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What if you are not lucky?

-Jisha Laha

Let's start the write up with a brief description on luck. Luck is a phenomenon that determines your destination sometimes. It can be dubbed as a force that brings you success and especially when you fail to do . If luck has been sprinkled while carving your life on your palm, you are claimed lucky and by mere efforts you can reach the zenith. Luck is apparent in torrent of success stories,but their dominating factor is their dedication and hard work. There are a couple of other terms that lie parallel to luck. Let's discuss them back to back.

First, opportunity, chances catered on you. Don't be the puppet of deception in some cases. It's said that your success bell rings only when the breeze of opportunity blows. But , what if I jiggle it? It's going to ring in the same way, sometime even louder. If no door is open to you, create your own ! I'm not any renowned mogul to deliver such cryptic yet motivating statement. But, experiences are more vociferous than hype. I lack opportunity but I never halt as I'm a determined dreamer.

Birth also postures your life with quite a lot of fortune. Someone can be innate lucky, whereas, some gradually got their personality decked up with luck. Nepotism instill fortune but hardly success. Why to savour the life conceived by your parents? Draw up one such and make them feel glad twice, thrice and even more.

Apart from the pivotal motive of the write up, let me give you a small suggestion. Don't expect anything from anyone. All have their own axe to grind in this contaminated world. Don't wait for a better opportunity or a better person to elevate yourself. Sometime try to take up the stairs that go through darkness and unbearable pain. Dare to contend the nightmare before drizzling radiance on yourself. Being brought up in one middle class joint family system, the true meaning of struggle is quite transparent before me .

Don't breed angst within you if you are left deserted without luck and opportunities. Every great thing craves for courage, zeal and patience. Build your personality up with integral agendas and on the arrival of correct time, hit the boundary. No limit can forbid you. So, if you consider yourself unlucky, then don't wait for the next birth repleted with opportunities and luck, rather erect your own entryway.

A Letter to Menstruation

--Jisha Laha

Dear periods,

You are an uncanny guest that knocks me every 28 days . I creep with pain for you. To be honest, I really hate your existence in my jaunty life but, you are the herald of a mother. I'm too young to be a mother. But, I'm pretty sure about this fact that every girl dreams of dawdling her child on her lap. You know, one question strikes me hard . Why you come to us? Why the males don't have to bear with the menstrual pain and still get claimed as a parent? You are very much biological but your existence commenced centuries ago of biology's birth. You are really nagging. I don't get to visit any holy place when you're knitted with my vagina. Why? You let us give birth and you only let us stay at bay from happiness? Your cryptic existence annoys me but still I accept you with a grinning face just because you are going to make a mother.

Stop rape

--Jisha Laha

Why to worship the mud idol if you abuse females? Why to pen down poignant phrases if you threat a girl passing by? Why to stand as a formidable wall before your sister if you fail to control your lust for other's sister? Why to look like a ferocious being on social media if in actual you breed fear within girls and make them tremble?

India is the land of manifold unpunished crimes. Every week dozens of rape cases get printed in the newspaper but hardly a few rapist get into the custody . To everyones' dismay, torrent of cases dwindle in silence. This uncanny nature of the sub-continent make her unfamous. And, the most devastating fact is that the family members of the victim strive for about a decade to clinch justice for their late daughter. Despite knowing who committed the crime, the malefactors loiter freely without angst and , moreover, with the same very lust that carried away the life of one innocent girl. This is the dark side of India that lies underneath the radiant hue of unity amidst diverse culture.

New names come up every month. People rages storm for putting the case under proper investigation and woefully , the spirit shrink within a day or so. No justice gets claimed and another offence gets produced. Mournful to hear the stories and difficult to accept the bitter truth.

On diving deeper into such balderdash actions of human beings, we can come across the truth that in many parts of India, the kith and kins too are sheer culprit. The world of philanders is letting the world get draped over by misery.

Crime in a society is nothing lips-agaping. But, where the law is getting implemented? How law can deny the truth and blindfold itself in this contaminated twenty-first century. How law is not answerable to these bullshits? Shame on the constitution! Shame on the mindset of people!

