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Positive Reads

Tilak Was Inspired by This Ganesh Mandal – Hint: It’s Not in Mumbai or Pune!

When you think of the oldest Sarvajanik (Open to All) Ganesh mandals in India, your mind may immediately wander to bustling cities like Mumbai or Pune. However, the honor of hosting India’s oldest Sarvajanik Ganpati celebration actually belongs to the vibrant city of Solapur. Established in 1885, eight years before Lokmanya Tilak gave the festival a public form, the Ajoba Ganpati Mandal of Solapur has been a symbol of devotion, community spirit, and environmental consciousness for over 144 years. In 1883, Lokmanya Tilak introduced the Sarvajanik Ganesh festival to unite people and support the freedom movement. However, eight years earlier, a group of notable elders in Solapur’s Shukrawar Peth had already established the Sarvajanik Ajoba Ganpati. It is Ajoba Ganpati that inspired Tilak to give the Ganesh festival a public form, as recalled by elders. Ajoba Ganpati is now in its 140th year and nearing the 150-year milestone.Lokmanya Tilak shared a close friendship with Appasaheb Warad, the founder of the Indrabhuwan Building. Tilak would stay at Warad's residence whenever he visited Solapur. On one occasion, Warad brought Tilak along to the pan-supari event at Shri Pasare's residence near the old Faujdar Chawdi. Watching the gathering of citizens for Ajoba Ganpati’s festival inspired Tilak’s vision for a Sarvajanik Ganesh festival.The Ajoba Ganpati of Shraddhanand Society has a significant history. The establishment of Ajoba Ganpati in Shukrawar Peth, Solapur, took place 140 years ago. Today, the revered idol is housed in an attractive, grand temple in Manik Chowk.Source: The Brighter WorldThe Origin of Ajoba Ganpati MandalEstablishment of Shraddhanand SocietyLala Munshiram, a renowned lawyer in Lahore High Court, became known as Swami Shraddhanand after taking sannyasa (renunciation). He was also the president of the Congress Committee at the time. On December 12, 1926, a religious fanatic shot him dead at his residence. In protest, a shutdown was observed in Solapur. On that day, prominent figures from the freedom movement gathered at Tripurantakeshwar Temple and established the Shraddhanand Society in Swami Shraddhanand’s memory. The Sarvajanik Ajoba Ganpati Mandal began operating under the guidance of this society, promoting nationalistic values among the youth. The Shraddhanand Society organized activities such as exercise classes, dandi-patta training, and youth gatherings to foster enthusiasm, self-confidence, and intellectual awakening. These efforts produced noted wrestlers and athletes. Given that many freedom fighters from Shukrawar Peth were involved in the movement, the area came to be known as the "neighborhood of freedom fighters."A Symbol of Hindu-Muslim UnityInitially, Ajoba Ganpati symbolized Hindu-Muslim unity. Maghrib Shah Baba of Manik Chowk used to offer floral garlands to the idol and pay his respects with great devotion.In processions, the green flag of Pir Magribashah Baba was present, and even today, their worship holds a significant place. Prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, ex-Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Sharad Pawar, Nitin Gadkari, and Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray, among others, have visited the Ajoba Ganpati.Pioneer of Eco-Friendly Ganesh FestivalAmid the growing call for eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations, the Ajoba Ganpati Trust stands as an exemplary leader. Since 1885, the Trust has been promoting the use of environmentally friendly materials like paper, twigs, gum, and clay. In 1993, a scientifically crafted idol was created by Kerala artists to replace the older one after 108 years of worship.During the main Ganesh immersion procession of Solapur city, Ajoba Ganpati holds the highest honor as the last Ganpati. The spectacle includes a disciplined display of over 500 youths performing the traditional Lezim dance, along with 200 boys and girls showcasing a captivating drum performance. The unified white attire and rhythmic instruments enthrall the onlookers.Ajoba Ganpati's Magnificent TempleIn 1994, an elegant temple was built at Manik Chowk. Since then, regular religious ceremonies and grand aartis are held, with the temple becoming a pilgrimage site during festivals. Devotees have offered gold and silver ornaments, including a silver throne and golden crown.Ajoba Ganpati Trust has actively participated in national campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Save Water Save Nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided food to underprivileged families. Other initiatives include assistance for disaster victims, scholarships for students, medical aid, and tree plantation drives.The Legacy of Ajoba Ganpati TodaySolapur’s Ajoba Ganpati Mandal reflects the enduring power of tradition, sustainability, and communal harmony. The Mandal laid the groundwork for a concept that has only gained importance over the years: celebrating festivals with respect for both culture and the environment. Under the dedicated leadership of trustees Siddharudh Nimbale, Anil Sawant, Chivanand Adkale, Chivanand Vanarote, Kamlakar Karmalkar, and Gurunath Nimbale, the Mandal continues to uphold these values with unwavering commitment.Even after 144 years, Ajoba Ganpati continues to inspire devotion and pride among Solapur’s residents. The Ganesh festival at Ajoba Ganpati Mandal has become a symbol of continuity, resilience, and unity—a legacy that not only honors the past but also sets a meaningful example for the future. 

