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Tuesday 16 April 2024

SRI RAMANAVAMI FESTIVAL ,HISTORY, CELEBRATIONS, SIGNIFICANCE

SRI RAM NAVAMI 2024


Ram Navami 2024  would be celebrated all over India by the people on 17thApril, 2024 .Ram Navami is a religious and traditional festival, celebrated every year with great enthusiasm by the people of Hindu religion. It is celebrated to remember the birthday of the Lord Rama, son of the King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya, of the Ayodhya kingdom. Lord Rama was the 7th avatar from the Dashavatar of the Lord Vishnu, a Hindu God. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival falls every year in the Shukla Paksha at 9th day in the month of Chaitra. Ram Navami is also called as the Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami which ends as nine-day long Chaitra-Navratri celebrations.

    Hindus celebrate it as a 9 days festival by organizing the Akhand Paath of the Ramacharitamanas, religious bhajan, havan, ritual kirtan and distribution of prasad after the puja and Aarti at 9th day. Devotees make the statue of the Lord Rama in infant form and make prayer in front of the God. As Lord Rama was the 7th avatar of the Vishnu born among common people to remove their problems, people decorate temples and other religious places to make the traditional prayers and offerings of fruits flowers in order to get their problems removed and lot of prosperity and success. They get together at this day to chant Vedic mantras, Aarti and lots of religious songs.

         Most of the devotees celebrate this festival by making fast for whole nine days or first and last day of the Navratri to get the full blessings. South Indians celebrate this festival as a wedding anniversary of the Lord Rama from Mata Sita. All the temples get decorated throughout the south region to celebrate the Navratri. However, people in the Mithila and Ayodhya celebrate the wedding anniversary at Vivaha Panchami according to the Valmiki Ramayana. A grand celebration of the Ram Navami takes place by the thousands of devotees in the Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh; Sitamarhi, Bihar; Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh and etc. At some places (like Ayodhya, Varanasi and etc), the Rathayatra means the chariot procession (Shobha yatra) of the Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshman and God Hanuman is carried out by the thousands of people after taking a holy dip in the sacred river, Sarayu or Ganga.

RAM NAVAMI HISTORY:

Ramayana is the great and religious Epic of the Hindu religion, tells the history of King Dasharatha and his son Rama of the Ayodhya. Once, there was an emperor in the Treta Yuga called King Dasharatha who had three wives (Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi). He had no children and was very sorry for a future emperor of the Ayodhya. One day he was suggested by the great Rishi named Vasistha to perform the Puthra Kamesti Yagna to fulfill his desire for a child. He was suggested to specially invite the Maharshi Rishyasringa in order to perform yagna. After performing the yagna, he was given a bowl of the divine Kheer by the Yagneshwara. He was requested to offer that bowl of Kheer to his all three wives. Some days after eating that Kheer, all his wives get conceived. At the day of Navami (at 9th day) in the Chaitra month at noon Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharata and Sumitra to twin boys named Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

    Kausalya's son Rama was the 7th avatar of the Lord Vishnu who took birth to come to the Earth to finish Adharma and maintain the Dharma. Lord Rama had protected his devotees from the attack of rascals. He had vanquished Adharma from the earth and maintained the Dharma all over the earth by destroying all the Asura including Ravana. People of the Ayodhya were very happy from his new King Rama and started celebrating his birthday every year with big joy and enthusiasm as Ram Navami which is still traditionally and religiously celebrated all over the India by the people of Hindu religion.

 

RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATIONS:

People of the Hindu religion located in the South region of the India generally perform the Kalyanotsavam means marriage celebration of the Lord Rama. They celebrate it at the day of Navami having the statue of Hindu deities called Rama and Sita in their houses. They perform a procession on the streets taking statues of the deities at the end of day to celebrate the Ram Navami. It is celebrated by different names at different place such as in the Maharashtra it is celebrated by the name Chaitra Navratri, in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu it is celebrated by the name Vasanthothsava and etc.

People celebrate this festival by decorating the statues of the Lord Rama, Lakshman, Mata Sita and Lord Hanuman. They prepare the sweets, sweet drinks, prasad to perform the puja, they invite Pandit Ji to perform havan and katha, they read religious songs, mantras and Aarti at the end of puja to remove the bad powers from their houses and welcome the good power and energies to their house. They also pray for the good future and health of their children and other family members.

