Festival of lights and its significance

Diwali or Deepavali is a is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, besides other religions as well --- Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, notably Newar Buddhists.  Usually, the festival is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika [between mid-October and mid-November].

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali or Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness and good over evil.”

Why is Diwali called the festival of lights?

Diwali is a feast of lamps and the festival significance symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.  

Diwali Story

According to Hindu mythology, it is also a celebration of the day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating Ravana in Lanka and serving 14 years of exile.  People also celebrate by remembering the Pandavas who had returned home after 12 years of exile, following a humiliating loss to the Kauravas in the game of dice.

One can see, celebrants are busy cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas [oil lamps] and rangolis [colorful art circle patterns]. 

This year Diwali 2023 will be celebrated on November 12 all over the country.

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During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Adults and children are enjoying to light fireworks, partake in family feasts, and exchanges of  mithai [sweets] and gifts are taking place that denotes the expression of companionship and fellowship among the people.

Especially, the festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families but also for communities and associations. Greeting cards are reciprocated to family near and far during the festive season.

Diwali or Deepavali is from the Sanskrit meaning "row or series of lights".  Dipa means "lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines, illuminates or knowledge" and āvali, "a row, range, continuous line, series.”

Generally, the festivities begin two days [second half of October or early November] before amāvasyā, on Dhanteras [symbol of annual renewal, cleansing and an auspicious beginning for the next year], and extend two days after, on the second day of the month of Kartik.  It is an official holiday in most of the countries. 

During this festival one can see in temples and on the outside of the roofs, an innumerable number of oil lamps, which are kept burning day and night and that the families would gather clothe themselves in new garments sing, dance and feast. 

In Eastern part of India, Hindus associate the festival with the goddess Kali, who symbolises the victory of good over evil.  Parts of Assam, as well as southern Tamil and Telugu associations view Diwali as the day the god Krishna overcame and destroyed the evil demon king Narakasura, in yet another symbolic victory of knowledge and good over ignorance and evil.

Also, trade and merchant families and others offer prayers to Saraswati, who embodies music, literature and learning and Kubera, who symbolises book-keeping, treasury and wealth management. In Gujarat, and certain northern Hindu communities of India, the festival of Diwali signifies the start of a new year.

If you see each day of Diwali has a different centre of attraction. The first day is a shopping day especially for gold or silver. The second day is used to decorate the home and the third day is the main day of the festival with fireworks at night and a feast with family and friends.  It is a festival of togetherness and prosperity according to Hindu traditions. During Diwali one can see the artistic expression through vibrant performances, unique exhibits, and colorful decorations.

The most interesting part of Diwali is marked by ornate decorations and people wear glittering displays of colors and lights because it is widely believed that Diwali is the day on which the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi supposedly roams the Earth and blesses people with wealth and happiness.

Diwali, festival of light is a cultural connection across the world.  There are other countries that celebrate Diwali just like India:

• In United Kingdom many events are held here to celebrate the occasion known as the Festival of Lights
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Mauritius
• Malaysia
• Fiji
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal

Perceptibly, Diwali is the festival of light, but morality derives an opportunity to do good towards the betterment of society. Most importantly Diwali signifies Good can triumph over Evil. We must have patience, no matter how long the wait is, time changes and things will be favorable. Also, children can learn from this festival to seek the blessings of elders and to learn to respect them.                                              

Even in many parts of the country Diwali is widely celebrated.  The prominent ones are:

• Varanasi. Recognised as one of the holiest towns in India, Varanasi celebrates Diwali on the banks of the holy Ganges!
• Amritsar
• Jaipur
• Udaipur
• Kolkata
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Ayodhya

No doubt festivals like this teach us to balance our emotions and stress relivers. It brings positivity and lower negativity.  It also provides an opportunity to reduce friction and brings estranged friends and relatives together in a bond of love. 

There are also five amazing facts about Diwali:

• The festival occurs on a no-moon night
• It celebrates the birth of Lakshmi, goddess of Wealth
• It is the end of harvest season
• It includes the festival of Annakut
• There are plenty of fireworks and lights! 