17 Sep 2024
Positive Reads

Tiny Homes, Big Hearts: How Marcel LeBrun is Building a Brighter Future

In an inspiring endeavor, a Canadian entrepreneur is taking action to address homelessness in his community by constructing 99 tiny homes. Marcel LeBrun, founder of 12 Neighbours, sold his company for a substantial sum and decided to invest his profit into creating a gated community that offers a fresh start for homeless individuals in Fredericton, New Brunswick. With a goal of providing housing and job opportunities, LeBrun's factory is now producing a tiny home every four business days. The community will also include an enterprise center to support residents in their journey towards self-sufficiency. LeBrun, who sees himself as a community builder, aims to improve the city by empowering its citizens. Homelessness remains a significant issue in New Brunswick, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing homelessness at least once last year. LeBrun has invested $4 million of his own money into the project, and with additional grants and government support, the 12 Neighbours community has received a total of $12 million in funding. Each tiny home is fully equipped with a kitchen, bedroom, living area, and bathroom. The homes are pre-built in a warehouse using skilled volunteers and then transported onto concrete blocks for the foundation. Recognizing the challenges faced by the residents, the community boasts state-of-the-art security measures to ensure their safety and wellbeing. While some critics argue for reintegrating homeless individuals into society, LeBrun believes that providing them with property ownership can instill a sense of responsibility and belonging. The enterprise center will offer various business opportunities, including a coffee bar and a silk printing business, allowing the residents to develop valuable skills and contribute to the community.

31 Oct 2023
Positive Reads

Future-Proof Your Career: 5 Skills You Need to Master in 2023 for a Job

As the job market continues to evolve, it is important for job seekers to stay up-to-date with the skills that are in high demand. Here are five of the top skills to have in 2023 for securing a job: 1. Digital literacy: With the increasing importance of technology in the workplace, employers are looking for candidates who are comfortable with a range of digital tools and platforms. This includes proficiency in software applications, social media, and other digital communication tools. 2. Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information and make sound decisions is highly valued by employers. Candidates who can demonstrate strong critical thinking skills are more likely to be hired and succeed in their roles. 3. Adaptability: In today's fast-paced work environment, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and take on new challenges is crucial. Employers are looking for candidates who are flexible and can thrive in a dynamic work environment. 4. Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for success in any job. Candidates who can communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, customers, and clients are highly sought after. 5. Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Candidates who can demonstrate strong emotional intelligence are more likely to succeed in leadership roles and work well in a team. By developing these skills, job seekers can position themselves for success in the job market of 2023 and beyond

