SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

It is nearly 10 days I have not posted anything new. This is because schools in Fiji are coming to the end of its academic year 2015, this Friday 27th November.

As the school is coming to the end of its academic year, everyone gets in to festivity mood, rewarding the students and some social get together.

Also according to Hindu Calendar the first festival for Hindus after Diwali is Tulsi Vivah which is going to be celebrated all over world this Wednesday 25th November.

I hope to continue with my blog in a day or so.

You will be expecting to read following in my upcoming post.

1. To answer one of my reader question on senses
2. One very important shloka from Bhagwad Gita
3. The different perspective of ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Thanking you for sharing my thoughts.

-Manhar Narsey

HUMANS ARE NOT MADE TO DRINK ANIMAL MILK

                I was listening to a news this morning on the debate going on in Fiji Parliament. Presently state offers FREE milk to Year One students in schools.

                One of the member said that this free milk should be stopped because human are not made to drink animal milk, simply because we are not animals.

                 99 percent of all members sitting in the parliament are eating meat.

                I wonder, are humans made to eat meat?

                After all we are not animals.

            Or are we? 

- Manhar Narsey

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LAABH PANCHAMI

Laabh Panchami marks the end of Diwali festival. Festival which began on the day of Rama Ekadashi with a message to control our senses end with Laabh Panchami. 

This signify that if you have controlled all your senses, speech and action then as from this day nothing shall go wrong in your life. 

Laabh Panchami is a day to start a new chapter in life. Business people start new chapter in their books from this day. Ladies buy jewelry on this day. 

In fact Laabh Paancham is the day to take a vow that as from this day onward, all my action, speech and deed shall be beneficial and fruitful to all those with whom I interact.

- Manhar Narsey

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GANESH UTSAV - ESSAY COMPETITION (GROUP - D)

STRESS AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY.

Stress is a physical condition whereby a person faces emotional pressure. Every individual experiences stress at some point in life. However, the rise in stress levels amongst the young generation, particularly the students, is very astounding and an issue of concern, worldwide.

Young people may be subjected to stress due to many reasons. These include exam pressure, family conflict, relationship, problems, bullying,  poor pressure, financial constrains and  insecurities based on physical appearance. While  it is true that different people have different ways of dealing with stress, however the way the young people cope with stress should be monitored. Young people’s mind are at a developing stage hence the ability to think beyond the preset situation becomes limited due to inexperience in the ways of the world.

Thus, suicide amongst students has become very common. In Fiji alone, the incidence of suicide in the young generation outnumbers the cases of drowning. Even though better alternatives are available for victims to choose from, suicide has become an easy way out for many and this is very sad to see.

Moreover, another effect of stress on young people is the rise in substance abuse. A lot of students indulge in drinking alcohol, smoking, taking drugs and even sniffing glue as a stress coping mechanism. In the long run such actions leads to harmful effects to the respiratory system, reproductive system, circulatory system and mostly the nervous system of individuals. Severe cases have resulted in insanity and mental disorders, which is why some young people  are found in mental institutions when they should be in school or college.

Another impact of stress on young people today is withdrawal. That is, stressed out students develop a tendency to isolate themselves from those around them and keep everything in. This makes the problem even worse due to not having anyone to confide in and lessen the burdens. However, some youth do to exact opposite of withdrawal and choose violence instead. This is done to release part of frustration but it paves a path to criminal activities.

Therefore, if young people are not helped by adults to deal with stress, the situation will probably only get worse. There is a need for proper guidance for youths so that they may come out stronger from their stressful problems and do good in their lives.


Naweshta Irene Nisha
Year 13
Rishikul Sanatan College
Winner of Essay Writing Competiton
(Group D)

GANESH UTSAV - ESSAY COMPETITION (GROUP - C)

WHAT DOES “PATRIOTISM”

MEAN TO YOU?

Patriotism as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is a “strong feeling for one’s country.” There are many ways in which people show how strongly they feel for their country.

Patriotism, for me personally is an extraordinary feeling. It is a great feeling to be first and foremost being called “Fijian”, regardless of our race, culture and creed. It means that we are all sons and daughters of our beloved nation, the Fiji Islands. For me it means that we are equally responsible for the up-building of the nation and we are all the same under the eyes of the law.
To be a good “patriotism” Fijian, we also have a sense of duty towards our country. This is mostly aimed at what we can positively do for our nation as a whole rather than sitting back and waiting for what the country can do for us.

From upholding the laws of the nation to keeping the  country neat and tidy, I feel I should contribute naturally towards these aspects rather than having authorities like the town council and police pull me up and force me to be a good Fijian citizen.

Representing the country as a team or as an individual in any sports is another way of expressing patriotism for us Fijians. Although area wise Fiji may just be a dot on the world map, our Fiji 7’s rugby team has continuously been putting Fiji on the world’s largest “sports map.”
Another area where patriotism tend to make their mark is during wars when they fight in battles to show patriotism in defence of their country. Even though Fiji is a peace loving nation, Fijians have performed marvellously during the first and second world war. Our national anthem speaks volumes of our feelings of patriotism that we Fijians usually shed tears while singing it.

