Category: Trivia

• The 108-foot-tall ‘Ekatmata Ki Pratima’ (Statue of Oneness) statue of Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya was recently unveiled in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
• This project is part of the government’s efforts to make Omkareshwar a popular religious and tourist destination.

Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview

• Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Sankara (Jagatguru), was a notable Indian philosopher and theologian. He was a fervent supporter of ancient Hinduism.
• Kaladi, his birthplace in Ernakulam, Kerala, is set to become a national monument.
• Govinda Bhagavatpada, his guru, guided him as he meticulously studied works such as ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
• Shankara spread the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ giving him the title of ‘Shankaracharya’ among his followers.

His religion is Advaita Vedanta.

• Non-dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ is non-dualist.
• Final Reality: It states that the cosmos exists as a result of Brahman’s creative activity (Maya), the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
• Identity of Self: According to Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the cosmos (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both Brahman in truth. However, the individual self appears to be distinct from space as a whole, similar to how space inside a container appears to be unique from space as a whole.
• Overcoming Error: Errors and ignorance cause multiplicity (Avidya), but comprehending Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.

Adi Shankaracharya’s disciples

• Shankaracharya’s four closest pupils were instrumental in spreading his teachings:
• Padmapada is well-known for his profound dedication and poetry.
• Totakacharya: A devotee of Shankaracharya’s mission who is renowned for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
• Hasta Malaka: A kid genius whose mastery of Advaita philosophy shocked Shankaracharya.
• Sureshwara: A householder at first, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical dispute against Shankaracharya.

Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya

• Shankaracharya established the ‘Shanmata’ system, which prioritised devotion of the five major deities and restored the Dashanami structure.
• He wrote several devotional and meditative hymns as well as essential Advaita Vedanta writings, including commentaries on major scriptures.
• Adi Shankaracharya revitalised Hinduism during a period when it was under attack from Jainism and Buddhism, fostering unity and re-establishing traditions.
• He founded four monastic institutions (Mathas) in various parts of India, uniting the country and codifying leadership roles:
  • Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam is located in Chikmaglur, Karnataka.
  • Jyotir Matha in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region
  • Dwarka, Gujarat’s Kalika Matha
  • Govardhana Matha is located in Puri, Odisha.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/madhya-pradesh-cm-adi-shankaracharya-omkareshwar-significance-8951323/#:~:text=Madhya%20Pradesh%20Chief%20Minister%20Shivraj,said%20to%20have%20visited%20Omkareshwar.

• Santiniketan, located in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• This is where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore lived the majority of his life.

Santiniketan Information

• Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, India, is a well-known cultural and heritage site with a long history.
• Its fame stems from its affiliation with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

The Importance of Santiniketan

• Rabindranath Tagore’s Home: Rabindranath Tagore’s home in Santiniketan served as his domicile, where he not only lived but also composed several literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
• Sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings by prominent painters such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others adorn the Santiniketan campus.
• Cultural Festivals: The Birbhum District, in which Santiniketan is located, is well-known for its lively fairs and festivals. Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the renowned mystic Baul Singers are among the notable festivals.
• Santiniketan conducts exceptional cultural activities during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary) in the Bengali month of Boisakh, both of which are celebrated with tremendous zeal.
• Distinctive Festivals: On the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), the region conducts separate festivals such as Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Ploughing the Fields). In addition, Varshamangal, the rain festival, is held in August/September.
• Santiniketan hosts the annual Poush Mela, which begins on the 7th day of the Poush month. While the event is technically three days long, vendors are welcome to stay for the entire month. The event is well-known for its live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional travelling minstrels), as well as tribal dances such as Santali.

The Inclusion of West Bengal on the World Heritage List

• Santiniketan is West Bengal’s second cultural symbol to be included on the prestigious UNESCO list.
• UNESCO placed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on its list of Intangible Cultural legacy of Humanity in 2021, emphasising West Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tagores-home-santiniketan-added-to-unesco-world-heritage-list-8944134/

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962) was born on September 15 and is remembered for his vital role as a civil engineer and administrator during colonial India.

M. Visvesvaraya’s Biography

• Early years: Visvesvaraya began his educational adventure in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, where he was born on September 15, 1861.
• Academic pursuits: He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Madras before enrolling in a civil engineering diploma programme at the College of Science in Pune.

Career Highlights

• After completing his engineering studies at Poona College of Science, Visvesvaraya began his work as an Assistant Engineer in the Government of Bombay’s Public Works Department (PWD) at the age of 22.
• Among his early undertakings was the construction of a pipe syphon over one of the Panjra river’s channels.
• Dewan of Mysore: He was appointed Chief Engineer in the Mysore service in 1909, eventually becoming the 19th Dewan of Mysore.
• Voluntary Retirement: Visvesvaraya chose voluntary retirement in 1918 because he disagreed with the proposal to assign governmental employment based on caste.
• Following his retirement, he chaired or participated in a number of committees, including the Bombay Technical and Industrial Education Committee, the Bombay University Committee for Promoting Chemical Industries, and the Cauvery Canal Committee.

