Organic Sarees For The Saree Lovers

Life has taken a decisive turn towards everything organic today- so why should sarees be left behind? Yes, the organic saree has captured the discerning saree lover and wearer globally. A revolution of sorts is fast taking over the global Indian woman.

What is the difference between an Organic Saree and an Inorganic Saree? 

Lets define organic first- Anything that is made through the natural process without using any chemicals, pesticides or any artificial component is called organic.

Hence, an organic saree is a saree that is made using natural raw materials and dyes. These dyes and raw materials are grown using organic production methods and which have a low impact on environment without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers! As a result the saree is 100% naturally woven without any harm done to the environment or to the wearer.

The organic saree is fast becoming a great production option being adopted by weavers. Weavers are being encouraged by designers as well as wearers to churn out more natural fabrics and sarees. Albeit, a tad expensive, these sarees project a different look altogether from their chemically produced cousins. The fabrics also do not cause any skin irritation ang give off a very sophisticated, elegant and stylish look to the wearer!

Organic sarees have garnered a huge international market apart from taking the Indian market by storm. Handloom institutions such as Co- Optex have been holding regular exhibition cum sale events across the country to promote the organic saree as well as encourage more and more weavers to switch to organic weaving.

A wide range from fabrics ranging from cotton, to tussar to silk, this plethora of unique fabrics is a pleasant sight to the eye due to their sombre and earthy toned colours that juxtapose so beautifully with the myriad patterns and designs of the well -made sarees.

This passion of keeping alive the grand old tradition of weaving sarees in the authentic hand - weaving machines, has been upheld by several entrepreneurs who are leaving no stone unturned to revive and continue this precious Indian art.

Another step towards environment and art consciousness! Amen!

Habitat Times is a venture focusing on spreading consciousness about a sustainable , future worthy, livable habitat. Connect with us at EcoHabitat.Times@gmail.com

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Today , 20th March Is World Sparrow Day ..Where Have The Sparrows Gone?

House Sparrow, The State Bird Of Delhi, Has Been Driven Away By Pigeons ?

Has anyone seen a sparrow of late? I have not! And I am not surprised !! 

Our homes and the surrounding environment are infested with rock pigeons! Pigeon feeding is the latest fad which apparently wards off all evils and failures from our lives! How incredulous can we be! Where have our common sense and education gone? Are we now supposed to feed pigeons to make or break our careers and education? No marks are given to efforts or hard work – all credits go to the rock pigeons! Should I laugh or cry or get angry? I am going through all the three emotions now thinking, is this how progressive society functions!

Anyway, coming back to the sparrow- the whole infestation of pigeons has driven the demure, chirpy and cute sparrow away from the neighbourhood and our houses. We had studied in our childhood that sparrows live in the houses- on the balconies, roofs, cornices, hence are called house sparrows. However, I suppose the term has changed or has become extinct since it is no longer used. So, are we a witness to another species going extinct? If so, then it is very sad.

I fondly remember the sparrow coming and sitting on the window sill of my bedroom when I used to study with the window open. The high-pitched chirping would take my attention away from my books and I would look up to see how exactly the sparrow would chirp. I would slowly inch closer to it, in a vain attempt to catch it – but as always it would be faster than me and would immediately fly away as soon as I would reach the window. I would try and look into the trees to find out the sparrow's nest, but alas, could never see it! My wish to make it my pet, always remained a wish!

Summer holidays would mean waking up to the incessant chirping of the sparrows sitting on the big lemon tree in the garden overlooking my bedroom. I would get angry at the birds then – why did they wake me up so soon! I could have slept some more! Waking up would mean going back to morning study, which I would hate – that too in summer holidays! How insensitive can teachers be! I would have preferred chasing the sparrows in my garden, befriending them and bringing them into my room secretly, without my mother knowing what I brought in!

But now, my ears crave to listen to the pleasant chirpings which do not seem audible any more! My son has never seen a sparrow. I tell him stories about our childhood and show him pictures of what a sparrow looked like. He looks at the photos and tells me that these birds look very cute..and listens to my stories with amazement. His generation has never chased birds in the garden - it doesnt know the simple pleasures of seeing a bird stting on the window sill and observing its mannerisms, the swift as lightening movements and quick pecking of food from the grounds.

