness and downfall if not curbed. Thus, we are now making efforts by taking initiatives to teach everyone. Campaigns, clubs, evening schools and forums take steps forward to teach specific issues to specific sections of the society. NGOs and international organizations are also implementing laws and providing facilities and funds to help educate each person. All we need is cooperated and sincere efforts to fight this problem.

HERITAGE OF INDIA

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Out of all the countries we see on the globe, India boasts of the most diverse and vivid culture and heritage. The India subcontinent is an abode to numerous civilizations each with a different and captivating history. India is known for its cultural richness and thus attracts many scholars from all over the world to study the diversity of our nation.

The cultural diversity is reflected in the food, art forms and lifestyles of people all over the country. Each region has its own cuisine and art forms which are known worldwide.While Kashmir boasts of rich spicy food and mesmerizing natural beauty of the hills and valleys; Kerala attracts people from all over the world because of its beautiful beaches, backwaters and traditional food served on banana leaves. While the seven sisters viz. the north eastern states are known for their spices, tea and crafts, Rajasthan boasts of a colorful desert life and culture. Thus we see a wide range of vivid cultures as we roam around in the country.

The reason behind such a diverse ethnicity and culture in India dates back to its histories and beginning of civilization. From the Indus valley civilization in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, to the great Mughal rule in India, we have retained a part of all these cultures which accounts for the mixed traditions, languages, life styles, cultures and societies in India. Moreover, the people from the western countries who ruled over parts of India, left behind a part of their ethnicity which were adopted by us and thus became a part of our culture as well. Also, many people had come to our nation for different purposes from all over the world, and settled down here. Generations after generations the traditions have been inherited and have become an integral part of the Indian multiculturalism. Today we boast of about different languages and dialects all over the country. Each region has its own ancient literature, art forms, industries and traditions which are related to their origin. Various literature texts and scriptures are found all over the country in various scripts which are an evidence of the diverse history India has had. Another facet in which this aspect of India is reflected is its ancient architecture and monuments. India is a land of temples and forts and amazing architecture. From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra built by Shah Jahan to the beautiful temples of Madurai, each of the monuments have a different captivating story behind it which adds to the beauty of these monuments.

The heritage of India is not only an attraction to tourists but also scholars and archaeologists from all over the world who come to study the beauty of diversity in our country.

GLOBALIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Globalization as the word suggests means the interaction and intermingling of cultures , societies ,countries worldwide which results in exchange and sharing of various ideas, trade of goods, global relations, and various other changes. Over the years, since India became a part of the global interactive scenario, many changes, both good and bad, have been seen.

first development seen in India as an effect of globalization is large scale production and manufacturing of goods, called industrialization. India was always a land of small scale industries and cottage industries. The concept of bulk production and machine aided processes was a result of global interaction. Today, India boasts of a huge industrial sector. The most integral part of Indian economy viz. agriculture now incorporates the best technology and scientific methods which were once introduced by the people of the west.

India has not always been on the receiving end. It has given to the world some of the finest brains and human resource. It has offered some of the most important ideas and opinions which the world has accepted readily. From the concept of zero to the finest pieces of literature, India has given it all, and while it reached the people beyond the nations’ boundaries, these great minds received admiration, respect and appreciation. Even today, some of the finest work force abroad is Indian.

Globalization has also introduced the idea of urbanization in our country. Globalization has even lead to the concept of multiculturalism. Today in the Indian urban society, we see many western concepts that have been introduces and been accepted by the people. For an instance, we see growing number of nuclear families in a country where the entire village used to stay as one family. We see many alien traditions and languages in our country which had come with some of our guests and stayed back even after their departure. English is the official language of India where surprisingly it does not have an indigenous origin. Globalization has also extended its reach up to Indian governance and administration. We have accepted many ideals of foreign thinkers and leaders and have built a strong democracy over the years. India has evolved as a subcontinent and it keeps up to the title as we can see a number of cultures, societies and people with entirely different histories living together with peace and harmony. Despite all the social vices, India boasts of a rich heritage and diverse history which coexists with a modern, competitive, developing society.

