The Beautiful Life

Anniversary of Dhammachkra Pravartan Day  On the 59th anniversary of Dhammachakra Pravartan Day, the day on which Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, experts spoke on whether his dream of liberating Dalits and other backward caste people from social segregation has gained momentum. “Dr Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with his followers in the year 1956 on October 14, on Ashoka Vijay Dashmi Day also known as Dusherra among Hindus,” said Nitin Lata Waman, social activist. Convinced that Buddhism was a true part of Indian history and that to revive it was to continue India’s best tradition, Dr Ambedkar, in the quest for recasting Indian society wanted to initiate people into an alternative culture of Buddhism. Principles of Buddhism “Buddhism is based on the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity. It protects human rights and dignity. Morality is the base of Buddhism. In a real sense, Buddhism tells us about the democratic value and opportunity to ...

  Global Vipassana Pagoda Nestled in lush green hills at Gorai, Global Vipassana Pagoda is a wonderful place to visit for those motivated to take up meditation. It is a symbol of world peace and harmony.  The structure is an exact replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.  

Gruesome incidents like the Nithari killings, Aarushi murder case and the recent Sheena Bora murder case make us wonder how some individuals manage to commit such heinous crimes. People, who otherwise are doing well in their lives, seem to commit crimes in a moment of passion. Is this a new trend in criminology? Free Press Journal spoke with experts to analysis on why some people turn heartless predators, exploiting everyone around them. “About 4% people have certain traits in their personality that makes them different and troublesome. They become very self-centered and have no concern for others well being or feelings. These people are utterly selfish, irresponsible and harmful. They have no conscience, so do not mind using others to fulfill their wishes,” said Dr Pradeep Patkar, a psychiatrist. “By the age of four to seven years, these personalities display some symptoms. They usually have difficulty in forming friendships, they lie, cheat, steal, bully and have no g...

10% women in India have polycystic ovarian syndrome  A recent study has revealed that around 10% of women in India have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic, endocrine and reproductive disorder that results in overproduction of male hormones, and is associated with insulin resistance (IR). In PCOs multiple small cysts are formed in the Ovaries,” said Dr Sandhya Kadam, MD, Ayurveda. Hormone imbalance causes problems with the regularity of women’s periods and releasing eggs, and can also cause problems for women when trying to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause serious health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease. “I had PCOS when I studied in Kota for 3 years. I was preparing for the different engineering entrance exams. I gained 18 kgs in 2 years since I hardly underwent any kind of rigorous physical activity. I started having a lot of irregularities in my menstrual cycles. I skipped months many times. I also h...

However discrete it may be, but sexual harassment is a widespread phenomenon at workplace, and it has profound impact on women. The common fear is that the victim (female) will either jeopardize her own career if the charges against the man (accused) are not proved or may even earn a bad name for being the victim. A recent survey conducted by Ernst & Young in a report titled ‘Reining In Sexual Harassment At The Workplace’ states that Corporate India’s commitment to protect women employees against sexual harassment at the workplace is unsatisfactory. Another survey conducted by city based firm Complykaro early this year showed that less than 3% of offices are aware of the law and most of even those do not have Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) at each location or have done training of employees and committee members. This is despite the stringent Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013. The findings of these surveys were valida...

Concerned over the ‘epidemic’ of caesarean sections globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised that the procedure should only be performed when medically necessary as surgical intervention can have harmful effects on the mother and child. The number of caesarean sections births has increased notably in several metros in India. FPJ spoke to medical professionals to find out the scenario. Dr Shreekant Chorghade, eminent Paediatrician who has authored several books on neo-natal and child care, said, “The number of caesarean section might have increased. But since the investigative facilities have increased danger to the life of foetus can be detected and, caesarean section can be advised if the life of the foetus is in danger. As medical professionals Obstetricians and Paediatricians always strive to ensure that the mother and the baby are safe and it is a safe delivery. Waiting too long for a normal delivery in several cases can endanger the life of the foetus. If the ...

 Half of the pregnant women and 74% of children under five in India are anaemic, a malnutrition mapping project developed by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) with support from Amway released recently stated. The report also highlighted the fact that 62 percent of children show insufficient vitamin A status and under nutrition is the leading risk factor for death in children under five. The report stated that as half of the country’s pregnant women are anaemic it enhances the risk of maternal mortality as well as chances of delivering babies with low birth weight. FPJ spoke with medical experts to understand the implications anaemia has on the health of children and adults. Despite the measures taken to control anaemia in pregnancy in the last decades, the severity of nutritional anaemia continues to remain a public health issue of great magnitude. Poor nutritional status of pregnant women results in poor nutritional status of their children, including defi...