But I still hope against hope that the sparrow will not die such an early death and will be around for some more time. I still hope I will be able to sight it sometime…and hear the chirp once…before it leaves the face of the earth.

I sincerely hope that, the Delhi Government would take some measures to save its ‘State Bird’ from extinction!!

By Jaya Ray (rayjaya72@gmail.com) 9871718921

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Exam time- the time to put to test – knowledge, resilience, patience and perseverance

So..that time of the year is here…frenzied preparations, frayed nerves and fervent prayers! Exam time- the time to put to test – knowledge, resilience, patience and perseverance. Parents and students are up upon themselves to gear up for the most critical time of the year. This year marks the revival of 10^th Board exams after 10 years of semester based study and exams.  To ensure a stress free exam time, let us encourage all parents and students to do the following:

1.      Meditate for 5 minutes any time of the day. Locate a soothing sound and focus on that sound for 5 minutes with eyes closed. This simple exercise will help improve concentration power and focusing abilities.

2.      Think positively and do positive discussions with the students. Avoid negative and degrading comments.

3.      Have home cooked and light food to enable good digestion. Avoid outside and oily food. A healthy body will help activate the healthy hormones and required to activate the brain cells.

4.      Exercise a little bit everyday to ensure sufficient oxygen good blood circulation to have enough energy for the study times.

5.      Indulge in your hobbies and interests for a while everyday to feel refreshed and rejuvenated to continue with your studies with renewed concentration.

6.     Talk positive and maintain a healthy discussion and environment in the house- avoid negativity, pessimism and discouragement like the plague!!

Happy Examinations!!

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Clean Air For Delhi

“Clean air for Delhi campaign to be re-launched and  developed into a peoples’ movement across the country”, said Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Minister seeks NGO's help to make 'do good deeds' campaign a success.

After the success of the just concluded  ‘Clean Air for Delhi’ campaign , Union Ministry of Science and Technology plans to relaunch it in Delhi . The program was jointly launched with Delhi government to find a permanent solution to the problem of pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

“The continuous efforts will be made to develop the Clean Air for Delhi Campaign into a peoples’ movement across the National Capital Region (NCR ) and  country,”said  Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan while inaugurating a Two day ‘Food and Nutrition show’ orgnaised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) on 24th & 25th February.

“This “Clean Air For Delhi ‘will be relaunched in Delhi and Campaign will be replicated in about 100 non-attainment cities and  efforts will be made  were made during the Campaign to raise the levels of public awareness through radio and other communication tools. “Dr Vardhan said.

"Ministry has also launched 'Do Green Goods Campaign' to save environment and generate awareness among public. a Dr Harsh Vardhan app has also been launched for joining people for the campaign. New Delhi will also host the World Environment day on June 5 to the world leaders" he said  

He also urged people to grow more trees and plants and lauded work being done by ALL India Kitchen Garden Association  

" More than 12,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements  are on display during the two day show. There are also be herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display" said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

“ The main theme of the show this year is ‘ The  Kitchen Garden’ as several factors are involved in planting a vegetable garden. As much work goes into planning as it does into the actual growing of the vegetables. Choosing a spot, preparing your soil, and deciding on which vegetables all have to happen prior to the actual process of planting.” these all parts will be taught and displayed for visitors” said Ms Gupta.

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All India Kitchen Garden Show

Delhi's Biggest Two Day Fruit, Vegetable And Flower Show To Begin On February  24 & 25, 2018..

The Show To Focus On  Kitchen Garden Nurturing.

More Than 12,000 Plant,Fruit And Vegetable Varieties Will Be On Display..

BSF IG Administration Alok Kumar To Be Chief Guest

Delhi's biggest two day fruit, vegetable and flower Show is being organised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) and will open on February 24 , 2018 at Gulmohar Park Club . Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change- Government of India likely to  inaugurate . Inspector General Boarder Security Force  (BSF) Alok Humar to be guest of honour.