Globalization, like all other things has its own dark side. It has resulted in the phenomenon of brain-drain and excessive outflow of talent, and human resource. Today, most of the finest brains go out in search of better work conditions and settle down abroad, thus causing a loss to our country. Besides that, globalization has introduced many social practices which tend to soil Indian traditions. Thus, we can see that globalization can be both a boon and a bane for any nation. It depends on us how we should mold it in our favor.

GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN INDIA

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Discrimination on the basis of gender has been an age-old social evil in our country. It is one vice of our society that has changed forms but has remained in all walks of life. There is a prejudice against women and they are often deprived of advantages which are provided to the males. Ours is a patriarchal society which follows the principle of favoring men over women everywhere irrespective of circumstances.

Since the beginning of human civilization in India, women have been considered to be the weaker section of the society and were never given a chance to grow and develop. Discrimination in its extreme form was seen in the form of Sati-Pratha where the wife was supposed to burn herself in the funeral pyre of her husband. A man was never asked to do so for his wife. Widows were boycotted and their presence was considered inauspicious. Women would have to face extreme domestic discrimination. They would not be allowed to study or work like the male of the house would. They would stay in their houses all day long doing domestic chores. They did not enjoy any recreational activity and lived a miserable life. With time, as the country opened up to the world, a lot changed and improved for women. Reformers like Vivekananda took initiatives for the betterment of women. They enjoyed the right to education and could now express themselves on the social front. Women started working to earn their livelihood and started to match up with their male counterparts.

As time went by, women started reaching up to almost all walks of life and started filling up male dominated jobs like the army and other defense services. Women have even performed better than males in many walks of life. We see women as heads of big organizations. Today though they have reached great heights academically and socially, they still have to be subject to discrimination on the professional front. The pay scale and benefits given to males for a particular job is often higher than that given to women for the same work. Crime rates of sexual harassment in the society or at the work place are still high. Moreover, many rural parts have still not opened up to the idea of gender equality.

The main reasons for this gender bias are illiteracy and social backwardness. Poverty has forced many people not to provide benefits to the females in the family. Women thus have to face a social stigma in some form or the other.

Many reforms and laws have made conditions better for women. The government has strived to reserve seats for girls and women in the academic, professional and administrative fields. Helplines are opened for the safety and security of women. Stronger reforms are needed to help women walk with their heads high in the society.

CORRUPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

July 10, 2012July 7, 2012 by My English Master

Corruption is the most deadly social evil persisting in the Indian society at almost all bureaucratic, administrative and official levels. It forms a vicious cycle of darkness around the common man who does not hold any authority or power in the society. Corruption has hollowed our society so far and if not curbed, it shall take our country to all-time lows.

Corruption is basically the use of immoral and unethical practices for selfish reasons. Corrupt people can go to any extent and sacrifice their principles to get their job done or for personal gains. Many officials have been caught deceiving people and asking for huge amounts of money for simple jobs. Many public servants who are supposed to serve the society often are responsible for insecurities among the masses. Corruption has even lead to hindrance in the growth and development of our society because many facilities and laws framed for our welfare are not implemented owing to high levels of corruption in our society. Corruption is seen as a direct reason of high rate of unemployment, illiteracy and poverty worldwide. Lack of proper health facilities, dearth of basic amenities like electricity and communication services and ill maintenance of social and national infrastructure is largely because the funds diverted for these purposes are taken by corrupt officials. Many laws that have been framed are still on paper and have not been implemented successfully because of corruption. Corruption not just leads to shortage of services and goods, but also degraded quality of the services and commodities available to us. Many cases of adulteration in food products, cheap quality electrical devices have been reported and observed which is nothing but a result of corruption and dishonesty.

Corruption is a result of improper governance and inefficient administration in public and private organizations. There is a lack of transparency for the masses to view the functioning of these organizations. Despite the RTI act, corruption manages to creep into our society. Illiteracy among the masses enables the officials to cheat on them. High rates of corruption are due to poverty and desperation to get employed for many who agree to work for anything to earn a meager amount.