It is also important that we should not do during Diwali Puja:

• When choosing gifts for friends and relatives, avoid leather items, cutlery and crackers
• Gambling should be avoided
• Avoid Drinking and taking non-vegetarian food on Diwali
• Do not leave the pooja area unattended throughout the night to make sure that the diya remains lit 

However, one can celebrate Diwali in a different manner:

• Buy a gift for yourself which gives a happiness
• Organise competition in a healthy manner
• Donate/ Spend time with old people
• Host a lunch/dinner party for less privileged
• Put aside phones and log off from social media to celebrate the spirit of Diwali
• Try cooking and use biodegradable crockery
• Go natural and keep simple with the traditional way

In short, Diwali is the centre of attraction of lighting of lamps, candles, electric lights and fireworks.  It has a certain belief that that if we leave the lights on, Ganesha and Lakshmi will come to our house, so we want to make sure that we have enough light in the house.

An analysis of Work and Life Balance

In today’s hectic world to maintain work and life balance is the main concern.  To keep up the relationship between the work-life balance arrangement with organizational performance is a growing worrisome factor!  Work-life balance problems are there but we have to find out the solutions also. It gives an immense benefit if we can skillfully manage the work-life balance. 

Now, when we are talking about organizational performance, it is measured based on six perspectives, including:

1. Career motivation
2. Employee attendance
3. Employee recruitment
4. Employee retention
5. Organisational commitment and
6. Productivity

It is presumed that of the six perspectives --- only career motivation, employee attendance, employee recruitment, and employee retention are significantly associated with the work-life balance arrangement. 

We cannot ignore the work-life balance because a healthy work-life balance not only tremendously affects the physical and mental development of an individual but also the sustainability of organisations.  Therefore, a work-life balance arrangement (WLBA) should be implemented to safeguard the well-being and improve the performance of workers/employees.  WLBA solely depend on policies or practices that assist workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

We should comprehend that WLBA can be distinguished in different types including:

• Family-friendly policies
• flexible work hours or schedules
• Incentive programs
• Workplace health programs, and
• Work-life balance programs

Family-Friendly Policies

Family-friendly policies are a series of complementary benefits, including childcare, maternity leave, and parental leave. These policies aim to retain talented workers by resolving their conflict between work and their personal life. Studies have found that family-friendly policies have a positive impact on organizational performance. 

Flexible Working Hours

Flexible working hours allow workers to adjust their work schedules to meet personal and work needs. Several studies have suggested that flexible working hours improve organizational performance. 

Incentive Program

An incentive program, either monetary or nonmonetary, recognises workers who achieve organizational goals.  Several studies have found that workers with a high level of autonomy perform better. 

Workplace Health Program

A workplace health program is a comprehensive set of health promotion and protection strategies that are linked to communities for safeguarding the safety and health of workers. The measures used by the program include health insurance for both workers and their dependents, discounted fitness programs, and mental health services. Some studies have indicated that workplace health programs have a positive impact on organizational performance. 

Work-Life Balance Program

A work-life balance program is the combination of several work-life balance initiatives. It has been observed that implementing work-life balance programs for working mothers can improve organizational performance. Mainly this program has been explored in the United States, Japan, and Australia, which shows a good result of organizational performance. 

Career Motivation

Career motivation is an important aspect to achieve career goals. Some studies have found that career motivation is boosted by WLBA. 

Employee Attendance

Employee attendance refers to employees being present for work. It has been revealed that the employee attendance of service industries in Singapore is ameliorated by WLBA and also in the United States. 

Employee Recruitment

Employee recruitment refers to the process of seeking potential and qualified people for organisations. Some studies have revealed that an organisation with a work-life balance initiative increases its competitiveness in recruitment. 

Employee Retention

Employee retention means that organisations provide a supportive working environment to retain their workers. Some studies have suggested that WLBA increases employee retention.

Additionally, employee retention has positive effects on companies, such as a decrease in financial costs, a reduction in accident rates, and an increase in the quality of work. 

Organisational Commitment

Organisational commitment is the acceptance of the organisational values, willingness to make an effort, and the desire to continue employment in companies. Organisational performance can be enhanced by the engagement of employees. 

Productivity

Productivity refers to the capability of producing good service. The higher the productivity of employees is, the better the organizational performance will be. A considerable amount of research has indicated that WLBA increases productivity. 

Relationship between WLBA and Organisational Performance

The relationship between WLBA and Organisational Performance can be described based on the social exchange theory, which implies an evaluation of cost and rewards.  It has been claimed that incentives can be offered to employees in return for devotion to an organisation. The employers formulate favourable policies and provide support to motivate employees to contribute more, which results in improved productivity, attendance, and retention. 

The nexus between WLBA and organizational performance, showing that the provision of WLBA allows more resources for employees who are inclined to perform better. Hence, employees have better management in each role and are likely to contribute more to work. 

