The nursery of character building is one’s home. Blessed is the person with wonderful parents who are compassionate but also tough, with high ethical standards. I consider myself lucky to be blessed with parents of indomitable spirit and high moral values. As a child although their words seemed somewhat inefficacious, in the later stages those were just golden words for a better life. Adhering to their words, suggestions and commands have helped me to live a life of happiness with satisfaction and content. The words my father spoke to me very firmly with emotion and did not cane me, although the occasion deserved such a punishment still echoes in my ears and brain. This golden phrase has helped me in my distress, to live with my head high. Looking around, I too feel that these are epitomes for a better life to be cherished by self and respected by others. From a very humble to a respectable government position in the education world with high qualifications, my father came a long way and is an epitome of perseverance and success. In our various conversations at different situations, he speaks very highly of his parents, although illiterate, who instilled the hunger for success and roots for ethical standards in his childhood.
On that particular day, my father said to me,
“Do not do things in public which you cannot do in front of me.”
I was about 12/13 years old and it changed my perception and moulded in me a character for life.
Although a simple phrase, it encompasses several dimensions of life, be it honesty, character, attitude, temperament, personality, integrity, leadership and so on.
It has tremendously helped to remain self motivated in difficult stages if life.
Picture on left is the Peach Sapling planted by me on 27.08.14 and on the middle is as on 22.02.16 and bearing fruits on 2018
Three trillion is the latest estimate of the planet’s tree population, published in the September 2015 issue of ‘Nature’, an international weekly journal of science. Although this number exceeds the number of stars in the Milky Way, it has also been estimated that 15 billion trees are cut down each year. Europe, India and eastern China have lost much of their original forest cover along with the African forests due to increase in human activity and climate changes. Forest in Southeast Asia has changed drastically and from 1970 to 2009, Thailand and Vietnam lost 43% of their forest cover, Cambodia and Laos lost 22% and 24%, respectively and if the trend continues, more than 30% of the regions remaining forest will be cleared by 2030. However, a study of NASA’s Landsat satellite program’s four years data i.e. 1990, 2000, 2005 and 2010 by Do-Hyung Kim and other remote-sensing scientists at the University of Maryland in College Park led to the conclusion that net forest losses, often due to the clearing of land for agriculture, increased sharply from 2000 to 2005 and then decreased by around 7% from 2005 to 2010. This analysis of forest losses and gains during the 20 year span gives hope. Further, studies have shown that deforestation in Amazon Basin due to the sincere efforts of Brazil has dropped by roughly 75% over the past decade. The countries with highest tree density are, Finland 72,644 trees per sq km, Slovenia 71,131 trees per sq km, Sweden 69,161 trees per sq km, Brazil 35,288 trees per sq km, Canada 32,055 trees per sq km and UK 12,264 trees per sq km. interesting another information that has been in circulation in the social media is the term ‘Trees per person’ i.e. the total number of trees divided by the population of the country. The global average comes to around 422. Canada with a total 318 billion trees has 8,953 trees per person is at the top of the list followed by Russia with 641 billion and 4,461 trees per person. The most populous country China with 139 billion trees and 102 trees per person fares much better than India, which with 35 billion trees has just 28 trees per person.
Tropical rainforests store more than 210 gigatons of carbon and deforestation is the cause of 15% of carbon emissions. Further, trees release oxygen when they use energy from sunlight to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water. It is estimated that, a mature tree which is 12 m tall and weighs two tonnes, including the roots and leaves it produces 100 kg of oxygen per year.
A human being requires around 740 kg of oxygen per year which translates into the need for around seven or eight trees per person. So, the situation is alarming for us.
