Do women have to live in fear?

In the past few days we have seen a number of atrocities against women. Girls aged five to teenagers and adult women have been molested and gang raped. Rapes have been making the headlines all over and in most cases the victims have not been given justice. This is a huge question mark on the Indian system and a shame to our nation.

The Indian youth raised their voice only after the ‘Delhi Gang Rape case’, where a girl was gang raped by six men on a bus. The whole country mourned and expressed their anger and disgust against the rapists and the government for their laid back attitude. Several different opinions and wants were brought out in the protests. While a few demanded justice for the girl, others insisted for a change in the law. “Death penalty for rapists,” was the slogan that rang loud.

Victims of rape seldom get justice; the criminals are given a 7 year imprisonment after which they are free. This definitely is not justice for a woman who has gone through psychological, emotional and physical trauma and who will carry the scars of his deed all through her life.

When the media brings to light such cases of rape, it becomes hard for the women all over the country to react in any other way apart from showing fear. It’s strange how rapes spread the message that women must take precaution and must stop provoking men rather than bringing a sense of reasoning among the public, especially the men. After all, the law does not specify that men provoked to rape are not rapists and who defines what is provocative to men and what is not. At the end of the day, why must women bear the brunt of the crime a man commits?

When the law starts treating rape as a crime fit to be given capital punishment, the public will change their attitude towards the incident, rapists will think twice before they commit such a brutal act. Rapes have become so common in the recent times, because the culprits do not fear the law. Rapists must be given death penalty, for the torture they put a woman through and for instilling fear in the hearts of several other females.

Human Rights Commission must look into the amount of human rights violation that happens every day when a woman is raped and when an infant is molested. Only when they realise the gravity of the situation will they understand that ‘capital punishment’ will do greater good to the society.

If one individual is living in fear of being manhandled or molested in a free and democratic country like India, it’s a black mark on the nation as a whole.

By demanding death penalty for rapists, India sends out only one message, the time for women to take precaution is over, it’s time to end the atrocities on women. It’s not just justice for one rape victim battling her life, it’s justice for several others who have gone through the same situation and the rest of the women in our country, who would not have to think twice before leaving home or coming late after work or college, it’s justice for every mother who will not be afraid of sending her daughter to school. It’s justice for the female deity India has worshipped for years.

- Sarah Thomas

Internet Shopping: The Latest Fad

Are you that typical shopper who walks into a million showrooms just to pick that perfect piece which would make you stand out? Or are you that person who wastes hours shopping, trying to perfect your wardrobe? Well if you thought there was no other way to do it than to go out and waste your precious time, then you were wrong!

We live in an era, where showrooms and brands come to your door step to cater to your needs. ‘Online Shopping’ is the new craze among shoppers. There are thousands of brands and millions of products that one could buy only through a click, and it comes with several benefits as well.

“Previously, online shopping meant disclosing your information and paying online, which was not safe. Many people were reluctant to shop online, but now with the ‘cash on delivery option’, consumers have a sense of security and if you don’t like the product you could exchange it,” said Merlyn D’Costa, home maker and regular online buyer.

Speaking about products and brands, internet shopping knows no bounds. From machinery to fashion accessories, they have it all. Electronic items are bought online as much as clothes and shoes. Online Shopping also called E-commerce has done a lot of good to several people. Even if one doesn’t have the full amount in hand, there is an option to pay in instalments.

Highlighting another benefit of online shopping, Darshan Chandrashekar, employee at Hewlett and Packard said that online shopping is a boon for workaholics like him, since he hardly gets time off to go shopping. Half an hour on the web and his work was done he added.

The rates online are lesser than what you would see in a showroom, and another advantage of shopping on the web is that shopping sites also provide discount coupons to their consumers. Mahesh Karunakaren, working at Ocwen expresses his opinion on the online shopping trend, “I have bought several products online and I have never been disappointed. A buyer not only gets to choose a product based on brand description, but you can also read several other consumer reviews, and you would instantly know if it’s worth the buy or not. I am also a part of several online sites and I get discount coupons too, which adds to the shopping experience.”

