OCTOBER 2016

udgammatters

Revealed!!!The Truth Behind The

Celebrations...Page : 10, 11

2 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

Science And Technology Page 13

General Knowledge Page 14

Book & Movie Review Page 15

Tell Me About Page 16

Fit & Fine Page 17

10 Hotels You Need To See To Believe Page 18

Udgam Pro Activity Club Page 19

Radiant Reflections Page 4

Preprimary In Action Page 5

Primary Section Page 6

Middle Section Page 7

Secondary Section Page 8

Sr. Secondary Section Page 9

How To Deal With Lack Of Concentration At Work? Page 3

REVEALED!!! THE TRUTH BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS… Page 10-11

Page 12

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Can you hear the drums tonight?- Mrs. Sagarika Sahana Content Manager

When the sound of dandiyas reverberate amidst the swirl of the dancers swaying away to the tunes of popular songs, one knows that it is that

time of the year again when the heart is up and ready to celebrate Navratri. Just as the lull after the storm of the nine nights of revelry begins to set in, we are off again on a completely different note, to celebrate with light and sound, the delightful night of Diwali.

Indian festivals are such an integral part of our culture that we celebrate almost each and every one with gay abundance. Be it the lighting of the lamps in the north, or digging into delicious ona sadya in the south, or dhanuchi dance with the dhakis of the east or swaying to the lilting tunes of dandiya in the west, we Indians are united by our festivals. The same is

true when we go or settle abroad as we try and find threads of our culture in the much entwined quilt that binds together people of the world.

Udgam Matters has made festivals the main focus of this month and you will surely love to read our main article which brings to the fore the awareness of generation next about Indian mythology and folklore. Our general knowledge section is to brush up the tales we learnt at our grandmother’s knees. And when you find you are all done with festivals for the time being, find out about the world’s weirdest hotels in Backpacking and plan you next vacation. All this along with our regular articles by teachers and students and more for you in this October issue which is no less than a grand October fest!

Editor : Mrs. Sagarika SahanaStudent coordinator : Mrs. Hitiksha SoniDesigner : Chintan Shastri (Creative Grapes)

3 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

FROMTHE DIRECTOR

HOW TO DEAL WITH LACK Of CONCENTRATION at WORK

Once in a while we find that we cannot concentrate on our studies or work. This happens almost to each of us and instead of being alarmed about it, we should take the following steps to overcome it.

1. Find the purpose in your work: If you are doing something that does not interest you or you don’t care about then you lose concentration. Perhaps knowing the reason you will be motivated to do the work and it will be easier to do it well.

2. Plan before you begin: Often we make the mistake of jumping and doing a particular piece of work and then we are stuck. So before taking up something new, take a few minutes to plan out how it’s going to progress. Phase out the work, find missing links, people who can help you, etc.

3. Take regular breaks: It is actually more effective to work for shorter periods and take breaks in between. If you really need to focus, you cannot do

so for more than an hour at a time. After each hour you need a break to let your system recharge. Plus, if you know you have a scheduled break coming up it is easier to stay on the task. So instead of trying to work for a long period and getting distracted now and again, tell yourself, “I just need to concentrate for a short time.”

4. Eat enough, but not too much: If you are hungry, a growling stomach can take away your focus. Your attention level drops when your blood sugar is low. On the other had, eating too much will make you sluggish and lethargic, thus hampering your concentration level.

Concentration in any activity is very important to complete it successfully. For improving your concentration skills, find the purpose of your work, plan ahead, take breaks in between and keep hunger at bay.

Ms. Pratima Patell, Director

UDGAM MATTERS

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CONSPICUOUS TRUTHMrs. Neha Manghani, TeacherSecondary Section

Strange odds or broken ends,Speaks to me to an extent.What a fussy BEE we be sometime, When our conduct changes with days. We don’t believe to express our regret ,

And pretend to deal in a different way.

Always come to a conclusionBefore analyzing the situationWe blindly follow the reality shownAnd then Criticize inerroneous tone. Have we ever thoughtWhat we think may not?

The answer may surely be ‘No’As we have stopped being generous ‘JO’ Don’t really matter what ever goes, Quarrel to preserve egos.

Strange truth, but this is a common fact, Beginning or ending whatever it is,

We are least bothered for that. We have forgotten the meaning of humanity, Aren’t we more influenced by our society? We as unconscious laymen, Are striving to kill our unity.

