Importance of sports and games

Apart from studies, sports, and games play a pivotal role in developing the personality of the student. Sports and games bring up children with the confidence to take on the challenges in his competitive world. Sports and games build-up a good physique and a healthy mind. It transforms a blockhead into a blazing star. Sports and games are offered to the students at the primary level itself. These children take part in sports and games every evening. By playing throughout the evening, children receive an abundant amount of vitamin D from the sunlight. Thus they are protected from dangerous bone disease, Rickets. Sports like a running race, long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, javelin throw, hurdles, relay race, etc…games like kabbadi, Kho-Kho, volleyball, football, basketball, shuttlecock, cricket, etc.provide the students with entertainment as well as the exercise. Indoor games like chess and carrot and several asanas and mass drills also form the part of the curriculum.

Sports and games are meant to develop the togetherness and understanding among the sportspersons. As a matter of fact, the Olympics games we’re established as a mechanism of bringing several countries together under the roof of sports. Even between India and Pakistan, cricket is considered as a unifying factor as it contributes to a peaceful atmosphere between these two rival nations. The term “sportsman spirit” refers to the level-headedness of treating triumph and defeat equally. Instances like athletes involving in dope candles, the win at any cost attitude, and sliding the opponent players lead to the waning of sportsman spirit. The essence of sports and games is to nurture certain noble qualities that will help us to overcome culture, political, social, and racial obstacles. Thus sports and games play an important role in moulding the true citizens of the country.

“The important thing in sports is not winning but fighting well” – Pierre

Solar Eclipse myths busted: No harm in cooking and eating food

India set to witness an annular solar eclipse on Sunday, wherein the Sun will appear like a “ring of fire”. This is a rare celestial event when the moon comes in between the earth and the sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon.

Solar Eclipse myths busted: No harm in cooking and eating food

By- Martin

India set to witness an annular solar eclipse on Sunday, wherein the Sun will appear like a “ring of fire”. This is a rare celestial event when the moon comes in between the earth and the sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon

Representational Image

People who are living along the path annular eclipse passing through Anupgarh, Suratgarh, Sirsa, Jakhal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Dehradun, Tapowan and Joshimath will be able to see the annular phase. However, people living in the rest of India can witness a partial eclipse.

But, mention of solar eclipse can’t be complete without a mention of the various myths associated with it. Some of which are associated with the food that we eat during the eclipse. However, cientists have busted the myths.

@Martin_photography

Professor M N Vahia, Dean School of Mathematical Sciences, NMIMS said there is no religious text that claims that eclipses are dangerous. They are mere superstitions created by people who are scared of the eclipses. “On the contrary we can even see how eclipses have been beautifully discussed in ancient literature”, he added.

“No scriptures recommend hiding away during its occurrence. One should have more faith and understanding about the working of the universes and not be carried away by superstitions”.

We are not that important.

Unlike the common belief, the sun does not send any special radiation during the eclipse. Even though we call it a Solar Eclipse, the sun is completely unaware of its occurrence. The sun is too big to be bothered about where the moon’s shadow falls.

“We are exaggerating our own sense of importance in the universe. Eclipse is a small drama and to the Universe it is an irrelevant phenomenon,” he said rejecting the false claims about impacts of eclipses on human life.

He also mentioned that we do not get to see many eclipses in our lifetime and hence one should not miss this rare opportunity that occurs every 18 years. We should not waste it by hiding in the house and staying hungry fearing myths being imposed on us.

“Eclipses are fantastic to see but it is not worth losing your eyes”, he cautioned about seeing the eclipse with naked eyes. The safest way of looking at the eclipse is through a pinhole cardboard by getting it projected it on the screen.

Myths!

Eclipses have been a source of anxiety for people everywhere and have even scared them. It may be common to feel anxious when you first observe an eclipse tomorrow, to see the sun disappear and that too not because of clouds.

What did Eclipse mean to different cultures?

Most cultures viewed it as a period during which the sun or the moon is being attacked by an animal or a demon.