When I grow up I want to become constitutional lawyer, so that I can join the parliament as a law maker and contribute directly towards the national up building. In my spare time I wish to do community service and help and fight for the rights of those that are poor and vulnerable in the society. I would feel prouder having contributed towards the Fijian nation and being a very patriotic Fijian indeed. For I am a proud Fijian and this is my Fiji.


Joshleen Rita Kumar
Year 11
Rishikul Sanatan College
Winner of Essay Writing Competiton
(Group C, 1st Prize)

BHAI DOOJ

One of the mythological story of Bhai Dooj is that when king Bali was sent to Patal Lok, he requested Lord Vishnu to be his gatekeeper. When mother Laxmi came to know that Lord Vishnu is now serving king Bali as his gatekeeper, she went to king Bali and tied a rakhi on his wrist. In return king Bali asked his sister that she can ask whatever she wants and then Laxmi asked for a release of her husband Lord Vishnu.

Practically Bhai Dooj is a day to remember a promise made to sister by her brother. A day to recall good old days of young age. A day to sort out differences between brother and sister if any.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Year: 

Hindu calendar is a lunar based calendar. However there are many different ways of calculating lunar calendar. Two of the most popular systems of calculations are Shukla system and Krishna system

In Shukla system of calculation a month begins on new moon and ends on no moon. This system is widely popular in Gujarat and western part of India. According to this system New Year begins after Diwali as Diwali falls on no moon. Hindus all over the world celebrate Diwali and New Year according to Shukla system.

In Krishna system of calculation a month begins on the first day after full moon and ends on full moon. According to this system the year changes on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada at the beginning of Ram Janm Utsav. This system of calculation is followed mainly in Maharastra and eastern as well as southern part of India.

Which ever system one follows, a New Year always holds a great significant in one's life. For those who celebrate New Year after Diwali, it is a day of Bali puja, Govardhan puja and Annakut. 

A new day, a fresh start of life, new venture, forgetting all old enmities. Govardhan puja is a promise to starve for knowledge, to learn new things in life. Learning is an ongoing process in life. Annakut is a promise to Lord that we shall never forget Lord in our life. We shall always be thankful to our Lord for giving us decent food on our table. We shall always thank Lord before consuming food.

Wishing everyone a bright, prosperous, promising and rewarding New Year. 

Let us all pray together for peace on our planet. 

Let us all starve to save our planet.

Let us all restore our relationship.

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DEEPAWALI

There are number of stories associated with Deepawali. 

Deepawali falls on no moon (amavas) night. Normally Amavas is known to be inauspicious day but for Deepawali, Amavas is always auspicious. 

A new moon shines after no moon, a new year begins after Deepawali. 

Deepawali brings message of hope, a fresh start in life. 

Deepawali is not just end of a year it is beginning of a new year. 

It is time to meditate and concentrate on the divine power of mother Laxmi for her blessing.

I wish a very happy Deepawali and bright, encouraging and fulfilling new year to everyone.

- Manhar Narsey

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KALI CHAUDAS

Also known as Nark Chaturdashi. This is the day for worshipping Kali (shakti -power). 

Offering some puja at midnight or cooking some bhajiya and vada is not what Kali Chaudas is all about. 

If one has controlled senses, speech and health then naturally one will have physical and moral strength and courage. 

Kali Chaudas really gives a message to help those in need.

- Manhar Narsey

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DHAN TERAS

Dhan Teras is a very popular and auspicious day for Hindus. In fact this is known as Dhanvantari Jayanti. 

We all know that when Sur (devas) and Ashura (danavas) went for Samudra manthan, Lord Dhanvantari came with a kalash of medicine. Dhanvantari is known to be the best physician of devas. 

So on the Dhan Teras day while one offers puja to Laxmi Mata, one should be conscious to avoid junk food intake and avoid over eating habits. 

In short to maintain your physical fitness is the message from Dhanvantari Jayanti.

- Manhar Narsey

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VAGH BARAS

Actually the name is Vaak Baras, but over the period we tend to call it as Vagh Baras. 

Vaak is a Sanskrit word meaning speech. After controlling your 11 senses, the next thing is to control your speech. 

Do not utter any word to hurt someone's feeling. If one observes this then one is truly observing Vagh (Vaak) Baras.

Vagh Baras is also known as Govatsa Dwadashi 

Meaning: Go - cow, Vatsa - children. Look after cows and its family. Do not kill cows.

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RAMA EKADASHI

Rama Ekadashi is not merely observing fasting or staying hungry. 

For most Hindu fasting really means not to eat full meal (vegetable, roti, rice, daal etc.). Eating farali meal is acceptable. This is a wrong concept accepted in today's society. 

In fact Ekadashi is a day when one should concentrate on controlling 11 senses (10 senses + mind) of our body. 