Corruption needs to be curbed before it damages our society. The need of the hour is that the highest officials should be honest and should supervise the functioning of the divisions below them. The masses should be made aware of their rights and they should take proper care to check the services provided to them. Dirty politics or dishonesty should be eliminated. A sincere effort is thus required to correct our society.

ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY : BOON OR BANE

July 6, 2012 by My English Master

Technology is a term coined for defining all applications of science and knowledge to practical life. From the invention of wheel and fire to the manufacture of new big machines; everything is a contribution of technological inventions and advancements. Man, being the most intelligent animal keeps searching for new possibilities of scientific discoveries and keeps applying them to his life thus advancing with time.

Technology has made human survival much more convenient and simple and has added many luxuries to our lives. It has made many things possible which could not even be imagined once upon a time. It has made round-the-earth sea voyages possible and has even helped man to reach out to the most distant celestial bodies of the universe. It has also made producing tons of goods in a very less time possible. Almost every other thing we do or use in our day is a technological contribution. We can say that if we remove technology from our lives, we may have to live like other animals roaming around on the earth.

On one hand if technology has made our existence simpler, it has also added a lot of disadvantages to it. Due to the numerous luxuries and comforts it has provided us, it has made us completely dependent on machines and has made our lives sedentary and unhealthy. Since all the work can now be done on the press of a button or sometimes even by verbal commands to machines, man has stopped working mechanically and relies on machines for the simplest errands. This has led to many diseases like obesity, diabetes, lethargy, fatigue and much more. Man has become a slave of machines and the time is not far when machines shall start ruling over humans.

We call this era to be the machine age because of the miraculous machines that have been invented and are being used. But we should not depend on them completely as this is known that machines and scientific advancements are a product of human intelligence and we should not let that overtake us completely as it tends to deteriorate the quality of our lives if not used judiciously and wisely.

Technology is definitely an asset if used wisely and sustainably keeping in mind the quality of our lives. It is upon us if we use it as a boon or a bane.

My Unforgettable Teacher

July 6, 2012July 6, 2012 by My English Master

A child idolizes his teachers more than anyone else in his life. All of us have our own ideals in our lives. A teacher is like a God to the child. In Indian culture, a teacher is given utmost importance. That means a teacher must get the importance from the children after their parents. A Teacher not only teaches the students the lesson in the books but also act as a spiritual guide for his students.

I study in Tagore Public school. There are about 30 teachers in our school. Some of them have taught me earlier. Some are teaching me this year and there are others who haven’t taught me still. Nevertheless, I know them all. I like all my teachers. They are very kind and loving. My favourite teacher is Mr. Sharma.

He is our Maths teacher. He is a middle-aged man with pleasing habits and good behaviour. He is intelligent and a master in his subject. He is very disciplined but not very strict to the students. We feel at ease when he is around. He makes Mathematics easy for all of us and all of us enjoy it.

He is very soft spoken, kind, gentle, helping and caring. He is always ready to listen patiently to the problems of the students. His admirable qualities make him a favourite of not only me but of all the students. He is our games’ incharge too. We all enjoy playing games under his supervision. He is very friendly to the students while practicing.

The reasons for liking him too much are many. Last year when I had fallen ill and could not go to school for many days, he himself came to my home. My parents and I too felt very happy. He then helped me to manage the loss of classes. He made me feel very special. He encouraged a lot me to study. And he cleared all my doubts about the lost portions. I owe a lot to him for my speedy recovery.

Since then, he has become a regular visitor to my family. But one thing I admire most is that he is neither partial nor biased. He is very honest and simple. Teachers like him are a fine example of simple living and high thinking. The country needs more devoted and dedicated teachers like him. Students would work harder when they have such inspiring much sources to follow.

Use and Misuse of Cellular Phones

July 2, 2012July 2, 2012 by My English Master

Public speech Topics on the impacts of mobile phones

For some people at least some cell phones are an essential convenience of modern life; for other are irritating contraptions that should be banned from public places. A mobile phone is an electronic telecommunication device with the same basic capacity as a conventional fixed line telephone, which is portable and not required to be connected with a wire to the telephone network. A wireless radio wave transmission technology is used. In addition to the standard voice function of a telephone, a mobile phone can support many additional services such as SMS for text messaging, packet switching for access to the internet, and MMS for sending and receiving photos and videos. In less than twenty years mobile phones have gone from being rare and expensive pieces of equipment by to an all pervasive low-cost personal item. In many countries, where there is little existing fixed line infrastructure, the mobile phones has become widespread.