The All India Kitchen Garden Association, an all India body had completed its 50 years  last year in May 2017.

" More than 12,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements  will be on display during the two day show. There will also be herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display" said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

 “ The main theme of the show this year is ‘ The  Kitchen Garden’ as Several factors are involved in planting a vegetable garden. As much work goes into planning as it does into the actual growing of the vegetables. Choosing a spot, preparing your soil, and deciding on which vegetables all have to happen prior to the actual process of planting.” these all parts will be taught and displayed for visitors” said Ms Bella Gupta.

 “It has to be emphasized during the show that this is not only a FLOWER Show but mainly Vegetable and Fruit also for Members of the public who are keen to grow organic food and thereby contribute to a greener and cleaner environment.” she said.

" Apart from members of the AIKGA , the other participants will include  Government organisations including  Delhi Government,  DDA, MCD and PWD. The theme of the show this year is "Colour and Aroma"  Grafted and non-grafted cacti, aromatic plants and herbs, decorative dahlias, vegetable carving and floral human, animal and bird arrangements will be on display", Mrs Gupta said.

" Major highlight of the Fruit, vegetable and flower show ill be focus on food preservation and nutrition, number of  competitions have been organised for its visitors. These include arranging cut flowers into a beautiful bouquet to hanging basket competition to a tray-landscape of bonsai, nutrition recipe contest the options are many," said Bella Gupta.

                                         

Contact Bella Gupta 9810021628/26532495

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Vivan Sundaram's 50 Year Retrospective

Vice President of India Mr Venkaiah Naidu visited Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) on 14th February 2018, to support the landmark exhibition ‘Vivan Sundaram: Step inside and you are no longer a stranger’, A Retrospective: Fifty Years, which opened on 8th February 2018.

Ms Roshini Nadar, Executive Director and the CEO of HCL, Mr Shiv Nadar, Founder and Chairman of HCL, and Shiv Nadar foundation leadership, were accompanied by the students of the Shiv Nadar Foundation institutions to warmly welcome the honorable Mr Naidu to the museum.

Speaking about the importance of Indian arts heritage and the evolution of contemporary art across the country, Mr Naidu congratulated the museum’s founders for their innovative public programmes and exhibitions, which he said have made “significant contributions to arts and culture across the country and internationally, that support nation-building”. He also said that the museum's founder Kiran Nadar was a “key individual in the activation of South Asian arts”.

Ms Roshni Nadar speaking on behalf of the museum and the Shiv Nadar Foundation, talked about KNMA’s history and development over the last eight years, instigated by Mrs Nadar who opened the space in 2010, to share her art collection with the public, “I was also acutely aware of the existing dearth of institutional spaces for the public, and wanted to bring visibility to modern and contemporary art from India and the subcontinent, and share the incredibly diverse talent of our artists”, says Mrs Kiran Nadar about the museum.

KNMA works on bringing art into the public sphere by activating art appreciation and nurturing a museum-going culture in the capital.

KNMA aspires to become a place for confluence, through its curatorial initiative and exhibitions, school and college workshops, art appreciation discourses, symposiums and public programs. It is focused on bridging the gap between art and the public.

Mr Naidu, acknowledged KNMA’s vision of bringing important Indian artists to the public via innovative exhibitions, publications, educational, and public programmes, and described his great pleasure in experiencing the rare and extraordinary works of one of India’s highly celebrated and influential artists, Vivan Sundaram, whose 50 year retrospective, Vivan Sundaram—Step inside and you are no longer a stranger, will be on display at the museum until June 30 2018.

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Mahashivratri - The Discovery Of Shiva

Shiva – the Adiyogi

Shiv Ratri

A 24 hour long puja dedicated to Lord Shiva marks Maha Shivratri. The festival marks the 14^th day (Chaturdashi) of the Magha month (Jan-Feb). The day marks introspective fast, puja, yoga and self restraint, non – injury to others and the discovery of Shiva – the inner strength in one self, overcoming ignorance of the self and the world. The day is marked by devotees offering puja with fruits, Bel – patta (leaves of wood apple tree), sweets and a concoction of milk, honey, curd, Ganges water (ganga jal) and ghee which is poured over the Shivling along with chanting of “Om Namah Shivay”. Devotees keep an all – night vigil with prayers or “jagaran”, because it is the night to overcome ignorance and darkness of the mind and heart. The festival is essentially to remind us of our inner strength, i.e. Shiva is inside us, Shiva is our inner strength and ability to overcome all negativity and evil from our hearts and mind. It’s a night of contemplation, when we are brought to the moment of interval between destruction and regeneration, when growth erupts out of decay, to unite with the supreme self.

