Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers
"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it"
Margaret Fuller (1810 - 1850)

Indeed Samar is all about knowledge sharing. Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study is knowledge. We share our knowledge with others, and as the time passes on, it becomes enriched. Knowledge nourishes and nurtures our mind. It makes a man out of a child with the sense of responsibility toward society.

‘Samar’ has completed its first journey successfully. And now we present before you the second issue of the magazine. In the previous issue we discussed about some social problems. But for this issue we received few write-ups from the field of science. Samar has now started spreading its fragrance throughout the world.

We are glad to receive comments and suggestions from you. I would like to assure you that we will try to make the magazine more enriched and reader’s friendly. Please do send your honest comments and valuable suggestions.

Yours truly
- Editor

Book review - Les Miserables

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victor Hugo is one of the most famous French writers of the 19th century. He was born in France in 1802. He was married at very early age of 20. Hugo made a name for himself as a novelist, a poet and a playwright; by the time he reached his thirties. Among his many works in French, Hugo is best know for his novels The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831) and Les Miserable (1862), which were translated in many languages. He died in 1885, at the age of 83.

BACKGROUND

‘Les Miserables ’ first appeared in 1862, and at the same time published in nine different languages. In his early days Hugo began to gather notes for a book that would tell the story of "a saint, a man, a woman, and a child," but over the years different kind of new and peculiar characters enriched his valuable notes. When it was finally published in 1862, it had attained, both in quality and quantity, indeed a stature of masterpiece. The story is set between 1815 and 1832, the years of Hugo's youth. Hugo's masterpiece covers a large portion of Revolutionary French history. The battle of Waterloo, the revolving door of governments, and the numerous street barricade rebellions of the city of Paris during the 1830s all serve as a background for the story. The French word "miserables" means both poor wretches and scoundrels or villains. The novel offers a huge cast that includes both kinds of "miserables." LES MISERABLES is a powerful social document. The story is set between 1815 and 1832, the years of Hugo's youth. The story of how the convict Jean Valjean struggled to escape his past and reaffirm his humanity, in a world brutalized by poverty and ignorance, became the gospel of the poor and the oppressed. The novel is the parallel story of the recovery of Jean Valjean and France—and to a larger extent, the story of humanity's political and social progress.

THE STORY

In 1815, in France, a man named Jean Valjean was released after nineteen years in prison. He had been sentenced to a term of five years because he stole a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister and her family, but the sentence was later increased because of his attempts to escape.
He was free at last; he started out on foot for a distant part of the country. Innkeepers refused him food and lodging because his yellow passport revealed that he was a former convict. Finally he came to the house of the Bishop of town D-, a saintly man who treated him kindly, fed him, and gave him a bed. During the night Valjean stole the bishop's silverware and fled. He was immediately captured by the police, who returned him and the stolen goods to the bishop. Without any condemn, the priest not only gave him what he had stolen but also added his silver candlesticks to the gift. The surprised gendarmes released the prisoner. Alone with the bishop, Jean was confused by the churchman's attitude, for the bishop asked him “You would use the silver to help you become an honest man”.

A new character was introduced. A beautiful girl named Fantine lived in Paris. She gave birth to an illegitimate child, Cossette, whom she left with Monsieur and Madame Thenardier to take care of with their own children. As time went on, the Thenardiers demanded more and more money for Cosette's livelihood yet treated the child cruelly and deprived her even of necessities. Meanwhile, Fantine had gone to the town of M--and obtained a job in a glass factory operated by Father Madeleine, a kind and generous man whose history was known to no one, but whose good deeds and kindness to the poor were public information. He had arrived in M--a poor labourer, and by a lucky invention he was able to start a business of his own. Soon he built a factory and employed many workers. After five years in the city, he was named mayor and was beloved by all the citizens. He was reported to have exceptional strength. Only one man, Javert, a police inspector, seemed to watch him with an air of suspicion. He was determined to discover the facts of Father Madeleine's previous life. One day he found a clue while watching Father Madeleine lift a heavy cart to save Father Fauchelevant who had fallen under it. Javert realized that he had known only one man of such exceptional strength, a former convict named Valjean.

