Gujarat - The Land of the Legends

Gujarat - The Land of the Legends   Gujarat is a State in northwestern India, on the border with Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The Arabian Sea borders the state both to the west and the south west.

Gujarat : The State took it’s name from the Gujara, the land of the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s.

Ancient Roots

The first settlers in the State of Gujarat were Gujjars who happened to be an ethnic group of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Although their originis remain uncertain, the clan appeared in northern India and in Saurashtra about the time of the Huna invasion. The name of the tribe was ‘sanskritized’ to ‘Gurjara’ who followed the main religions of Hinduism, Islam, Sikkism and Christianity. However, the earliest Archeological traces indicate the Indus Valley Civilization as historical relics with the stone age settlements are found in Gujarat around Sabarmati and Mahi rivers. Its roots are also in the Harappan traces found at Lothal, Rampur, Amri and other places. Ancient Gujarat was ruled by the Maurya Dynasty. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya conquered a number of states in Gujarat while his grandson, King Ashoka extended his domain in Gujarat. The reigns of the first three Mauryas were significant but with Ashoka’s death in 232 B C the Mauryan empire began to crumble,leading to political defragmentation. The Shungas who succeeded the Mauryas tried, unsuccessfully, to uphold the semblance of political unity. After the fall of the Maurya Empire, the Sakas or Scynthians controlled the region from A.D. 130 to 390. Under Rudra-daman, their empire contained Malwa (in Madhya Pradesh), Saurashtra, Kutchh and Rajasthan. During the 300s and 400s, the area formed a part of the Gupta Empire which in turn was succeeded by the Maitraka Dynasty. It was during the rule of Dhruvasena Maitrak that the great Chinese traveler and philosopher Huien Tsang visited India in 640AD. Between the decline of the Mauryan power and the coming of Saurashtra under the sway of the Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain, there was a Greek incursion into Gujarat led by Demetrius. Three royal races of Hindus successively ruled over, namely, the Chawura, Solanki', and Baghilah races. The total number of individuals belonging to the tribes who held power amounted to twenty-three, and they retained possession of the country for five hundred and seventy-five years - previous to the period when Gujarat became subject to the Mohammedans. The Chawura tribe ruled one hundred and ninety-six years after which the power passed into the hands of the Solankhi tribe in the manner described. It was during the 900s that the Solanki Dynasty came to power. Under the Solanki Dynasty, Gujarat reached to its greatest extent. It is believed that the Gujjars belonged to this Solanki Dynasty because Pratiharas, the Paramaras and the Solankis were imperial Gujjars. Ancient Gujarat’s last Hindu rulers were the Solanki clan of Rajputs from 960 AD to 1243 AD. It is also learnt, Karandev of the Vaghela dynasty was the last Hindu ruler of Gujarat and he was overthrown by the superior forces of Allauddin Khilji from Delhi in 1297.

Medieval Invasions

The Muslim rule continued for 400 years. Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted his independence, and established the first Muslim sultanate in Gujarat. He took advantage of the weak rulers of Delhi prevailing at the time. He declared independence and assumed the title of Muzaffar Shah. His successor, Ahmed I, the first independent Muslim ruler of Gujarat, found Ahmedabad in 1411 on the banks of the Sabarmati river. Prior to this, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Gujarat, A.D. 1026. He had vowed to invade India in order to destroy idolatry, kill the kafirs, capture prisoners of war and plunder the vast wealth for which Gujarat was known. Later, Allaudin Khilji invaded Gujarat in 1298 A.D. Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576 when the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Malwa and Gujarat in 1570s. The Mughals ruled for about 2 centuries till the streak was terminated by the Marathas in the mid 18th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler conquered Gujarat with his military skill.

Influencing Modernity

In 1600’s, the Dutch, French, English and Portuguese – all established bases along the coast of the region acquiring several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British East India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace treaty with the British, and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into dozens of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials. A new era began with the Independence movement started by leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all who hailed from Gujarat. Gujarat became a place for some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.

Mahagujarat Movement

After the Independence, in 1948, a Mahagujarat conference took place to integrate the entire Gujarati speaking population under one administrative body and on May 1, 1960, the Bombay State split into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The term ‘Mahagujarat’ encompassed the whole Gujarati speaking area including Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutchh. For the first time after the Sultanate, Gujarat was once again autonomous.