5 Jul 2023
Positive Reads

Study Shows Four Working Days a Week Boosts Wellbeing and Productivity

There has been much discussion in recent years about the benefits of a four-day work week, with some companies even implementing it as a permanent policy. A recent study by the non-profit 4 Day Week Global has further supported these claims, showing that working less can boost both wellbeing and productivity. The study, which involved 33 companies and nearly 1,000 employees in countries including the US, Ireland, and Australia, found that employees who worked a four-day week reported higher levels of job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and improved mental health. They also reported being more productive on the days they did work, with no decrease in output compared to those working a full five days. One of the main reasons for this increase in productivity is the fact that employees are able to fully recharge and relax on their day off. This leads to a decrease in burnout and stress, allowing employees to be more focused and motivated when they are at work. In addition to the benefits for employees, the study also found that companies implementing a four-day week saw an improvement in their bottom line. There was a decrease in absenteeism and turnover rates, as well as cost savings in terms of utilities and office space. While the four-day workweek may not be feasible for every company or industry, the study suggests that it could be a viable option for many businesses. It is important for companies to consider the well-being of their employees, as happy and healthy employees lead to a more productive and successful business.

7 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

Are Hobbies a Waste of Time?

From the time we wake up,  most of us are pulled into a whirlwind of activities that go on throughout the day. You may think that you have lots of work and you are spending too much time on it. You may love your work very much, but if you don’t get to do the things you like to do, then it may lead to job dissatisfaction. Spending all the time in your work doesn’t necessarily mean that you are working harder. It might mean you are working at a slow pace or that you might be just bored doing the same work every day. Well, the good news is that you can change the monotony of life by cultivating a hobby. A hobby may be as simple as reading a book or a bit complicated like learning to play the guitar, but there is no doubt that hobbies help to rejuvenate and revitalize a tired mind. Many professionals who are successful pursue some hobby in their free time. I know of a doctor who is a karate champ and a teacher who returns from school only to go out again to a karaoke bar to sing to her heart’s content. It is said that setting aside time to pursue hobbies is important because it helps one to recharge his/her system and fills one with ideas and enthusiasm. In the 1950s, researchers conducted a study on the lives of 40 male scientists over 20 years. They found that the most successful scientists, including four Nobel laureates, enjoyed leisure activities like art or music which kept their creative juices flowing. So, make time to play a game of football or you can even play on your console, cook a delicious meal, tend to your plants or simply exercise and see the change hobbies bring to your life.  

25 Aug 2019
Positive Reads

Global News

Hydrogen Air Taxi Flies 523 Miles, Marking a Major Advancement in Eco-Friendly Travel

A hydrogen-electric air taxi built by Joby Aviation has flown a record 523 miles (about 842km) across California. This flight sets a new milestone as the first long-distance journey of a hydrogen-powered aircraft that can take off and land (VTOL). Record-setting flight ~ Joby Aviation's flight on June 24 flew three times farther than their previous electric vehicles (EVs). The aircraft touched down with 10% of its hydrogen fuel left, hinting at the possibility of longer trips down the road. Joby Aviation pointed to this feat as proof that "hydrogen can make emissions-free regional journeys possible." Water was the only thing the flight produced showing how eco-friendly it was. Shift from battery-electric to hydrogen-electric ~ At first, Joby Aviation created an air taxi powered by batteries. This vehicle has six rotors that work well in cities. The company tested it a lot at their place in Marina California, and above New York City. Then, the engineers changed it to a hydrogen-electric aircraft. To do this, they added a tank that can hold 40kg of liquid hydrogen and a system that uses hydrogen fuel cells. (Source: Google Images)  Aircraft functionality ~  The fuel cells in the aircraft turn hydrogen into heat, electricity, and water when oxygen is present. The electricity gives power to the aircraft's rotors, and the water gets released as waste. To make sure there's extra power for takeoff and landing, the aircraft also has a small number of batteries. Joby Aviation aims to start selling its first battery-electric design in 2025, with plans to bring out the hydrogen-electric air taxi later. Progress in FAA certification process ~ Joby Aviation just hit a big milestone. They're the first company making electric VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft to finish the third of five steps in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process. This step involved the FAA looking over and giving the thumbs up to Joby's plans for certifying the aircraft's mechanical, structural, and electrical systems. The next step will take a close look at the whole aircraft and all its systems. This flight success and progress in getting FAA certification is a big deal. It shows that Joby Aviation has an impact on pushing forward the development and commercialization of aviation technology that's better for the environment.