Fantine had told no one of Cosette, but knowledge of her illegitimate child spread and caused Fantine to be fired from the factory without the knowledge of Father Madeleine. Finally Fantine became a prostitute in an effort to pay the increasing demands of the Thenardiers for Cosette's support.

One night Javert arrested her while she was walking on the streets. When Father Madeleine heard the details of her troubles and learned that she was sick, he sent Fantine to a hospital and promised to bring Cosette to her. Just before the mayor left to get Cosette, Javert confessed that he had mistakenly reported to the Paris police that he suspected Father Madeleine of being the former convict, Jean Valjean. He said that the real Jean Valjean had been arrested under an assumed name. The arrested man ,Champmathieu, had to face trial after two days.

That night Father Madeleine struggled with his own conscience, for he was the real Jean Valjean. Unwilling to let an innocent man suffer, he went to the court for the trial and identified himself as Jean Valjean. After telling the authorities where he could be found, he went to Fantine. Javert came there to arrest him. Fantine was so terrified that she died. Valjean was able to escape from Javert. He went to Thenardiaers and took Cosette, a girl of eight, with him away from the Thenardiers. He grew to love the child greatly, and they lived together happily in the Gorbeau house on the outskirts of Paris. When Javert once more tracked them down, Valjean escaped with the child into a convent garden, where Fauchelevant, whose life Valjean had saved when the old peasant fell beneath the cart, rescued them. Fauchelevant was now the convent gardener. Valjean became his assistant, and Cosette was put into the convent school.

Many years passed. Valjean left the convent and took Cosette to live in a modest house on a side street in Paris. Meanwhile Thenardier had brought his family to live in the Gorbeau house and he now called himself Jondrette. In the next room lived Marius Pontmercy, a young lawyer separated from his grandfather because of his political views. Marius was the son of an officer whose life Thenardier had saved at the battle of Waterloo. When his father died he asked his son to repay Thenardier for his deed. Marius never suspected that Jondrette was really his father's saviour. When the Jondrettes were being evicted from their quarters, however, he paid their rent from his small pocket.

Among his frequent visits to Luxembourg, one evening Marius met Cosette and Valjean. He fell in love with the girl as he continued to see her in the company of her white-haired companion. At last he followed her to her home. Valjean noticed Marius and took Cosette to live in another house.

One morning Marius found an urgent help from Eponine Jondrette,elder daugter of Jondrette. His neighbours were again asking for help, and he began to wonder about them. Peeping through a hole in the wall, he heard Jondrette speak of a helper who would soon arrive. When the man came, Marius recognized him as Cosette's companion. He later learned Cosette's address from Eponine, but before he saw Cosette again he overheard the Jondrettes plotting against the man whom he believed to be Cosette's father. He was alarmed and told the details of the plot to Inspector Javert.

Marius was at the wall peeping Jondrettes through a hole, when Valjean came to give Jondrette money. While they talked, numerous heavily armed men appeared in the room. Jondrette then revealed himself as Thenardier. Marius was horrified did not know whom to protect, the man his father had requested him to befriend or the father of Cosette. Threatened by Thenardier, Valjean agreed to send to his daughter for more money, but he gave a false address. When this trick was discovered, the robbers threatened to kill Valjean. Marius threw a note of warning through the hole in the wall as Javert appeared and arrested all but Valjean made his escape through a window.

Marius finally located Cosette. One night she told him that she and her father were leaving for England. He was left with no options and went to his grandfather to get his permission to marry Cosette, but returned unsuccessful. In depression, he returned to Cosette and found Cosette’s house empty. Meanwhile, Eponine met him there and told him that his revolutionary friends had begun a revolt and were waiting for him at the barricades. Because Cosette had disappeared, he hurriedly followed Eponine to the barricades, where Little Gavroche, youngest son of Thenardier, had identified Javert as a spy. During the fighting Eponine gave her life to save Marius. As she died, she gave him a note, which Cosette had given her to deliver. In the note, Cosette told him where she could be found.In answer to her note, Marius wrote that his grandfather would not permit his marriage, that he had left with no money, and that he would be killed at the barricade. Valjean discovered the notes and set out for the barricades. Finding Javert tied up by the revolutionists, he was given the chance to kill him. But kind Valjean freed the inspector. The barricade fell to the army. In the confusion Valjean came upon the wounded Marius and carried him into the Paris gutters.