Online shopping involves several sites such as ‘Myntra’, ‘Jabongg’, ‘Yebhi’, ‘BeStylish’ and ‘Flipkart’. They are the shopping malls in the virtual world. Each site has its own policy and benefits that it offers its consumers. Vichitra Johnson, Engineering student at Vemana Institute of Technology appreciated the online sites for their efficiency. She said that she was amazed at the speed at which the product was delivered, a message was all she got and she received her package within two days.

There are a few qualms among customers about the sites not being genuine. However, the popular sites online have hardly given consumers a chance to complain. So it is very important for one to shop on a trusted and popular site.

Internet shopping has been growing in leaps and bounds in the recent times. Teenagers and adults have gone gaga over the new shopping trend. It’s fast, convenient, consumer friendly and feasible. There’s no reason one must hold oneself back from shopping online. If you haven’t shopped online yet, don’t worry it’s never too late to start.

- Sarah Thomas

A hypocrite's confession

The author of this is the world’s biggest hypocrite and is the best person to write on the topic.

Thefreedictionary.com defines hypocrisy as “the condition of a person pretending to be something he is not, especially in the area of morals or religion; a false presentation of belief or feeling. — hypocrite, n. — hypocritic, hypocritical, adj.”

Have you seen a hypocrite? You may have. He is like any normal person. Like you or me or any other person you see on the road. Basically, he is me. I am a hypocrite.

But why am I a hypocrite? There can be many reasons. One would be I am what I am, but I don’t want to project that. So I say that and do the opposite. I might be a man of “ideals” but don’t follow those ideals.

I am like the politicians you see on the Telly. I’m against liquor consumption. I might not consume liquor myself, but when my friends do so, I do not stop them. But I still party with them. I’m up there for women’s rights but when it comes to my own relationship, I’m still a male chauvinist.  I fight with my girlfriend for just talking to a guy and I end up doing worse things.

So why am I a hypocrite? One reason why I would say I am is because I don’t want my friends to be like me. When I see a reflection of me in them I find it terrifying. I find that they are slowly becoming like me or worse, worse than me. Example would be a male friend of mine. If he gets somebody else’s mobile in his hand, his first action would be to read their inbox. I scold him for doing so, asking him to respect that person’s privacy. But then he finds me doing the same, and asks how come I am doing the same. My only answer is “I can do whatever I want”. In reality, I can’t agree to the fact I am like that.

Another reason would be that everyone sees only the mask I’m wearing over the real me. I wouldn’t want to anyone to know the kind of person I am. I may be very decent in front of you, acting all respectable and nice, but on the inside I’m a pervert and an arrogant guy who you can hate before you can say “he is a hypocrite”.

But am I the only hypocrite in the world? I may be the biggest, but I am not the only one. Everyone wears a mask of deception and hypocrisy. No one is perfect, but I am the most imperfect of them all.

I am a hypocrite and I’m not proud of it

Oh! Time’s up. It’s time for my hypocritical activities.

AJAY CHANDRAN

What is cinema?

Cinema is writing of images with light and sound. It’s all about framing and lighting. As the great director Martin Scorsese said, “Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out”

Cinema is a worldwide phenomenon which showcases realistic stories, but also stories that can never happen in reallife (AVATAR and LIFE OF PI). Cinema is a social experience as it has an important role to play in the society.  We socialize with so many people around us, it is always good to talk to each other, to listen and to understand where we stand in the world .Showing us the world is what cinema is doing right now and it is the best medium for doing so. Cinema today not only relays on entertainment but it constantly emphasises the message that things are wonderful the way they are.  There is another kind of cinema apart from mainstream cinema called offbeat or parallel cinema, which always carries a social message or some key element or point to think over and coveys that the change is possible and necessary and it's up to us to think about it,and do something.

Cinema is a pleasure and always reduces our pressure. Watching cinema is something every individual likes to do. We can relate to many movies bur we never completely accept it. Cinema is more like an aesthetic art which is recalled and relished!

Indian cinema is really tough to define. Cinema is the most democratic and secular industry in India where the most educated and the least literate work together as a team (from director to light boy). Indian Film Industry is one of the largest in the world and it brings a lot of revenue to our country.today our cinema has emerged to such an extent that a new market and section of cinema called “Diaspora” has materialized. Cinema in India has become a part of academics because students study films and make films which represent their perception and visualization.

