The Magic in Saying "Go On. I am RIGHT HERE.."

Let me begin this post by narrating a personal story. A friend of mine just started driving her car. And though she had taken driving lessons several times in her life, had a valid driver's license, was certified by the driving school as a competent & cautious driver; and also understood the theory of car driving..
There was ONE BIG ISSUE - She still lacked confidence to drive through busy traffic-intesive zones in the area. 

So here's what she would do when she drove her car:
1) Plan to drive at times of the day when the traffic would be minimum - And she'd get into elaborate planning to achieve this! Even sometimes if it was impractical or inconvenient to her and others!
2) Take routes where she could avoid / minimize the peak traffic - Even if they were longer and hence took more time and fuel!
3) Take someone along with her in the car (who knew driving). And when she felt uncomfortable with driving through areas with heavy traffic, she'd stop the car and ask him / her to drive. And they'd usually oblige!

Basically what I call "Situational Avoidance" -
Probably because it was out of her comfort zone
Probably some inherent fear of what could happen - in case something went wrong!
Probably lack of confidence in her own driving skills, road sense and judgment on the road!

And then one day, she was driving in her car at a peak traffic time along with someone she knew. Just before she was about to hit a very busy junction, she requested him to take charge and drive the car.
Just when she was about to stop, he said "Go On! Drive through..I am right here.. If anything happens, we'll face it... "

What followed was that she did drive through one of the busiest junctions in the area amidst peak traffic!
A small personal triumph - Nevertheless, it did wonders to her self-confidence in her driving abilities..

As I mulled over this, I realized that what stood out from this whole episode was the fact that she heard the words "Go On!..I am right here.. If anything happens, we'll face it... " at the time when she needed to hear it the MOST! At a time when it really made a DIFFERENCE!

And I can tell you from personal experience that there is MAGIC in these words... I know I have been in situations where I probably took the MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN MY LIFE simply because someone said "Go On!..I am right here.. If anything happens, we'll face it... " ...

And in the journey of life, there will be one / many situations when all that is required is someone to say these MAGICAL words to you..
It does not matter who says it - Friends, Family, Colleague, Stranger, etc.
It does not matter the medium through which they say it - Phone, Mail, Face to Face, etc.

What matters is this
1) The conviction with which they say it
2) The time at which they say it
          Say it early and it does not have the REAL IMPACT!
          Say it late and the MOMENT is GONE!

So, the point is this..
Sometimes all we need to hear are the words "Go On. I am RIGHT HERE.."... And it can make a REAL DIFFERENCE in your life...

Pause and Reflect
When was the last time you REALLY SAID this to someone?
When was the last time someone said this to you? Did it make a difference?

Indian Festival - Ugadi

Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. The name Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning): "the beginning of a new age".
It falls on the different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with the month of Chaitra (March–April) and Ugadi marks the first day of the new year. Chaitra is the first month in Panchanga which is the Indian calendar.
[Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugadi ]

Why is it celebrated?
* It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day
* Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day.
* The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being
[Src: http://festivals.tajonline.com/ugadi.php]

When is it celebrated?
March - April every year (as per dates of the Hindu Calendar)

How is it celebrated?
Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.

On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartik (or Subramanya or Kumara Swamy) and Ganesha, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartik exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being.

It is noteworthy that we use mango leaves and coconuts (as in a Kalasam, to initiate any pooja) only on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods. People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colorful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the new year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.
[Src: http://festivals.tajonline.com/ugadi.php ]

One of the key aspects of the Ugadi celebration is the Symbolic Eating of a Dish with Six Tastes. The eating of a specific mixture of six tastes called Ugadi Pachhadi in Telugu and Bevu-Bella in Kannada symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) , which should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year.