After hours of wandering, he reached a locked outlet. There he met Thenardier, was hiding in the dark, and agreed to open the grating in exchange for money. Outside Valjean met Javert, who took him into custody. Valjean asked Javert only to take Marius to his grandfather's house. Javert agreed to wait at the door, but suddenly he turned and ran toward the river. Frustrated by his true regard for duty and his hesitation to return to prison the man who had saved his life, he jumped into the river.

When Marius recovered, he married Cosette. Valjean gave Cosette a generous present, and for the first time Cosette learned that Valjean was not her real father. Valjean told Marius only that he was an escaped convict, believed dead, and he begged to be allowed to see Cosette occasionally. Gradually Marius banished him from the house.

One morning Marius found some paper cuttings, one was the report on Champmathieu’s trial scene, which narrated the whole scene of the trial. Another was concerned with Javert’s suicide, which stated that he was once saved by one of the rebels, who could have shoot him but instead of doing so he let him go free. Then Marius learned from Thenardier that it was Valjean who had rescued Marius at the barricade. Knowing that Marius and Cosette hurried to Valjean's lodgings, to find him on his deathbed. He died knowing that his children loved him and that all his entangling past was now clear. He gave the bishop's silver candlesticks to Cosette, with his last breath saying that he had spent his life in trying to be worthy of the faith of the Bishop of D-. He even asked her to forgive Thenardiers. And with that he closed his eyes and breathed his last breath.

CRITICAL APPRECIATION

Valjean represents the inherent good in every person, while Javert symbolizes the opposite, indeed two sides of the same coin. A single act of mercy shown by Bishop caused Valjean to drastically alter his ways. The depressing deaths of Fantine, Eponine, and the students are among the most emotional moments in the story, without which Valjean's noble death at the end of the story would not have its dramatic impact.

Hugo uses his novel to condemn the unfair class-based structure of nineteenth-century France. He shows time and again that the society turns good, innocent people into beggars and criminals. Hugo focuses on three areas that particularly need reform: education, criminal justice, and the treatment of women. He conveys much of his message through the character of Fantine. Fantine demonstrate the life of the single workingwoman. He shows how people take advantage of her and how she is thrown deeper and deeper into poverty and fear by her circumstances, as she was not educated. Even though she is able to secure a job as a factory worker and finds a home for her illegitimate daughter. The society forced her for prostitution in order to meet Thenardiers demand. This defines the treatment of women in 19th century. Hugo’s lead character, Van Valjean, reveals how the French criminal-justice system transforms a simple bread thief into a criminal.

Hugo used symbols to represent abstract ideas or concept. At the beginning of the novel, Hugo uses the contrast between light and darkness to highlight the differences between Bishop, an honorable citizen, and Valjean, a dark, a convict, incapable of love. When Bishop gives Valjean his silver candlesticks, Bishop is literally passing on this light as he tells Valjean he must promise to become an honest man. Later, the candlesticks reappear frequently to remind Valjean of his duty. Taken as a whole, Les Miserables or ‘the unfortunates’ demonstrates the best and worst of humanity. In addition to the general theme of redemption, the story is filled with various ups and downs of life, each of which offers a moral lesson to the readers.

- Azmi

ESSAY COMPETITION

We had invited for essays on the topic of ‘Role of Media’. We have got few entries. We are publishing them in edited and abridged version to encourage more and more young writers. We want this column to be more and more competitive. Hope, from next time we’ll get heap of entries. This column is meant for young bubbling minds. Participants from next time please mention the title of the essay and give us the details of you.

TOPIC for the next issue:
'One Saturday morning, I was walking in the park...'

Role of Media

It was an Indian poet who once said “ when face to face with a cannon, bring out a newspaper”. Media is very much part of our lives today. There are posters on the wall in TV and radio and public places giving us information about everything what is happening around us. There is no doubt that these information influence our lives greatly. The main function of media is to give public, information about a certain product, news etc. it gives us merit of different news and how it is superior to one another news of similar types. Media thus influences day-to-day choice. They can help us to decide to give vote to which party. It also informs us about the condition of the whether. Media gives us information about sports and different games. Business news gives us information about economic growth and depreciation of a country and also of share market.