Important Works

• He created the block system of irrigation in the Deccan canals in 1899, promoting the equitable distribution of irrigation advantages among several villages.
• Visvesvaraya addressed the issue of “muddy and discoloured” water in Sukkur, a city on the banks of the Indus River.
• Automatic Gates: He devised automatic gates for regulating water flow in reservoirs, and he received a patent for this invention.
• Implementation at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam: In the 1920s, the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Karnataka was the first to use these gates.

Global Perspective

• International Learning: Visvesvaraya visited to other countries to examine various facets of their systems. During a trip to Italy, he investigated soil erosion issues as well as irrigation and drainage projects.
• Advocating for Indian Contributions: He disputed the notion that only British officers were capable of supervising advanced engineering projects, emphasising that Indian expertise was valuable when backed up with qualifications and dedication.

Vision for Progress

• In a speech delivered on March 16, 1912, at Central College Bangalore, Visvesvaraya emphasised the necessity for India to adopt modern practises, scientific precision, ingenuity, discipline, and economic basics for success.
• Self-Examination: He advocated secular self-examination by contrasting local conditions in India with global parallels.
• Visvesvaraya wrote two major books: “Reconstructing India” (1920) and “Planned Economy of India” (1934).

Impact on Education

• Education as a Catalyst: During his visit to Japan in 1898, Visvesvaraya recognised the important importance of education in building an economy.
• As the Dewan of Mysore in 1916, he was instrumental in creating the University of Mysore, emphasising the importance of educational institutions mirroring real-life realities.

Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/why-india-celebrates-engineers-day-on-the-birth-anniversary-of-m-visvesvaraya/the-father-of-indian-engineering/slideshow/60528918.cms

Hindi Diwas, observed annually on September 14th, has a distinct position in India’s cultural and linguistic tapestry.

Official Language of Hindi Diwas:

• Following independence, India recognised the importance of having a unified official language to ease communication between government departments and the general population. According to Article 343 of the Indian Constitution, Hindi was designated as the official language on September 14, 1949.
• Advocates who are breaking new ground: Leaders like Seth Govind Das, Maithili Sharan Gupt, Kaka Kalelkar, and Beohar Rajendra Simha were essential in establishing Hindi as the official language of the country. On September 14, Beohar Rajendra Simha’s birthday became linked with Hindi Diwas.

Debate on Language in the Constituent Assembly

• RV Dhulekar Fights for Hindi: RV Dhulekar, a congressman from Uttar Pradesh, argued vehemently that Hindi should be both the official and national language. He claimed that Hindi had won a language race and deserved to be recognised.
• The Case for English by Frank Anthony: Frank Anthony, speaking on behalf of the Central Provinces and Berar, presented a persuasive argument for English. He emphasised that India’s two-century-long grasp of English was a tremendous asset on the international stage.
• Push for Sanskrit by Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra: Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra, who represented Bengal, lobbied for Sanskrit as the national and official language. He claimed that it was a revered language with a rich history.
• Support for Hindustani by Qazi Syed Karimuddin: Qazi Syed Karimuddin, also from the Central Provinces and Berar, emphasised Mahatma Gandhi’s endorsement of Hindustani. He advocated Hindustani as the national language, written in both Devanagari and Urdu scripts.
• T A Ramalingam Chettiar’s View on Hindi: T A Ramalingam Chettiar, representing Madras, recognised Hindi as an official language because of its extensive use, but he questioned its claim to be the national language. He contended that India had multiple national languages, each of which deserved equal recognition.

The Munshi-Ayyangar Equation

• Over three days, the Constituent Assembly deliberated extensively, resulting in the Munshi-Ayyangar formula.
• It was a compromise named after the members of the drafting committee, K M Munshi and N Gopalaswamy Ayyangar.
• According to this formula, Article 343 of the 1950 Constitution specified that Hindi in the Devanagari script will be the official language of the Union.
• However, English would be used for official purposes for the next fifteen years following the adoption of the Constitution.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/hindi-diwas-constituent-assembly-official-language-8940309/

• Dr. R. Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist and the Director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Assam, has been selected one of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.
• His trailblazing initiatives have transformed cancer treatment in Assam by emphasising people-centered and pro-poor healthcare solutions.

Dr. Kannan’s Insightful Work

• Under Dr. Kannan’s leadership, CCHRC expanded from a single department to 28 departments, including oncology, pathology, radiology, microbiology, epidemiology, and palliative care.
• To address patients’ issues in continuing treatment owing to poverty and distance, the hospital implemented pro-poor programmes such as free treatment, accommodation, food, ad hoc employment for carers, and a homecare programme.
• The hospital team went above and beyond by training family members in pain management and palliative care and delivering free drugs.
• As a result, cancer treatment compliance increased dramatically, from 28% to 70%.