Post Independence and Politics

After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress party (INC) ruled the Bombay state (which included present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra). Congress continued to govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's State of Emergency of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but COngress continued to hold government until 1995. Gujarat has had 14 different Chief Ministers since its formation in 1960. Dr. Jivraj Narayan Mehta 1 May 1960 - 19 September 1963 of Indian National Congress was the first Chief Minister. In the 1995 Assembly Polls, the Congress lost to the BJP and Keshubhai Patel came to power. In 2001, following the loss of 2 assembly seats in by-elections, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to the present Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served as Chief Minister of the state since 7 October 2001 upto present. On 1st June, 2007, Narendra Modi became the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Source : Gujarat Portal By : Javedkhan Malek

Tiny, cheap water-sensing chip outperforms larger, pricier sensors

 

Doctoral student Vinay Pagay holds one of the chips

Whether you're growing wine grapes or mixing cement, there are some situations in which it's vitally important to monitor moisture content. Normally water sensors are used, although these can be both large and expensive. Now, however, a team from Cornell University has created a water-sensing silicon chip that's not only tiny, but is also reportedly "a hundred times more sensitive than current devices." What's more, the chips might be possible to mass-produce for just $5 a pop.

Known as a "lab on a chip" device, the chip contains a tiny water-filled cavity. Once placed in soil, inserted in the stem of a plant, stuck in a cement matrix or put somewhere else, the chip exchanges moisture from that cavity with moisture in its environment via a nonporous membrane. The chip measures any changes in the pressure within the cavity, that result from water either entering it or being drawn out.

In order to relay the data it gathers, the chip must be connected to a Wi-Fi card, a data logger, or some other device that can either transmit or record information. One chip can reportedly last outdoors for at least a few years, although freezing temperatures may cause it break.

The Cornell researchers are now establishing how moisture readings made by the chips translate to plant growth, so that users can make sense of their data.

Already, Welch's juice company and the Ernest and Julio Gallo winery have expressed interest in the technology.

 

Source : Gizmag.com

 

What is Employee Relations ?

What is Employee Relations ? Every individual shares a certain relationship with his colleagues at the workplace. The relationship is either warm, so-so or bad. The relationship can be between any one in the organization - between co workers, between an employee and his superior, between two members in the management and so on. It is important that the employees share a healthy relationship with each other to deliver their best performances.

An individual spends his maximum time at the workplace and his fellow workers are the ones with whom he spends the maximum hours in a day. No way can he afford to fight with his colleagues. Conflicts and misunderstandings only add to tensions and in turn decrease the productivity of the individual. One needs to discuss so many things at work and needs the advice and suggestions of all to reach to a solution which would benefit the individual as well as the organization.

 

No individual can work alone. He needs the support and guidance of his fellow workers to come out with a brilliant idea and deliver his level best.

 

Employee relations refer to the relationship shared among the employees in an organization. The employees must be comfortable with each other for a healthy environment at work. It is the prime duty of the superiors and team leaders to discourage conflicts in the team and encourage a healthy relationship among employees.

 

Life is really short and it is important that one enjoys each and every moment of it.Remember in an organization you are paid for your hard work and not for cribbing or fighting with each other. Don’t assume that the person sitting next to you is your enemy or will do any harm to you. Who says you can’t make friends at work, infact one can make the best of friends in the office. There is so much more to life than fighting with each other. Observation says that a healthy relation among the employees goes a long way in motivating the employees and increasing their confidence and morale. One starts enjoying his office and does not take his work as a burden. He feels charged and fresh the whole day and takes each day at work as a new challenge. If you have a good relation with your team members you feel going to office daily. Go out with your team members for a get together once in a while or have your lunch together. These activities help in strengthening the bond among the employees and improve the relations among them.

 

An employee must try his level best to adjust with each other and compromise to his best extent possible. If you do not agree to any of your fellow worker’s ideas, there are several other ways to convince him. Sit with him and probably discuss with him where he is going wrong and needs a correction. This way he would definitely look up to you for your advice and guidance in future. He would trust you and would definitely come to your help whenever you need him. One should never spoil his relations with his colleagues because you never know when you need the other person. Avoid using foul words or derogatory sentences against anyone. Don’t depend on lose talk in office as it spoils the ambience of the place and also the relation among the employees. Blame games are a strict no no in office.

 

One needs to enter his office with a positive frame of mind and should not unnecessarily make issues out of small things. It is natural that every human being can not think the way you think, or behave the way you behave. If you also behave in the similar way the other person is behaving, there is hardly any difference between you and him. Counsel the other person and correct him wherever he is wrong.