Recent studies have identified the salutary effects of WLBA on organizational performance, including enhancing retention, increasing profit, alleviating attendance, sustaining commitment, and stimulating. 

It is to be noted that employees are allowed to work under a flexible work schedule to compensate for the time used for dealing with family matters or other sudden personal affairs during working hours. This workplace flexibility can improve the attendance of the employees, which boost a positive relationship between an appropriate WLBA and early attendance. 

Providing training programs and flexible working hours are two of the strategies of WLBA. Workers can acquire new skills and knowledge through training programs, and the employees can perceive potential career growth within the organisations. 

Flexible working hours can increase the flexibility for employees to cope with nonwork affairs during working hours. Thus, employees have a high tendency to work in the company if the organisation provides favourable work-life balance policies for employees. 

In a nutshell, WLBA aims to mitigate the conflict between work and nonwork roles that the well-being of employees can be maintained. Employees with  good physical and mental health have better work performances. 

WLBA creates mutual benefits between employees and organisations. Importantly, tailoring work-life balance practices to meet the needs of employees is an ideal approach. An appropriate and safe workplace design might enhance the performance of employees. Furthermore, the regulatory environment and corporate governance mechanisms might considerably influence sustainability and corporate social performance. 

Perceptibly, gender has a significant role in organizational performance.  Both males and females have different work attitudes and capabilities.  However, both male and female workers have the same goal, which is to resolve problems and enhance business efficiency.  

Moreover, the study revealed that gender, sector, and employee hierarchy have significant effects on the association between WLBA and organizational performance. 

Assisting employees to achieve work-life balance is one of the important duties of companies.  The employers may introduce some flexible work initiatives, such as teleworking, home-working, and e-working, to help employees achieve a balance between work and personal life. 

In addition, organisations should provide training programs for managing and dealing with the needs of employees. Thus, a work-life balance culture can be cultivated in the organisations through management. Several researchers have stated that a high level of job autonomy, the provision of additional resources, and psychological rewards are associated with a healthier work-life balance. 

Most importantly, manpower is regarded as a competitive advantage to any company. Hence, employers should regularly communicate with employees to understand their circumstances and try to accommodate the needs of employees in work-and life-related aspects, which can enhance the loyalty and productivity of employees. 

As the work-life balance is a highly worldwide issue.  Thus, it is crucial that employee-driven work-life balance policies should be established to effectively reap the profits generated by labour, which would be beneficial to organisations in the long run.

Health impacts excessive usage of social media

The internet has become an integral part of our daily life.  It has been seen over the last decade, the use of social media [Facebook, Twitter] has been increasing rapidly and especially the younger generations getting addicted to it. 

Most university students are glued to social media and excessive use of Facebook can have a negative impact on the physical health of its users. It is found that students frequently use social media [mostly Facebook] for news and social communication. 

Globally, about 3.1 billion people are using the internet on modern gadgets.  Now the social media [mainly Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and WhatsApp] is termed as a “global consumer phenomenon” and it is particularly popular among the young generation because of quickly delivers instant communication, and seeking information is very easy in our modern lives.

For graduates and undergraduates, these social media platforms are highly used.  Technology with the use of the internet plays an important role in their academic success. But we should know the proper handling of social media i.e. mainly depend on the purpose and frequency of its use.  With the instant of the internet, we can communicate with friends and family give a greater positive result, lower stress and better psychological functioning.

On the other hand, excessive use of the internet leads to gaming and gambling resulted in depression.  It has been seen that the individuals are preoccupied with electronic games, search, and recreational activities, thus lead to neglect of sporting and aerobic exercise, familial communication, and societal accomplishments. https://rinkudas919.blogspot.com/search/label/Canon%20web%20camera

According to the study, young users, who are actively and emotionally involved in their digital lives reported worse sleep, higher anxiety, and depression.  By using social media consistently one can be associated with a decrease in happiness and an increase in depression.

There is a difference in using social media-- addicts Vs non-addicts. But those who are social media addicts are likely to have physical symptoms than non-addicts, which include - backache, headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, a strain of the eyes, neck problems, and myopia.

Perceptibly, social media has become an integral networking habit in our daily life.  Anything in excess is known to cause problems and usage of Social media is no exception to the rule.  https://rinkudas919.blogspot.com/search/label/Computer

Internet is a boon, but the student should use the internet only when they need it. Thus it is recommended:

• They should focus more on the study and reduce time spent on social media
• Students should engage more in physical exercise
• If they have to stay on the internet for a long duration, they should take a break and engage in some freehand exercise
• To overcome the sleeping disturbances student should stop the use of the screen at least 1 hour before going to bed.
• Awareness programs have to be undertaken to inform students of the negative impacts of excessive Social Media use.