Shiva in the Tandav form

Mahashivratri also marks diverse and stunning dance festivals dedicated to the Lord whose dance form of Tandav “or the cosmic and ecstatic dance of destruction” is also worshipped today. Lord Shiva is also depicted as the “Nataraj” or the King of Dance”.

Major Hindu temples such as at Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera and Chidambaram conduct historic dance festivals to mark the day.  This event is called Natyanjali, literally "worship through dance", at the Chidambaram temple which is famous for its sculpture depicting all dance mudras in the ancient Hindu text of performance arts called Natya Shastra. 

Mahashivratri is celebrated outside India in Nepal, Mauritius and the Indo- Caribbean region.

Maha Shivratri celebrations at Kali Mandir, CR Park

The dazzling sun shone down on the vibrant and verdant grounds of Kali Mandir. The sprawling  and well manicured front lawns of the complex were bursting with a profusion of colours from more than 100 varieties of Dahlias, chrysanthemums, calendulas, marigold and carnations! Flowers pots were neatly arranged to begin the Annual Flower Show, past of the Maha Shivratri celebrations.

Elaborate and well organised puja proceedings had started from the wee hours of the morning with devotees making a bee line for the Shiv Mandir, waiting patiently to enter the sanctum sanctorum to offer devoutly, a mixture of Ganges water (ganga jal), honey, curd, milk and ghee along with Bel (wood apple) fruits, leaves, sweets and 5 varieties of fruits. Pushpanjali followed with the purohit chanting invocations of the eternal Adiyogi. Prasad was offered to each devotee after the pushpanjali. Puja had however commensed from 10.45 pm the previous night, keeping in view the tradition of offering puja during 4 prahars (each prahar is approx 3 hours long), all night.


The Flower show commenced from 11 am onwards and more than 100 flower pots vied with each other to attract the attention of the judges with their splendid colours, sizes and shapes. In the evening, the entire complex was glowing with 1000 light strings.

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Death By Pigeons, Health Ministry Please Note

Interstitial Lung Disease Death On The Rise In The City.. Anybody Listening ???

There is a sudden rise in the trend of feeding pigeons in Delhi. Every triangle is being taken over by grain sellers and the blind superstitious public happily feeds the pigeon lots. Oh What peace they get! All their problems are solved, their children pass exams without studying and they get their coveted promotions without any hard work !!!

The triangle in the conjunction of CR Park, GK Enclave-1, Nehru Apartments and Pamposh enclave and the one near Kalka mandir has become a massive breeding ground for thousands of rock pigeons. The pigeon population has exploded manifold and our houses and air conditioners have become their nesting and breeding spots.

It is said that the most dangerous path of pigeon poop to our lung is the AC duct. The AC Duct sucks in the pigeon poop dust and we breathe this air in which causes the Deadly Lung Disease. Everyone is afraid to use these pigeon poop infested ACs now.

These pigeons are nesting in school AC units also and children are breathing this contaminated air. The Delhi metro also has become a favorite nesting spot for this disease carrier pigeons.

We have been writing in our local magazine for the past 2 years and talking with various people and RWAs regarding this problem. We have also complained to SDMC through ‘swacchata app’ several times and they just keep writing ‘work done’ .

We have also complained to PWD through their app and after inspection their reply was that “ this is not our job’ and should be handled by police/MCD!!