 

It is of utmost importance that employees behave with each other in a cultured way, respect each other and learn to trust each other. An individual however hardworking he is, cannot do wonders alone. It is essential that all the employees share a cordial relation with each other, understand each other’s needs and expectations and work together to accomplish the goals and targets of the organization.

Tourism Hubs : Kutch Hub

About Aina Mahal

 

Aina Mahal is a palace of mirrors built in the 18th century and is also known as the Madansinhji Museum. It was created by Ramsinh and Gaidhar Devshi during the period of Maharao Lakhpatti between 1752 and 1761. The museum has two parts, one of which is called the Kala Atari Picture Gallery and the other part is called the Aina Mahal.

This ‘Aina Mahal’ or the hall of mirrors is the biggest attraction of this museum. This hall is situated on the second floor of the museum and contains white marbled walls covered with mirrors that are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall has objects like a Dutch Clock, English and French globes, antique pictures, mechanical toys, etc.

The middle floor of the museum has a pleasure pool with a platform above it. It also has a series of fountains that are operated by a system of pumps placed below a Venetian chandelier. The art gallery in this museum comprises many photographs and portraits of Bhuj city and its rulers.

 

Aina Mahal - Kutch-Bhuj

Tata Docomo offers free tablets with broadband plan

In a bid to promote high-speed wired broadband service, Tata Docomo launched plans with speed of up to 100 Mbps wherein the company is offering free tablet PCs ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 40,000 for all annual subscription plans starting from Rs 1,099 per month.

"Every subscriber to the 100 Mbps annual plan will get a tablet worth Rs 40,000 free whereas subscribers opting for other annual plan of Rs 1,099 or above per month, will get a free tablet worth Rs 5,000," the company said in a statement.

The monthly subscription for the 100 Mbps plan is Rs 6,666. It added the offer will be applicable till September 30, 2013.

The company said wired broadband is now a significant focus area for it and the target segment is the rapidly growing high speed home broadband users.

"In a multi-device environment, our proposition of high speed broadband along with an attractive tablet is an exciting proposition for the consumer," Tata Docomo president (SME Business) Prateek Pashine said.

Will Laptops and PC’s Be Running Android in the Near Future?

          Android has been proved to be a great OS when it comes to mobile platforms and now it’s the leader among other mobile platforms. But some other plans involve this OS platform in the future and we will see if it will be as successful as in the mobile market. Google is rumored to make Android OS that will be supporting laptops and PC devices in near future. The question is: Is Google up to the challenge?

 

          If you ask me, Google is more than ready to deal with this kind of a challenge that will bring us Android based laptops and PCs. This company only needs the proper PC maker to lay its OS version on it and together be powerful and better out there on the market. Microsoft must be concerned about this rumor because Google is going straight at them with these new rumored plans. As the source says, HP’s new notebook will feature this new OS. It’s called Android based HP SlateBook x2 notebook. And a couple of speculations are suggesting that it will have a price tag of $480 and for a notebook, which is quite affordable.

But I’m kind of wondering how Android will perform when it comes to notebooks. We’ve seen what it can do on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets but in this case, the role is bigger. Of course, this will attract the attention of the many Android fans and the seekers for cheaper laptop devices. If this laptop comes out next week, Microsoft will have the next step that will face these cheaper Android-based laptops.

         There is a huge possibility we’ll be seeing some Windows based laptop versions hit the budget market this year. It was speculated that the new Silvermont chip will likely have its debut this year on all the Windows 8 and Windows Blue based devices that will feature this new processor chip from Intel. This chip was introduced to be the “Next-Generation Microarchitecture” that, according to Intel, will provide an increased performance and energy efficiency. This redesigned chip is using a process that is created by using 3-D Tri-gate transistors which were co-optimized with 22nm SoC by Intel. Cool huh?

 

         So, if this is what we can expect next in the OS world, if the next HP Android based notebook proves to be successful on the market, the company might even consider replacing the Windows platform with this new Android OS. Coming out from Microsoft, we can expect cheaper laptops and don’t be surprised if some next generation versions of the present devices hit the low-price market. This will not be a bad thing though, but we expect some great performances from both OS platforms. All in all, with the launch of this Android based notebook, Google will take a huge step forward into building this operating system in something big that is ready to grab the majority of the tech world. I hope you are ready for it.