According to a Central government report, Assam, India has lost 2 sq km of forest cover from 2011 to 2013. The report stated that of the 78,438 sq km of the State’s total geographical area, 27,671 sq km is covered by forest, which was 27,673 sq km in 2011. An interesting facet is that the very dense forest cover has remained the same at 1,444 sq km of area, the area covered by moderately dense forest has decreased by 59 sq km to 11,345 sq km and area covered by open forest has increased from 14825 sq km in 2011 to 14,882 sq km in 2013, an increase of 57 sq km and so the overall decrease is 2 sq km of forest cover. A recent news item published revealed that in the BTC, a total of 39,750.86 hectares of forest land was under encroachment. In spite of regular news item of tree felling in the reserve forests, the authority concerned have failed to undertake measures to check the massive felling of tress. Similarly, about 1.36 lakh trees were chopped down to build a 670-km stretch of the East-West Corridor in Assam. But, replacement trees in the newly laid highway are virtually none as large stretches bore no tress. According to the study carried out by environmental NGO Green Globe as against the norms of planting 999 trees for every km of the highway – 333 median plantation and 333 in each of the avenues, only median plantation was carried out in about 10 per cent of the highway stretch. Further their study also revealed that in some stretches most of the saplings planted have already died as no barricading was provided to protect the planted saplings.
The decrease in forest cover has led to man-animal conflict and loss of life and property due to man-elephant conflict at different part of the state has become a regular issue. One of the main reasons of deforestation and increased man-animal conflict is the increase in population leading to encroachment of forest land. Government schemes of tree plantation have till date not been able to yield results due to lack of effective implementation plan. In, most of plantation drives undertaken, the conversion rate of these saplings transforming into trees has been so poor that one can easily conclude that the scheme launched and successfully completed could only accomplish the intention of creating a record only. Only a few of the saplings have transformed into tress which may in real sense provide us with the necessary oxygen, reduce carbon di oxide, provide shade, fruits, wood and also prevent flooding and erosion; i.e. the importance and the basic benefits of a tree. It is seen that in most cases, in spite of providing protection to the planted saplings, they do not survive mostly due to the inadequate protection and after care measures, like regular watering and providing with the necessary manure etc. It has been observed that in most of the cases of plantation drives by the side of roads, the few samplings that survive are mostly due the care taken by the nearby residents. These categories of people due to their love for trees and also because of the fact they care from within, nourish the saplings and ensures that they stay alive to grow into trees. Their maxim is in line with the saying of Warren Buffett, ‘Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’ Plantation drives undertaken through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) Employment generation schemes of Government of India, have failed miserably as the saplings to be planted lie uncared for several days before being planted. So, by the time these saplings are planted, they are already dead. In spite of the government coming with such beautiful schemes which serves the twin purpose of employment generation and environment protection the end result is still questionable.
Taking a cue, it may be beneficial if the people from the locality where a plantation drive is scheduled are made equal partners in the process. They may be entrusted with the job of planting saplings, taking care and finally ensuring that these saplings transforms into tress. For their effort, apart from the expenses incurred, they may be recognized by means of awards which may be cash incentives also. Involvement of women and children will prove more effective in such a venture. Assam is blessed with a very fertile soil which allows seeds to germinate with ease and thus seeds may be planted instead of saplings. This will reduce the expenses a lot, improve the conversion rate and also reduce the scope of corruption in the long run. Another cue may be taken from the ‘Swatch Bharat Abhijan’ where the corporate entities and PSUs were roped in. Similarly such entities may be allocated areas for plantation, the outcome of which has to be seen as full grown up trees over a certain time period. Schools and colleges may also be asked to have a certain number of tress in line with the available area compulsorily. It’s time to think differently and act for creation of a green sate in true sense for the benefit of our future generations.
As the Chinese proverb goes,
‘The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now.’
“The way we dress affects the way we think, the way we feel, the way we act, and the way others react to us.”Judith Rasband.
The quote made me think and realize the true value in it. It is widely believed that, on an average one has a total of five seconds to make a good impression when meeting with people and this time doesn’t allow one enough time to speak and create an impression. So, imagine the complexity of this and the importance of these few seconds in case of an interview or meeting a new prospect. Further going into a bit detail in this area it has been found that after a series of experiments by Princeton psychologists Janine Wills and Alexander Todorov they revealed that all it takes is a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face, and longer exposures don’t significantly alter those impressions (although they might boost your confidence in your judgements). They published these interesting facets on first impression in the July 2006 issue of Psychological Science as an article titled “First Impressions.”