Literally imploring and pleading on my part. Abide by virtuousness and neverthink to part.

Believe me,Being human and joiningbroken ends,Will give us more pleasurethan revenge.

I am sure,We can convert these strange odds to even when, We will be genuinely sincere to all Men.

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Mrs. SUJATA CHAWDA, TeacherPrimary Section

RADIANT REFLECTIONS

4 OCTOBER 2016

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Mrs. Seema Sharma, TeacherMiddle Section

‘©Îìx¢}¢’ Ý¢}¢ ãñ §„ÜU¢

5 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

PREPRIMARY IN ACTION

6 UDGAM MATTERS

MY SCHOOL PROMISE

Each day I will do my best, And I won’t do any less.

My work will always please me,And I won’t accept a mess.I will colour very carefully,My writing will be very neat.And I will not be happy,‘Till my papers are complete,

I will always do my homework,And try my best in every test.I won’t forget my promise,To do my very best.

Pushti Gotecha - V F

PRIMARY SECTION

MY GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents, as the name suggests are the main part of the family and are superior to our parents in every aspect.

-Grandparents are the backbone and the root of our family who keep all the

members of the family together with love.Their importance in our lives is inevitable

and they are the head of the family.They are the most experienced people of our family and shower their love and

blessings upon their grandchildren.Grandparents are the best friends of their

grandchildren, where the grandfather becomes the horse for the grandchild and grandmother sings a lullaby every night.

Saksham Ajmera – III A

WHAT DO ASTRAUNAUTS DO IN

SPACE?

What do astronauts do in space?Where do they live?

In a house or in a hotel?What do they eat?Fruit or meat?What do astronauts do in space?Do they cycle or sit on asteroid and roam in space?Where do they sleep?In a bed or on planets?What do they drink?Water or cold drink?What do ‘astronauts’ do in space?

Nihira Pillai – V A

WONDERFUL TREE

Trees, Trees how graceful you are!!!Such sharing you do, so caring you are!!You give whatever you have,And don’t think what you will get back.

Trees trees how humble you are!! You give us food to stay healthy,And rain and air to live. We bow our head for your support in our life on earth.Tees trees how great you are!!!I feel sorry that people hurt you!!!I promise, always to save you,Trees trees how special you are!!!

Rushil Shah – V G

Shriya Patel IV - C DEEP III -F RAJVI SHAH I-E NEER THACKER I-B

HIYA SONI V-BDEVINA

TANDON IV A VANSHI -III HHIYA SHAH

II -G

OCTOBER 2016

7

‘GURU’

Teachers are great sources of knowledge, prosperity and enlightenment to whom anyone can be benefited for whole life. They

serve as the real light in everyone’s life as they help students to make their ways in life. They are the God gifted people in everyone’s life who lead us towards success without any selfish motives. Really, we can call them as builders of the dazzling future of our nation through education.Teachers play a very essential role in the field of education. They teach the students to be persons of good

morals and behaviour. They equip students with lots of knowledge, skills and positive attitude. They help students to achieve their educational goals by developing clear vision and ideas. Without teachers one cannot grow mentally, socially and intellectually.

Aayushi Kulkarni – VIII F

MIDDLE SECTION

OCTOBERGoodbye to the monsoon

October is here

The evenings are cooler,

This time of the year.

Dussehra is coming

I’m happy to say,

A week of doing nothing

But play, play and play!

Dhyey Dave – VI H

MY LOST GLASSES

I have hunted near,

I have hunted far,

I even looked inside my car.

I have lost my glasses, I am in need,

Help me find them so I can read.

I loudly shout and I curse,

Did I leave them in my purse?

Are they behind the sofa,

under the bed,

Oh! They are on my head.

Aahna Sheth VI -G

WHY TO STUDY?

Oh! Why to study?When in monsoon you can be wet and muddy!Oh! Why to study the charter acts,

And mug up the boring facts.Oh! Why to prefer maps,Over the heavenly afternoon naps?Don’t you understand chaps,There is something called memory lapse?They say, ‘It is for your development’It will help you get some employment,To pay your house’s rent and,

Buy those amazing mesmerising scents.

Time will pass as fast as an eye’s blink,Oh, it forces me to think,Exams will take me to the next link.

Isha Sampat, VIII B

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Vrushti Chauhan VI – G

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UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

UDGAM MATTERS

PHOTOSYNTHESIS RAP Ever wonder why a plant doesn’t need to eat. Makes food from the sun that you can’t beat.