 

Post by : Javed

Source : www.onlinegadgetstore.com

Friendship Day Special...!!!

Dosti naam hai sukh-dukh ke afsaane ka.
Yeh raaz hai sada muskuraane ka.
Yeh pal do pal ki rishtedaari nahi.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka.

Zindagi mein aakar kabhi na vaapas jaane ka.
Najaane kyu ek ajeeb si dor mein bandh jaane ka.
Ismein hoti nahi hain shartein.
Yeh to naam hai khud ek shart mein bandh jaane ka.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka.

Dosti dard nahi rone rulane ka.
Yeh to armaan hai ek khushi ke ashiyaane ka.
Ise kaanta na samajhna koi.
Yeh to phool hai Zindagi ki raahon ko mehkaane ka.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka.

Dosti naam hai doston mein khushiya bikher jane ka.
Ankhon ke ansuon ko noor me badal jane ka.
Yeh to apni hi taqdeer mein likhi hoti hai.
Dheere-dheere khud afsaana ban jati hai zamaane ka.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka.

Dosti naam hai kuch khokar bhi sab kuch paane ka.
Khud rokar bhi apne dost ko hasane ka.
Ismein pyaar bhi hai aur taqraar bhi.
Dosti toh naam hai us taqraar mein bhi apne yaar ko manaane ka.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka.
Yeh to farz hai umr bhar nibhaane ka....

Namaj, Roja, Zakat, Haj Islam na adhar stambh

Ramzan ul Mubarak

 

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn];[variations] Persian: رمضان‎ Ramazān; Urdu: رمضان‎ Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar;[1] Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is fardh (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, travelling, pregnant, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations they also refrain from swearing. Food and drink is served daily, before sunrise and after sunset.  According to Islam, the thawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran.

In the Quran

Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.[Quran 2:185]

 Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

 Beginning of Ramadan

        Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

 Practices during Ramadan

 Fasting

 Main article: Sawm of Ramadan

 Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).

 It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. Many children Endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life.

 Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, severe illness, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, although it’s not recommended by the hadith. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting. Those who were unable to fast still must make up the days missed later.

 Suhoor and Iftar

 Main articles: Suhoor and Iftar

 Iftar at Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called suhoor. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, the Fajr prayer. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar.

 Considering the high diversity of the global Muslim population, it is impossible to describe typical suhoor or iftar meals. Suhoor can be typical breakfast foods, ethnic foods, or leftovers from the previous iftar.

 In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.

 Social gatherings, many times buffet style, at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, especially those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are consumed to a lesser extent.

 In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more entrees, and a various kinds of desserts. Usually, the dessert is the most important part during iftar. Typical entrees are lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. A rich dessert such as luqaimat, baklava or kunafeh (a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle pastry filled with cheese) concludes the meal.[23]

 Over time, iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for 100 or more diners.

Charity

Main articles: Zakat and Sadaqa

Men praying during Ramadan at the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. Zakat, often translated as "the poor-rate", is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam; a fixed percentage is required to be given to the poor of the person's savings. Sadaqa is voluntary charity in given above and beyond what is required from the obligation of Zakat. In Islam all good deeds are more handsomely rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of the year. Consequently, many will choose this time to give a larger portion, if not all, of the Zakat for which they are obligated to give. In addition, many will also use this time to give a larger portion of sadaqa in order to maximize the reward that will await them on the Day of Judgment.

 In many Muslim countries, it is a common sight to see people giving more food to the poor and the homeless, and even to see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.[citation needed]

 Increased prayer and recitation of the Quran.

 In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Salatul Tarawih prayers, it is common.

 Laylat al-Qadr

 Main article: Laylat al-Qadr

 Sometimes referred to as "the night of power" or 'the night of decree", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[25][26] This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad(SAW) stating that this night was "better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran.

 

Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. The Dawoodi Bohra Community believe that 23rd night is laylat al Qadr.

 End of Ramadan

 Eid ul-Fitr

 Main article: Eid ul-Fitr

 The Muslim holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر‎, "festivity of breaking the fast"), sometimes spelled in English as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid ul-Fitr. Eid Ul-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.

For the manner in which the Eid is celebrated, see Eid ul-Fitr and Salat al Eid.