Media also gives international news and also aware us of everything what is happening in this world. There are two types of media electronic media and print media. The news or advertisements that we see in TV are called electronic media, while what we read in newspaper is print media. Media plays a key role in society.

Media has demerits too. The kind of advertisement that we usually see in TV, make us more product conscious and status conscious. We become materialistic and tend to judge people by the type and range of products they use in their in their home. The worst victims are children; even their food habits depend on advertisements. But advertisement even has a good side. Agencies have come up with excellent advertisements to promote ban on tobacco and drugs. It also aware people of need of giving polio drops. Infact electronic media has changed our lives dynamically. And at last but not the least media has made our lives king size.

Sunil Kumar
Class- IXth
Navdeep Academy




Role of Media

Media is one of the important part of our society. As, the civilizations had advanced and with them have advanced the life style of people. Media has played very important role in rate of advancement of people of a nation. It is one of the ways of waking the society as, well-developed society. As we hear something we can’t remember it for long time but if we see that we are able to know and learn more about it. It is also one of the sources of entertainment as well as income. Now days, we are able to know about our society and whole around at a glance. It is media, which gave us the information about any of the natural or man-made calamities.

There are two major types of media they are: -
Print media
Electronic media

Print media like: - News papers, books, magazines etc.
Electronic media like - Radio, TV, computer etc.

Print media is the cheapest means of media as well as reachable in every corner of the world. It is the bold voice of the public against their government. It has too much importance in democratic as well as in socialist type of government. It is the path of common people to know about higher level. In the TV some programmes are very popular and some are not as much popular. Popular programmes have several sponsored advertisements. Thus TV channels get revenues. It is the best method of income for the owner of the channels as well as good for the advertisers. As more viewers are watching that channel so, the more people have to see those advertisements.

Different types of vacancies are coming to the common people through the means of media. So, it is also a riding stage for them. We learn so many things from it in our lifetime and hence it is also the way of education. Infact of having all these importance some means of media like TV have some bad effect also but it is on us, the viewers, the vouchers, that what they are adopting from the television.

Niripen Chakravarty
Class – IXth
School – Ekalavya Educational Complex


Role of Media

Media is that agency which formulates day-to-day ideology and valuable fact of the public, society, government and the news of every week and corner of the world. It can also be considered as the strong voice of the public. It brings day-to-day problems in front of every individual.

Media is very important as it tells every individual what is going on around the globe. There are two types of media – print media live newspaper, magazines, etc. And electronic media like television, radio, etc.

Newspaper is the best type of media as it reaches every part of the world and also it is very cheap. Print media is one if the most important source of public opinion. Media plays a vital role in giving a significant momentum to the public’s opinion. In electronic media it is very easy to understand the language as in this mode, we listen or watch the news. Media focus on the problems and difficulties faced by the public. It discusses the domestic and foreign policies of the government. It provides ample information regarding political corruption, world – wide economic depression, and terrorism and communication technology. It highlights the evils of cartelism, corruption and illiteracy. And it also suggests ways for dealing with such problem and difficulties. It is very important that media must be independent. As it directly analyses the news of valuable political, national, external and regional issues. In ancient world, when there was no media, the people of one area were unable to know about the outer world. But today, it is possible. The people of a place can know the situation of other parts of the world every second.

So, at last but not least an important point to be concern that media id the greatest source of various kind of knowledge information and it is the strong voice of the public. It makes the person valiant and perfect.



ANKIT
Class – IXth
School – Ekalavya Educational Complex

ADMISSION TO SCHOOL

Getting admission to good school is more difficult than getting a good job these days. One has to follow a set of process. All most all-good schools advertise in newspapers regarding their admission schedule. Application forms can be taken from the schools office or buy a registered post. Forms are to be completed and carefully filled in. incomplete forms are rejected. Different schools adopt different method of selection. Some holds a competitive test for selection. Most of admit students on the basis of marks obtained in the previous board examination. Students are selected for admission. Then they are called in interview. Both the academics performance plus dynamism in extra curricular activities decide the issue. If the admission board is satisfied with the performance and ability of the student, he is allowed to take admission other wise he will be rejected. Most of the good institutes select those students who got good marks in previous board exam. In this situation most of the student’s career tends to be end.