These days a mobile culture has evolved. Many people keep in touch using SMS. The commercial market in SMSs is growing. Many phones even offer Instant Messenger services to increase the simplicity and ease of texting on phones. People have made mobile phones into status symbols instead of necessity, especially young boys and girls. This has given rise to an increase in criminal and unethical activities.

Mobile phone etiquette has become an important issue with mobiles ranging at funerals, weddings, movies and plays. Users often speak at increased volume, with little regard for other people nearby. It has become common practice for places like book shops, libraries, movie theatres and places of worship to post signs prohibiting the use of mobile phones. Sometimes even installing jamming equipments to prevent them. As with many new technologies concern has arisen about the effects on health from using a mobile phone. There is a small amount of scientific evidence for an increase of certain types of rare tumours (cancer) in long-time, to persistent heavy users. More recently, a study provided significant evidence of genetic damage under certain conditions. Some researchers also report that the mobile phone industry has interfered with further research on health risks.

Another controversial but more lethal concern is the correlation with road traffic incidents. Several studies have shown that motorists have a much higher risk of collisions and losing control of the vehicles while talking on the mobile phones. Accidents involving a driver being distracted by talking on the mobile phone are being prosecuted as negligence similar to driving while intoxicated. In some countries, such as Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom and France, as well as several states in the United States, driving while using a mobile phone is illegal.

Despite the misuse of cell phones, one cannot undetermined the use of mobile phones. They are once easily available help in case of emergency. And it is great source of entertainment. If used judiciously, wisely and with observance of public etiquettes, mobiles could be of great use. Mobile technology is very much here and it is here to stay for long.

Dowry System in India

November 25, 2012July 2, 2012 by My English Master

In olden days giving away dowry during marriages was very common. The aristocratic class celebrated their daughters’ marriages in pomp offering by land, jewellery, properties, vehicles and large sums of money to the bridegroom. In these days too the rich in several communities celebrate their daughters’ marriages in a very grand fashion. The Maharajas celebrated the marriages of their daughters by spending lavishly. Ordinary people wonder at the huge amount spent on marriages and the grand feast for thousands and thousands which include the choicest food items and choicest liquor.

Wealthy people, Zamindars and princely class can afford to spend on marriages as much as they wish. Unmindful spending in marriages is questionable when most of our people struggle to make both ends meet.

To the common man, giving dowry is very problematic. Some of the people in the society are employed in offices or do some petty business. In many families the earning member may be only one. He may get a meager salary and he may not have any savings. He may not have any close relative to help him in needy circumstances. He may have to marry off daughter when he is about to retire or after he retires. His retirement benefits may amount to a few lakhs of rupees. If he spends most of the money on the marriage of his one or two daughters how can be lead a comfortable life in the rest of his life? This is the condition for most of the families. Having spent most of the money a person gets on retirement he suffers during his last days. This situation is very pathetic. Unless he gives a sizeable amount as dowry and spends a large portion of his earning on his daughter’s marriage he cannot get his daughter married. Even an educated girl who earns well has to be given off in marriage with dowry. Unless the bridegroom’s parents are determined enough not to seek dowry this social evil cannot be abolished.

The married girl is often harassed if the dowry demanded is not given in full. She is ill-treated, abused and she suffers a lot. If her husband is not understanding enough her condition is pitiable and she silently suffers the torture. Even the educated, enlightened in-laws sometimes ill-treat a married girl. This is however the age of feminism. Gender equation is a vital message of our day. The constitution declares that “it is the fundamental duty of all citizens to renounce practices derogatory of women”.

Giving dowry to a girl during a marriage is nothing but underestimating her value. Marriage has sanctity. Marriage is a spiritual bond. Let us give marriage the high status which it rightly deserves.