    They fast for whole nine days or last day of the Navratri to perform the holy annual puja. They read the holy Hindu religious Epic called Ramayana; worship Rama and Sita to get the peace and happiness in their life. They offer Morning Prayer to the Hindu God, Surya Dev after having a holy bath in the early morning. People offer puja to the Lakshman, Mata Sita and God Hanuman with the Lord Rama as all of them were devoted heartily to each other.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAM NAVAMI FESTIVAL:

Ram Navami festival is the festival of great importance for the people of Hindu religion. Celebrating the festival of Ram Navami on the 9th day of Chaitra month indicates the removal of bad powers and entrance of divine power on the earth. To remove the Asura power on the earth in order to maintain the Dharma, Lord Vishnu had to be born on the earth as a son of the Ayodhya King Dasharatha. Ram Navami is a ritual celebration for the people of Hindu religion which they celebrate enthusiastically for their soul and body purification. Lord Rama came to the earth to perform a special responsibility means to destroy the demon Ravana in order to maintain the Dharma.

This festival celebration indicates the victory of goodness and defeat of evil power and establishment of the Dharma after removal of Adharma. Ram Navami festival celebration starts with the Jal offering in the early morning to the Hindu God, Sun to get blessings from the supreme power as people beliefs the God Sun as an ancestor of the Lord Rama. People involve in singing the devotional songs for whole day as well as listening the recitations from the various Hindu religious books. Vedic mantras are chanted by the religious people of the community at this occasion.

Keeping fast at this day has another significance of getting body and mind purified. At some place, people perform a religious and cultural event called Ramlila to reveal the history of Ram Navami in front of people. People play the whole history of the life of Lord Rama through their dramatic performances. Chariot processing is a grand and ritual event of the Ram Navami festival to show the peaceful Ram Rajya in which people decorate the statues of the Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman in a well manner to start processing on the streets.

Generally, people like to have a holy bath in the Saryu River of the Ayodhya in the belief of the complete purification of the body and soul. South Indian people celebrate this occasion as a Wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita which symbolizes enhancing the love bondage between husband and wife.

         *VICTORY of GOOD  & DEFEAT OF EVIL,

          ESTABLISHMENT OF DHARMA  & REMOVAL OF ADHARMA

         VICTORY  OF PENSIONERS' FRATERNITY OVER  INDIFFERENCE OF LIC/UOI 

         ESTABLISHMENT OF DHARMIC PRINCIPLE OF PENSION UPGRADATION AS PILLAR OF SUPPORT TO PENSIONERS/ ELDERS &

          REMOVAL OF ADHARMA OF OBSTINACY, PRETENSIONS  OF LACK OF FUNDS,NOW DEMOLISHED,  OF A ROCK OF GIBRALTER OF SOLVENCY & STABILITY

       "Happy Ram Navami". Dasratha Nandana Rama,DayaSagara Rama, Raghukhul Tilaka Rama,Satya Dharma Parayna Rama, Aisa Ramji Ko Koti-Koti pranam.Happy Ramnavami. Sri rama ramethi rami ramae mano ramae sahasranama tharthulyam ramanama varananae sriramanavami Subhakankshalu…


 That is why East is rising, India will give sunshine & light to others ,power in all sense will grow, will be a beaconlight for others to follow

Let anybody say anything about God or temples or festivals, or magic divine cure being considered as humbug ,ignore ,walk along intellectuals, religious leaders, historians, thinkers, poets & philosophers,musicians, composers, cultivate them , & we will be moulded by the company we keep .

 

 GREETINGS,GOODLUCK & GODSPEED,

 RBKISHORE  ,PATRON ,AIRIEF,PATRON,RIEA CHENNAI, ED Retd,LI

Saturday 13 April 2024

HAPPY BAISAKHI






My Response to S K Awasthi's WhatsApp message

Dear Mr Awasthi,

Referring to your WhatsApp message, I wish to respond as follows:

At the outset, let me confess that I am not also a qualified person with legal expertise and whatever I write is based on the knowledge gathered from my interactions with legal experts and through taking a logical perspective.