These illegal activities dates back to the past of India where males were believed to be bestowed by God. Males were overwhelmed with priority.

If possible, Mr. Mandela's idea should be executed by the government if they are unable to differentiate bad from good. Let every girl and woman carry some weapons with them. These small steps can really bring about a topsy-turvy state.

Drops of tears trickle down my cheeks on realising that I'm also a female.

Jingling anklets

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

-Jisha Laha

The sound that I desired to hear

And that really came near

Gradually evolved and rang faster

And got rapid as it came closer

Limbs got numb

But managed to fold my hands together

The body shivered

But the pious heart felt it better

The silent cry

Followed by unison

And all it ended with a shock,faith and fear.

A journey with my dog

In this forlorn world, no human vows to stay with us till the last breath. All have their own axe to grind. All remain busy with their drudgery of routine. But, some organisms are made for us ,whom we dub pet. Though we snatch their happy living by captivating them behind the bars but a couple of jaunty memories with them get encased in our life diary. In my life, I too have a four-leged companion who do not understand my language but me.

I came across a tiny beige-fured puppy with wagging tail and wiggling tounge, craving for some food. I catered him a plate full of rice. That compassion of mine inaugurated our enthralling friendship. He started coming before our abode every afternoon looking for some food. Gradually the stray dog shaped itself as the most precious gift in my heart. It grew old and currently, he's a quite grown up doggy. For my higher education, I shifted to towns and somehow our wonderful bondage dwindled. For the corona virus pandemic, we are settling in our ancestral home for a couple of months. And, our friendship enhanced in this period of time. In this write- up , I'll share one beautiful experience with him. So, one ,two,three ,and here we go.

Before our house, an alley stretches amid two ponds and ends up beside one dilapidated house. The house is surrounded by trees and a stagnant red water .The place is repleted with rustling leaves, buzzing crickets, birds with flapping wings. Along with me, in this small yet bewitching journey, Montu,my best friend, stalked.

In the way, lies an age old huge peepal tree which in our village gets worshipped annually. There lies a grave of one monk who died of a heart attack on that place. A bamboo forest adjoined with them. And the whole surrounding is pregnant with obscure bushes. I walk and leap sometimes. Montu with his barking, follow me. I talk to him about my life, dreams and days ahead. I'm pretty sure that he fail to understand what I'm saying but he can feel me and my feelings. This makes him my best friend.

After that comes a narrow rugged land with abstruse flora and on walking it,we reach an open place with heaps of tranquility. Open fields, trees in series, cows,goats, ponds, palm trees and what not! Everything I find there,and even the things that is not present over there.

We continue our journey and we reach the heaven like place. All you can do is gazing at the most wonderful scenerio. The definition of horizon will get acquainted with you and the meaning of country-side life too.

Environmental woes of India – a quality issue

Given the state of our environment it is evident that we are not meeting our stated environmental goals and objectives. At its core, the problem is an implementation issue and hence a quality issue. This article briefly examines 9 of the 14 points on quality management advocated By Edward Deming. Perhaps, by taking these points to heart, our environmental woes can be substantially improved.

1. Create a constancy of purpose focused on the improvements of products and services.

We can interpret this as meaning constancy of purpose focused on the improvement of the environment. This is a very important concept that policy makers often struggle with. As governments change hands so do economic , social and environmental policies. Constancy of purpose – protection and preservation of the environment – is lost. Hence, we need to ensure constancy of purpose across governments by ensuring autonomy and independence from government interference. Also they must have veto power over government projects, policies and decisions.

2. Adopt a new philosophy and recognize we are in a different era

Today the world faces an imminent crisis in the form of climate change. There are no ready solutions available on the horizon. It is time for nations to shoulder the burden of climate change together. Nations cannot adopt business as usual mentality. We need to adopt a new philosophy – clean energy, environmental preservation and protection, sustainable development etc. These ideas are here to stay and it is best we embrace it as quickly as possible.