Value of Discipline

July 2, 2012 by My English Master

“There is not to make reply,

Theirs not to reason why,

Theirs but to do and die”

These famous lines by Lord Alfred Tennyson, emphasizes the place of discipline in the army and during times of war. It is obvious that no army can function and no battle can be fought successfully if every soldier wants to know the reasons behind his superior’s orders or if he argues with him about the necessity of his order.

Discipline is necessary not only in the army but also in every organization, in every walk of life, in every activity. In order to understand what discipline is. For any walk that is to be done, an individual must have before him a goal, and a purpose. The goal can best be achieved if the work is done in the most efficient way with complete concentration. One has to devote his time, energy, resources to the activity. Strict obedience to the required rules for any work or activity is called discipline.

Since adults are supposed to have some self-control, they can on their own, obey the necessary rules of work or activity. Hence discipline comes to them automatically. It is internal. But children are not in a position to understand the necessity of obeying certain rules, or even if they do understand, they may be swayed by immediate or unimportant interests or diversions. So discipline has to be included in them. It is external. Children must accept the authority of their parents and teachers and obey their orders or instructions seriously.

Discipline, whether it is internal or external, requires a great deal of self-control. But it never restricts or reduces one’s freedom. On the contrary, it makes freedom all the more meaningful and creates the necessary conditions in which freedom can be exercised or enjoyed. Discipline is like the banks of the river which do not obstruct the flow of its water but make it possible for the river to flow smoothly with proper force in the desired direction. Similarly, discipline makes it possible for the individual to utilize his time, energy and resources in a better way to achieve the desired results.

Discipline makes all the difference between success and failure, progress and stagnation. Discipline is the very foundation on which success in any activity or work is based. The great writer Edmund Spencer has said, ” A stern discipline pervades all nature, which is a little cruel that it may be very kind.”

Happiness of Reading

July 1, 2012 by My English Master

Reading has been one of the popular hobbies from early time. Reading is a source of knowledge for some, while to others it provides pleasure. Some seek inspiration in it, at the same time it serves as a source of strength for a group of people. Reading stimulates the mind directly. Reading is to the mind is what food is to the body.

During reading our sense organs convey to the mind the feelings that arise from it. When such feelings are agreeable to mind, they serve as pleasure. They relieve us of our tension and boredom. They remove our worries and instill in us a renewed energy which immensely helps us in taking life with enthusiasm and vigour. Reading is possible only in the educational society. An uneducated society which does not have a script, can never think of the pleasures of reading. With the invention of the Brail script, reading for the blind became a realization and true blessing.

There are a lot of reading material for the discerning people which include stories, dramas, plays, poems, comedies, verses jokes, thrills, suspense, etc. the choice of reading material differs from person to person. Reading is an excellent form of recreation.

Reading provides pleasure of learning new things, new places, new persons. The accumulated knowledge of mankind is available in written and printed form. It is by reading that one can expose that vast hidden treasure of knowledge and experience and can benefit from it. Through reading one can learn many things. During an interview Lokmanya Tilak emphasized the importance of reading by saying that he was ready to reside even in hell if it could provide him with sufficient reading material and reading time. Reading grooms personality. It shapes character. The benefit of pleasure received from reading is immeasurable. The habit of reading should be encouraged right from the early childhood.

The modern era shows a declining interest in reading. The expansion of IT and growing TV culture revolutionized the interest and hobbies of people. They have opened up a whole new world, vivid, exciting and fascinating, before them. Prevailing social and political conditions are also responsible for this. However for men of good taste and purpose reading is always a rich source of immense pleasure.

Books provide good companionship, easily available, enlightened, dependable and lifelong. Reading dispels our thoughts of gloom and serves us as a source of comfort, hopefulness and patience. It brightens up darkness and adversity. Milton rightly said, ” A good book is precious life blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured upon purpose to a life beyond life.” Francis bacon asserted that “ Reading makes a full man…”

Despite myriad means of entertainment and recreation, books continue to enjoy a prominent position. Books have been great sources of knowledge from times immemorial. Though in the present says a shift to new interests and preferences are evident, reading enjoys a unique and distinctive status of its own in our society.