Vikings, Koreans, Vietnamese, Chinese and many others imagined an animal eating the sun and excreting the sun from the other end. They used to think that there is a great animal in the sky. To threaten the animal, people even pelted stones at animals on earth, made noises, used drums to scare the demons run away.

Eskimos turned their utensils upside down to prevent bad influences from falling into their cooking. West Africans gathered in open spaces to urge the shadow to leave the sun.

American Indians thought the sun lost some of its power and hence sent burning arrows in the direction of the sun to rekindle it.

In Egypt, the King, a representative of the Sun made rounds of the city to assure people. Babylonians, Greeks, Romans considered it an omen and the month of eclipse was considered important. Armenians thought the sun was invaded by a black planet.

Japanese lit fires and displayed shiny jewels to compensate for the dulling of the sun.

A few, like Maoris of Assam considered eclipse as a good omen, means an imminent victory over their enemies, while most people around the world believed it a bad omen.

There are also evidences that at around 585 BC, an eclipse predicted earlier, occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. They called off the war and declared peace.

Indian myths:

In Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra war, there are references of two eclipses Solar and Lunar that occurred within a gap of 13 days between each other – solar followed by lunar. One may find it unique but the fact is not. There are evidences that such event occurs every 800 years i.e Solar and Lunar eclipse succeeding each other within days.

Kolam tribes of India consider solar eclipse is the time when debt collectors come to collect the debts from the sun. The debt collector insists the Sun to pay off the debts since too many sins have occurred on earth. If the sun is completely covered, they feel happy, because the total solar eclipse means the debts have been completely paid off. If the eclipse covers only the top part of the sun then it is a bad omen for humans and if it covers only bottom part of the sun then it is bad sign for animals because their part of debt is not paid for.

Korku Tribe in Central India also thinks the eclipse occurs when the human sins overflow. There is a unique practice where they take a shaft used for grinding food, and place it vertically in a plate with water. As long as the eclipse is on, the rod remains vertical on its own, they say.

Later, eclipses have been used by people to collect donations to help the gods to fight the demons. There are records of huge donations made by rich people in earlier days which are actually a blessing to track the occurrence of eclipses centuries ago. These have been carved in stones, temple pillars, etc as records.

The oldest record of eclipse comes in Rig Veda. It describes how great Sage Arti saved the Sun from the Svarbhanu who tried to destroy him.

The notable change in colour of the solar disc during the entire process of the eclipse has been beautifully described in a passage in the Pancavimsa-Brahmana. It explains as Arti repelled its darkness, first the sun became a black sheep, then a silvery sheep, then a reddish one and with the arrow with which he set free its original appearance that was a white sheep.

This is nothing but the notable feature is the change in colour of the eclipse. One will find this pattern while witnessing the eclipse – first black, and since our eyes get used to the dullness it will start appearing silvery and bright, and as our eyes get set it appears reddish and eventually it regains its original colour.

Conventional Indian Myths:

The occurrence of eclipse is mentioned in Samudra Manthan – the churning of ocean by the Gods and the asuras. It occurred when the Gods and the Asuras wanted to be immortal by consuming nectar that is available under the sea, the sea had to be churned. Since neither of them had the power they came together to churn the sea.

However, when the nectar finally comes out the gods cheat, by sending a beautiful woman Mohini to distract the Asuras. Mohini distributes the Amrit among the gods, but one Asura, Rahu realises the trickery joins the gods and drinks the nectar. But before he consumed it, the sun and the moon realised and cut his head. As it was not quick enough – the head and body of the Rahu survived. Now people believe that forever revengeful Rahu tries to eat them up but since he is disembodied it comes through the other end as he gulps them down on eclipses.

It was in 499 AD Aryabhata realised that eclipse is all shadow and that there are no demons involved. He reinvented the idea that Rahu and Ketu are just points in the sky and hence they are two dark planets that cause eclipse.

Varahamihira converted Rahu and Ketu from mere myths to celestial bodies thus making it dark points in the sky. They are no more Asuras and are being worshipped as Navagrahas.