Cinema as an industry in India provides direct and indirect employment to the millions of people. Even though it is a gamble, our country’s passion towards cinema makes it simple and creates history and brings crores of pennies to the makers.  It provides entertainment to millions of people in today’s stressful times.  It has the power to influence the society and its beliefs. Cinema has become part and parcel of our lives as we get influenced by films and we do act filmy sometimes. We feel, think, react, relate and rejoice cinema.  The best medium which can reach the masses successfully and effectively is cinema!

In filmy words: “Cinema in India is like brushing your teeth in the morning. You can't escape it.”

----Bollywood King Khan Shahrukh.

Here are some most memorable dialogues of Bollywood let’s remember and give a tribute to Indian Cinema:

Now, it is hard to list every memorable movie quote.  So, let's take a look at some of the most memorable...

1) "Kitne Aadmi The", "Aree o Samba" "Basanti, In Kutto Ke Samne Mat Naachna" & hell more from Sholay

2) "Yeaii Raju Shyam Bol raha hain Ek Dusre Ka Naam nehi Lene Ko"from Hera Pheri

3) "Mogambo khush Hua" from Mr.India

4) "Babumashai" from Anand

5) "Main Goga Hu Goga aankhen nikalke gotik helta hoon " from Andaz Apna Apna

6) "Don ka intezaar to baara mulko ki police kar rahi hai. Lekin Don ko pakadna muskhil he nahi, namumkin hai" from Don

7) "Pura naam-Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, baap ka naam, Dinanath Chauhan, maa ka naam-Suhasini Chauhan, gaon- Mandwa, umar chhattis saal" from Agneepath

8. "Yeh tumhare baap ka ghar nahin, police station hain, isiliye sidhi tarah khade raho" from Zanjeer

9) "K.. K… K….K…..Kiran" from Darr

10) "Mere paas paisa hai, bangle hai, gaadi hai, Tumhare Paas Kya Hain?? Mere paas Maa hain" from Deewar

PRANTIK DESHMUKH

Beginner’s Guide: Memory Cards

PREFACE:

Today, almost all of us are using a smartphone, a digital camera, camcorder, etc. Hence, we are also getting memory cards for the same. But just like you see the processor, screen quality, RAM and what not about the device you are buying, ever wondered what is it that you need to check about your memory card?

In this article we will be talking about theory related to memory cards, what to check before buying and what is the right choice for your device.

INTRODUCTION – About SD Cards: 

Memory Card: A memory card (or a flash card) is an electronic flash memory (can be electrically programmed and retains data without power) data storage device used for storing digital information. They are commonly used in many electronic devices, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, MP3 players and video game consoles.

SD Cards: Secure Digital or (SD) is a non-volatile memory card format for use in portable devices.

The Secure Digital standard is maintained by the SD Card Association (SDA). This technology has been spread widely and has been implemented in more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models.

What’s the role of the SD Card Association (SDA)?

We are already aware of the compatibility issues we face in the tech world. The same happens with SD Cards due to the change in the technology (for the better). To notify buyers, the SDA uses several trademarked logos to enforce compliance with its specifications and assure users of compatibility. To know more about compatibility, we proceed further with more info (ah, tired?)

The SD format includes four card families in three form factors. The form factors are on the basis of the size of the cards – which are the original size, the ‘mini’ size, and the ‘micro’ size cards. The 4 families are the original Standard Capacity (SDSC) (1 MB to 2 GB, some 4 GB), the High Capacity (SDHC) (4 GB to 32 GB), the eXtended Capacity (SDXC) (32 GB to 2 TB), and the SDIO (input/output function with data storage).

Also, electrically passive adapters allow the use of a smaller card in a host device built to hold a larger card. Similarly, newer devices accept the older SD card models in contrast to the older ones which do not recognize newer cards.

Hence, the factors that are responsible for the prevention of use of a newer SD Card concluded are:

1. A newer card may offer greater capacity than the device can handle

2. A newer card may use a file system the host device cannot navigate

3. The host device is not designed according to the input/output which is provided by the SDIO card

4. The card family was changed (SD to SDHC or higher)

The above image shows different SD Cards on the basis of their sizes. The one you use for your phone is the microSD card (right).