LIC is bound to stand by the arguments they placed before the Delhi High Court. They have effectively misled the DHC against the petitioners. Our Civil Appeals are exactly to contest the Delhi High Court judgment even including the partial relief granted by DHC. On the points stated by you, my response is as follows:

1.       The Rule no is not 95, but 35. It is true that there is no provision for revision of basic pension and additional pension. That was the position as at 28/6/1995 when even the Central Government pensioners were not getting revision pension. Our Pension Rules are patterned on the CCS Pension Rules 1972 as admitted in the Minutes in the LIC Board Meeting held on 24/11/2001. (The Minutes have been quoted in the Dipak Misra judgment of the Supreme Court dated 31/3/2016). Rule 56 of LIC Pension Rules 1995, state that where no express provisions in "these rules", the provisions of the CCS(Pension) Rules 1972 (since repealed by the CCS (Pension) Rules 2021). Even though there is no provision in the CCS Pension Rules 1972 for revision of pension, on the implementation of the 5th Central Pay Commission Recommendations, effective from 1/1/1996, Central Government pensioners were granted upward revision of pension on the principle of modified parity. In the absence of any provision for revision in the CCS Pension Rules, revision of pension was implemented by issue of Office Memoranda by the Personnel department of the Central Government. (It is only in Rule 66 of the CCS Pension Rules 2021, a provision has been introduced for upward revision of pension with implementation of every Central Pay Commission Recommendations). Rule 56 is however being implemented for Chairmen and Managing Directors of the Corporation retired after 1/1/1996 by virtue of Rule 55 B inserted in LIC Pension Rules 1995 on 13/8/2001 by a Gazette Notification. It is significant to note that the Chairmen and Managing Directors who have risen from lower cadres of LIC are whole time officers of the Corporation-receiving salary and pension from LIC (from the same Fund as for other employees covered by LIC Pension Rules 1995). This discrimination is violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Corporation attracting the ratio of D S Nakara case judgment.

2.       Commercial liability cannot override the legal and statutory liability of LIC. Pension is held as deferred wage by the Apex Court and a compensation for past services rendered. So it follows that when wages are revised every five years, pension should also be revised correspondingly. So right to pension includes right to upgradation of pension whenever wages are revised for pension- optees in service. If upgradation of pension will affect the financial health of LIC, then 5 wage revisions (excluding the latest one  w e f 1/8/2022) for employees should have affected the financial health of LIC, which is not the case. LIC has been achieving phenomenal growth in competition. Also Salary Expenses and other benefits to employees are 16 times the actual pension outgo by monthly annuities( without pension  upgradation).

a) Solvency arises only in the context of the assessment of ability of the life insurers to meet the policy liabilities under all the policies in their books. All outgoes out of the premiums play a part in generating valuation surplus, like policy payments (72.3%), and management expenses(15.6%). Salary expenses which include Additional Contribution to pension constitute only 8.5% of total premium income, while the cost of pension by way of additional contribution to pension fund is only 3.3% of the Total Premium income. Upgradation of pension will increase this ratio only by another 2% immediately, but will be reduced gradually as the group of beneficiaries is a closed group of 148000 which will only reduce from year to year.

b) The bonus rates will not be affected merely by upgradation of pension, but by other factors like lapsation of policies, increase in surrenders, adverse death claim experience and possible reduction in investment returns of the life fund.

c) On expense ratio breaching statutory limits, LIC  had  successfully hidden from the DHC the fact that IRDAI had issued Regulations on management expenses in 2016, whereby it was stipulated that wherever any life insurer exceeds the statutory limit on expenses, such excess should be charged only to the shareholders and not to the policyholders. The statutory limit on expenses will not be exceeded by upgradation of pension alone as the additional contribution to pension fund works out to 3.9% of total outgoes and 3.3% of the total premium income.

d) The image of the Corporation will never suffer a loss on account of equitable compensation by pension for senior citizen retirees. The image will suffer only if the customer service is not satisfactory or they don't get value for their money. The image may also suffer if the shareholders do not get return on their investments. This assumes importance in the context of IPO whereby 3.5% of Central Government's stake has been divested to the public.

I am sending a rough note prepared by me for use in our arguments. I will be updating the same as required from time to time based on fresh inputs. I shall share the same with you.

Kind regards.