Studies show that the Earth, which used to take 400 days to complete rotation, has been slowed down by eclipses. Ancient record of eclipse helps to know about the movement of the sun, rotation of the earth and how it is slowing down over years and its impact.

Eclipses have always fascinated people from an earlier period. It may be just the shadow of the moon on earth but it is a remarkable experience to witness it.

“Eclipses are one of the spectacular events you can witness in your life time and therefore don’t miss the opportunity due to superstitions”.

@martin_christopher

“Just write it down. You feel much better.”

Writing is my favourite pastime. I have a habit of writing daily. It is that time of the day which I like the most. This is because I get a chance during this time to write down what is going in my mind freely without any interference.

As time is progressing, people are forgetting the traditional art of writing which involves a paper and a pen and are shifting towards digital writing which is achieved by means of some kind of device. But this form of writing can never replace the conventional method.

There are many benefits that you can get from writing, such as:

● You can express the thoughts that are hurting you emotionally through writing in a better way. You might not feel comfortable to speak to someone about your stress, but writing it down could be an effective way to get rid of it. Once, you finish writing you feel free from tension.

● Writing definitely improves your writing skills. But, along with that, it also boosts your imagination and creativity skills, as you think of new ways to present your ideas on a paper. Your vocabulary improves as you learn new words while writing.

● You can relive any moment of your life at any time if you have a habit of writing about your daily routine. You make many memories in your lifetime and can live them whenever you want to simply by turning back the pages and reading about your old memories.

● Writing brings clarity to your ideas. It helps you to communicate effectively. Your thought process becomes more clear and direct due to writing. This helps you to make better life decisions.

● Writing teaches you to be more determined and confident in your life. While writing, you get involved in a completely different world wherein you are the boss of your thoughts. You just focus on your writing and are least affected by other people or what’s happening around you.

● You feel so calm and peaceful once you finish writing. This is because you get a sense of accomplishment after writing and you are able to completely drain out all your thoughts onto a paper.

● Writing is a great exercise for your brain. It is the easiest workout through which brain cells are stimulated to think creatively. It also proves very useful to enhance your memory.

● Writing can also be a good career option. If you can present your ideas in a proper format and be innovative with them then you can become a successful writer, poet or author. This can be a good job since you are getting paid and gaining recognition by doing what you like the most i.e. writing.

Thus, writing has many advantages to offer. Even if you don’t actually like to write, then too you should try to take some time from your daily routine and invest it in writing. This will gradually evolve the interest for writing in you and you will start liking it.

So whenever, you are tired of using the digital devices and thinking of doing something new without any investment. The best thing that could be done is to take a piece of paper and a pen or pencil and start writing. Just keep writing without any fear of being judged by anyone.

Home- still a dream of many

Modernization, the want to step ahead of time, and fight between the human race, has become one of the reasons why people try and judge each other for what kind of house they live in.

Whenever a person go to someone’s home, the first thing they tend to judge, is there home well furnished? Is the arrangement of their house proper? And etc. etc. But forget that, income and prices are the two factors that do not go hand in hand. Also, the country which we reside in, is one of the developing nations in the world, where “A perfect home” is still a dream of millions. Thus, how can we expect that when a person can’t even afford to live peacefully under a roof, how can the other render to make everything look pretty.

Urban and rural differences –

In India, most of the population hail from village areas and move towards cities in search of better opportunities, such as, jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors, better resources, and better standard of living. Instead, they fail to survive most of the times and hang in between the air with less access to resources and low standard of living, since affording such standard of living remains out of their approaches.

According to the report of World Bank’s collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources, rural population in India was reported at 65.97%

While people hailing from rural areas face tough times with city lifestyle. People residing in cities too confront with problems of proper houses to live in, also they are detained from basic resources that are searched by village people in the limelight of cities. They often end up living in congestion, without proper sanitation facilities, water and electricity, and lag behind in most of the basic values that are necessary to live a prosperous life. Also population remains a constant reminder that the land is unavailable to fit such a large amount of people who seek to live in the middle of the cities instead of country sides. The pressure upon the land has become a huge chunk of tension for the policymakers, which is why most people remain neglected from a proper facility of house and housing.

Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum is full of such people who either migrate to cities in search for resources, or the people who are unable to afford a lifestyle that is basic necessity and right of every human being. It is a place with 2.1 sq. Km. and a population as estimated in 2016, 900,000 – 1,000,000 people.

Problem of resources –

While most of us are happy with the lives and are living peacefully in our own homes. There are still millions of people who do not even have access to basic resources such as –

  • Sanitation facilities
  • Housing
  • Water supply
  • Electricity
  • Food resources
  • Proper job facilities

We can find people sleeping on the pavements of the roads, they could be seen eating on the roadside food joints, and earn only on per day basis, which are not sufficient to provide them with a proper place to live in.

According to NSSO, landlessness in India is a major problem and the total population works out to be 200 million that is counted to be landless.

Thus, a major proportion of the country’s population still have a dream to have their own place to live in. Also, slums remain an inevitable problem in India that cannot be replaced due to their presence from a very long past. It is likely to achieve a figure where most of the Indians could have their own “home sweet home“.

NEW TABLETS COVID 19

Indian Council for Medical and Research gave approval for the new medicine for Covid 19 has been introduced to the market. The Favipiravir tablets are originated from the febi flu of the company Glanmark has been produced. This company has got approval from the ICMR for producing and for the sales. A sheet contains 34 tablets cost rupees 3500 . Where a single tablet cost rupees 103 . They suggested in the First day to consume 9 tablets and the next 14 days to consume 4 tablets daily . In India it has been given to 11 cities and it cures nearly 80 to 88 percent . Japan , United Arab Emirates countries have already used this medicine.

“It is a significant step in the fight against COVID-19 India. Glenmark is leading the flight. We are not looking it as a business opportunity. The priority is to make the drug available to as many patients and save lives,” said Sujesh Vasudevan, president, India Formulations, Middle East and Africa, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited in a video conference.

“Studies conducted on Favipiravir in Russia, Japan and China point to rapid reduction in viral load, faster fever reduction, faster reduction of chest CT changes and faster clinical recovery,” said Dr Monika Tandon, VP, Head, Clinical Development, Glenmark.

“It is for restricted use. Its use entails responsible medication where every patient must have signed informed consent before start of treatment,” Dr. Tandon said adding that approval was given based on global evidence and the ongoing clinical trial on 150 subjects

Top mass communication colleges and universities in india

There are lot of job opportunities available in the field of mass communication. to be successful in this field one needs to possess some traits which are having a natural flair/talent to ace different job profiles and the ability to multi-task as well as the ability to make an informed decision to pursue a mass communication course from a good college or a university. Mass Communication is a very diverse field and includes careers like print and TV journalism, online media, radio, advertising, public relations (PR), corporate communication, media research and even filmmaking and photography. Careers in Mass Communication are not only high paying but also bring in a great deal of job satisfaction and expression of creativity. There are many courses available in both graduate and post graduate levels in various colleges across the country. They all have very different admission processes and fee structure.

 Here are the best mass communication colleges in India:

1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication: Mass Communication has emerged as a major area of interest and has immensely contributed to the development & empowerment of society. As an academic discipline it has rapidly acquired importance and become a major attraction for students. It is one of the most prestigious mass communication colleges of India. However it only provides post graduate 1-year diploma in different fields of mass communication. The entrance exam is also very tough to crack.

Location: New Delhi

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2. AJK Mass Communication Research Centre Jamia Millia Islamia: The AJK Mass Communication Research Centre is a premier media institution in India. Founded in 1982 by Anwar Jamal Kidwai (former VC of Jamia Millia Islamia and later Chairman of the Centre) the MCRC offers graduate and post-graduate courses in the art craft and technology of the modern media. Offers both diploma and full time courses graduation and post-graduation courses.