The special mixture consists of:
Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness
Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness, signifying Happiness
Green Chilli/Pepper for its hot taste, signifying Anger
Salt for saltiness, signifying Fear
Tamarind Juice for its sourness, signifying Disgust
Unripened Mango for its tang, signifying Surprise
[Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugadi ]

Note
While the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh use the term Yugadi/Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa. Marwari, people of Rajasthan celebrate the same day as their new year day Thapna. Sindhis, people from Sindh, celebrate the same day as their New Year day Cheti Chand. Manipuris also celebrate their New Year (Sajibu Cheiraoba) on the same day. It is observed as Baisakhi in Punjab and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. However, it is not celebrated on the same day as Yugadi in Tamil Nadu. It is also celebrated in Mauritius.
[Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugadi ]

Recommended Readings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugadi
http://festivals.tajonline.com/ugadi.php

12 Most Life-Molding Basics YOU should INVEST in!!!

Anyone wise and who wished me well always said “Get the Basics Right”. But no one ever told me why?

I figured this out on my own…
Why are the basics so important?
Because the basics never really change
Because with the basics, complexities are built
Because if your basics are strong, you can survive anywhere in the world

In this blog, I will articulate the most important basics that you should invest in – today, tomorrow and in the years to come...

1. Basics of Yourself
It’s vital to be aware about yourself. With self-awareness, the sky is the limit for what you can dream, aim and achieve. While there are several things which encompass and define YOU, the most imperative aspects which you need to identify, appreciate and accept are - your past, your choices, your strengths, your weaknesses, your values, your priorities and most importantly, what inspires you!

2. Basics of Human Emotions
If you understand the basics of human emotions, you can understand accept and deal with any situation. In reality, there are only 6 primary human emotions – Love, Joy, Surprise, Anger, Sadness & Fear. All secondary emotions are built around these primary human emotions. If you can identify and deal with these emotions – either in yourself or others, you are equipped to handle any life situation. After all, it is emotions (and not logic) which really makes the world go round!

3. Basics of Self-Learning
The easiest, cost-effective and practical way to continuously learn is through self-learning. And while each of us has ways in which we prefer to learn – what is imperative is to understand what works in your individual context. And then to focus your time, efforts and energy periodically to learn about subjects on your interest

4. Basics of Human Relationships
Human relationships are core to our existence – They are a necessity, reality and define our existence. And in the journey of life, we all create, nurture and let go of one / many relationships – reasons best known to us. And along this journey, it is important to be sensitive to the dynamics of any human relationship – and give it the respect and due it deserves. If you can master this, you can live anywhere in the world and under any kind of circumstances

5. Basics of Mathematics
As a subject, Mathematics is really the study of quantity, structure, space and change. And if you get your basics of Mathematics right early in life, you are able to appreciate several subjects which are built on the foundational principles of Mathematics – Be it micro / macroeconomic principles or Business or finance or accounting

6.Basics of Personal Finance
Your state of Personal Finance to a large extent determines the quality of your life today and in the future. And if you invest in getting the basics of personal finance right, you will be equipped to make the right choices with respect to your earning, savings and investments

7. Basics of the Human Anatomy
The human anatomy is complex, fascinating and intriguing. If you start to get into the details, it can take eons of dedicated study to come close to “true” comprehension of human creation and how everything within works in perfect balance and harmony to keep you alive. But it’s definitely worthwhile to know the basics – Simply because it helps you understand many dimensions about yourself, your evolution and your future. Not to mention it makes you better equipped to deal with different kinds of related real-life situations – specially related to your own health and well-being

8. Basics of Communication
Communication is one of the most important dimensions to a gratifying, peaceful and harmonious life – Be it professional or personal. Good communication (oral or written) is usually reflective of clarity in thoughts and experience. Everything else being similar, communication can probably be one of the key distinguishing aspects between two human beings which will determine the quality of life, well-being and state of happiness

9. Basics of Mind Power
Mind Power is an infinite continuum. If you are able to harness the power of your mind – purely by the creation, monitoring and control of your thoughts – You will observe a transformational change in your life. The key is to nourish positive thoughts – of abundance, affirmation and optimism, and keep at bay negative, redundant or waste thoughts

10. Basics of Technology
In today’s era, technology is ubiquitous. So either you learn it, use it and adapt accordingly; or run the risk of soon becoming obsolete from where the world is headed. While you need not understand the internal nuances of every singly technology, you should definitely know the basics and more importantly, be able to use the available technology in your personal context. The real value of any technology in your individual context is only in the application – Be it Social Media or a radical Technology Product or Solution

11. Basics of Dealing with an Emergency
The real world is abundant with different kind of emergencies – For e.g: Medical emergency, Life emergency, etc. And the only saving grace in such situations is basic knowledge on how to deal with an emergency and presence of mind. It is imperative for you to spend some time today to upgrade your knowledge on the following – What you need to do immediately in case of an emergency? Whom to contact for help & their contact numbers? Whom you need to inform about the emergency situation?