On the personal front, looking back, it reminds me of the life experiences shared realized by one of my uncle, a college lecturer who has now since retired. At the height of his youthful days, whenever he needed to borrow money, he used to go to the most happening shop in the town, the owner known and a common friend in the most beautiful and smart dress he could; sometimes in a suit and with a tie. Then he would confidently ask for some money on some pretext or the other, promising to pay in the next pay cycle. And the owner never hesitated; he would gladly handover the money. But, on the other hand, not so long back when he was dressed in a normal manner, the same owner didn’t obliged. So, he gave this example and said this to me in my childhood, as I commenced my journey for higher studies at Guwahati, Assam, India. I too got to see the power of power dressing, when my cousin did the same. My cousin and me were waiting to meet the Director of Technical Education, Assam to get an issue sorted out. The secretary to the director was a man who didn’t allow people to go in. It was an ardent task to meet him. So, my cousin, who was a student in Guwahati University, took the responsibility to get the job done for me. He was dressed in formals and was wearing a safari suit. As we reached, he just knocked the door of the Director and went inside. I don’t know what he said, but after a few minutes I was called and the issue was sorted out. I was surprised, to which my cousin said, see the power of ‘power dressing’. Today, simply my dress and confidence did the job for you and with so much of ease. I never paid heed to these, as I was a firm believer of simple living and good thinking. But, during preparing for a presentation in my engineering days in my college; which was very rare in those days; I was very tensed. I practiced in front of the mirror, but couldn’t find myself comfortable, although I was thorough about the technical details. But, on the penultimate day I planned for a dry run. I dressed to the occasion, with my favourite shirt and trouser and WOW, it was the beginning… I have never ever felt uncomfortable while dealing with people in different platforms, both nationally and internationally.
Analyzing and discussing with such people, who dress smartly, it has been found that these category of people love and like themselves, they are happy with the features they are born; they don’t try to change it but only try to enhance themselves externally by dressing smart. Once, they feel comfortable and satisfied with their dress, they ooze with confidence. Believe me, its time tested and is very true. I am a firm believer of what Maria Sharapova had said, ‘When you look good, you feel good. Confidence with what you are wearing is very important. If you feel good, you will always perform your best without worrying about anything.’ She dresses beautifully, plays tennis with elegance and in this fiercely competitive game she was ranked number one in five occasions. So, she has proved it. For this, the only resource you need is your will power and interest. Choose the best dress you have along with a pair of shoes and wear them tidily to any special occasion. But, before this, try to wear dress gracefully everyday with the available resources you have. Never wear a dress in which you are not comfortable and you do not like seeing yourself. Discard such dress and if necessary create a new wardrobe. Just try and you will feel the difference. But, a word of caution; never try a new dress, not tried at home, to any important occasion like appearing in an interview or making a presentation to an audience or public speaking. If you are not comfortable with the dress or you are not fully sure that it suits you, you will definitely feel uncomfortable and at the end this will be in the back of your mind and you will most likely to flatter.
So, the rules are;
first look at yourself in the mirror, introspect, feel blissful the way you are being crafted and where you have no control (you can change yourself by surgery, which is a different aspect altogether).
This is what I term as
‘Loving self’.
It may sound so simple, but actually it’s a difficult task. You have to be true to yourself to pass through this step successfully. One you are through, the next step is easier. Wear a dress you have and check yourself in the mirror again. If you had learned to love yourself by being content with the way you are, then you will feel comfortable with most of the dress you wear provided they are clean and tidy. Otherwise, even if you say so, you will be uncomfortable. People can understand your situation very easily as you will show signs of uneasiness; adjusting you hair, sweat in your forehead, occasional scratches here and there, uncomfortable seating postures, cross hands, and so on. This reminds me of what John Galliano said, ‘The joy of dressing is an art.’
In my numerous dealings with people, in the various interviews, public meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences etc., I have observed that people who are adequately dressed for the occasion, creates an aura of positivity. People on the other side always treat such people with warmth and believe me, a favorable atmosphere is already created. And so, the battle is already half won. From the experiences in my current profession I can say that people who dress smartly are always at ease, they can speak up and put their views across very nicely. On the flip side, people who are confused, nervous while dealing with people are mostly not adequately dress. So, borrowing from Regina Brett, ‘No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.’
As, Edith Head, an American costume designer had said, ‘
You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it’
and also proved it by winning a record 08 (eight) Academy Awards for Best Costume Design.
So, what stops you; go give a try, change yourself. If you give it a go, it’s a Win-Win situation for you.