( Letter Quoted:

From: Do Not Reply <support@pwddelhi.com>
Date: Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 3:13 PM
Subject: Complaint # 107719 - Reply
To: habitat.times@gmail.com

Dear Anindita

Action is being taken on your complaint # 107719 dated 05/12/2017. Reply is as below:

Reply: This is an enforcement matter to be dealt by Police/MCD. AS some persons are unauthorizedly carrying out commercial activity by selling pigeon feed there. Delhi Police and MCD are only empowered to remove there unauthorized persons/commercial activity from the chowk. As soon as the feed will not be available on chowk the pigeons will fly away from there.

Regards

PWD Delhi

Note: Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox does not allow incoming messages & not monitored.) So, we complained again under the 'encroachment section' of the PWD Sewa app and we got the following reply but no work has started yet. support@pwddelhi.com Feb 10 (10 days ago) to me  Dear Habitat Times News Your complaint # 112641regarding Triangle at Ho chi minh marg near B block CR Park and Nehru Apartments has been ENCROACHED by grain sellers and are selling pigeon feed . Please take ACTION AND REMOVE THEM. at B block , Chittaranjan Park is received. In case of any concern, please contact at email ‘complaint@pwddelhi.com’ or Toll Free Number 1800110093. Regards, Support Team PWD, Delhi Do Not Reply support@pwddelhi.com Feb 11 (9 days ago) to me Dear Habitat Times News Your complaint # 112641 is assigned to Executive Engineer, EECSER2 (M 442). You can contact him at Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, Below Okhla Flyover, New Delhi - 110025, 26924438. Regards, Support Team PWD, Delhi Do Not Reply <support@pwddelhi.com> Feb 12 (8 days ago) to me  Dear Habitat Times News Action is being taken on your complaint # 112641 dated 10/02/2018. Reply is as below: Reply: Proposal for remodeling of this triangle has been already in process. Regards PWD Delhi

We propose the following action by the Authorities:

• ·      The immediate action proposed is to fence the triangles near CR Park and Kalka Mandir (and other triangles in Delhi too) and plant small trees inside.
• ·        Then the Government and Health Ministry should put up signboards on all pigeon feeding spots near residential areas saying ‘Do not feed pigeons’ ( ‘Yaha Kabootaro ko dana daalna mana hai’ ).
• ·        Awareness campaigns should be held in schools, colleges, radio and movie halls. We are trying our best to spread awareness by talking to friends , RWAs and writing in our local magazine.

We have researched extensively and found the following ways to ward off pigeons away from home and air-conditioners :

• 1.     Hang shiny reflective objects in varendah and near Air conditioners . Old CDs Are very effective reflective surfaces.
• 2.     Reflective tapes are available online (amazon) and have been found to be very effective to keep away pigeons from air-conditioners ( of course netting the AC unit is desirable)
• 3.     Spreading bitter powder like neem etc on areas (terraces and balconies) where pigeons land also helps keep them away. When the pigeon lands on the surface the bitter substances enter their mouth by their own feathers and this taste keeps them away.
• 4.     Spread salt, lime powder etc also too keep their taste buds bitter.
• 5.     Use ultrasound pigeon deflectors to keep pigeon crowds away from vicinity (available in amazon)
• 6.     Pigeon spray by name od CERO is also available on amazon and we found it very effective.

Here are some more websites which have highlighted the problem, but it seems that this has fallen on deaf ears.

http://baysidejournal.com/why-people-should-stop-feeding-pigeons-in-cities

https://toistudent.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/top-news/why-you-should-not-feed-the-pigeons/26235.html

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/city/indore/these-intrusive-pigeons-are-bad-news-for-your-health/amp_articleshow/61763441.cms

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-why-growing-population-of-pigeons-is-a-problem-2191423

https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/The-pigeon-paradox-Feeding-them-could-be-bad-for-your-lungs/article14621979.ece/amp/

https://m.timesofindia.com/city/delhi/Pigeons-turn-messengers-of-diseases-destruction/articleshow/53834177.cms

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140909092334.htm

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/You-may-be-sitting-on-a-lung-disease-time-bomb/articleshow/52039125.cms

https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/pigeon-droppings-a-health-hazard-doctors/story-dzeChLCFfmGkWW0LlgXWpJ.html

http://pureaircontrols.com/human-health-dangers-bird-droppings-associated-building-hvac-systems/

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