There are number of institutions for a number of courses. But there is no uniformity in educational status of these institutions. There is a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya almost in every district; these schools are reputed but all other schools in the districts are useless, here the question arises why? This is only because JNVs are nurtured and nourished by central government. Similarly IITs are the premier institutions only because they pompously or generously funded by HRD ministry. AIIMS is highly reputed because government of India funds it. Why other institutions are shelved in the cupboard of dingy rooms. The other institutions produce such young minds that are already harassed, called sub graded. They have very low confidence, they rug their shoulders in bazaar of fortune. Why? The only fault is that they couldn’t pass a single test for admission in those premier institutions. This damn test of caliber has ability to ruin the career of students.

Isn’t it well thought step to prevent all the students to pursue their dreams. Why not there are 100 IITs why not all the schools in villages are turned into JNVs. why only small set of students are being taught in elegant sophisticated mode.

In result of this dualism, the high voltage drama, the tensed mood, the depressed attitude are shown all over in student’s camps. Many of them commit suicide after failing in tests. I don’t know who wins in this race and enjoys all these tough games. This is why I say most depressed community is student’s community. In the country where taking admission in institution is a mountain some task, the dead slow development process is easily understandable.


- Narendra

KNOW THE COUNTRY


BACKGROUND:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th were followed by European traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all-Indian lands. Indian armed forces in the British army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. Fundamental concerns in India include the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and religious strife, all this despite impressive gains in economic investment and output.

LOCATION:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

CLIMATE:

Varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

POPULATION:

1,065,070,607

Labour force - by occupation:

Agriculture 60%, industry 17%, services 23% (1999)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2002 est.)

NATIONALITY:

Noun: Indian(s) Adjective: Indian

LANGUAGES:

Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language.

LITERACY:

Age 15 and over can read and write total population: 59.5% male: 70.2% female: 48.3% (2003 est.)

NAME:

Conventional long form: Republic of India Conventional short form: India

GOVERNMENT TYPE:

Federal republic


CAPITAL:

New Delhi

Currency:

Indian rupee (INR)

INDEPENDENCE:

15 August 1947 (from UK)

EXECUTIVE BRANCH:

Chief of state: President Abdul KALAM (since 26 July 2002); Vice President Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT (since 19 August 2002) head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since NA May 2004) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister

FLAG DISCRIPTION:

Three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band

ECONOMY – OVERVIEW:

India's economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of support services. Government controls have been reduced on foreign trade and investment, and privatization of domestic output has proceeded slowly. The economy has posted an excellent average growth rate of 6% since 1990, reducing poverty by about 10 percentage points. India is capitalizing on its large numbers of well-educated people skilled in the English language to become a major exporter of software services and software workers. Despite strong growth, the World Bank and others worry about the continuing public-sector budget deficit, running at approximately 60% of GDP.

INDUSTRIES:

Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:

9.5% (2003)

COMMUNICATIONS:

Telephone, Radio, Television, Internet

TRANSPORTATION:

Railways, Roadways, Airports, Waterways

MAJOR ISSUES:

Kashmir remains the world's most highly militarized territorial dispute. Portions under the administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas). But recent discussions and confidence-building measures among parties are beginning to defuse tensions; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding lands to China in the 1965 boundary agreement; disputes with Pakistan over Indus River water sharing and the terminus of the Sir Creek Estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch, which prevents maritime boundary delimitation; Pakistani maps continue to show Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; most of the rugged, militarized boundary with China is in dispute, but sides have committed to begin resolution with discussions on the least disputed Middle Sector; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to work on resolution of minor disputed boundary sections; discussions with Bangladesh remain stalled to delimit a small section.
SOURCE: The World Fact book (2003)

- Farooque

Genetic Engineering-Applications and Ethics

Arguably, the most significant medical breakthrough of the past century has been the Human Genome Project, which achieved the mapping of the genetic make-up of the humankind. Consequently, it has led to a spurt in the field of genetic engineering, a leading area for bio-medical research in recent times.