Cultural aspects

Fanous Ramadan decorations in Cairo, Egypt

Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem

Various cultural additions are mistakenly associated as part of the original celebrations arising from the time of Muhammad, as many of the forms of celebration in various cultures and countries have added. For example, no symbols of Ramadan were evident in any scholarly literature of Muhammad's lifetime, yet in some places Ramadan is met with various decorations.[citation needed]

 For example, in some Muslim countries today lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. Lanterns have become symbolic decorations welcoming the month of Ramadan. In a growing number of countries, they are hung on city streets. The tradition of lanterns as a decoration becoming associated with Ramadan is believed to have originated during the Fatimid Caliphate primarily centered in Egypt, where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the capital city of Cairo. Shopping malls, places of business, and people's homes can be seen with stars and crescents, as well as, various lighting effects, as well. Some Muslim parents, residing in Western countries mimick modern Christmas celebration traditions, as a means of trying to make Ramadan a more enjoyable time for their children who are too young to fast and understand the spiritual significance of the holy month.[citation needed]

 Some Muslims may use a Ramadan calendar to help their children understand Ramadan.[citation needed] There are 29 or 30 flaps, behind which there may be a small piece of chocolate, a sweet or a toy.

Origins

Origin of the word Ramadan

Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Muslim origin. However, prior to Islam's exclusion of intercalary days from its calendar, the name of this month was called Natiq and [due to the intercalary days added] always occurred in the warm season.

 It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, God proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His Sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to The Oneness of God.

 Pre-Islamic observation of fasting

 During the Jahilliyah (i.e. pre-Islamic period) the tribe of Quraish and the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura. It marks two historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by God. Ashura may or may not be referring to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur.

 Abu Zanad, an Arabic writer from Iraq who lived around 747 A.D. (after the founding of Islam), wrote that at least one Mandaean community located in northern Iraq observed Ramadan.

Recently I was asked to serve as a judge for the Shell Student Energy Challenge, an infographic competition that was part of the student fuel-efficiency contest, Shell Eco-marathon. Shell sponsors National Geographic’s Great Energy Challenge initiative.

This provided a fascinating opportunity to evaluate what many of us feel: that we must begin by not only communicating better the risks of neglecting the planet, but also by highlighting the antidotes to our current miserable record of planetary care.

If we are not doing this, who will? Well, the segment of the population we all point to as the one most likely both to care and to take action is well on its way, the competition amply proved. That group is secondary school and college-age kids and young adults. (As I often sadly say, this group is also most likely to bring a class-action lawsuit against those of us older than 50. We really have no defense to the contention that we had and have sufficient data on how damaging our life-style has become, and we also have ample data on the many opportunities to change things for the better, but to date, have not done so. That, however, is the subject for another note.)

Shell Eco-marathon is a global mileage challenge and forum for current and future leaders who are working to find smarter solutions to the world’s energy challenge. Student teams compete to design, build, and drive the most energy-efficient vehicle possible.

I have had the opportunity to read a great many entries from high schools and colleges in the United States and Canada, who competed in the Americas division of the competition, and from students in the separate Europe Shell Student Energy Challenge In a single poster, students were asked to describe visually and in text and words our current situation and how we can address this crisis. More specifically, the question posed to these students was:

By the year 2050, the earth’s population is expected to exceed nine billion people and the demand for energy is expected to triple. What does the global energy mix look like in the year 2050?

The best entries are truly inspiring, and short of critiquing each (a very “over 50″ thing to do), I’ll start by just sharing a few. I don’t agree with all of their assessments (more on that later), but want to highlight those that really caught my eye:

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto team did a great job of making particularly clear the mix of energy supply-side sources today and in the future, and highlighting just how much is riding on a set of sectors that occupy an exceedingly small supply tomorrow. My quibble with this infographic, which took second place in the Americas contest, is that I think these students are far too conservative on solar, geothermal, and nuclear. (Remember that this latter category includes everything from the exceedingly costly (today) nuclear fission plants, to small modular nuclear reactors, and fusion.) Notice that coal is entirely absent from this team’s assessment in 2050. Critically absent, however—and for some, hard to graphically portray—is what many feel will be the largest resource: efficiency.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

To be sure energy efficiency is not neglected here (above). This infographic by the DNV Fuel Fighter team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology is one that takes a narrow view of just this resource, but does a great job showing just how diverse energy efficiency options truly are.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri team captured first place in the Americas contest with this wonderful version that captures the diversity of energy options—and the ability for people everywhere to exploit some of their local resources. While quibbles can abound here (such as the amazing solar, geothermal, and other resources in Africa and Australia, to name two neglected regions), but I’d really like to see their “H” hydroelectric light bulbs be used for another energy carrier, H₂ (hydrogen). I’d also have a bit more on the benefits and the perils of large-scale hydropower in the figure.