Location: New Delhi

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3. Department of Communication University of Hyderabad: The Department of Communication at University of Hyderabad has been ranked the Best University Department four times in a row by Outlook-MDRA.

Location: Hyderabad

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4. Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication: The Symbiosis Center of Journalism & Communication (SCMC) opened in 1990 with only 40 students. In 1999 it was renamed as Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication and eventually as Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication. Today it has evolved into a world-class media and communication education and training Institute providing the industry with trained and competent professionals. The placement is excellent with many media companies recruiting students directly from campus. However, the tuition fee is quite high and the selection process is very tough.

Location: Pune

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5. Xavier Institute of Communications: Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) is a professional media centre which offers a variety of services in training and production. It is one of the oldest colleges to offer mass communication courses but like IIMC offers only post graduate diploma courses.

Location: Mumbai

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6. Department of Media and Communication Studies Savitribai Phule Pune University: Savitribai Phule Pune University was one of the first universities in India to recognize that academic training in Communication means much more than Mass Communication in general and Journalism in particular. Offers both diploma and full time post graduate courses.

Location: Pune

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7. Department of Media Studies Christ (Deemed to be University): The Department of Media Studies at Christ University is one of the most vibrant and academically rigorous centres of media higher education in India, with the passion of honing student’s skills, knowledge and attitude for effective leadership in varied local national and global media platforms. They provide both graduation and post-graduation diploma and full time degrees. Their entrance exam is relatively easy but they have a strict academic conduct.  Following dress codes are mandatory.

Location: Bengaluru

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8. Department of Journalism, Madras Christian College: Although Madras Christian College was established in 1937, however, Department of Journalism was only established in 2005. The journalism course offered at the department lays emphasis on print and broadcast journalism. The media labs of this journalism college comprise of latest technology and adequate exposure to aspirants.

Location: Madras

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9. Delhi College of Arts & Commerce: Among all Delhi University colleges, Delhi College of Arts & Commerce (DCAC) was the first one to introduce a journalism course and that too in 1989. The college campus houses state-of-the art media labs and provides all the required infrastructure required to train students in different media fields. The journalism course offered at DCAC provides aspirants with adequate knowledge of news writing, reporting, editing as well as helps them develop a broad perspective of contemporary national and international scenarios. Admissions are done based on DU cutoffs.

Location: Delhi

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10. Amity School of Communication: Established in 1999, Amity School of Communication offers media courses to students at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate level. Amity School of Communication is known to have very good infrastructure. Apart from that the college is also known to offer good industry exposure to students.  Many big media firms visit the college campus for placements.

Location: Noida, Gurgaon

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The Nine Hearts Of Gold

The athletes had come from so many countries
To run for the gold and the silver and bronze
Many weeks and months in training
All building up to the games

The poem written by David Roth focusses on the athletes who have come from different parts of the world to compete and win either gold, silver or bronze medals. They have trained for months to participate in the events with the hopes of winning.

All round the field spectators were gathered
Cheering on all the young women and men
Then the final event of the day was approaching
The last race about to begin

People had gathered to watch and cheer the young men and women. The final event of the day was approaching and the final race was about to begin.

The loudspeakers called out the names of the runners
The one hundred metres the race to be run
And nine young athletes stood there determined
And poised for the sound of the gun

The names of the runners who would be taking part in the race was announced. The nine participants were determined to win the competition and poised themselves at the starting point, waiting for the sound of the gun to signal the start of the race.

The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners on hearing the sound
But the youngest among them stumbled and staggered
And he fell on his knees to the ground

The pistol was fired and the race began. The runners charged ahead but one of the runners who was the youngest of the lot stumbled and fell to his knees the ground.

He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling the story
Now it’s a strange one, but here’s what occurred

The fallen athlete cried out in anguish and disappointment. His dreams had come to an end. However, something occurred which was quite strange.

The eight other athletes stopped in their tracks
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they turned round and came back to help him
And lifted the lad to his feet

The eight other athletes who were ahead of him stopped to help him back to his feet.
The other runners who had trained so hard and so long to compete for turned back to help the fallen athlete. This shows their unselfish selves and their compassion for a fellow competitor.