Genetic engineering, or genetic modification, refers to the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA usually outside the organism’s normal reproductive process. The aim is to introduce new characteristics such as making a crop resistant to a herbicide, introducing a novel trait, or producing a new protein or enzyme. Examples include the production of human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, or the production of new types of experimental mice such as the OncoMouse (cancer mouse) for research, through genetic redesign. Such genetically modified organisms, which have foreign genes incorporated in them, are referred to as Transgenic Organisms.

One of the best known applications of genetic engineering is that of the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).There are potentially momentous biotechnological applications of GM, for example oral vaccines produced naturally in fruit, at very low cost. Other achievements include the production of long-lasting high -yield tomato varieties such as ‘Flavr Savr’, herbicide-resistant transgenic Bt Cotton, or ‘Restriction Endonucleases’ used in analysis of DNA.
However, applications of genetic engineering have raised considerable ethical debates.
Proponents of genetic engineering argue that the technology is safe, and that it is necessary in order to maintain food production that will continue to match population growth and help feed millions in Third World countries more effectively. Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the problem is food distribution, not production, so people should not be forced to eat food that may carry some degree of risk.

Others oppose genetic engineering on the grounds that genetic modifications might have unforeseen consequences, both in the initially modified organisms and their environments. For example, certain strains of maize have been developed that are toxic to plant eating insects. It has been alleged those strains cross-pollinated with other varieties of wild and domestic maize and passed on these genes with a putative impact on Maize biodiversity. It is well known that the results from the Polymerase Chain Reaction method of analyzing DNA can often be confounded by sample contamination and experimental artifacts.

Activists opposed to genetic engineering say that with current recombinant technology there is no way to ensure that genetically modified organisms will remain under control, and the use of this technology outside secure laboratory environments carries unacceptable risks for the future.

There is also a fear that certain types of genetically engineered crops will further reduce biodiversity in the cropland; herbicide-tolerant crops will for example be treated with the relevant herbicide to the extent that there are no wild plants ('weeds') able to survive, and plants toxic to insects will mean insect-free crops. This could result in declines in other wildlife (e.g. birds) which depend on weed seeds and/or insects for food resources.

Proponents of current genetic techniques as applied to food plants cite the benefits that the technology can have, for example, in the harsh agricultural conditions of Africa. They say that with modifications, existing crops would be able to thrive under the relatively hostile conditions providing much needed food to their people. Proponents also cite golden rice and golden rice 2, genetically engineered rice varieties (still under development) that contain elevated vitamin A levels. There is hope that this rice may alleviate vitamin A deficiency that contributes to the death of millions and permanent blindness of 500,000 annually.

Supporters of the technology say that genetically-engineered crops are not significantly different from those modified by nature or humans in the past, and are as safe or even safer than such methods. There is gene transfer between unicellular eukaryotes and prokaryotes. There have been no known genetic catastrophes as a result of this. They argue that animal husbandry and crop breeding are also forms of genetic engineering that use artificial selection instead of modern genetic modification techniques. It is politics, they argue, not economics or science, that causes their work to be closely investigated, and for different standards to apply to it than those applied to other forms of agricultural technology.

On the economic and political front, many opponents of current genetic engineering believe the increasing use of GM in major crops has caused a power shift in agriculture towards Biotechnology companies gaining excessive control over the production chain of crops and food, and over the farmers that use their products, as well. However, the proponents argue that it will lower pesticide usage and has brought higher yields and profitability to many farmers, including those of developing nations. A few GM licenses allow farmers in less economically developed countries to save seeds for next year's planting.

Another bone of contention is the usage of genetic engineering in humans. While supporters and experts believe that it will help remove defects and thereby improve the over-all quality of life, religious groups, psychologists and many other opponents argue that blind applications of this technology will raise serious ethical arguments in the future, which will disobey the Divine Plan of nature, and also pose a problem of identity crisis in genetically modified human beings. Yet other experts argue that the basic opposition to any technology that aims to modify gene pool is the fact that it will inevitably decrease variation in the human genome, a factor that may prove fatal to any species’ ability to adapt to adverse conditions, thereby leading to extinction.