Delft University of Technology

Students from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands delivered this excellent take on the benefits and the challenges of the place where most experts think we are headed: toward more and more mega-cities and mega-regions. This visually clean, but perhaps a bit “lean” infographic focusing on the future of urban areas took second place in the Europe competition.

Technical University of Crete

Thistruly beautiful infographic (above) from the Technical University of Crete, Greece, won first place in the Europe competition. Another infographic to appeal to geeks like myself (and I think the watchers of shows like “The Big Bang Theory” is below, by Warsaw University of Technology in Poland.

Warsaw University of Technology

This final info-graphic—and all of these were winners in my voting—highlights another key point: there is a great deal to learn that underpins innovative new thinking on sustainable energy and economic systems.

If there is a missing theme to note in these great posters, though, it is people, policies, and behavior. I’ll be suggesting and offering to judge similar competitions that take equally insightful looks at what does and what can motivate behavior change— by individuals, by households, communities, countries, and leaders.

I will be hoping and rooting for that competition to really drive home the importance of the balance we need between technical and social innovations!

 

Post by Javed

Source by : Net Geo Website

 

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VANOD STATE

VANOD STATE

H.H. Inayat Khanji Kamaluddin Khanji Malik

Born on 24th September 1956 in this princely state of Vanod, completed his school-life as a rosarite from Rosary high school (Baroda) and has a Bachelors degree in commerce faculty from Gujarat University.

Besides this has a deep interest in Various other activities like Hunting, clay shooting, horse riding. An active member in the development of Vanod as a village and has a strong Political Background.

VANOD

Vanod is a Jurisdictional Taluka consisting of 11 Villages. It is surrounded by Dasada Thana, Viramgam Taluka, and Border of BARODA STATE and RADHANPUR STATE. Vanod lay north of Mandal (Baroda),north east of Dasada,north- north west of Viramgam and north east of Patdi and other side the boarder of Radhanpur State.

At the time of merger the area of the taluka is 57.37 sq mile =148.59 sq kms and the population(1941)6061. The revenue of the Taluka is Rs.100,000 in the good normal year and expenditure is about half the annual revenue The Taluka exercises jurisdiction as under:- Civil jurisdiction:-Upto the value of Rs.5000. Criminal jurisdiction:- Upto 2 Years’ rigorous imprisonment and fine Rs. 2000.

The ancestors  of  Vanod Rulers were Rathod Rajput and Bhayat of Jodhpur in Mandovar. The Vanod Ruler descended from Bhimji, son of Rao Chandoji Rathod, of Mandovar 1383/1424(Jodhpur). Owing to a dispute over his giras, Bhimji’s son Abhaji went to Sindh in 1435 and in 1445 he went to Gujarat, after arriving in Gujarat, he converted to Islam, and was given 25 Villages of Vanod Taluka(which have been founded by Vanraj Chavada, king of Gujarat) and the title of Malikby Ahmad shah Badshah I, sultan of Gujarat, who married Abhaji’s daughter (or gave his daughter in marriage to Abhaji)

Under Brithish Paramountcy, Vanod was included in Kthaiwad Agency1820-1924,the Western Indian States agency 1924-1944 and the BarodaWestern India and Gujarat States Agency 1944-1974. until 1924 it was in the political relations with the government of Bombay, from 1924 to 1937 with the government of India and from 1937 to 1947 with the crown representative.

In 1863 it was placed in direct relations with the assistant political agent, northern prant from 1873 the assistant political agent, Jhalawad prant, and from 1902 the political agent, Jhalwad prant), in 1923 in direct relations with the political agent, Eastern kathiawad States ( from 1927 Eastern Kathaiwad Agency) and on 10 july 1943 in direct relations with Baroda.

On 30th August 1947, the MalikHussainMohd Khanji of Vanod theInstrument of Accession to the Dominion of India; the accession accepted on 5th November 1947, and Vanod was placed in the charge of the Regional Commissioner at Baroda and for the States of Western India and Gujarat. In 1948 MalikHussainMohd Khanji signed an agreement consenting to the merger of Vanod into Kathiawad, and Vanod was merged into the United State of Kathiawad(later renamed Saurashtra). It was included in Jhalavad (now Surendranagar) District, which became part of Bombay on 1st November 1956 and of Gujarat on 1st May 1960.