30 Jul 2024
Global News

Good News

The Indian Ecosystem of Apple Is a Leading Source of New Jobs!

In the Headlines ~ Since launching the production-linked incentive (PLI) program for smartphones in August 2021, the Apple ecosystem has directly employed over 150,000 individuals, making it the largest employer of blue-collar workers in India. Government officials and specialists who are aware of the specifics indicated that most of them are young people in the 19–24 age range looking for their first job. In addition, they calculated that 300,000 individuals had indirect employment. Businesses that get incentives under the PLI program must provide the government with information about job creation. The Rev-up of Apple in India ~ "Overall, the Apple ecosystem is likely to have created over 4 lakh jobs (directly and indirectly) in the last 32 months," a spokesperson stated. The business did not answer inquiries. Due to geopolitical unrest, Apple has been focusing more on India, the second-biggest smartphone market in the world, after seeing a decline in the important US and China sectors. The Cupertino-based corporation started producing iPhones locally in India in 2017 and increased output in line with the PLI program. Since then, it has collaborated with suppliers to make a growing number of components domestically and use its contract manufacturers, Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron, to build the newest iPhone models. Last year, the Tata Group purchased Wistron's India division from its Taiwanese parent company. According to official data, the three companies that were approved to receive subsidies under the PLI system generated over 77,000 direct employment, with Foxconn creating the most at 41,000, followed by Wistron (27,300) and Pegatron (9,200). ( Source: Google Images)  (Source: Google Images)  Pegatron is wrapping up its second year of operations in India, while Foxconn and Wistron are in the third year of the PLI plan. According to experts, the iPhone manufacturers are expected to directly recruit around 10,000 workers during the June–September peak, when manufacturing will increase to three shifts to fulfill demand for the next iPhone worldwide. September is usually when new models are released. In February, iPhone manufacturing for FY24 surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore. Depending on dealer margins and taxes, the market value of these phones is estimated to be Rs 1.6 lakh crore. Given that Apple's output numbers exceeded the PLI program objectives by a significant margin, analysts speculated that the corporation may now be the nation's most valuable manufacturer. To facilitate the relocation of a sizeable portion of production from China, where the majority of iPhones are now built, Apple is also creating a vast network of Indian suppliers, which includes another Tata company. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana comprise the supplier ecosystem. In addition to the three contract factories, officials stated that this rapidly expanding Apple supplier network has generated over 70,000 new direct employees. The data supplied indicates that among Apple suppliers, Salcomp Technologies, which manufactures enclosures and power adaptors, and Tata Electronics, which creates iPhone enclosures at its Hosur site, are the main employment generators. Aside from them, two well-known employers are Foxlink and Sunwoda, which make iPhone cables and batteries. Furthermore, Avary Technologies, CCL Industries, and Flex—suppliers of iPhone sub-assemblies and components—have added several thousand additional positions to their workforce. As part of its $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund, Apple has introduced an educational program centered on women's health to assist this expanding ecosystem.  

4 Apr 2024
Good News

New Opportunities, New Horizons: 71,000 Recruits Join the Indian Government!

In a landmark event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today handed out 71,000 appointment letters to newly recruited candidates through video conferencing, marking a significant milestone in the government's mission to create more job opportunities across India. With a laser focus on employment generation, the Prime Minister also addressed the appointees, highlighting the incredible growth and expansion of various sectors that have resulted in the creation of countless new jobs. From the bustling ports sector to the thriving startup culture, India is experiencing an employment boom like never before, and the government is leading the charge. The government is working relentlessly to provide employment to the youth of the country. Today, over 70,000 youth received job offers in various departments of the central government. Moreover, the appointment letters were not limited to the railways, but also other government departments, organizations, and PSUs such as India Post, Revenue Department, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, among others. The new recruits will join various positions under the Government of India like Train Manager, Station Master, Inspector, Sub Inspectors, Constable, Stenographer, Junior Accountant, Postal Assistant, Income Tax Inspector, Tax Assistant, Sr Draughtsman, JE/Supervisor, Assistant Professor, Teacher, Librarian, Nurse, Probationary Officers, PA, MTS, and more. The government is also providing an online orientation course called Karmayogi Prarambh to help the newly recruited candidates train themselves in various government departments. The Rozgar Mela is a significant step towards fulfilling the Prime Minister's commitment to prioritize employment generation. It is expected to act as a catalyst for further employment generation and provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in national development. Overall, the government is working tirelessly to create new job opportunities for the youth of the country. With a robust startup culture and increasing investment in infrastructure, India is poised to become a significant contributor to the global economy.