Now, it’s time to end this section of the post. Quite boring I know it must have been for some, but for those who want to read more on this, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital, which is also the source of content for this section. I must say, it was one of the best reads on Wikipedia ever.

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE: 

This is probably what you are looking for in this article. Without wasting much of your time, the following is what you need to check before buying your SD Card:

1. Class of SD Card - The SD Association defines standard speed classes indicating minimum performance to record video. Both read and write speeds must exceed the specified value. In simple words, the class of an SD card defines the speed of the memory card. Which is an easy estimation used widely as – Class 2 will give minimum 2 MBps write, Class 4 will give 4 MBps write & so on.

SD card’s speed is measured on the basis of – the time take to read and write information to the card. In applications that require continuous write throughout, such as video recording, the device might not perform well if the card’s class rating falls below the required rating. For example, a camcorder built for a Class 6 card may suffer dropouts or corrupted video if a slower card is used.

The speeds are defined in terms of video recording as following:

i) Class 2 for SD video recording

ii) Class 4 and 6 for HD – Full HD video recording

iii) Class 10 for Full HD video recording and HD still consecutive recording

iv) UHS Speed Class 1 for real-time broadcasts and large-size HD videos

Till now, we have been talking about the theoretical part. The question which must be going on in your mind is – what’s the right one for your device? Imagine this scenario – if you just buy a class 10 card and use it with a low end phone (say Samsung Galaxy Y), you won’t get the speeds defined as those phones cannot handle these speeds.

Also if you buy a high end phone (say Samsung Galaxy S III, Motorola RAZR) and use a class 2 card, most of your HD videos almost stutter to death, not to mention the experience while recording in HD.

An easy suggestion: Class 4 is the best for phones; Class 6 is better suited for high end phones.

2. Your Needs: This is not related to tech but something you should take care of before buying. The high speeds cards are expensive and only buy them if you are interested in doing activities that demand that high speed. It’s always better to spend only on your needs and requirements.

3. Warranty: SD cards are at times likely to be corrupted. It is suggested that you try the card in the shop itself and buy cards only from the leading brands. (SanDisk, Sony, Samsung are a few to name). Buying cards online is not recommended.

EPILOGUE: 

So, if you see a lower priced card of the same storage compared to the other, make sure you check the specs as that price might be keeping you in the dark. Time to say ‘bye’ friends; hopefully you would be now less doubtful on your buy. Still, if you have any confusion regarding your device, card, etc., feel free to start a discussion in our Facebook community  https://www.facebook.com/TechnoForums?fref=ts

or mail us at farhan.kv@gmail.com / technofaq@gmail.com

- Farhan Hussain

Mushrooms, whenever you want them

Nature always has its own time to give all its providence to us. But science went a step ahead and proved that we can get anything at anytime, if we plan. Ms. Pyari, a young lady from an ordinary middle class family  proves this by her own effort of cultivating mushroom at home. 

It is a well-known fact that only during the rainy season we can get mushroom, it would definitely surprise you if you get a well-prepared mushroom curry in the hot summer day. That was what happened to me when I encountered her in a remote area of the new state Jharkhand in India. It was an inspiring work that she is involved in. She is the pioneer of the new business in that area and now there are more than hundred people involved in the same.

Ms. Pyari started the cultivation just as an hobby. But later the situation led her to change her hobby into a leading business. She says, about her hobby, “I am doing this because I do not want to waste time and being idle is not good for both mind and body. This, I would not call an exercise, it’s more like my pastime and it produces very good food for us.”

Since Pyari made her hobby into a business, she earns more than thirty thousand per month. Though she is doing business out of this new and rare cultivation, she still maintains her humbleness and relates with people in a simple and joyful manner. This character of Pyari helped her to teach the new technique to the villagers. Thus there are more than 200 families benefiting from cultivating mushroom.

Though the internet provides with enough information about cultivating mushroom with many modern technologies, Pyari gives an easier way out. She said, “I learned this from one of my friends. She did not charge me for anything and that is why I teach the villagers for free. Every day I go to different houses and practically teach them how to grow mushrooms. I am happy to share with the world the way I prosper.”