The pertinent question is how to maintain the relationship between the use of social media and users' health.  We cannot ignore the social media in the daily lives of a student. It should be remembered that excessive use of social media leads to economic, physical, and psychological problems such as over-expenditure, eye problems, headaches, sleep disturbances, etc. https://rinkudas919.blogspot.com/search/label/Digitalization

It is important that each user should monitor the time of use and practice control by limiting their use and also keeping their eyes at a healthy distance from phones and not using them very frequently.

Trending set of business ideas

A lot of people are thinking to do business, but a lack of business ideas cannot be implemented on the ground. In general, the business ideas include agriculture, manufacturing and other services. Perceptibly, people are looking for that one breakthrough idea. 

Broadly, a trending set of business ideas are outlined here so that one can choose & pick and shaped them accordingly. The list of suggestions may help an individual who wants to become entrepreneurs that might help put things in perspective.

1. SETTING UP A CHICKEN HATCHERY

One can set up a Chicken Hatchery [hatching eggs].  The business has a good market demand throughout the year and can provide employment to the youths and women.  This business has tremendous potential both in rural and urban areas.

2. MAKING MILK POWDER 

This business idea is for the production and marketing of powder milk.  It has the potential of making a big revenue.  As we all know milk is healthy and milk products are consumed countrywide. 

3. SETTING UP A BEAUTY SALON

It is a good idea to set up a beauty salon since youths [males and females] are making different hairstyles and haircuts. All these equipment and raw materials can be purchased from the local market. The business has a good market demand due to the changing fashion of hair trends among the people especially the youths in both rural and urban areas.  It has also a higher demand during festive seasons.

4. MAKING HERBAL DEODORANT

The business idea is to set up a plant to make a liquid deodorant that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, etc.  The government is also encouraging small scale businesses to come forward and one can buy the equipment and raw materials to start this business which is locally available.

No doubt the business has a great market demand in both rural and urban areas throughout the year and higher demand during festive seasons.

5. MAKING POWER INVERTERS

The business idea is for making and marketing power invertors. It is an ever-increasing demand for inverters due to power shortages and interruptions.  All equipment, tools and other materials one can get from the local market through raw materials have to be imported.

This process involves making a metallic box, sealing all its corners with solidly welding including a charging system and automatic system, putting in switches and sockets.

6. BEEKEEPING

A business idea is for keeping bees for the production of honey and bee wax.  This business demands huge revenue.  Honey is always in demand for home consumption and pharmaceutical use in making drugs.  As honey is separated from the wax can be used for candles or at times it is mixed with maize flour to make ice-cream cones. In addition, wax is demanded by cobblers, makers of household textiles and garments.  

You have noticed there are so many small-scale farmers investing in this business spread all over the country.  However, to obtain bees one needs the help of practising farmers.

7. PRINTING ON CLOTHES

Business idea for block screen/ printing on clothes is in huge demand.  The government is encouraging small scale industries and developing the textile industry. 

Generally, the cloth is dyed and then printing with the desired blocks and colours, then cleaned with chemicals, dried, folded and packed for the market.

It is an ever-increasing demand for cotton fabrics of printed clothes with a variety of designs and colours. There is always a need of the consumer of the demand for designer clothes, with a fusion of contemporary arts, fashion aesthetics and above all, attractive colours.

8. MAKING DECORTICATED CASHEW NUT

This business idea is for the production and marketing of edible cashew nuts.  As we all know cashew nuts are highly demanded on the world market. This needs a land requirement in order to increase the production capacity.

Though cashew nuts are not very common in all areas this could be a turning factor in the marketing of cashew nuts as they have an open market, with limited competition. 

9. DISTILLATION OF WATER

This business idea is for the production of distilled water to ensure its purity.  The revenue potential is quite satisfactory. 

There is a high demand for distilled water as it is purified for human consumption. The distilled water can be supplied to supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, hospitals and individual organizations and even to the residents also.

10. GARBAGE COLLECTION

This business idea is for the collection of Garbage from homesteads.  It is the collection of garbage from each home or family on a specific agreed day and time in a week. 

Garbage collection has always been a problem around towns. Garbage collection can be done in offices, ministries, schools, hotels, hospitals, institutions and homes. The demand is inexhaustible.  Tools and equipment can be obtained from the local market. 

Health is an important aspect and the government is encouraging promoting health projects and sensitizing people on safe living.