In the eighteenth century, Vanod became tributary to the peshwa. In 1817, the Peshwa’s rights were transferred the the British, and from the until 1947 Vanod paid a trinute of Rs 1,953 to the British Crown. The Rulers of Vanod were Styled Malik. In 1914 HussainMohd Khanji received the title of Khan Saheb as a personal distinction. From 1863 to 1925 the Ruler was a Fifth Class Chief, and in 1948 his Privy Purse was set at Rs 38,430 a year. HussainMohd Khanji (1905-1958) was granted enhanced powers as a personal distinction.

Princely State Of Vanod

AREA                                    :-  148 Kilometers
PRIVE PURSE                    :-  38430 RS.
ACCESSION                         :-  15th February
STATE                                   :-  VANOD [Saurashtra]
DANASTY                            :-  RATHORE
RELIGION                            :-  MUSLIM
VILLAGES                            :-  11
POPULATION                     :-  6,061 [1921]
REVENUE                            :-  1,00,000 Rs.

Vanod is jurisdictional Taluka consisting of 11 Villages It is surrounded by the DASADA

Boundary and limit :- Viramgamtaluka, Baroda and Radhanpur State

Area and Extent :- The area of the taluka is 57-37 square miles

Population :- The Population of taluka is of 6,061 souls according to 1921

The revenue of the :- The finances isRs 1,00,000 in the good normal year. Expenditure is about half the annul revenue.

Railways and Roads :- No Railway passes through the limits of the Taluka. There is also no Pacca road in the Taluka

Industry :- No Industry of note

The Taluka Pays :- Rs.1953 to the British Government on account of Peshkashi and Rs. 1,399-9-6 to on account of Jama for the village of  Mera, Manavada, Naviyani and Valevda Rs. 455-to the Radhanpur State on account of Udhad for the village of Erwada, Chharot, Susia, and Gosana.

Militry Force :- Nil

Engagements and Treaties :- The Taluka has entered into general engagements and It has no special engagements or treaties.

The ancestors of VANOD STATE were Rathod Rajput and Bhayats of JODHPUR in MANDOVAR. They were descended from RAO CHANDAJI OF MANDOVAR. They were descended from RAO CHANDAJI OF MANDOVAR. They came to Ahmedabad early in the reign of AHMED SHAH. They give him a daughter in marriage And embraced ISLAMISM. AHMED SHAH in return granted them the of VANOD and title of “Malik” in 1435 A.D. Vanod is side to have been founded by VANRAJSINH CHAVDA and the shrine his family goddess “WANODMATA” (WERIAMATA) is situated close to the village.

HISTORY OF RULERS

Malik SHRI HUSSEIN MAHOMED KHANJI. He was born on the 7th December, 1885,and was installed on 22nd March,1909. The title of KHAN SAHEB was conferred on him by GOVERNMENT in1914.

Married :
1. Y, d. of Darbar Shri Rasulkhanji, Shareholder of Dasada 20th March 1936,
2. Y, d. of Jamkhanji of Naviani(Vanod Bhayat). The Taluka exercises

jurisdiction as under:-- Civil Jurisdiction:--Upto the value of RS. 5,000 Criminal Jurisdiction:--Upto 2 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fine Rs.2,000

H.H Malik Shri Amiruddin Khanji of Vanod Born : 23rd September 1893 Died : 12 March 1974 Succeeded : 2nd January 1958 KHAN SAHEB, Malik OF VANOD 1958 (originally granted Manawada) Married : Malomabibi, d. of Darbar Shri Firoz Khanji Bawajiraj Saheb Shareholder of Dasada

H.H. Malik Shri Kamaluddin Khanji of  Vanod Born :- 1934 Died :- 12th September 1993 Succeeded : 12 March 1974 Granted Title KHAN SAHEB OF VANOD 1974  Married : Hirubabibi(Khaorunnisabibi), d. of Darbar Shri MohammadKhanji Bapjirajsaheb Shareholder of Dasada

The present Ruler of Vanod is H.H. Malik Shri Inayatkhanji Born :- 24th September 1956 Succeeded :- 12th September 1993 Granted title KHAN SAHEB OF VANOD 1993 Married : Shehnazjaha, d. of Sardarshree khawajamiyasaheb Sulemanmiya [Gayakwad State Baroda] Prince Malik Shri Mohd.Aamil Khanji of Vanod State (Yuvraaj) Born :- 7th July 1982 Major in the INDIAN ARMY

Prince Malik Shri Hassan Khanji of Vanod. Born :-16th May 1994.

