Live Generation: March 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

Chinese New Year: The Year of the Tiger

As per the Chinese astrology 2010 is considered as the Year of the Tiger. This year starts from 14th February 2010 and ends on 2nd February 2011.

The Chinese uses the lunar calendar and hence the Chinese new year fall between late January and mid of February. The Chinese name the year after one of the twelve animal signs that follows the other in a certain order. So the name is repeated once in twelve years.

The twelve animal names that are commonly used as Zodiac signs are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Each sign has a particular character and qualities. People born in a specific year are believed to catch that characteristic and qualities of the animals after the year is named.

Tiger is the third sign in the order and it is a symbol of bravery. The ancient Chinese admired tiger as a sign that kept away the three main tragedies of a household. They were fire, thieves and ghost.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Vallabhbhai Patel: 31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. He was called as "Iron Man Of India" In India and across the world, he was often addressed as Sardar which means Chief in many languages of India.

Raised in the countryside of Gujarat in Gurjar community and largely self-educated, Vallabhbhai Patel was employed in successful practice as a lawyer when he was first inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Patel subsequently organised the peasants of Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj; in this role, he became one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He rose to the leadership of the Indian National Congress and was at the forefront of rebellions and political events, organising the party for elections in 1934 and 1937, and promoting the Quit India movement.

As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organised relief for refugees in Punjab and Delhi, and led efforts to restore peace across the nation. Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India from the 565 semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces. Using frank diplomacy backed with the option (and the use) of military action, Patel's leadership enabled the accession of almost every princely state. Hailed as the Iron Man of India, he is also remembered as the "Patron Saint" of India's civil servants for establishing modern all-India services. Patel was also one of the earliest proponents of property rights and free enterprise in India.