13 Apr 2023
Good News

Air India Places Record Order for 470 Planes From Airbus and Boeing

Air India, the national carrier of India, has placed an order for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing, which is the largest single order in the commercial aviation history. The order includes 270 planes from Airbus and 200 planes from Boeing, with a total value of around $100 billion at list prices.   The order comes as part of Air India's plans to expand and modernize its fleet in order to meet growing demand from passengers. With this new order, Air India will be able to add more destinations and frequencies, while also improving the overall experience for its passengers.   The mega deal will create over 2,00,000 jobs in India, directly and indirectly, according to top aviation sector experts.   The order includes a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, as well as the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.   Air India's decision to place such a large order highlights the growing demand for air travel in India; it is expected to become one of the largest aviation markets in the world over the next decade, with Indian government planning to build 80 new airports. 

21 Feb 2023
Good News

 Learning skills this vacation

As the vacation time has already started and students are all set to enjoy this time of their life but there are many students who are utilising the same time to learn new things and pursue short-term courses. Getting the hands-on experience on what you do is the most important thing in the life of a student and this is what they are thriving for. As the job market needs more skilled individuals it becomes difficult for students to take extra knowledge apart from their curriculum. Therefore many students are using this vacation time to learn something new. This year, KC College in Churchgate, Mumbai, will run a number of training programmes in the fields as varied as event management, film making, TV anchoring, and gender studies. Many of the science summer programmes, such as the one in instrumentation, will be run in collaboration with research laboratories. As per the report published in Hindustan Times, “The aim of these summer courses is to bring these students one step closer to the industry and potential employability. They are exposed to real industry experience through hands-on training and get an opportunity of learning and discovering their hidden talent, said Hemlata Bagla, principal of the college. Similarly, Mithibai College in Vile Parle is conducting a vacation programme in information technology (IT) in collaboration with software giant Microsoft. Jai Hind College in Churchgate is all set to hold workshops in psychology, economics and statistical technique during summer. “Students don’t know how to apply their knowledge in the market or research institutes. These workshops will deal with the practical aspects of their subjects which are not found in the curriculum,” said Ashok Wadia, principal, Jai Hind College. Many soft skills program are imparted during the vacation time. Short time courses like communication studies, writing skills, personality development are also a part of these courses.

8 May 2017
Good News

Using Chatbots and artificial intelligence will not lead to job losses: Banks

The banks are resorting to the use of chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline customer service. It raised speculations in the job market that there may be job losses due decreased man power needs due to these automations. But the concerned lot may rest assured, as the banks have clarified that there will not be any job cut on this account. The bankers said that these new tools are only to complement the existing staff, as reported in The Economic Times. Several banks including State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank tied up with various artificial intelligence firms for conversational banking with chatbots.  Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, deputy MD and chief information officer, SBI, said,"We find that chatbots are useful for employees. For instance, if an employee has entered a particular screen and does not know how to proceed, the software will sense inactivity and a bot will pop-up offering assistance." Whereas, the HDFC Bank website chatbot has dealt with about one lakh conversations in a week, according to  Nitin Chugh,digital banking head of HDFC Bank. Not only this, the insurance companies are also following the trend as recently,  HDFC Life  started  the first life insurance chatbot. Even as these facilities are customer and employee friendly, these are to support the existing infrastructure in early disposal of queries. As the banks reassure, this will not affect the number of job vacancies in future in any way.      

5 Apr 2017
Good News

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