Then all nine runners joined hands and continued
The one hundred metres reduced to a walk
And the banner above that said “Special Olympics”
Could not have been nearer the mark

The hundred-metre race was reduced to a walk as the nine competitors joined hands to cross the finishing line together. The banner which showed that it was special Olympics couldn’t have been more accurate for it eas indeed a special gesture by all the competitors of that race.

That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
Thus the race ended with nine athletes holding their hands right to the finishing mark. They won nine gold medals – one for each — very deservingly.

And the banner above and nine smiling faces
Said more than these words ever will
Said more than these words ever will

All the nine runners won the gold medal as all of them finished the race together and they stood smiling under the banner that rightly declared it as  ‘Special Olympics’.

This poem showcases the need to be compassionate towards the less fortunate and those who struggle and fall down.

When words fail, Music speaks!

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

By: Berthold Auerbach

Today is the World Music Day which takes place on 21st June every year. It is an annual music celebration which is celebrated in every part of the world. On this day, people of a country are allowed to play music outside their home or in public places or parks. Many concerts also being organized with free of cost by various musicians for which they don’t take any payment. They play for fun. Music makes you feel exactly what you want to feel. A person who loves music can be a good companion. When you failed to express your feelings through words then the only thing that helps you in expressing yourself is music.

According to the researches if we listen to the music it helps us to improve our mental health and boosts up with good physical health also. Not only this it helps us by keeping us sharp even in our old age. It raises our IQs if we take a proper music training or lessons. It is a big connection between the humans and music. It helps by relaxing our mind or heal us. Everyday listening of music can improves our various tasks and boost our confidence.

Some of the benefits of listening to music are as follows:

  1. Music makes you happier- it is proved that when you listen to music you like, you started feeling good. While feeling good is what makes happy.
  2. Enhances running performance- if you wanted to take your running up a notch, listen to songs that inspires you.
  3. Lowers stress and improves health- everyday listening to music that you loved or enjoy decreases levels of stress and helps you stay calm during a stressful day.
  4. Helps you to sleep better- if you are having trouble in sleeping that listening to music before going for sleep will give a good sleep with a relaxing mind.
  5. Reduces depression- in this busy life whenever feeling low or depressed. one can listen to their choice of music which helps them to boost up with confidence or lift your spirits.
  6. Strengthens memory and learning- researchers found that music helps you to learn and recall information better.
  7. Reduces pain- it decreases your pain while you are listening to music. It makes you feel better and make you positive. It is largely depends on the taste of the music you are listening to.
  8. Relieves anxiety– it helps you from freeing yourself with the feeling of fear and uncertainty.

Music is a superpower that heals people. It is a magic in one’s life. Without music our life will be like a pencil without a rubber or a pen without its ink. Hence, listening to music everyday makes you positive as well as stress free from the world of day-to-day business.

“Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.”- By: E Y Harburg

The Largest Solar Eclipse Of This Century – 21 June 2020

Today’s solar eclipse was the largest solar eclipse of this century. When the sun, moon and earth are aligned in a straight line or almost in same configuration, with which the moon comes between the sun and earth which  blocks the sun rays directly reaching to earth. This phenomenon is called solar eclipse. Solar eclipse are of three kinds based on alignment total, partial and annular. Today’s solar eclipse was an annular solar eclipse where the moon was far from the earth thet the sun was not completely covered by its relative size and only the outer rims were visible and it created a ring of fire in sky. The annual solar eclipse was started at 9:15 AM IST and was visible until 3:04 PM IST. The maximum eclipse was seen at 11:55 to 12:10. The eclipse was visible much from Asia, Africa, the Pacific and Indian Ocean, parts of Europe and Australia.

According to Nehru Planetarium Bhuj was the first city in India where the beginning of eclipse was visible at 9:58 am. The eclipse end at 4 hours later at 2:29 pm. This eclipse was not good. Looking directly to sun could cause harm to eyes so use of special goggles, welder’s shield, or pin-hole imaging technique were recommended to see the solar eclipse. It also can caused permanent damage to retina.