Regarding the Ramon Magsaysay Award

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award, created in 1958, is a notable honour that is sometimes referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
• This distinguished award recognises Asian individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to society in a variety of fields.

Who was Ramon Magsaysay?

• Ramon Magsaysay was the Philippines’ president from 1953 until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1957.
• During World War II, when Japanese forces seized the Philippines, which was then a US province, he rose to fame.
• He was elected president of the Nationalist organisation, the country’s oldest political organisation, in December 1953.
• In 1946, the Philippines was plagued by post-war instability, accompanied by an increasing divide between rich and poor, aggravated by the rise of capitalism.
• Leaders were targeted by the administration, which was linked with the US, amid accusations of communist sympathies and calls for peasant rights.
• Magsaysay’s administrative and military policies were critical in addressing the anticipated communist threat.

Indian Honorees: Excellence Leaves a Legacy

The Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognised notable Indians:

• Vinoba Bhave (1958)
• Mother Teresa (1962)
• Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1966)
• Satyajit Ray (1967)
• Mahasweta Devi (1997)
• Arvind Kejriwal (2006)
• Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015)
• Bezwada Wilson, human rights activist (2016)
• Ravish Kumar, journalist (2019)

The Importance of the Award

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award honours remarkable efforts that have a positive impact on society and represents a genuine dedication to selflessness and service.
• It serves as a reminder that by unselfish efforts, individuals and organisations may create dramatic change.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/oncologist-ravi-kannan-padma-shri-awardee-wins-ramon-magsaysay-award-for-transforming-cancer-care-in-assam-101693469215566.html

• Recent challans issued by the Noida and Ghaziabad Police for displaying ‘caste and religious stickers’ on vehicles have sparked debate about the validity of such stickers.
• This action, which is part of a particular drive, raises concerns about the junction of automobile regulations, social norms, and legal constraints.

Exploring the Legal Framework for Displaying Caste on Vehicles

• Stickers with caste and religious symbols: The legality of these stickers is determined by the Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Rules.
• State Orders: Several state governments, like Uttar Pradesh, have issued orders prohibiting the affixing of caste and religious labels on vehicles, even on the body of the vehicle.
• Stickers on the registration number plate are strictly prohibited under the Motor Vehicle Rules.

Stickers that Challenge Law Enforcement

• Penalties for installing Such Stickers on Vehicles: The penalty for installing such stickers on vehicles is Rs 1,000, but it climbs to Rs 5,000 if the sticker is placed on the registration number plate.
• Future Initiatives: The authorities have stated that they intend to conduct such efforts in the future.

Specifications for Number Plates and Violations

• Number Plate Standards: According to the Motor Vehicle Rules, the number plate shall be a solid unit composed of 1.0 mm metal with the letters “IND” in blue on the extreme left centre.
• Penalties for Violations: Penalties for non-compliant number plates are outlined in Section 192 of the MV Act, including fines of up to Rs 5,000 for the first offence and potential imprisonment and fines for consecutive offences.
• 2019 Amendment: Following the 2019 MV Act amendment, fines for infractions were increased to a maximum of Rs 2,000.

Order Disobedience and Legal Consequences

• In the instance of stickers on the body of vehicles, police are issuing challans under Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.
• Section 179 Specifics: Section 179 is concerned with “disobedience of orders, obstruction, and refusal of information.” According to the clause, violators can be fined up to Rs 500.
• The fines for such offences have been enhanced to a maximum of Rs 2,000 as a result of the 2019 MV Act revision.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/can-vehicles-bear-caste-religious-stickers-8904393/

• The first 3D-printed post office in India, located in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout, was recently inaugurated.
• Swift 3D Printed Post Office: The 3D-printed post office was built in 43 days, two days faster than the initial deadline.
• Larsen & Toubro Limited completed the project in conjunction with IIT Madras.

Technological Methodology

• The post office has a total space of 1,021 square feet and was built utilising modern 3D concrete printing.
• Robotic printers employed an automated technique to layer concrete in accordance with the authorised design.
• Strong Bonding: The layers were held together by a specially formulated quick-hardening concrete.
• Rapid Construction: Using robotic accuracy and pre-embedded plans, the project was finished in 43 days, significantly less than the standard 6 to 8 months.

The Benefits of 3D Printing

• Cost-Effective: The project cost 23 lakhs, representing a 30-40% cost savings over typical approaches.
• Showcasing Technology: The project demonstrated the scalability of concrete 3D printing technology by utilising indigenous machines and robotics.

Distinctive Characteristics

• Continuous Perimeter: The project’s continuous perimeter structure had no vertical joints.
• Flexibility: 3D printing allowed for curved surfaces and varying site proportions, overcoming the limits of flat walls.
• Structural Innovation: To improve structural integrity, continuous reinforced concrete footings and three-layer walls were built.
• Reduced duration: The unique technique cut the building duration down to 43 days, reducing material waste.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/india-first-3d-printed-post-office-inaugurated-bengaluru-8898130/