12. Basics of Planning and Organization
Planning and Organization is a very important ingredient in life. Knowingly or unknowingly we all make different kinds of plans (For e.g.: A daily plan, yearly plan, financial plan, retirement plan, event plan, marketing plan, holiday plan, etc.) – in our mind, on a paper, on excel or other tools. And the reality is the underlying basics of planning and organization are very simple and logical – which can be easily replicated to one / many life dimensions.

You can undergo several transformations in your lifetime, but if your basics are well founded and grounded, then you are insured for life.

Pause and Reflect….
How good are your basics on the dimensions listed above?

Originally published on http://www.12most.com/

Social Good - Ashoka Innovators for the Public - Recognize Social Entrepreneurship

History
Founded in 1980 by Bill Drayton in Washington, DC
Named, created and pioneered the global field of social entrepreneurship
Elected the first Ashoka Fellows in India in 1981
Started with an annual budget of $50,000, grown to over $30 million

Philosophy
Founded on the premise that the most effective way to promote positive social change is to invest in social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that are sustainable and replicable, both nationally and globally.
Ashoka is represented by the oak tree. A strong, sturdy tree, the oak represents the power of Ashoka's commitment and contributions to building the profession of social entrepreneurship. A broad-spreading tree, it is symbolic of those dimensions of Ashoka's programs that select, launch and foster collaborations among social entrepreneurs around the world.

Origin of the Name
Named to honor Ashoka, the Indian leader who unified the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC, renouncing violence and dedicating his life to social welfare and economic development. For his creativity, global mindedness and tolerance, Ashoka is renowned as the earliest example of a social innovator.

Around the World
Established programs in over 60 countries and supports the work of nearly 3000 Fellows
Employs 200 staff in over 25 regional offices throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa
[Src: https://www.ashoka.org/facts ]

You can make on online donation @ https://www.ashoka.org/donate

12 Most Interesting Ways in which the WEATHER influences your LIFE

If you have ever lived / are living in a place which experiences extreme weather conditions, you will agree that the weather has a significant impact on your everyday routine, on your life.. And while many of us don’t acknowledge or realize the magnitude of this impact, we know deep down that there is a definite influence of the weather…

In this blog, I have articulated the 12 most important dimensions on how the weather can affect your day.. your life…

(1) You’re Getting up from Bed
One of the first impacts of the weather is when you will wake up from bed? And more importantly, whether you want to wake up? On bright summery days, the first rays of the early morning sun wake you up bright and early, ready to take on the day with zeal and enthusiasm. On cold snowy foggy wintery days, you just want to snuggle in bed and wish you could stay there all day! In reality, when and how you wake up sets the tone for the rest of the day!

(2) Your Dressing up
The weather affects what you can wear, what you feel like wearing and most importantly, what you actually end up wearing. In terms of colors, in terms of textures, in terms of styles, in terms of lengths, in terms of fashion, in terms of layers, in terms of accessories, in terms of foot-wear…..

(3)What you eat / drink?
The weather directly affects what is available to eat, what you eat and drink and also how much you actually guzzle. On a hot day, you yearn for ice creams, cold coffees, etc. And on cold days, you desire hot coffee, tea, milk, etc. And what you eat affects your thoughts, your energy, your life…

(4) Your Daily Lifestyle
Your daily routine in affected by the weather. In terms of whether or not you exercise (& also how much), in terms of mode of travel and travel time, in terms of the length of the day, in terms of how much time you can get for work, play, prayer, family, friends, fun, reading, writing… just about everything! And lastly, in terms of when you go to bed!