This should be on going practice and not just for one day. That is why it is called Rama Ekadashi.

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ANTI VIRUS

Some twenty years ago, I purchased a miracle box called "computer". It did wonders for me. One can say that I was in love with my computer. It will do all wonders beyond my imagination. My friends and colleagues used to say that this computer is your second wife. You spend more time with your second wife than with your first wife.

One day my second wife got sick. She would not work. I felt sorry for her. I immediately took her to a computer doctor. I was told after examination that she was infected with virus. Now this was something new to me. All this time I only thought that virus hits human body. "But this is a machine, how can virus infect the machine?" I questioned. The doctor must have thought for a while that I am an idiot. But he smiled at me and explained me that a virus in computing language is a specially written file to reduce the efficiency of your computer or in some cases totally blocks functioning of a computer. Virus was cleaned and my computer was back on track and one day it became sick again. This time I was told that your files are fragmented and need to be defragmented.

Now after years of experience, I have learnt to keep update on my antivirus program and keep hard drive defragmented. Now she never gets sick.

Our festivals are like antivirus in our life. Festivals helps us to remove all virus (worry, tension, depression etc) from our life. Living in 21st century is not as simple as it use to be in 19th and 20th century. Today human being is continuously surrounded by technologies. One has to force oneself beyond one's capacity to fulfill one's commitment. Life has become monotonous and boring. Sometime one falls in depression. Festivals cheer you up and blows fresh wind of hope and energy in life.

Deepawali is one of the most auspicious and significant festivals for Hindus all over the world. One can surf with Google search engine to find out various meaning of Deepawali. Most Hindu calendar will consider Deepawali festival from Dhan Teras to Bhai Beej. However, for me, Deepawali festival really begins with Rama Ekadashi till Laabh Panchami. Let us just briefly understand the meaning of each day of the Deepawali festival.

Keep reading this post daily to understand the meaning of each day of Deepawali festival. 

If you want to know more contact me on my email <mnarsey@gmail.com>.

Tell you friends about this post, if you like reading it.

- Manhar Narsey

GANESH UTSAV - ESSAY COMPETITION (GROUP - B)

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD’S FOREST IS INEVITABLE AS OUR NEED 

FOR LAND AND FOOD GROWS

The forest is a very important part in the whole world. These days, men’s activities are destructing the forests. These destruction are inevitable, but need to be stopped soon because the need for land and food is growing.

Moving on, the demand for more land and food is drastically growing as the population of the world is increasing. There is a need for more land and food to cater for this growing population. In today’s world, most of the human activities lead to the destruction of the forests, thus, this needs to be stopped.

Furthermore, the use of machines to clear forests will definitely help in providing enough land for the growing population, but in this process the various food supplies from the tree and forests will be destroyed. This will  probably lead to lack of food supply.

To add on, more land is needed so that people can provide shelter for their families. The demand for more land should be met in order to provide very basic need, which is shelter.

To conclude, the world’s population is rapidly growing and we need to protect our forests to cater for the need of the people. We all need to work together and support various forests conservation organizations to protect our forests.



Bhavyata Singh
Year 9
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School
Winner of Essay Writing Competition
(Group B, 1st Prize)

GANESH UTSAV - ESSAY COMPETITION (GROUP - A)

WHO IS MY REAL LIFE HERO?

We often think about those who helped improve our lives. Some famous people say that, "some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it." Students of generation hear great things about visionary leaders. These figures have shaped the world around me, however, who has shaped me? I remember the time when my cousin would dress up to resemble my aunt, as well as my other cousins would sit in the same manner as my uncle. At that point, I realized that children always try to imitate their fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and most importantly mothers. Ineluctably I was primarily influenced by my mother.

Heroes abound in present times and many of them are fictional characters. They have been significant in many people childhood and teenager years, but there are also real life heroes who embody the best human qualities and are acknowledged for making the difference. Heroes have lived on borderline between the real world and that of imagination. On one hand we're aware that they are not real because, adults are constantly telling us that heroes only exists in cartoons and movies. On the other hand it seems that they are superheroes because, they make us feel courageous, when confronting adversities.

Another one of beliefs was that, "hard work and knowledge never go the waste," and soon this became my belief as well. I emphasized my academic life because of my mum.

Another aspect of her personality that has influenced me is her passion for her culture. This has seeded the cultural background in me, and now, I have created my own cultural identity that I’m proud of.

Through and through I have seen my mother excel in her field of work by virtue of her hard work and perseverance. These qualities are now imbibed in me. I look at my self as determined, confident, hardworking and a rational person who is ready to take any kind of commitment or challenge. I truly owe this to my mother and rejoice the saying, "Sweet plus sacrifice equals success." I am looking forward to a day when I will be a successful established individual.

Thank you mum and I appreciate you for all this.

So there it is, my real life hero is my mum.


Dikha Sharma
Year 7 
Vunimono Sanatan Dahrm Primary School
Winner of Essay Writing Competiton
(Group A - 1st Prize)