It was the second solar eclipse of 2020. It was seen at many places in India. It was seen mainly in Dehradun, Sirsa and Rajasthan in the form of fire ring. The net eclipse will be on 14 December but it will not be seen in India. It was also seen in Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia and Congo. Its most effect was seen in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Banglore Chennai, Shimla, etc.

According to religious beliefs, first of all take a bath after the eclipse ends. Although there is a belief of bathing in the holy rivers, but in view of the corona infection, it would be better to take bath by mixing Ganga water in the bath water at home. It is believed that to avoid the ill effects of the eclipse, donations should be made after the eclipse ends. After cleaning the house, God should be worshiped by cleaning the place of worship. Immediately after the eclipse is over, the entire house should be cleaned thoroughly. Because it is believed that negative energy comes into the house during solar eclipse. So after cleaning, must show sunlight or incense smoke in the whole house.

Taylor’s Scientific Management

Taylor’s Historical Background

Scientific Management concept was developed by Fredrick Winslow Taylor. He was born in 1856. He was an American and began his career as a mechanist. He became popular through his theory of management and therefore also known as ‘Father of Scientific Management’.

While he was working in factories and mechanical shops he observed that owners and managers knew very little about what actually took place in the workshops. Taylor soon realized and believed that the system could be improved, and he looked around for an incentive. He settled on money. He believed a worker should get “a fair day’s pay for a fair days work” – no more, no less. If the person is unable to complete the target then he should not be paid. He also believed that both management and labour should cooperate and work together to achieve organisational goals. He was the first to suggest that primary functions of managers should be planning and training.

Taylor’s Scientific Management

Scientific Management means applying the scientific methods and tools to increase the output its quality and reduce costs and wastage. It is a systematic and thoughtful approach.

In words of Taylor, “Scientific Management means knowing exactly what you want from men to do and seeing that they do it in the best and the cheapest way”.

The concept of scientific management was given to improve the productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in the organization through the application of the proposed scientific principles and techniques.

Principles of Scientific Management

The philosophy of scientific management is based upon the following principles.

1. Science, not Rule of Thumb –

According to Taylor, each job should be performed in an organisation as per the scientific approach as these were developed after proper analysis and research. It should not follow rule of thumb which was based on trial and error method and approaches were based on intuition which was not suitable for modern business. When science is applied instead of the rule of thumb, to any job, it standatdizes work and help workers get a specialised way of performing task by avoiding wastage of time, cost and other valuable resources.

2. Harmony, not Discord –

Taylor emphasised on maintaining harmony between the management and workers in the workplace. This will avoid conflict and will promote friendly relationship among them which can result in improvement and growth in productivity of both labour and managers. He also said that there should be a transformation in thinking of both parties, which implies that management should share the gains with workers and workers should work hard for the betterment of business.

3. Cooperation, not Individualism-

This principle is an extension of principle of harmony. Competition should be replaced by cooperation. Management and workers both should Realise that they need each other. For this, management should entertain the constructive suggestions of employees and at the same time, workers should also cooperate with management. According to Taylor, there must be an equal division of work and responsibility between workers and management.

4. Development of each and every person to his/her greatest efficiency –

As per this principle, Taylor had the view that due concern should be given to increase efficiency. It could be built right from process of employee selection. Each person should be scientifically selected and then assigned work as per their specialization. He believed that employees should be give proper training of the task they need to perform because no human being is perfect, and there is always a scope of improvement. Hence training and development improve competency, skills and learning of the workforce. It is beneficial for both the organisation and the workers.

Techniques of Scientific Management

Following techniques were deployed by FW Taylor for manufacturing and production units:

1. Functional Foremanship –

Taylor developed the technique of functional foremanship. Under this technique, planning and execution are separated from each other. According to Taylor, single worker or supervisor cannot be expected to be an expert in all aspects. Thus, he advocated the appointment of eight firemen, out of which four will be responsible for planning and the rest four will be concerned with the execution of work.