(5) Your Activities & Hobbies
The activities and hobbies you can indulge in depend a lot on the weather - In terms of feasibility, in terms of accessibility, in terms of availability, in terms of affordability

(6) Your Moods
Weather has a direct impact on your moods and the moods of those around you. On a gloomy day, your mood also tends to be low. On a bright chirpy day, your mood is reflective of the atmosphere around and you tend to be cheerful and more positive.

(7) Your Social Life
Social Life is again directly dependent on the weather. Little things like when and how you can visit someone, how you can entertain guests in your home, embarking on an outdoor group activity, organizing an major life event like a wedding, birthday celebration, a party, etc. – They are all linked to the weather!!

(8) Your Productivity
Your productivity is again influenced by the weather. In your personal life for things like how much time you take to do daily things like cooking, eating, cleaning, gardening, laundry, home-maintenance, etc. In your professional like for things like how quickly you are able to complete an assigned task, how effectively you can delegate, etc.

(9) Your Life Skills
Weather also affects life skills in ways you don’t acknowledge, recognize or fully appreciate – Things like presence of mind, communication, alertness, attentiveness, negotiation, collaboration (both how well you collaborate with others and how well others collaborate with you), listening skills, memory, concentration, attention to detail, ability to grasp new things, ability to comprehend, ability to learn……

(10) Your Creativity
Any creative soul will vouch for this. Based on your basic nature and individual body type, there are specific seasons of the year when your creative energy and juices just flow… And while you may not have recognized this, if you look back at times when you have been extraordinarily creative, you will be able to see a pattern.. Yes! Weather does affect your creativity..

(11) Your Emotions
Weather does affect your basic human emotions – In terms of how you feel and the depth of your emotions – Ranging from love, hate, fear, sadness, joy, acceptance, surprise, anger, disgust, anticipation. While weather is not the only determinant for your emotions, it does play a contributing factor

(12) Your Thoughts
The last and most important effect of the weather is on your thoughts. In terms of what you think about, How much you think, Why you think, When you think, Where you think, About whom you think and finally, what you do about all your thinking!!!

What’s your view? Leave a Comment

Originally published on http://www.12most.com/

Social Good - YuvaUnstoppable - Rekindling Kindness in Youth

Vision:Rekindling Kindness

Mission:Motivating and fostering acts of kindness amongst the youths from schools ,colleges and corporates towards the underprivileged.

Values:

• Courageous: We are indomitable
• Compassionate: We are magnanimous
• Cool: We are Trendy

Approach: Follow the 5 D's (Dream, Determine, Do, Drive & Discipline)
Dream - Spend time alone and contemplate (Begin with what you want at the end in mind).
Determine - Give your dream a shape by determining what needs to be done, how it needs to be done and who will do it.
Do - Do it because none of the theories of success shall work unless you work.
Drive - Join other self-driven people in your cause, to create the ripple effect.
Discipline - At all times the key to sustenance is disciplining your thoughts and action
[Src: http://www.yuvaunstoppable.org/beta/visionandmission.php ]

You can register @ http://www.yuvaunstoppable.org/beta/joinform.php to support this initiative

12 Women Quotes which made me SMILE :)

On the occasion of Women’s Day, I did a significant reading, research and thinking on women… I read about women in politics, history, business, cinema, music, art, sports, power, media, news, blogs, twitter, social-media, etc…I mean you can’t miss them anywhere you go and that’s AWESOME!
My personal ruminations on women:

• Looking back at my own life, I think the most significant impact has been from the women in my life – my grandmother, my mother, my sister, my teachers in school, my oldest and dearest friends, my aunts, my cousins, my extended family, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my niece and of course, my little daughter – The all teach me, inspire me and keep me going through any kind of day…
• A women plays an important role in how you eventually turn out - Specifically in your self-confidence, in your attitude and most importantly in how you think
• A women plays a pivotal role in the family, in the society and in the world at large. How she conducts herself within the four walls & outside the four walls; and how she treats those around her has a definite effect and influence in the lives of those around her; and this manifestation has a definite compounding effect

And interestingly in all that I read, I could not miss the jest, humor and wit about WOMEN….