Uses water during this process too.Creates sugar from light and CO2.

Now it has got the energy to grow.Called photosynthesis you didn’t know.

Does the opposite of what we do.Takes in CO2 and releases O2.

What makes a plant green I’m glad you asked. Photosynthesis takes

place in the chloroplast.Chemistry of photosynthesis is quite easy bro.Starts with 6CO2 and 6H2O.

Add sunshine and chlorophyll to the mix. End up with C6H12O6.

Plants doing that,plants doing this.Because it is the Photosynthesis!

Rohin Sharma - XF

APOCALYPSE

I see below the clouds a waste- What once was, was, but why was and not is?Well, they themselves in inglorious haste Summoned Death to give his kiss.

Cursed be they, discards of CreationDamned be they, scarring His faceCondemned be they, cause of destructionOf their lives shall remain no trace.

First shall the Fire comeand then the Guardian AngelsGabriel, Michael to wipe the slumO, fie on them, wretch’d mortals!

The hour of doom, the Judgement

Day On which they lose existenceDavid and the Sybil did sayA price be paid for hate, greed, violence.

I see down there great quakes,Their Earth long last split wide open.From Its summits, fire breaks,Great floods come too, leaving none.

Panic and pandemonium Begin their reign anew.Chaos and commotion Out of cesspits and abysses spew.

Now they beg, they plead, they cryTo Father Almighty, they turn with hope.All strife forgotten, remainder reunifyCaliph, Sage, Guru, Rabi and Pope.

All voices amid terror croonAll heads bowed, hearts contrite.Desperately within His thundering TyphoonMankind witness their final twilight.Agreed, that they left their gift to wane Agreed, that they succumbed

to sin Agreed, that their art alone is their bane But is that deserving of a fate akin?

Mercy, Vishnu, Jesus and AllahIf there be Heaven beyond.Forsake them not, JehovahTo their prayer Thou must respond.

Thy creation is all but noughtThy Wrath has played its gameLet there be a New King wrought,Who will save them in Thy Name.

Down shall he descend in glory,Down, beneath the skies.His Graceful Salvation shall be the storyWhile mother next to elated child cries.

-Let the destruction of all that we hold dear be prevented-

Aatman Vakil - X B

SECONDARY SECTION

8

Arushi Gupta X F Devinani Janani X E Vandan Lakhani IX C

Made out of waste paper

OCTOBER 2016

JUST BECAUSE, FOR WHO I AMJust because I’ve never bunked classes,Doesn’t mean I’m not ‘cool’Just because I ask loads of

questions,Doesn’t mean I’m lame.Just because I’m not ‘hanging out’ every now & then,Doesn’t make me boring.

Just because I argue and highlight my points, Doesn’t prove I’m a rebel.Just because I speak my mind,Doesn’t mean I wanna be rude.Just because I try and keep shut,Doesn’t mean I lack my beliefs.Just because I always help you in need, Doesn’t tag me ‘Miss Goody two shoes’Just because I avoid trouble,Doesn’t mean I’m weak Just because I ‘be’ who ‘I AM’,

Doesn’t mean I’m weird.It’s who I’m gonna be forever,I don’t care,It doesn’t bother,Neither people’s comments,Nor their thoughts.Choice is yours,To like or not to,Accept me for WHO I AMAnd who I’ll always be

9 UDGAM MATTERS

SR. SECONDARY SECTION

ISSUES FACED BY STUDENTS IN THE MODERN AGE

It is often said that ‘student life is golden life’. It is the period of pure joy and happiness, because the mind of a student is free from cares and worries of a grown-up life. It is the time when we are molded into being good citizens of this society. But is there all there is to it? Are all students living a life like they should be? Carefree and laidback? NO.The pressure faced by this generation of children has never been seen before. Today’s generation, especially the teenagers undergo a lot of pressure and stress than what meets the eye.Peer pressure. “Social influence exerted by a peer group on an individual, “this is how peer pressure is actually defined. But people fail to realize the importance and gravity of this word. How it affects an innocent child’s life and how the child’s future depends on it. Peer pressure is a very real issue that affects many of the teenagers of the world today. Society offers many misleading advertisements that seem to lead teens in all the wrong directions. Children grow up and move into teenage lifestyles, involvement with their peers, and how they look in other peoples’ eyes start to matter. Their hormones kick in, and they experience rapid changes in their minds, and bodies. They also develop a mind of their own, questioning the adult standards and need for their parental guidance.We get blinded, lose sound judgment and end up getting overwhelmed by the society and peer pressure. It is not a situation to be considered

lightly. Peer pressure is one of the reasons why the youth resort to doing drugs, alcohol, smoking, fighting and bullying. One of the

most decisive results of peer pressure is academic performance which goes down the hill along with the normal life they used to live. Usually, people having low self-esteem are the ones affected by peer pressure. Wanting attention and the fear of being left out is like adding oil to fire. It is what increases the liability of being a victim of bad influence.