It is therefore difficult to completely favour, or disregard any technology whose primary aim is the betterment of human life and surroundings. We, as the most intelligent living beings on earth, have a duty to safeguard the environment and other creatures. Hence, as in any other advancement in technology, genetic engineering also requires careful consideration of its pros and cons, and a sharp ability to discretion along with a clear conscience, before embarking on any new roads to modernization and development.


- Afrin Haque

Dark shade on childhood





There are 2.2 billions children in the world but not all of them enjoy same quality of life. Nature and society is uniform for all of them. These are diversities and some diversity is cruel, murderous – hard to believe. We should ponder over the situation; we should have deep and insight about the situation. Here is a cross section.

· Children in this world – 2.2 billion or 220 crore
· Living in poverty – 1 billion or 100 crore
· Children in south Asia – 585 million or 58.5 crore

ð South Asia means India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
ð More than 26.6 % of total children lives in these 7 countries
ð See the enormous data of poverty, every second child is poor

Home, Water, Health core Data Ratio

Homeless children in developing countries --- 6.4 crore 1 out of 3
Children without safe drinking water --- 40 crore 1 out of 5
Children with no medical facilities --- 27 crore 1 out of 7


You can see how lucky you are that you can read this horrendous data is this magazine, while sitting in a comfortable chair.

EDUCATION

Children not going to primary school 12.1 crore

ð Children that are age of primary education are going to become illiterate.
ð And most of them are girls.

LIFE BUOY

Total number of children alive below five years ____ 1.06 crore
Of age in Germany, France, Greece, Italy

Total number of children died before five years ___ 1.06 crore
Of age in whole world

Children dieing per day before their 5th birthday in the world - 29, 158
Children dieing per day due to lack of drinking water and hygiene - 3, 900

ð It means in poor countries we can have large number of children but not feed then even for 5 years
ð A data reveals that most of them could have been saved i.e. they do not had any incurable disease.


MALNUTRITION

nutritionPercent of children having less weight than require: Yemen – 32 %
Sudan – 31 %
India – 30 %
Sweden – 4% (Sweden is a developed nation)

Percent of children (below five years of age) having seriously less weight than required

Sub – Saharans Africa – 8
Middle east and North Africa – 2
South Asia –16
East Asia and pacific – 3

ð It means a large number of mothers are not getting good and healthy food, they are giving birth to such children who are lonely down trodden.
ð There are a large number of children in India who are five years old but can’t stand upon because of their health.

HIV/AIDS

Children got orphaned due to AIDS in the word – 1.5 crore
Children aged less than 14 years, living with HIV in Sub Sahara Africa – 19 lakh

ð Aids have revival several, several children, who have done nothing wrong.
ð Cost of Cure standing AIDS is 300 $ (expended) and these almost 20 countries having their per capita national income less than 300 $. So, imagine its mountain some task for them.

CONFLICTS

1990 – 2003 no. of Armed conflicts in the worlds wars – 59
16 out of 20 most poor countries have faced big civil wars in last 15 years.
In 1990 no. of children died in conflicts – 16 lakh
No. of children forced to live their homes (less than 5 years age) – 2 years
In 1994, no. of children died due to conflicts in span of 90 days in Rwanda – 300,000

Take a special case of Iraq – 3 wrap in last 20 years.
50% of population is of aged less the 18 years.
Primary schools in Iraq – 14,000
Schools with no toilet at drinking water – 7000
Girls as percentage of boys involved in school – 62

Every year children are made victim of trafficking – 12 lakhs
Every year children are made victim of sex racket – 20 lakhs

OTHER SIDES

Goal – To give every child his dignified life.
Time limit – 2015 A.D
Cost – 40 – 70 billion $
In 2003 only money spent on military expense in the world – 956
OECD nations (most developed) – 22
UNO asked them to contribute for betterment of the world’s pathetic conditions – 0.7% of their GDP every year.
But only 5 of them have done it in 2002. it means if we had thought seriously about the problems we could have wiped them out but we were fighting with each others , we actually don’t want peace.



Source: UNICEF, Annual report 2005

New Generation Slave Trade

Americans are genius; they are the rulers of the world and will remain their janta for years to come. The east has not even sensed what dose of anesthesia has already been injected into them by now. We are completely unaware of the extent to which we are in to the age-old traditional way of development on their land. Yes I am talking of SLAVE TRADE.
We may continue to think for years to come that we are going through an Industrial revolution. But the fact is that the Yankees will make you believe on whatever they want you to, and it is exactly what they are doing at the moment.