In this blog, I have listed the 12 quotes which made me laugh.. I hope it does the same to you…
1. To generalize on women is dangerous. To specialize on them is infinitely worse.
By Rudolph Valentino

2. A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s – That’s because she changes it more often.
By Oliver Herford

3. I’d much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they are the first to be rescued off of sinking ships.
By Gilda Radner

4. The great question that has never been answered, and which I have not yet been able to answer, despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, is ''What does a woman want?'
By Sigmund Freud

5. A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.
By Eleanor Roosevelt & Nancy Reagan

6. Woman is a miracle of divine contradictions
By Jules Michelet

7. What is better than wisdom? Woman. And what is better than a good woman? Nothing.
By Geoffrey Chaucer

8. There’s two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works.
By Will Rogers

9. Man has will, but woman has her way.
By Oliver Wendell Holmes

10. One of the most difficult things in the world is to convince a woman that even a bargain costs money.
By Edgar Watson Howe

11. God made woman beautiful and foolish; beautiful, that man might love her; and foolish, that she might love him
By Robin P Williams

12. Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men
By Joseph Conrad

What’s the most amusing quote that you’ve read about WOMEN?.. Leave a comment to let me know


 

12 Most Vital Things To Do after you Turn 30

There is something about turning 30 which is a milestone age for many of us.

The 30’s are a mark of many things in life…
You’ve lived 3 decades on the earth,
You’ve had 30 years of life learning’s,
You’ve had 360 months of growth,
About 10950 days of assorted times - good, bad & ugly
About 262800 hours of diverse physical, mental, emotional, social & financial experiences
About 15768000 minutes of knowing, being and understanding yourself…

And then you begin to wonder what you need to do in life – for today and tomorrow…

In this blog, I have listed the 12 vital things you need to do after you turn 30..
1) Exercise at least 4 days / week
You can practice in whatever form that you like, but about 40 minutes for each sitting will go a long way in keeping you healthy, energetic and happy – These are very critical in the journey of life.

2) Learn and practice yoga and pranayama
It is important to learn yoga and pranayama from the right source and be self-disciplined in practice. The benefits of regular practice of yoga and pranayama are long term and manifold - The most noteworthy benefits are usually an increased level of energy, a focused mind and a feeling of peace, balance and internal harmony.

3) Spend time with your parents - They will not be there forever
When you are in your 30’s and busy with your professional commitments and personal responsibilities, it is easy to postpone spending time with your parents. Do remember that they will not be there forever. So ensure that you spend quality and quantity time with your parents doing things that matter – to them and you.

4) Spend time with your children - They will not be the same forever
Anyone who has children will echo with the sentiment that children grow really fast. And as they grow, they probably want to explore experiment and experience life with or without you. So do ensure that you spend time with them during their childhood years. These are the formative and impressionable years in your child’s life & the moments you share will be cherished by both you and your children – tomorrow and several years from now.

5) Build and maintain a strong network of family and friends - both personal & professional
A strong network of friends and family goes a long way in leading a balanced and fulfilling life - Because you learn about people, with people and also for people. And as you learn, you think in new tangents, wear different hats & change your perspectives and evolve as an individual. Also, family and friends are the foundational support systems which will enable you to cross the many hurdles life throws at you.

6) Read & build your knowledge base - Knowledge is power
30’s is the best time to read and build your knowledge base – On topics and subjects of personal choice and interest. Up until them, you probably read because you had to – either at school, college or at work!

7) Pursue a yearly hobby
This is the best time to pursue a hobby annually. I usually advocate to pick up a single hobby for a year and to focus on it. Simply because one tends to have several other professional and personal responsibilities, so you would really not be able to do justice if you embark on too many hobbies. And then it can take you 1 - 2 months to understand how to make progress and get all that you need to get going, another 1 - 2 months to learn and the rest of the year to hone your skills and enjoy the hobby.

Also, by the time you are 40, you would actually have tried and learnt 10 new things. In addition to learning, a hobby also enables you to connect with people of similar interests and also helps build, nurture and strengthen new friendships and relationships.