Not only peer pressure but also social media is something that has a deep impact on the students’ life.First of all, any web site through which social interaction can occur is known as a social media site. It includes social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, gaming sites and virtual worlds such as Club Penguin, Second life and The Sims and video sites such as YouTube and other blogs. Such sites offer today’s youth a portal of entertainment and communication which has exponentially increased over the years. It also has a significant impact on our life affecting people of diverse ages. But the larger effect is on teenagers.It is said that engaging in various forms of social media is a routine activity that research has shown to benefit children and adolescents by enhancing communication, social connection, and even technical skills. Also, many parents today use technology incredibly well and feel comfortable and capable with the programs and online venues that their children and adolescents are using. But because of their limited capacity for self-regulation and susceptibility to peer pressure, children and adolescents are at some risk as they navigate and experiment with social media. Recent research indicates that there are frequent online expressions of offline behaviors, such as bullying, clique-forming, and sexual experimentation, that have

introduced problems such as cyber bullying, privacy issues, and etc. Other problems that merit awareness include Internet addiction and concurrent sleep deprivation.

Apart from these two problems there are other reasons as to why the students of today’s generation have undergone drastic changes compared to the students of older generation. In earlier generations, kids enjoyed being kids. But today, with the advent of satellite television and internet, kids are bombarded with unwanted information. They are exposed to some adult-related content too, which is not at all appropriate for their delicate minds. The concept of childhood becomes problematic.

But the biggest fear a student faces is the fear of being bullied. Strong monopolizes the weak. Victims of bullying are often shy and tend to be physically weaker than their peers. They may also have low self-esteem and poor social skills, which makes it hard for them to stand up for themselves. Bullies consider these children safe targets because they usually don’t retaliate. Bullying affects the future of both the person being bullied and the person bullying. Kids who are bullied experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy and in worst cases trauma and suicide.

Efforts should be made by parents, counsellors and teachers to make sure that kids avoid getting into trouble and lead a cheerful life. It is rightfully said “Childhood and adulthood are not factors of age but states of mind,” thus a happy childhood leads to a happy life!

Isha Sharma – XI B

Tanvi Kumar – XII F

OCTOBER 2016

10 UDGAM MATTERS

Each and every festival that is celebrated has a history or a myth behind it. Some of them are centuries old and actually date back to the times of the Vedas and Puranas. Some of them have been reshaped and new stories have been born obliterating the old ones. Some of them have become religion based although, in the

beginning, there were no religions as such. Today we know and celebrate festivals and have some idea about why we celebrate them. But are our children aware of the stories and tales that have been have been handed down through the generations?

We asked a group of students ranging from Classes 4 to 8 and were amazed by their responses. We take this opportunity to share some of their responses here.

REVEALED!!!THE TRUTH BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS…

Diwali is around the corner and is a major festival of Gujarat state. About 95% students know the

story of Diwali and all the smaller ones are aware that we light

lamps and burst crackers on that day. However, about 5% are not aware of the reason behind the

rituals of the festival.

Onam is a festival that

about 50% of the group are aware of alongwith the the name of Mahabaliand

Vamana avatar. About 65% know that it is

celebrated inSeptember.

Ramzan awareness

is quite less and only about 40% know about the fasting ritual that is observed over a month.

Even fewer are aware that dates are eaten first to break the day long fast.

Christmas is a festival

that almost 100% of the group know well about

and also about the story of Jesus and the ritual of

exchanging gifts.

Navroz is a festival that

all students have heard of but only about 60% know why it is celebrated and by

which community.

Uttarayan seems to be a

favourite festival as 100% students are aware of

the rituals and festivities along with when it is

celebrated.

Navratri is a festival that 100% students are well aware of along with the

stories behind the festival and the ritual of dancing

for 9 nights.

Cheti Chand is well

known by the students and 80% are aware

of why it is celebrated and by which community.

