International Safer Internet Day

 

The Safer Internet Day is observed worldwide every year on the second day of the second week of February to sensitize people to use the internet responsibly and without getting their data compromised.

This year, the theme of the Safer Internet Day is ‘Together for a better internet’.

As we know, the Internet has been an amazing invention that has undoubtedly changed the world in more than many ways that we can conceive. We can connect to people faster, find things easier, and transfer information at the speed of light.

In the present scenario, one cannot deny the fact that the rise in the usage of smart phones has given access to the internet to the majority of people. While, the internet today is the most informative tool; it also has its downsides if not used effectively.

As we know, numerous misinformation travels through the internet and it ultimately leads to several dilemmas in our lives. Cyber-bullying, Password trafficking and data theft or leakage are some of the common malpractices that take place on the internet persistently.

So, what’s exactly can be done to prevent these cyber-crimes?

The use of the web is inevitable due to the increasing global significance of the technology. We often share personal or professional information to reap the advantages of the internet, which are easily misused. Thus, it is essential to know about the possible threats and risks to our virtual safety; in particular for those people who are not that tech-savvy.

Therefore, we need to contemplate; how safe is the usage of the internet in the backdrop of the number of breaches in the past.

Presently, we have some of the most effective measures as mentioned below to remain on the safer side and prevent cyber traps.

• Create strong passwords

• Use of firewall

• Control browser settings to block tracking

• Browse privately

• Be careful while posting on the internet

• Ensure safe sites while entering crucial information

• Handle emails carefully

• Avoid public computers

• Use Antivirus/anti-spyware

• Keep your Computer system up-to-date.

Internet security involves getting up-to-date about the possible threats to one’s safety. It also includes the knowledge about the cyber risks to your vital information along with the measures to prevent these threats and counter them well in time.

Consequently, in the wake of everyone's safety, let’s all observe the Safer Internet Day that prompts us to be alert 24x7 and broadcast the required awareness amongst all of us to make the best use of the internet.

 

 Take Care...!  Be Safe…!

Brijesh Kumar Loshali

(IT Department)

The Mann School

‘INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY’

 

On the historic occasion of the 72nd Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings to all the Indians.

 

January 26 is the day when we all are brimful with patriotic enthusiasm of hoisting our national flag, taking part in celebrations and humming nationalistic songs. This day is quite momentous to every Indian citizen. It marks the day when India became truly sovereign and incorporated the world’s largest democracy.

 

As we all know, India was ruled by the British for over 200 years and attained independence after a prolonged freedom struggle. Though India got its independence on August 15, 1947, the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26^th, 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act enforced by the Parliament of the United Kingdom to regulate the government of British India.

 

On this day, grand parades take place in New Delhi and state capitals that charge the atmosphere with exhilarating emotions of patriotism amongst all the Indians.

 

Moreover, paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country and presenting bravery awards to the military personnel, citizens and children for their bravery during the hardships are the main highlights of the Republic Day celebrations.

People experience the essence of each colour of the tricolor which has its prominent significance emphasizing the values of strength, bravery, tranquility, truth and sanctity into the fabric of our being. During the procession of the Republic Day parade, the crowd applauses in happiness to see the hovering helicopters while showering rose-petals on them. The national folk dances spread their magical aura and mesmerize the spectators.

 

This day highlights the need for understanding the importance of great efforts put in by the real heroes of this nation during the hardships.

Consequently, we must uphold the truthful sentiments to ensure our country’s well-being - be it economic, social, cultural and environmental.

 

Let’s be united…!

 

JAI HIND!!!

 

DEEPA SHARMA

ASSISTANT TEACHER

THE MANN SCHOOL

‘Indian Army Day’

 

India celebrates ‘Indian Army Day’ on 15th January every year. On this day, Lieutenant General Kondandera Madappa Cariappa OBE took charge of the Indian Army as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher in 1949.

Indian Army celebrates this day by showcasing military might through parades and display of equipment, tanks, other vehicles and the brilliant display of combat exercises. The main parade takes place in the Cariappa Ground, Delhi. The Chief of Army Staff takes the salute of the soldiers parading in their magnificent uniforms. He honours the gallant soldiers and exceptional units by awarding Sena Medals and unit citations.

Mapsians happen to witness Army Day Parade every year. Last year too, our students were highly enlightened to witness the 72nd Army Day Celebrations.

The parade started with the mesmerizing tunes of “Aarti” played by the Army band. Thereafter, the buglers made the call while all the contingents joined together forming a nice display of the parade.

Parade Adjutant Captain Tania Shergill, a fourth-generation Army officer became the first lady to command the all-men’s parade. She handed over the command to the Parade 2i/c (Second in Command) Brigadier-‘A’, HQ Delhi Area, who then handed over the command of the parade to the Parade Commander (Chief of Staff, Head-quarter Delhi Area).

One by one, GOC in C Western Command, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC arrived. 