Global Warming : Cause and Effects

July 1, 2012 by My English Master

Global warming is the greatest challenge facing our planet. It is in fact the increase in the temperature of the earth’s neon-surface air. It is the one of the most current and widely discussed phenomena. It has far reaching impact on bio-diversity and climatic conditions of the planet. Several recent trends demonstrate that global warming is directly its exercising impact on sea levels, melting of ice caps and worldwide climate changes. In short global warming represents a fundamental threat to all living things on earth.

Average global temperature rose considerably during the past century. The prevailing scientific view is that most of the temperature increase since mid-20^th century has been caused by increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations produced by human activity. Most scientists agree that the planet’s temperature has risen 0.5 degree Celsius since 1900 was the hottest year in the last century. Together with 1991, the years of 1983,1987,1988 and 1989 have been measured to be the warmest 6 years in the last one hundred years. The year 1991 was the second warmest year of the past century. The consequences of the rise in temperature is being felt all over the globe. The findings of scientific research done in this field reveal that the temperature of the earth is likely to rise from 1.4 degree Celsius to 5.8 degree Celsius within a period of hundred years. Unfortunately ,the imbalance which we have created between our life and earth is already showing the signs of disaster in the form of floods,cyclones,landslides,tsunami,drought, etc. if the imbalance continues to rise it would definitely lead to grave repercussions.

Carbon dioxide which is an important constituent of the environment is causing a warming effect on the earth’s surface. It increases the evaporation of water into the atmosphere. Since water vapour itself is a greenhouse gas. This cause still more warming. The warming causes more water vapour to be evaporated. The Carbon dioxide level is expected to rise in future due to ongoing burning of fossil fuels and land use change. The rate of rise will depend largely on certain economic, sociological, technological and natural developments. Other gases such as methane, CFCs, nitrous oxide, troposphere ozone are also responsible for global warming. Increases in all these gases are due to explosive population growth, increased industrial expansion, technological advancement, deforestation, growing urbanization etc.

Global warming is great threat to flora and fauna of the earth. A large number of species may become extinct. The expanse of desert would increase. Low rainfall and rising temperature would add to the intensity and frequency of dust storms. This in turn will immensely affect the quality of agricultural land, ultimately causing adverse effect on agricultural produce. It would have far-reaching socio-economic impact also.

Forestation can be of great help for the reduction of global warming. Planting more trees and reducing timber cuts worldwide will help restore the imbalance to a great extent. And we must follow the environmental policy of “reduce, reuse, recycle”, ie, promoting the reuse of anything. The use of fuel-efficient vehicles should be promoted. And every individual should be aware of the importance of protecting the environment. Besides eco-friendly technologies must be promoted.

Exercises – A Boon to Health

July 1, 2012July 1, 2012 by My English Master

Then we talk of exercises, staying fit, the image of a slim person immediately comes to mind. We all view staying fit as staying thin, but this is not necessarily true. Many young women and now, with the advent of the modern age, even men are obsessed with staying thin, good looking as they term it. A person can be fit even though he or she may seem obese to the rest of the world.

Exercise is the key to keeping oneself fit. Exercise is not necessarily standing in one place and moving your arms and legs as one used to do in school. One can incorporate exercise into or along with any activity one enjoys. Dancing is an exercise, provided that the pace is fast, climbing upstairs is another way to reduce or to come back to the earlier level of fitness, but overdoing it can cause your knees to pain.

Exercise must be combined with a proper diet. Regular exercise , is not a license to unhealthy eating habits. At times one does indulge in a binge but it should be once in a while only. One’s diet should be well packaged with proteins, carbohydrates as well as minerals. Yoga has become a fancy to stay fit these days. It has a rich and famous clientele outside of India, and now, thanks to various TV channels, it is becoming quite popular in the country of its origin. Better late than never. Exercise is for fitness, it is not in an order to create an appetite.

We eat in order that we live, we do not live to eat. Fast food is the single biggest cause for making people unhealthy or unfit. Keeping fit and healthy, is all in the mind, if you believe that keeping fit is necessary for better living only then can you succeed in the battle of good health. Those obsessed with healthy skin, keeping fit keeps your skin smooth, firm and also clear and glowing. Our skin has its own way of showing off when it is in good.