8) Think about what legacy you want to leave in the world
This is the best time to think about what legacy you want to leave when your time is up - The reason being that the answer to this question will compel you to introspect on what you really want to do in life and what mark you want to leave in the world

9) Learn or do or try something exciting every month
Learn or Do or Try one thing new or something that excites you every month. It could be something you have never done / learnt in life, something you have always wanted to do / learn in life, something you have not done in a very long time.. For e.g: Sleeping through the day, Trying a new cuisine, Cooking a new dish, Learning a new art or dance form, Driving on a route that you have never travelled, Sleeping under the stars, Taking off on a working day to spend time with family and friends,etc. Whatever you choose – It should excite you, energize you, make you happy and lift your spirit.

10) Travel
Meet new people, experience different cultures, taste different cuisines, explore new paths and broaden your perspective. Of course, this can be within your budget and as appropriate with your lifestyle and schedule. But take the time and effort to travel

11) Plan your finances & Invest in a diversified portfolio
30’s are the golden years to plan your finances for life and to start investing in a disciplined fashion for the safety and security of your own future and that of your loved ones. Most importantly, start planning for your retirement

12) Do something for a good cause
Make an effort to set aside some time for a good cause. It can be for community service, social good or public welfare. And in any way that you believe you can make a difference. The important thing is to give and touch the life of someone less fortunate than you..

Above all, laugh and don't take life too seriously.

Originally published @ http://12most.com/2012/01/17/12-vital-30s/

What defines a WOMAN?

Is it her eyes?
Is it her smile?
Is it her grace?
Is it her gait?
Is it her looks?
Is it her style?

Is it her words?
Is it her actions?
Is it her deeds?
Is it how she behaves in public?
Is it how she conducts herself in private?

Is it her thoughts?
Is it her expressions?
Is it how she talks?
Is it what she says?
Is it what she does not say?
Is it the way she talks?
Is it what she does?
Is it the way she walks?

Is it her heart?
Is it her soul?

Is it her wit?
Is it her attitude?
Is it her acceptance?
Is it her perseverance?
Is it her flexibility?
Is it her willingness to mould?

Is it her warmth?
Is it her nature to care?
Is it her ability to love unconditionally?
Is it her strength to withstand trials and tribulations of life?

In my view, its all of this and MORE!
What's your view?
Leave a comment to let me know

Happy Women's Day 2012!!!

Indian Festival - Holi

Holi is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals celebrated in India. Like many other festivals, Holi has an ancient origin, the tradition of which is being followed since time immemorial.

Why is it celebrated?
1) With winter neatly tucked up in the attic, it's time to come out of our cocoons and enjoy this spring festival. It is also time for spring harvest. The new crop refills the stores in every household and perhaps such abundance accounts for the riotous merriment during Holi. This also explains the other names of this celebration - 'Vasant Mahotsava' and 'Kama Mahotsava'. It is celebrated as harvest festival as well as welcome-festival for the spring season in India.
[Src: http://hinduism.about.com/od/holifestivalofcolors/a/holybasics.htm]
2) Considering the religious importance of the festival, it is associated with a number of mythological stories. The most popular amongst them is that of Radha and Lord Krishna, wherein, he playfully applied color on Radha's cheek, as she was fairer than him. This gave rise to the festival of Holi and the tradition of playing with colors.
[Src: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/holi/significance-of-holi.html ]
3) The festival of Holi can be regarded as a celebration of the Colors of Unity & Brotherhood - an opportunity to forget all differences and indulge in unadulterated fun. It has traditionally been celebrated in high spirit without any distinction of cast, creed, color, race, status or sex. It is one occasion when sprinkling colored powder ('gulal') or colored water on each other breaks all barriers of discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal brotherhood is reaffirmed.
[Src: http://hinduism.about.com/od/holifestivalofcolors/a/celebrateholi.htm ]
More stories on why @ http://hinduism.about.com/od/holifestivalofcolors/a/holybasics_2.htm

When is it celebrated?
Every year it is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March and glorifies good harvest and fertility of the land.