3. Do not rely on mass inspection to control quality

This is based on the idea that prevention is better than cure. Rather than be reactive, we have to be proactive. We must invest in preventive measures and institute strict emission laws and regulations, invest in clean technology, provide incentives for businesses to switch to clean energy and renewables etc.

4. Do not award businesses to suppliers on the basis of price alone but also consider quality.

This applies to the choice of fossil fuel as the fuel to meet the energy needs of the nation. Largely it was an economic decision. Coal despite being the most pollutive of all the fossil fuels are favoured by nations because it is cheap – readily available and the conversion process is relatively inexpensive. ‘Cheap’ because its negative impact on the natural environment is not taken into consideration. However today coal is no longer the cheapest option in India. According to the The Economist India is the only country in the region where cost of producing solar power is almost 14% less than cost of electricity generated from coal. Based on the data compiled by global consultant Wood Mackenzie India’s levelised cost of electricity generation

· from fossil fuel stands at around $44.5 per MWh (Rs 3.05 per unit)

· from solar power generation stands at around $38.2 MWh (Rs 2.62 per unit)

· from onshore wind power generation stands at around $48.9 per MWh (Rs 3.36 per unit) [1]

In all the three instances, it is the cheapest provider in the region. It is a win win situation for India to move away from fossil fuels – particularly coal – and invest in renewables.

5. Focus on continuous improvement

Focus on continuous improvement in terms of attaining environmental goals. Constantly set new standards and hold the gains. This can only be assured when there is constancy of purpose and means to ensure constancy of purpose.

6. Practice modern training methods and invest in on the job training for all employees

Invest in new and emerging clean (modern) technologies like the High Efficiency Low Emission (HELE) technologies like the supercritical and ultra-supercritical combustion technologies [2]. In fact clean technology like Fluidised Bed Combustion (FBC) provide a “very flexible method of electricity production – most combustible material can be burnt including coal, biomass and general waste. FBC systems improve the environmental impact of coal-based electricity, reducing SOx and NOx emissions by 90%.”[3] That is a huge reduction. Currently the majority of the Indian coal plants are using subcritical (old) technology and count as some of the most pollutant plants in the world.

7. Improve leadership, practice modern supervision methods

The leadership must first educate itself on environment and energy matters. They must provide top priority to environment and energy concerns. The following are set of strategies recommended by the United Nations to promote renewable energy at a large scale (1) engage in awareness raising and access to information (2) develop academic curricula for renewable energy (3) remove policy and regulatory conflicts/gaps (4) pass renewable energy act (5) create regional grid and tackle imbalances through the grid. This will require collaboration and cooperation across nations. (6) focus on strategic development of a renewable energy industry and markets (7) develop product standards for biomass-derived fuels (8) map resources of renewable energy sources (9) tap into biomass energy potential [4]. These should be the focus areas for the leaders [4].

8. Drive out fear

Energy self sufficiency is the overwhelming cry behind the push for coal energy in India. The solar industry in India is largely dependent on importation of Chinese solar panels and photovoltaic cells. Chinese firms supply about 80 per cent of solar cells and modules to India [5]. But than this is true for many other nations as well. China is the world’s leading supplier of solar photovoltaic cells and panels, supplying 2/3 of the global supply. China accounts for 95% of rare earth production globally. The rare earth minerals are essential input in developing electronic and solar products. However, the rapidly rising domestic demand in China itself raises supply issues in the near future. For example, China already has solar capacity of 208GW, the highest in the world [6]. India has 31GW solar capacity. China reached their 2020 solar target of 105GW in July 2017 - three years earlier where as India in all likelihood will miss its own stated target of 100GW of solar capacity by 2022 [7]. Reverting back to the rare earth minerals, it is indeed highly likely that China will stringently control the production of these minerals in the years to come. Well as it turns out rare earth is not all that rare. Deposits exists outside of China, including in India [8]. However, mining and processing poses considerable challenge with extensive negative environmental impact [9]. But there is a silver lining here as well. Alternatives to rare earth materials are being researched and Lund University, Sweden, has come up with iron-based dyes to be used in solar cells in the future. ‘By using iron instead of other more expensive and rare metals, the production of solar cells and light catchers will become cheaper and more environmentally friendly.’ [10]