Finally, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, and ADC arrived there to accept the salute of the parade. He inspected the march past as it passed by the saluting dais. Excellent marching of the troops mesmerized the spectators. General Naravane addressed the Army and honoured 15 valiant soldiers with Sena Medal (Gallantry) and awarded Unit Citations to 18 units. Jeeps carrying the Gallant Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Sports awardees motivated all of us. 

Subsequently, the daredevils of the Indian Army showcased their balancing skills on motorcycles. They displayed exceptional courage and skills through various formations. Various tanks, guns and radars were part of the parade of marching troops.

Thereafter, with the thundering sound of guns, tanks and the procession of troops towards the artificial enemy posts imitated the scenes of the battlefield. The slithering of soldiers from the helicopters and then positioning themselves were quite exciting. The surprise attack on the enemy bunkers, fighting with them and destroying their bunkers were nicely demonstrated by the soldiers in their camouflaged attires.

It is always a thrilling experience to attend Army Day Celebration since it arouses a great feeling of pride and patriotism.

JAI HIND…!

                                                                                               

Second Officer Ruchi Shanker

Associate NCC Officer (Army)

The Mann School

सूर्योत्सव - लोहड़ी, मकर संक्रांति, पोंगल

 

मकर संक्रांति का त्योहार सूर्य देव के मकर राशि में प्रवेश के रूप में मनाया जाता है | हिंदू धर्म में बारह राशियाँ होती हैं | जिसमें से दसवीं राशि मकर  है | जब सूर्य इस राशि में प्रवेश करता है उस दिन मकर संक्रांति मनाई जाती है | संक्रांति शब्द का अर्थ है - बदलाव का समय | सूर्य हर महीने एक नई राशि में प्रवेश करता है अगर वह मेष राशि में प्रवेश करता है तो वह मेष संक्रांति होती है | जब सूर्य कन्या राशि में प्रवेश करता है तो हम उसे कन्या संक्रांति  कहते हैं | सूर्य  के मकर राशि में प्रवेश करने के कारण इसे मकर संक्रांति कहते हैं |  

 

मकर संक्रांति पर्व की विशेष महिमा है, इस दिन सूर्य उत्तरायण में  प्रवेश करता है जिसके पश्चात् दिन, रात के मुकाबले लंबे होने लगते  हैं | पुराणों के अनुसार यह तिल-तिल बढ़ता है इसलिए इस त्योहार में तिल को बहुत महत्त्व दिया जाता है | इस दिन तिलों का सेवन व उनका दान भी किया जाता है।

 

महाभारत के एक प्रसंग से भी सूर्य के उत्तरायण में प्रवेश के विशेष महत्त्व की जानकारी मिलती है, जब पितामह भीष्म अपने क्षत-विक्षत शरीर के साथ मृत्यु शैय्या पर थे, तो वे प्राण त्यागने के लिए सूर्य के उत्तरायण में जाने की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे। 

 

मकर संक्रांति का त्योहार भारत तथा नेपाल में प्राचीन काल से मनाया जाता   रहा है। यह शरद ऋतु के अंत को भी दर्शाता है | यह पर्व भारत के  विशेष त्योहारों में से एक है जो कि सूर्य चक्र के अनुसार मनाये जाते हैं |  विक्रम संवत्  के अनुसार संक्रांति माघ के महीने का पहला दिन होता है इसलिए इसे माघी संक्रांति भी कहते हैं ।

 

उत्तर भारत में मकर संक्रांति पर तिल, गुड़ व खिचड़ी आदि का दान किया जाता है| वहीं पश्चिम भारत गुजरात में यह पतंगों का त्योहार है | यहाँ मकर संक्रांति पर भारी संख्या में  पतंगें उड़ाई जाती हैं तथा गुजरात में यह त्योहार तीन दिनों तक मनाया जाता है | 

 

पंजाब में उत्तरायण का स्वागत लोहड़ी के पर्व के रूप में किया जाता है । लोहड़ी पौष माह के अंतिम दिन सूर्यास्त के बाद मनाई जाती है । लोहड़ी प्रतीक है नई फसल का, नई शुरुआत का इसलिए नव विवाहित जोड़ों व नवजात शिशुओं के लिए पहली लोहड़ी का विशेष महत्त्व है |  लोहड़ी आग जलाकर, उसके पास घेरा बनाकर व नाच - गाकर मनाई जाती है । 

 

दक्षिण भारत में उत्तरायण पोंगल के रूप में मनाया जाता है | यह उत्सव वहाँ चार दिन तक चलता है | यहाँ के लोग इस उत्सव को फसलों, अनाज व खेत में काम करने वाले जानवरों के साथ उल्लासपूर्वक मनाते हैं। इस दिन से तमिल नववर्ष की शुरुआत भी होती है | पोंगल दक्षिण भारत का एक प्रसिद्ध व्यंजन भी है | 

 

सूर्योत्सव भारत के विभिन्न हिस्सों  में अलग-अलग नामों से मनाये जाते हैं | सूर्य हमारे जीवन का आधार है इसलिए यह पर्व हर जगह खुशी और उल्लास से परिपूर्ण है |

मीनू शर्मा                                                                               

हिंदी विभाग

‘द मान स्कूल’