With considerable development around the world and improved living standards of people in eastern part of the world practicing the same kind of slavery was not possible, rather was not required as the way the world trades today does not need hard working physical labours from Africa, but their replica in terms of mental labours. By replica I mean that they are treated in the same manner, paid in the same manner, and made to work according to their level of sustainability. They are not beaten up like the past slaves were for physical work, but are tortured mentally in terms of money, contracts and timeless assignments. And they do not rebel, because they know that what exactly is the level of thinking of a man from east has.

Taking instance of the so called “software industry boom” that India is going through. If we take a close look at the current scenario of the IT companies in India, we are mere workers for their industry. What they actually earn from an average project in India is hundreds of times what actually the Indian companies get. The peanut paid to Indian software engineers is like what we pay to the housekeeping maid who comes everyday and washes our dishes, or the sweeper who once in a week comes to clean our toilets.
I know that my words are too harsh for an intellectual mind, a genius programmer or a successful Indian software employee to accept, but this is what I am seeing right now and I have no intentions of offending somebody who disagrees with my word.

The world has rightly grown into an international market and it is we who need to decide that what we are in the market. Each country seems to have a role taken up for itself a role in this market. The superpowers stand for the entrepreneur, shop owners, manufacturers, industrialists, sales executives and almost all-top position that a market can provide. And we have undoubtedly assigned our own roles as labors, artisans, carpenters, cobblers, mechanics and almost everything that a poor man does to earn a living once he learns some skills.

It is not just IT that is facing this scenario; almost every industry is going through the same phase. We assemble cars in India; we assemble television sets in India, we sell in our shops with pride all the consumer goods that are made in “not -India”. We do it because they know how to get it done from us. But the saddest part is that we hardly get to realize what we are doing and what we are capable of.

The bottom line is we are made virtual horse – cart due to our own brilliant ability. This is the same proletariat – capitalist relationship (though not so harsh). We are running and running but still somebody is sitting on our saddle. No matter how much caliber the rider has and no matter what are the sufferings of the horses.

And this is not trait of a particular race or group of people but it’s natural human behaviour, we all love to rule on others. If we’ll get chance to ride on the horse – cart we’ll jump for our chance. After all we are humans.

I hope one day we will ride on our own destiny nobody will take advantage of his position his ability to ride on cart his culture, his artistic attitude. Alas! How many bluff masters are there in this world.


- Sudhanshu Shekhar
(Writer is a Software Engineer working in Mumbai)

YOUR VOICE

It is really commendable of the students to organize weekly get-togethers not to while away time by engaging in mundane gossip but to do something creative and positive. This is what study circles had been all about in the past. Over a period of time, the lure of study circles was lost in view of the busy lifestyle and umpteen distractions.Recognizing the worth and scope of study circle is a welcome move and reviving it is a positive step. Knowledge does not grow in isolation. It needs the nourishment of healthy interaction. If you keep the doors shut, fresh air and refreshing light will not reach you. You gain from the experience and knowledge of others.Sharing is part of the game. SAMAR is a refreshing fruit of your efforts. It will take some time to ripen and spread its aroma. As they say, journey of a mile begins with a single step. You have taken the step in the right direction, move forward. Don’t falter or fumble.

- ShamsAhsan
(He is Chief sub Editor of Saudi Gazette)


This post is so beautiful and so honestly written. I'm sure each of us could try and repay at least some of the kindness to our mothers (if it were ever possible) by being loving towards them.
Prem ki surat, Daya ki murat...
Aisis aur kahaan hai..jaisi meri maa hai.

- Afrin Haque

It is really nice to see that people like u all still exists. I don’t know how long this will continue but still I wish u guys all the best. This article, ‘In the chains of slavery’, is very true and everyone should know about it. Everyone talks about the child labour but still its very common n especially in Asia. Try to maintain your pace and come up with some new issues. I'll b joining u guys soon.

-Anonymous

BACK COVER

Poor children of India
(Back cover of the print version march'06)

April 2008

April  2008
Samar - a bimonthly and bilingual magazine