C H Mahadevan

 (1) POINTS FOR ARGUEMENTS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13sTzl-c0WBxdPgQrX0l3k8kzDW2cTsE5/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=116293091010820917557&rtpof=true&sd=true

(2) IRDAI NOTIFICATION 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tZvs2rK1SLM9DSgLqrGgDbbg6hVsvuN/view?usp=drivesdk


Thursday 11 April 2024

FEDERATION NEWS

FEDERATION NEWS 
 We are aware that our members are deeply concerned & anxious to know about the wage revision. We are continuously in touch with the management and the DFS. We had some discussions yesterday also.There were some technical issues involved related to pension  which is almost resolved.In the meantime our focus was shifted to NB closing. Now we are back in the track and the notification is expected in the second fortnight of April.We can assure you that you will receive the revised salary in the month of April .
However our proposed programs decided in the Secreteriat will continue.
S. Rajkumar 
GS, Class 1 Federation

Tuesday 9 April 2024

VIKRAM SAMNVAT 2081

VIKRAM SAMNVAT 2081
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10Q4v6ygsC61Wdk-G6HMUHAuGZBrhy73D/view?usp=drivesdk



हिन्दू नव वर्ष की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं



Aap Sab ko Hindu Nav Varsh Vikrami Samvat 2081 aur Grisham ritu Navratras kee Hardik Badhai Shubh Kamnayen  Jai Hind Vande Matram


Well Water Safety: Testing, Contaminants, and Treatment Solutions

If you rely on a private well for your water supply, well water testing is essential to ensure the safety of your drinking water, as well as for overall household use. Unlike municipal water sources, which undergo regular treatment and monitoring, private wells are the homeowner's responsibility. This means that potential contaminants – whether from natural sources, human activities, or well system malfunctions – may not be detected without proactive testing.

Well water can harbor various contaminants that might affect your health. Bacteria, like E. coli, can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, while nitrates pose a particular risk for infants. Heavy metals like lead and arsenic have links to developmental problems and long-term health risks. Other contaminants, including minerals and chemicals, might not cause immediate illness but can affect the taste, odor, or appearance of your water.

Regular well water testing is the only way to proactively identify these potential issues. By understanding what's in your water, you can make informed decisions about treatment options and protect your household's health.

Why Well Water Testing Matters

Common Contaminants and Health Risks

It's crucial to understand that even clear, pleasant-tasting well water can contain harmful contaminants. Here are some of the most concerning categories:

  • Bacteria: Bacteria like coliform and E. coli can originate from septic systems or animal waste. They typically cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Nitrates: Nitrates often leach into groundwater from fertilizers, septic systems, or livestock operations. They're particularly dangerous for infants, leading to "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia), a condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
  • Lead: Lead in drinking water often comes from corroded plumbing materials. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays and learning difficulties in children, and health problems in adults, including high blood pressure and kidney issues.
  • Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in some rock formations. Long-term arsenic exposure increases the risk of various cancers, including skin, bladder, and lung cancer.
  • Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into wells from underground sources. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
  • Other Contaminants: Well water can also contain excessive minerals (hardness, iron), pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other contaminants with varying health effects.

Long-Term Health Considerations

Some contaminants may not cause immediate illness, but their effects can accumulate with long-term exposure. Regular well water testing is the best way to monitor these potential risks and take action to keep your water safe. Additionally, well water testing gives you a baseline so you can detect any changes in your water quality over time.

Peace of Mind

Knowing what's in your well water offers peace of mind. When you're sure your water is safe, you can confidently use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household activities, ensuring your family's health and well-being.

When to Test Your Well Water

Recommended Testing Frequency

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing your well water at least annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. More frequent testing might be necessary depending on your area's risk factors or if you notice changes in your water.

Situations Requiring Immediate Testing

In addition to routine testing, schedule water testing immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • New Well or Major Repairs: If you have a newly constructed well or have undergone significant repairs, testing ensures it's producing safe water.
  • Changes in Water Quality: Changes in taste, odor, or appearance (cloudiness, unusual colors) can indicate contamination.
  • Gastrointestinal Illness: If household members experience unexplained stomach issues, test for bacterial contamination.
  • Infants or Pregnancy: Infants and pregnant women are more susceptible to waterborne contaminants, so extra precaution is vital.
  • Malfunctioning Septic Systems: Issues with your septic system increase the risk of groundwater contamination near your well.
  • Changes in Land Use: If new agricultural operations, industrial facilities, or other potential sources of contamination move near your property, prompt testing is warranted.

Staying Proactive

Remember, well water contamination isn't always obvious. Regular testing is a crucial part of responsible well ownership and ensures a safe drinking water supply for your household.

How to Get Your Well Water Tested

Types of Tests

  • DIY Test Kits: Home testing kits provide a basic analysis for some common contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and pH. These kits offer limited accuracy and shouldn't replace thorough professional testing.
  • Professional Laboratories: Accredited laboratories offer comprehensive water testing services that analyze a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They provide detailed reports and guidance on interpreting results.