Since there are less facilities in the village for chemicals, they use all the available things like paddy straw and hot water.  As per the rule, the paddy straw has to be boiled well in hot water. This is done in order to sterilize the straw. Mushroom is fragile in nature and can be easily spoilt. There is a long complicated process which is followed in order to keep them safe. After 21-23 days the seeds sprout out tearing the wall of the bags. Once it is out, they have to be watered at least three times a day. Healthy mushrooms are thus grown in the village. Pyari, along with the village, is truly a inspiration to us all.

EDWIN RAJ

Data cards or Wireless Network?

Is switching to internet Modems (data cards) good or bad? Or is it still the old fashioned wireless network which is occupied in connecting to internet and the consumers? Well, whatever it is these network industries have grown along with the technology.

Wireless networks are computer networks which avoid installing cables into buildings or connections with various equipments. They are connected using radio communication which is easy and has no issues in getting connected easily. It’s a very fast process and very friendly with home network.  Wireless network is widely used in offices, colleges and schools of late.

Modems are devices that modulate a signal to encode digital information.  Modems can be used over many ways of transmitting analogue signals from light to radio signals. Over the years, people have accessed to internet modems as they are portable, weightless, fast browsing and cost- reasonable when compared to a wireless network.  They are generally classified by the amount of data that can be sent in a given unit of time. And most of us relay on them to provide customer satisfaction and security which is not honourably present in wireless network. Internet modems provide customer service 24*7 and security.

“Main reason of getting access to them is because they are cost reliable and they come with a good quality and customer support,” said Archana Iyer, a student. She further adds that she has switched over to internet modems since two years; they work great and give her better satisfaction in browsing.

Wireless networking is a little more complicated when compare to modem networking. In wireless networking consumers need to undergo lot of process and costs is not friendly with everyone which is possible with modems. Looking at rate of usage which people get with modems, in present network companies started to manage service with both wireless and modems.

The availability of these networking devices is reachable when compared to wireless. And there are various ranges in these modems. “Wireless network is what I get accessed when I am working at home but then I always have a deadline of working with wireless LAN  as they cost a lot,” said Sushma, She even says that she prefers carrying a modem to work on net than collecting all work and sorting it out in home with fear with wireless network.

Bottom line: With the introduction of these modems that are loaded speed, easily portability and as their objectives they have been people’s choice when it comes to internet network.

SHAILASHREE

The land that bears a treasure worth 1 Lakh Crore

Thiruvananthapuram is the land of Sree Anantha Padmanabahan, where he rests on Adi Shesha. I was on my way to this great city and I was really excited. As I entered Venad express to go to meet my cousins in Trivandrum I didn’t know what to expect there. My cousins were waiting for me on the platform and I was happy to see them.

The next day we ventured out to the city and visited the land mark of Thiruvananthapuram after which the city’s name was derived.  Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple is the richest temple in the world. I don’t think any corporate company is this rich. The temple looked magnificent from outside.  Even the Padmatheertha Kulam outside it looked beautiful.  My heart ached to enter this magnificent structure and view the temple in all its splendour about which I had only heard of.

My next visit was to Beemapally, which is a pilgrim centre for Muslims.  The mosque is known for its Urus (an annual festival). This temple is a shrine of Beema Beevi who is believed to be a family member of Prophet Mohammed.

Later that day we went to visit Shankumugham beach which was close to the mosque. Located close to the beach were the iconic Indian Coffee House and the famous nude statue of a “Jalakanyaka” by famed sculptor KanayiKunjiraman. It caught our attention as the sculpture was an exquisite work of art.

Next day we visited one of the hottest tourist spots in Kerala-Kovalam beach. It is situated around 15km from the city. The shops that line the streets to the beach sell mostly trinkets that are of interest to tourists. The beach was filled mostly with foreigners out to get a tan. A short distance from the main beach is the red and white striped light house which is a landmark of the shore line of Kovalam Beach.

My trip to Thiruvananthapuram was a rejuvenating one. One must visit this beautiful city as it is a very enriching experience.

MUHAMMED MK

A Kite in fright

Wednesday, January 16 was probably one of the most horrifying days for the Pariah Kite that was flying through the hostel block of St Joseph’s College.

Unaware of the thin ‘manja’ that crossed its path, the kite flew right into it. Its right wing got entangled in the string. The bird struggled for minutes but was not able to free itself.  Stuck nearly 9 feet above the ground, it caught the attention of the passing students and staff members.