OCTOBER 2016

UDGAM MATTERS 11UDGAM MATTERS

Each and every festival that is celebrated has a history or a myth behind it. Some of them are centuries old and actually date back to the times of the Vedas and Puranas. Some of them have been reshaped and new stories have been born obliterating the old ones. Some of them have become religion based although, in the

beginning, there were no religions as such. Today we know and celebrate festivals and have some idea about why we celebrate them. But are our children aware of the stories and tales that have been have been handed down through the generations?

We asked a group of students ranging from Classes 4 to 8 and were amazed by their responses. We take this opportunity to share some of their responses here.

PUSHKAR MELA

Pushkar is famous for the world’s oldest Brahma temple and also the largest camel festival. The festival is less and less about the eponymous camels and more about a good time, though the dunes outside of Pushkar are still a sight to behold when

the cameleers come to town. Drawing in 50,000 camels and 200,000 people, the fair is ostensibly a time when Rajasthani farmers gather to buy and sell their camels, cattle and horses. When the festival proper begins, the camels go to the

outer as moustache competitions and sporting events take centre stage.

For each of the seven days of the festival proper, there’s a programme of day and evening events, most taking place in the mela (festival) ground, and some out in the camel or cattle exhibition grounds (the number of cattle at Pushkar actually exceeds camels).Visitors are embraced and incorporated into the fair,

with events such as tugs-of-war or kabaddi matches pitting Indians against foreigners, and a turban-tying contest purely for foreign visitors.Outside the mela ground, there’s a fairground-cum-market, where you can buy the finest of camel or human decorations before taking a spin on a Ferris wheel for a view over the

vast expanse of camels.

REVEALED!!!THE TRUTH BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS…

Dussehra is a festival most

students know about in terms of the tales of the Gods and the demons. They are also aware of Devi Durga and her super powers. When

questioned on whose effigy is burnt in north India only 50%

could give the correct answer.

The students showed

total lack of awareness about the Pushkar Fair

as the largest cattle fair.

Janmashtami is a popular festival and Lord Krishna is a much loved God and 100% students are aware of mythology and rituals

involving this child God. But when asked about questions

related to Krishna’s birth and other tales of Krishna the

awareness level dropped to about 40%.

Ganesh Chaturthi seems to be the most popular

festival among the students as 100% got all questions correct when

asked aboutthis festival.

OCTOBER 2016

From the Counsellors…LOVING CHILDREN UNCONDITIONALLY

o Most parents I have worked with over the years have told me that their parenting choices are a result of their deep love for their child. However, some of their loving choices can have adverse affects later in life.

o Parents who buy every toy that their child asks for may create materialistic adults who expect everything of the world and have little sense of value.

o Parents who push their children to get the highest grades, be the prettiest or be the star athlete may create joyless adults or externally focused over achievers.

o Parents who want to be friends with

their child may create undisciplined adults who lack a sense of security.

o Parents who do everything for their child, never wanting their child to experience the pain of failure, may create adults who never take risks.

o Parents who over discipline their

child may create adults who are unable to problem solve for themselves.

In thinking about your loving parenting choices, please ask yourself “Am I helping to create independent , fulfilled , joyous , imaginative , content human beings who are capable of giving and receiving love themselves?”

Here’s the answer, simply, love your children unconditionally. Make sure your love is not based on what they do or don’t do. Love them because their very existence is a gift to you and to the world.

Do parents love their children? Of course they do. The important question for all parents to consider is not if they loved their children but how.

12 UDGAM MATTERS

You can’t teach children to behave better by making them feel worse. When children feel better, they behave better. - Pam Leo“ “

OCTOBER 2016

13 UDGAM MATTERS

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

Bacteria coaxed to deliver

chemo drugs right inside tumours

Canadian scientists say they have found

a way to direct special bacteria to carry

chemotherapy drugs straight into the

most active part of a cancerous tumour.

That could lead to more effective cancer

treatments with lower doses of drugs and

fewer side-effects.

Greenland sharks may live 400 years, scientists say

Creature that dwells in Arctic Ocean and deep sea may live up to 400 years.

Step aside Galapagos tortoises, the Greenland shark may be the longest-living vertebrate on Earth with a 400-year lifespan, a new study suggests.

Dirty Stone Age tools show what was on the menu 250,000 years ago

Residue from horse, rhino, beef and duck shows prehistoric humans had technology to hunt variety of animals.1.

3.

2.