Let us see the hierarchy under the functional foremanship –

Factory Manager

A factory manager is a person who holds the highest managerial position in the unit and is responsible for the proper functioning of the organisation.

Planning Incharge-

A planning incharge is responsible for the formulation of policies, strategies and procedures of the operational activities. To simplify the work, following four clerks are appointed under the planning incharge.

a. Instruction Card Clerk:

The instruction card clerk will determine and direct how the work has to be performed.

b. Route Clerk:

A route clerk will decide what all is to be done and the steps which are to be taken to perform a particular task.

c. Time and Cost Clerk:

The person who determines the time limit in which the work is to be completed and the cost involved in carrying out each task is known as a time and cost clerk.

d. Disciplinarian :

A disciplinarian is a clerk who ensures discipline, follows rules and regulations and code of conduct in the organisation.

Production Incharge :

A production incharge needs to take care of all the operational and production activities. The four clerks assigned under a production incharge are as follows :

a. Speed Boss :

The speed boss is responsible for getting the work done on time.

b. Gang Boss :

The person w looks after the availability of all the equipment, tools and accessories is a gang boss.

c. Repair Boss :

The repairs boss has to take care of the repairs, maintenance and overhauling of the tools and machinery used for production.

d. Inspector :

The inspector is responsible for ensuring that all activities are being carried out in a planned manner. He/she also checks whether the quality of the products are as per standards or not.

Workman : He is a labour or worker at the operational level of the organisation who is responsible for actually performing the given task. Each worker is supervised and monitored by the eight different clerks, as mentioned above.

2. Standardisation and Simplification of Work :

Standardisation is the process of fixing well thought and tested norms with a view to maximize efficiency of work. Standardisation of product implies that the size, design, quality, shape etc of the product should meet the requirements and tastes of consumers.

Simplification means eliminating superfluous sizes, varieties and dimensions. It’s aim is to eliminate unnecessary diversity of products and thereby reduce costs. It will also help in achieving economy in the use of required machines and tools.

3. Work Study :

Taylor emphasised on examining and analyzing the working at the operational level of the organisation. It develops a systematic course of action and resolves the problems faced by labours and workers who are responsible for accomplishing the given task and duties.

Under this technique there are following four significant concerns of the organisation :

a. Method Study :

The managers come across numerous ways of performing a particular task or carrying out the production of goods or services. Out of all these possible methods, selection of the most appropriate way, which is cost effective and also increases the production is considered a method study.

b. Motion Study :

The motive behind conducting this study was to determine the movement of workers while performing a job. According to Taylor, it is necessary to analyze the movements of workers like how many times he lifts the objects, puts the objects because all these movements sometimes delay the work. Thus this study helps in knowing the productive and unproductive motions.

c. Time Study :

Analysing the time consumed for carrying out the given task in a specified manner is Taylor’s another scientific management technique which is called a time study. If an activity takes more time than the defined standard, it may lead to delay and decline in productivity. And if a task is accomplished much before the given time, it may lack efficiency.

d. Fatigue Study :

If an individual keeps on working without rest or pauses, it affects their health and efficiency. Therefore, fatigue study originated. This study seeks to find out the amount and frequency of rest intervals in completing a task. The objective of study is to find out how long a person can perform the standard task without any adverse effects on his health.

4. Differential Piece Wage System :

Taylor strong advocated piece wage system. He wanted to differentiate between efficient and inefficient workers. Under this system of wage payment, wages are paid on the basis of work done. According to him, higher rates were given to the workers who are producing standard products or more and lower rates were given to those who are producing less. Hence he talked about performance based remuneration and incentive based motivation.

5. Mental Revolution :

Taylor gave a powerful concept on changing the perception and attitude of both the employees and the management. They should both work together considering each other as family. There must be proper coordination and understanding among workers and the management in order to achieve organizational goals. Both of them must value efforts of each other and work together, creating a positive environment to achieve common organisational goals and objectives.