Princess Malik Ayesha of Vanod Born:- 18th December 1987.

Malik: RATHOR CLAN

The Malik of VANOD held a jurisdictional TALUKA which at the time of the merger had an area of 57.37 sq.miles and a population of 6,061(1941). The VANOD TALUKA had originally been founded by VANRAJSHIH CHAVADA, King of Gujarat, and in the 15th century was granted to this family.

The MALEKS descended from BHIMJI son of RAO CHANDOJI RATHOR of MARWAR(JODHPUR). BHIMJI’S son ABHAJI went to SIND in 1425 after a dispute over his GIRAS, and in 1445 proceeded to Gujarat, where he converted to ISLAM and received the twenty five villages of the VANOD TALUKA and the title of Malikfrom SULTAN AHMADSHAH 1 of Gujarat who married ABHAJI’S daughter.

VANOD was included in the KATHIAWAR AGENCY (1820-1924), in the Western Indian States Agency (1924-1944) and in the BARODA, Western Indian and Gujarat States Agency (1944-1947). From 1923 to 1943 it was in direct relations with the Political Agent Eastern Kathiawar State (from 1927 the Eastern Kathiawar Agency) and from July 10, 1943 to August 14,-1947, it was attached to BARODA. From 1863 to 1925, the Ruler was a Fifth Class Chief. MalikHUSSIN MOHAMMADKHANJI was granted the personal title of KHAN SAHEB. Until 1947, the Ruler paid a tribute of Rs.1,953 to the British Crown.

In 1947, KHAN SAHEB MalikHUSSIN MOHAMMADKHANJI, MalikOF VANOD signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of Vanod, and Vanod was placed in the charge of the Regional Commissioner at Rajkot.

In 1948, the MalikHUSSIN MOHAMMADKHANJI, MalikOF VANOD signed an agreement merging VAnod into the UNITED STATE OF KATHAIWAR (later Saurashtra). Itbecame part of the jhalawad (now the SURENDRANAGAR DISTRICT) which became part of BOMBAY on November 1, 1956, and of Gujarat on May 1, 1960. The MalikPrive Purse was set at Rs. 38,430 a years.

On death MalikHUSSIN MOHAMMADKHANJI in 1958, his brother, AMIRUDDINKHANJI, sometime Kamdar of the Vanod Taluka, succeeded to the title. He was turn followed by his son, KAMALUDDINKHANJI II in 1974, and on the latter’s death in 1993, his son INAYATKHANJI KAMALUDDINKHANJI MALIK followed of the (state) house.

Three Blessings Of Vanod State

In Vanod State's village VIZWADA there was a saint Shree Damanath Bapu, who willingly took samadhi 350years back. He was greatly impressed by the ruler's Un-biased Administration & Love of People. Seeing the ruler's love for the people he gave the ruler 3 - BLESSINGS...

These Blessings are still live today continuing generations after genereations from Ruler to Ruler.

Blessing #1

 

The Heir to the throne will put three knots in black wool thread and give it to the patient of Scitica(Ragan), he/she will be cured at-once. This blessing is still there, even today people from all over come for this thread and go back smiling

Blessing #2

 

Second blessing is in the form of stone. Any animal like cow or buffalo if they swallow iron they may die. The animal can be cured by the blessed stone, the blessed stone is placed over the animal from head to tail and moved 7-times, by this iron gets removed curing the animal.

Blessing #3

 

And the third blessing is in the form of TAWIZ. The TAWIZ would protect the ruler from fire, and wearing that TAWIZ the ruler would be free from danger even in fire, and would come out safely without burns...

 

All these 3 - Blessings are for the ruler, person entitled to throne, but some people are misusing this blessings. Its my NOTICE to them, please stop or one day this gift from the saint will be taken away

 

H.H. Inayat Khanji Kamaluddin Khanji Malik

Vanod Address :

Darbargadh At & Post : Vanod, Taluka : Dasada , District : Surendranagar

Baroda Address :

203 - Krishnadeep Towers, Mission Road, Fatehganj, Baroda. Gujarat