OCTOBER 2016

14

GENERALKNOWLEDGE

The stories behind the festivals....

EID-UD-ZOHA: Once Hazrat Ibrahim saw a dream in which Allah ordered him to sacrifice his most precious thing. After much discussion, Hazrat Ibrahim and his wife decided to sacrifice their most

precious possession, their only son for the sake of Allah.Hazrat Ibrahim was all set to sacrifice his son at the gallows. As he put the sword at his son’s throat, the son vanished and he was replaced by a sheep.

This was a test set by God which he passed. So sacrifice of goat or sheep takes place on this day.

DIWALI: It is believed that on this day Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and loyal brother Lakshman returned to his hometown Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the forest. He had just finished battling and overcoming the fierce demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had abducted Sita. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true King as well as celebrate his victory over Ravana.

DUSSHERA: According to the story, all the Gods in swarglok and the living beings on earth were upset by the tyranny of the demon Mahishasura. He was undefeatable, even by the mighty deities. Therefore, all the Gods decided to create a power, which would destroy Mahishasura and free the living beings. This gave rise to the creation of Goddess Durga, an avatar of Ma Shakti. She defeated the demon. Her victory is celebrated as Vijayadashmi or Dusshera.

ONAM: According to the story, King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He was sincere, honest, just and a good ruler but with a big ego. To redeem his beloved devotee of this one sin, Vishnu came to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana. The king in his pride asked the Brahmin what he wanted for he could give anything. Vamana asked for three paces of land.Vamana grew in size and with one foot covered earth, with the other the heavens and then for the final pace Mahabali offered his head. This fatal step proved a blessing in disguise for the good king — it released him from the recurrent cycle of birth and death.

CHRISTMAS: The world was waiting for a messiah who would stop tyranny of the emperors and bring peace to earth. It is believed that God came to Mary in her dream and told her that she would give birth to the messiah. Jesus was born in a stable and three wise men came to bless him. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis

of their religion.

UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

BOOK& MOVIE REVIEW

UDGAM MATTERS15

In this groundbreaking book Dr Devdutt Pattanaik, one of India’s most popular mythologists, seeks an answer to these apparent paradoxes and unravels an inherited truth about life and death, nature and culture, perfection and possibility. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals, using a unique style of commentary, illustrations and diagrams. We discover why the villainous Kauravas went to heaven and the virtuous Pandavas (all except Yudhishtira) were sent to hell; why Rama

despite abandoning the innocent

Sita remains the model king; why

the blood-drinking Kali is another

form of the milk-giving Gauri; and

why Shiva wrenched off the fifth

head of Brahma. Constructed

over generations, Hindu myths

serve as windows to the soul,

and provide an understanding of

the world around us. The aim is

not to outgrow myth, but to be

enriched and empowered by its

ancient, potent and still relevant

language.

OMG or Oh My God! is about something that touches all our lives - religion. It is a film about our relationship with God, how instead of being God-loving, we have become God-fearing. How religion has become a business run by godmen (here aptly referred to as ‘salesmen’) who aren’t in fact very spiritual at all. A note to atheists and agnostics - the film is not an endorsement of those views. It insists on

the existence of God. The story is an adaptation of a very successful Gujarati play. The original template is an Australian film called ‘The Man Who Sued God’. Kanji Lalji Mehta, played by Paresh Rawal, is an avowed atheist who runs an antiques shop.

Kanji is a wily salesman who weaves tall tales around his wares and sells 200-rupee idols for thousands. The faithful are always ready

to pay. As Kanji puts it: “Shraddha ka kaam hai, jitna dalo, utna kum.”

One day, an earthquake destroys Kanji’s shop. The insurance company refuses to pay, saying it was an act of God. So Kanji, defiant, furious and abandoned by his family, goes to court and sues God.Paresh Rawal, as usual, rises above the material. He is the force in this film.

OMG! (2012)

BOOK

MOVIE

Myth = MithyaSub title: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology

OCTOBER 2016

10 FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN

16 UDGAM MATTERS

LAND OF THUNDER DRAGONBhutan is called “The Land of Thunder Dragons” because of the violent and large thunderstorms that whip down through the valleys from the Himalayas.

GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESSBhutan is the first country to switch from the western ideal of Gross National Product to “Gross National Happiness,” which is achieved through four foundations: good governance, natural environment, sustainable growth, and cultural values.