How is it celebrated?
Holi-Day 1 - The day of the full moon (Holi Purnima) is the first day of Holi. A platter ('thali') is arranged with colored powders, and colored water is placed in a small brass pot ('lota'). The eldest male member of the family begins the festivities by sprinkling colors on each member of the family, and the youngsters follow.
Holi-Day 2 - On the second day of the festival called 'Puno', images of Holika are burnt in keeping with the legend of Prahlad and his devotion to lord Vishnu. In rural India, the evening is celebrated by lighting huge bonfires as part of the community celebration when people gather near the fire to fill the air with folk songs and dances. Mothers often carry their babies five times in a clockwise direction around the fire, so that her children are blessed by Agni, the god of fire.
Holi-Day 3 - The most boisterous and the final day of the festival is called 'Parva', when children, youth, men and women visit each other's homes and colored powders called 'aabir' and 'gulal' are thrown into the air and smeared on each other's faces and bodies. 'Pichkaris' and water balloons are filled with colors and spurted onto people - while young people pay their respects to elders by sprinkling some colors on their feet, some powder is also smeared on the faces of the deities, especially Krishna and Radha.
[Src: http://hinduism.about.com/od/holifestivalofcolors/a/holybasics_4.htm]


Significance of the Festival
Cultural Significance - The cultural significance of Holi can be gauged from the fact that its origin derives reference from various mythological tales. This has led to a deep faith and respect towards the celebration of the festival, as Indians strongly believe in mythology. The moral behind all these stories is victory of good over evil, which is a lesson for the human race. The tales instill the faith of man into the ultimate power of God and his mercy over his devotees. Holi festival is the medium through which people are inspired to lead a virtuous life. Moreover, the festival is organized at the time when the harvest is at full bloom, giving people an opportunity to rejoice.

Social Significance - The social significance of Holi is seen in the form of the message of unity and brotherhood, it delivers. As per the custom and tradition, people pay visits to their friends and relatives, to give them wishes as well as to strengthen their bonds. The festival brings the nation together, as it is not just celebrated by Hindus but, also by the Sikhs, Christians, Jains as well. The festival is unique, as it does not discriminate against any section of the society and treats everyone equally. The social fabric and secular character of the society is strengthened, since people work on building cordial relations, forgiving their hard feelings for others.

Biological Significance - Apart from the cultural and social significance of the festival, Holi considerably affects the biological system of our body. The time, at which Holi is celebrated, is very crucial with respect to our body. During the festival, the season is going through a change - from winter to summer. It is the period when people feel lethargic and drowsy. Holi provides them the opportunity to wear off their laziness, by enjoying themselves thoroughly
[Src: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/holi/significance-of-holi.html ]

Additional Readings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
http://festivals.iloveindia.com/holi/
http://hinduism.about.com/od/holifestivalofcolors/a/holybasics.htm

Social Good - Akshaya Patra - Unlimited Food for Eduction

Our mission is to reach out to 5 million children by 2020.

Close to 13.5 million underprivileged children in India are out of school and into child labour in order to earn a single meal in a day (Source:http://www.worldbank.org.in/)

The surest way to break out of the cycle of poverty is through education. Education can significantly improve the quality of life of a family for generations to come. When the basic needs of a child, such as food are not met, education often becomes the last priority.

We are helping underprivileged children by providing them with a healthy, balanced meal that they would otherwise have to work for. The meal is an incentive for them to continue their education. It helps reduce the dropout rate to an enormous extent and increases classroom attendance.

[Src: http://www.akshayapatra.org/our-mission]

Check the website @ http://www.akshayapatra.org/ to see how you can help / support or donate

Nischala's 2012 Favorite Blogs

Listing some of my favorite blogs in varied categories... Each of these is really awesome!

PARENTING
http://www.fansofbeingamom.com/
http://www.brucesallan.com/
http://sree-firststeps.blogspot.in/
http://www.fleximoms.in/blog/

COOKING
http://www.mydiversekitchen.com/

PERSONAL FITNESS & WELL-BEING
http://weightlossandtraining.com/
http://jaisivananda.blogspot.in/

Nischala's 2012 Favorite SOCIAL MEDIA Blogs

Social Media is Ubiquitous.. Every one I know is in Social Media, talking about Social Media or writing about Social Media...In this post, I have listed my Favorite blogs on Social Media...

http://www.jeffbullas.com/
http://jureklepic.com/
http://blog.tweetsmarter.com/
http://blog.bufferapp.com/
http://heidicohen.com/
http://www.margieclayman.com/