In an attempt to free the helpless bird, one of the staff members used a stick and began hitting the ‘manja’. This only worsened the condition of the entangled bird, who was now too exhausted to make an effort to release itself.

                                                                                             

Photos Courtesy: www.nerdybirder.com (Left); www.flickr.com (Right)

Environment journalist and part time lecturer, Marianne De Nazareth was a witness to the scene, among many others. Terrified by the plight of the bird and the man’s unsuccessful attempts, she said “There’s no use hitting it, someone needs to cut the string.” One of the students residing in the hostel took her suggestion, immediately got a scissors and cut the ‘manja’.

The still entangled bird fell to the ground and lay there almost dead. A group of students surrounded the bird. While a few took pictures of the helpless creature, the staff members tried to untie the ‘manja’ that was caught around the kite’s wing. The staff member pulled the ‘manja’ so hard that it almost damaged the wing. Finally, the bird was taken away and given water to drink. The kite regained its energy and took flight after a while.

Photo Credit: Sathish Rajan M

The whole scenario was a shocker to many of the onlookers. How often do you see a kite stuck in a ‘manja’? It’s truly a rare sight, as it is said that the vision of these birds are extremely sharp and accurate. At any other normal instance, the bird would have dodged the string.

However, if you ever come across a bird stuck on a string or a wire, the best thing to do, is to handle the situation daintily. After all, their wings are equivalent to our limbs; a small mistake would disable them for life.

SARAH THOMAS

An evening that brought together traditions of Pilerne and Campsite thrills

The rain tree hall at Catholic Club on January 11 was abuzz with activity and infectious excitement as it was the day of not one but two book launches held by I-Browse, written by two very special authors.

“It took me around 11 months to write it,” said a visibly excited yet fairly composed 12-year old author Vindhya Vishwanath, introducing her novel-‘Campsite Creeps’ at the book launch. Having a fully-fledged novel to her credit whilst children of her age barely have any literary pursuits at all, Vindhya flashes her gleeful smile before confessing to have been a voracious reader who has read as many as 500 books, before churning a book of her own.

Marianne and Vindhya at the launch

“It is for us parents to encourage them toward reading and throw open the world of joy that books offer,” said Vishwanath, Vindhya’s father, adding that his initial efforts of making Vindhya take to reading have led her to this laudable accomplishment today. The little author then went on to speak about her initial manuscript that was handwritten and the ups and downs that it faced en route to publishing, before reading out some enrapturing passages from her novel. An adventure thriller revolving around the exciting experiences of 5 children and 2 pet dogs on a camp, the book is for all those who have themselves enjoyed the outdoors.

This was followed by the much awaited part of the evening, the launch of Marianne De Nazareth’s second book and first novel-‘Above the rice fields of Pilerne’. Very well known for her far-stretching career as a journalist, the creative story-teller in her comes alive through this compelling read that revolves around three generations of a Goan household in Pilerne, a tiny village that boasts of acres of rich rice fields that exist even today.  A must read for all those who cherish old traditions and warm family ties and those with Goan roots would enjoy the book even more.

Marianne receiving the bouquet of flowers

Talking of his wife’s impeccable literary prowess and an equally endearing sense of empathy that never putsdown another, Gregory De Nazareth said, “She will always go on to enrich, educate and entertain us with her resourceful writing. But she is even better a human, always keen on upholding peoples’ positives and helping them get better. She is a godmother to a great deal of youngsters, not only inspiring them, but also helping them carve a niche for themselves.” He went on to narrate interesting anecdotes of the Furtados in Pilerne and spoke of some lesser known Goan traditions that the book revolves around.

Marianne then took over; reading a fascinating passage from the book that elaborately narrated the feast of St. Baptist, a celebrated occasion in Pilerne. It was a glimpse enough to entice us all into the story. Questions followed and she went on to explain that though the book is largely fictional, gathering impetus from her fond memories of vacations in their ancestral home of Pilerne, it did find real-life inspiration as well.

As she was felicitated by fellow book lovers and the discussion continued, the evening could not get any better. The latest addition to her already in-exhaustive list of feats is this one, a splendid book launch of her own whilst giving wings to the dreams of a 12-year old.

NITYASHREE YADUNATH