Finding Reputable Labs

Choosing a certified laboratory is critical for accurate results and reliable recommendations. Here's how to find one:

  • State Health or Environmental Departments: Contact your state health department or the equivalent environmental agency for a list of accredited water testing labs in your area.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides resources for finding certified laboratories.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA maintains a list of certified drinking water laboratories by state.

Understanding Your Test Results

Labs provide a detailed analysis of your water, including the levels of detected contaminants. Compare the results to the EPA's drinking water standards to determine if any contaminants exceed safe limits. Resources from agencies like the CDC and state health departments can help you interpret your results and determine the appropriate course of action.

What to Do If Your Well Water is Contaminated

Don't Panic

While concerning, most well water contamination issues are treatable. The first step is to understand the specific contaminants present, their potential health effects, and the appropriate remediation options.

Immediate Actions

  • Stop Drinking the Water: If contaminants exceed safe levels, immediately stop drinking and using your well water for cooking or brushing teeth.
  • Use Bottled Water: Use a reliable source of bottled water for drinking, cooking, and other essential needs until you implement a solution.

Seek Professional Guidance

  • Contact Your Health Department: Consult your state or local health department for guidance tailored to the specific contaminant(s) found in your water. They can help you understand health risks and recommend next steps.
  • Consult a Well Water Specialist: A certified well water contractor can assess your well system, identify potential contamination sources, and recommend treatment options.

Treatment Options

The best treatment solution depends on the type and level of contaminant(s). Some common options include:

  • Filtration Systems: Various filters target specific contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, or minerals.
  • Distillation: Distillation removes minerals, some metals, and effectively eliminates bacteria and viruses.
  • Chlorination: Chlorination effectively kills bacteria and viruses but may not address other contaminants.
  • Other Technologies: Technologies like reverse osmosis or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment offer solutions for a range of contaminants.

Choosing the Right Solution

Always consult with professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment system based on your test results, well characteristics, and household needs.

Well Maintenance for Safe Water

Alongside testing, regular well maintenance is crucial for protecting your water supply and extending the lifespan of your well system. Here's why it matters:

  • Preventing Contamination: Well maintenance helps identify and address potential points of contamination before they affect your water quality.
  • Ensuring System Functionality: Regular inspections catch mechanical issues early, preventing malfunctions that could compromise water safety or lead to costly repairs.
  • Proactive Protection: Well maintenance empowers you to take proactive steps safeguarding your drinking water, rather than just reacting to problems as they arise.

Key Maintenance Practices

  • Annual Inspections: Schedule yearly checkups with a qualified well contractor to inspect your well's casing, cap, and mechanical components.
  • Proper Location and Construction: Follow guidelines for well placement at a safe distance from potential contamination sources (septic systems, livestock pens, etc.). Ensure your well is constructed according to standards, with a sanitary seal preventing surface runoff from entering.
  • Protecting Your Wellhead: Maintain a clear area around your wellhead, keep it free of debris, and ensure the well cap is securely in place.
  • Monitoring for Changes: Be observant. Report any changes in your water, unusual activity around your well, or damage to the well.
  • Septic System Maintenance: Regularly pump and inspect your septic system to prevent malfunctions that could contaminate your well.

Safeguarding Your Well Water: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Well water testing is an essential responsibility for private well owners. Regular testing identifies potential contaminants that may pose health risks, allowing you to make informed decisions about water treatment for safe consumption and household use. Understanding common contaminants, when to test, how to choose a lab, and simple maintenance practices significantly reduces risks and ensures ongoing access to safe drinking water.

Key Takeaways

  • Well water, unlike municipal water, isn't regularly treated or monitored.
  • Bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and other contaminants can jeopardize the safety of your water supply.
  • Test your well at least annually, and more often if risk factors are present or you notice changes in your water.
  • Professional water testing laboratories provide the most comprehensive analysis and guidance.
  • Prioritize regular well inspections and maintenance to prevent contamination and protect your investment.

Don't take chances with your family's health. If you rely on a private well:

  • Locate a certified water testing lab near you. Contact your state health department for resources as a starting point.
  • Schedule your initial well water test. Discuss the details of the testing process and expected timeframe for results with your chosen lab.
  • Consult a well water professional. Have a qualified contractor inspect your well system and offer advice on maintenance best practices.

By following these steps, you'll gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your well water is safe and protecting the well-being of your household.

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Resources:

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