THE NATIONAL SPORTThe national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts – I am not sure how darts qualifies as a sport! In the city of Paro I had the opportunity to whiteness an archery competition and was surprised how far they had to shoot. After watching for over forty minutes not one person had hit the bullseye!

NO TRAFFIC LIGHTSThe capital city, Thimphu, has no traffic lights– just white-gloved traffic officers. When the city tried to install some lights there was a public outcry, and they were promptly removed.

THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINGangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and considered so sacred that no one has yet climbed to its peak (at 24,840 feet). The views of the mountains as you drive across the high passes are jaw dropping and the highlight of any journey through Bhutan.

ENVIRONMENTALISTSBhutan is one of the only countries in the world where citizens have a constitutional obligation to preserve and protect the environment.

STATE RELIGIONTantric Buddhism is the official religion, followed by Hinduism. Buddhism is state sponsored and the Dzong’s and temples are maintained and supported by the government. There are even trade schools to teach new artisans that work on the paintings and carvings of these holy places.

NO TV OR INTERNETIn 2001 Bhutan lifted its ban on TV and Internet—the last country in the world to do so. But today it is not strange to see computers and cell phones in the hands of teenagers especially in the capital city of Thimphu.

CLOSED TO TOURISTSIn 1974, the first international tourists were allowed into Bhutan by invite only. Today it’s fully open for tourism, but at the high cost of $250.00 a day per person. You must arrange all your travel through a government authorized tourist agency, but once you arrive everything is taken care of from food through to your transportation and guide.

NO SMOKINGBhutan is the first country to have outlawed tobacco in 2004. Although, in 2012 the laws were loosened and smuggling now occurs. It is still rare to see people smoking on the streets, but drugs and alcohol have continued to create problems and the government has started a program to educate and deter citizens from abusing or using the smuggled narcotics.

OCTOBER 2016

17 UDGAM MATTERS

FIT &FINE

Ways to Ease aSore Throat

A sore throat can be the first sign of a cold, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or an indication of something more serious (like strep throat). Here are a few things to try the next time you’re

feeling scratchy, hoarse, or just plain sick.

1. Saltwater gargle

Studies have shown that gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to

flush out irritants or bacteria.Doctors generally recommend

dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for you, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture slightly. (Just remember to spit the water out after gargling, rather than swallowing!)

3. FluidsStaying hydrated is very important, especially when you’re sick and your throat is irritated or inflamed. You should be drinking enough fluid so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like allergens, and make your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms. You need to drink water and can even have warm soup and fruit juices.

4. TeaTired of drinking water? A warm cup

of herbal tea can offer immediate, soothing relief for a sore throat. What’s more, non-herbal teas—whether they’re made with black, green, or white leaves—

contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity

and ward off infection.

6. Magic Concoction

Make a concoction of honey, ginger

and lemon with a dash of turmeric

and take it whenever your throat

feels really sore. This magic

mixture works wonders in easing

the soreness and warding off a full

blown cough.

2. Cough Drops

Sucking on cough

drops stimulates saliva

production, which can help

keep your throat moist. But

many varieties are no more

effective than hard candies, so opt for the

medically recommended ones. For an added benefit,

choose brands with a cooling or numbing ingredient,

like menthol or eucalyptus.

OCTOBER 2016

18 UDGAM MATTERS

BACKPACKING!10 Hotels You Need To See To Believe…

OCTOBER 2016

Faralda Crane Hotel,

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sun Cruise Resort,

Gangwon-do, South Korea

La Balade des Gnomes,

Durbuy, Belgium

Hotel Jested, Liberec, Czech

Republic

Free Spirit Spheres, British

Columbia, Canada

Sheraton Huzhou

Hot Spring Resort, China

Inntel Hotel Amsterdam

Zaandam

Spitbank Fort, Gosport,

England

9 Hours Capsule Hotel Kyoto,

Japan

The Aurora Express, Alaska,

US

CALLING ALL FROM 18 TO 81 YEARS On OCTOBER 20 & 21.

19 UDGAM MATTERS

Exclusive Field Trips for Proactivity Club StudentsJoin our club and experience outdoor activities

For online registration click here: http://foodfest.doattend.com

Hitiksha Soni- Pro Activity Club CoordinatorM. 8238002012 or email hitiksha@udgamschool.com

OCTOBER 2016

Health Reasons to Avoid Crackers

This Diwali

Opp. Sardar Patel Institute, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad - 380 054 Gujarat INDIA.