9. Eliminate targets, slogans, and numerical goals for the workforce

Zero Defect, Zero Effect has been the outcry of the Narendra Modi Government. The government has developed zed program with Quality Council of India to realize this goal. Under this flagship program incentives are provided to MSMEs to get ZED certified. ZED certification is based on the ZED Maturity Assessment Model. Training and education programs are provided to assist MSMEs in adopting the system [11]. However, the government needs to push the program more. While majority of the stakeholders have heard the term Zero Defect, Zero Effect, few are aware of the ZED initiative behind the slogan. Detailed evaluation and audit concerning the effectiveness of the program should be carried out.

These than are a brief look at quality principles and how it can be applied to the management of the environment in India. Despite the government’s ‘stated commitment to environmental protection’, the ground reality is very different. According to data compiled by IQAir AirVisual's 2019 World Air Quality Report India accounts for twenty one of the world's 30 most polluted cities in the world with six cities in the top ten most polluted in the world. Greenhouse gas emissions, with the burning of fossil fuel a key driver of the climate crisis, is also a major cause of dirty air. India has just recently announced its goal to be energy self sufficient and increase its reliance on coal. Under the Make in India program, the government has ‘diluted environmental and labor laws’ to attract domestic and foreign investors. Social and ecological considerations have been placed on the back burner [12]. With all these contradictory policies and goals and lack of clear environmental stewardship, sustainable development and green growth will remain a major challenge for India in the years to come.

References

[1] Sengupta, D. (2019, April 19). India is APAC’s cheapest power producer. The Economist. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/india-is-apacs-cheapest-power-producer/articleshow/70735458.cms?from=mdr

[2] Prakash, V., and Ghosh, S. (2017, Novemnber 2). Clean coal, not solar, is the silver bullet for India’s carbon emission reduction. hindustantimes. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/clean-coal-not-solar-is-the-silver-bullet-for-india-s-carbon-emission-reduction/story-sFrmX8H7MbfpcRIGXTMP6H.html

[3] World Coal Association. (2020). High efficiency low emission coal. Retrieved from https://www.worldcoal.org/reducing-co2-emissions/high-efficiency-low-emission-coal

[4] UN Sustainable Development Goals Partnership Platform. (2011). Promotion of Renewable Energy. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=2231

[5] ETEnergyWorld. (2020). India imported solar power equipment worth $1,180 mn from China in Apr-Dec FY20. Retrieved from

[6] Bhambhani, A. (2020). 3.95 GW New Solar PV Capacity Installed In China During Q1/2020, Taking Cumulative Installed To 208 GW, Says National Energy Administration Taiyangnews. Retrieved from http://taiyangnews.info/markets/china-installed-3-95-gw-new-solar-in-q12020/

[7] Seetharaman, G. (2019). Why India may not achieve its 2022 clean energy target. The Economic Times. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/why-india-may-not-achieve-its-2022-clean-energy-target/articleshow/71869684.cms?from=mdr

[8] Hsu, J. (2019, May 31). Don’t Panic about Rare Earth Elements: The materials used in iPhones and Tesla cars need not become a long-term casualty of a U.S.- China trade war. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dont-panic-about-rare-earth-elements/

[9] Homans, C. (2010, June 15). Are Rare Earth Elements Actually Rare? Not if you're willing to dig for them. Foreign policy. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/

[10] Lund University. (2020). WATCH: Solar cells of the future could be based on iron molecules. Retrieved from http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/watch-solar-cells-future-could-be-based-iron-molecules

[11] Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. (2020). ZED. Retrieved from https://zed.org.in/

[12] Deutsche Welle (DW). (n.d.) 'Make in India' policy could increase air pollution woes. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/make-in-india-policy-could-increase-air-pollution-woes/a-18366909