11. KNITTING, CROCHETING AND EMBROIDERY

Generally, this business idea is for the production and marketing of products such as sweaters, sleeveless/ waistcoats, shawls, socks, table clothes and embroidery on caps, jackets, shirts and gifts etc. 

The business has a great market demand from schools, colleges, corporate houses, NGOs, households, security organizations and the various forces for designing and printing their uniforms.

12. MAKING MOSQUITO REPELLENT MATS

The business idea is to set up a plant to make mosquito repellant mats.  Mosquito mats are very useful to fight malaria.  The government would support such initiatives through the Ministry of Health to curb malaria.

There is a growing market for mosquito mats in the country. The mosquito mats may be supplied to schools, colleges, barracks, camps, prisons, hospitals and for the home to curb malaria.

13. MAKING SCHOOL BAGS

The business idea is set up for making school bags.  This business has the potential to make a big revenue. 

The business has a good market demand throughout the year especially at the beginning of the term.

With the growing numbers of school-and-college-going children, the demand for these bags is on the rise. Hence, there is a ready market for neatly stitched bags.

14. RECYCLING PLASTICS

The business idea is to set up a plant to recycle plastics.  There is a growing demand for plastic products across the country.  Crushed materials of plastics can also be sold to other big companies in form of raw materials. 

The government is encouraging recycling plastics in order to protect the environment and also asking for the small-scale industry to come into fore which in turn create employment.  

15. MAKING BAMBOO PRODUCTS

This business idea is for making bamboo products. Bamboo products are made out of natural resources available in rural areas.  The bamboo products have a ready market both in rural and urban areas. A variety of bamboo products are used for the storage of fruits, vegetables and grains. 

No doubt, this business has a potential market especially at traditional sites, tourist centres, public and private offices, hotels, etc. which would certainly help in promoting this industry.

 There are several women organizations that make Bamboo crafts spread across the Country.  The government has also come into support for this vocational work.

16. BUSINESS CALL CENTRE

A business call centre is a place that has adequate telephone facilities, internet and other online support infrastructure, trained consultants, access to wide databases, so as to provide information and support to customers on a retail time basis. 

The market potential for call centres includes researchers, business people and private individuals.  It is a part of the communication sector where it facilitates interaction with ease and targeted people. 

A customer today can place an order on the internet, do sale and purchase transactions, make payments, order for loans, etc.

17. JEWELLERY MAKING

This business is about making jewellery such as rings, brooches, chains, and bracelets by cutting, shaping and polishing the material for producing fashion jewels.  Jewellery is used mostly by women and now even men also started using it. 

The market for pieces of jewellery is widely spread out among women and tourists.  They can be supplied to supermarkets, crafts and tourist shops. 

The government is encouraging small scale players in this industry in a bid to create employment especially, for the youth and women.

18. MAKING LEATHER GARMENTS

Leather garments include coats, jackets blazers, skirts and pants.  The bulk of the market comprises young people, adults and members of the entertainment world.  Leather garments can be exported and used by domestic customers. 

The demand for leather garments is very high among the affluent and a section of the middle class who attach more value to them.  

The Government maintains favourable tax policies for investors or entrepreneurs in a new venture.

19. FOOD VENDING

This business idea involves preparing different kinds of foodstuffs i.e. from vegetarian to non-vegetarian foods.  The food is prepared and served to people at their workplaces or homes.  

There is a ready market for food in workplaces since people do not want to move to eat places outside their workstations. There are many players in this business especially women.

20. SERVICING MOTOR VECHICLES

This business idea is for servicing motor vehicles. Motor vehicle service is a series of maintenance procedures carried out at a set time interval or after the vehicle has travelled a certain mileage. 

The market is in both urban and rural areas since motor vehicles work in both areas. The quality of service would influence the market since serving a vehicle is mandatory for all owners of cars.

21. BUSINESS CALL CENTRE

A business call centre is a place that has adequate telephone facilities and online support infrastructure so as to provide information and support to customers on a retail time basis.  While on digitally a customer today can place an order on the internet, do sale and purchase transactions, make payments.  The main aim is to facilitate communication ease. 

The market is tremendous potential for researchers, businessmen, and private individuals. 

22. SETTING UP AN INTERNET CAFÉ

This business idea is for setting up an internet café. An internet café or cybercafé is a place where one can use a computer with Internet access.  It is dependent on a fee usually per hour or minute. 

This business has grown over the years, and it is ready to market from students, businessmen, schools, corporate, researchers and scholars.Generally, this business is widely spread all over the country.