NARA'S NOTEPAD: January 2017

NARA'S NOTEPAD

FEBRUARY 2017

NUMBER 2

WHEN EVER YOU ARE WRONG

ADMIT IT

NARA’S NOTEPAD

THANK

Prof. T. V. Chalam, Assoc. Dean, ANGRAU (Retd.),

Director, Sri Lakshmi Educational Institutions,

Narsingraopet, Kurnool – 518 004;

Ph. 9642657742

for sponsoring Sept. 2016 to Aug. 2017 issues.

MEMO FROM NARA

One of the environmental pollutions we all encounter in our day-to-day life is the NOISE produced by railways, vehicular traffics, aeroplanes, industrial machinery, various gadgets we use daily at home and office, loud speakers and many other such things. In fact, every one of us in this world is subjected to the pressure of NOISE pollution. Even a small wall clock in my room is making a ‘tick’, ‘tick’ sound throughout night and day and similarly the ceiling fans make an awful lot of NOISE. We feel as if the NOISE has engulfed our environment.

NOISE at less magnitude does not bother us very much, but loud NOISES annoy us to a great extent. They cause headache, increase blood pressure, create loss of concentration, speech interference, loss of working efficiency and even accidents at times. Some of the workers are permanently exposed to constant NOISE pollution. Vehicles like motor-bikes create hell of NOISE for which the driver and others on the road are exposed to. Everyone is used to this menace of NOISE. NOISE control measures are been taken by the concerned agencies of the government. However substantial control is not being achieved because of the gigantic number of people who generate NOISE through their vehicles and other machineries.

Excessive honking is produced in the city area especially where hospitals and schools are situated causing hindrance to the ailing patients and young children. Technologies are available to manufacture noiseless vehicles and other instruments and equipment we use at home and public places. But still the NOISE surrounds us and annoys us. The Central Pollution Control Board of Government of India issued a gazette notification on zoning of urban areas into industrial area, commercial area and silence zone. It also indicated permissible NOCE levels for these zones. However, such measures are not strictly followed because NOICE is taken as not an immediate killer. But everyone knows that it is a slow poison for all of us.

India is a country of festivals ... because of its diversity of cultures. During these periods crackers and loud speakers generate deafening NOISE. Some young people may like it loud and they enjoy at the cost of harassing the old sick people who are already in pain owing to all kinds of illness. Is it possible to live in a noiseless environment? – a question asked by me along with millions of others. Unfortunately, the answer is a big NO. In future, we have to bear louder noises all around us. We have to adapt to NOISE. I have seen some people cannot sleep without the NOISE of the ceiling fans or the humming NOISE of their air-conditioners. Therefore it is obvious that human beings are adapting to NOISE environment in spite of all control measures!

LOVE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE

1. Tell them how great they are and how much you appreciate them.

2. Be genuine and real in your relationships. Don’t pretend and wear a mask but share your true, authentic self.

3. Note, however, that being genuine doesn’t mean always dumping your garbage on those around you. Be respectful of their needs and feelings too – and recognize that we influence and affect others’ moods. That is, we can choose to either brighten or pollute the atmosphere.

4. Be a great listener. We feel loved and valued when others really listen to us (and demonstrate they’re listening through their nonverbal cues).

5. Don’t try to fix, change and make them into different people. Instead, provide them with the freedom to simply be themselves.

6. We don’t have to agree with, or respect, each others’ choices in order to have a good relationship with them. We can still be kind, and just agree to disagree.

TO QUOTE

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned in life. IT GOES ON. – Robert Frost

It’s so simple: If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you start something, finish it. - Epictetus

SIMPLE WAYS TO SAY 'NO'

1. “I can’t commit to this as I have other priorities at the moment.” This lets the person know your plate is full at the moment.

2. “Now’s not a good time as I’m in the middle of something. How about we reconnect at X time?” This lets the person know it’s not a good time. However, you also convey your desire to help by suggesting another time (at your convenience). This way, the person doesn’t feel blown off.

3. “I’d love to do this, but …” This is a gentle way of saying no. It’s encouraging as it lets the person know you like the idea but I can’t take part due to other reasons, such as prior commitments.

4. “Let me think about it first and I’ll get back to you.” This is more like a “Maybe” than a straight out “No”. If you are interested but you don’t want to say ‘yes’ just yet, use this.

5. “This doesn’t fit with what I’m looking for now - but I’ll keep you in mind.” Sometimes it is just best to turn the person/ offer down. Otherwise, the discussion can drag on and on.

6. “I’m not the best person to help on this. Why don’t you try X?” Again, sometimes it is best to say you’re the wrong person to help etc. If possible, refer them to a lead they can follow-up on instead.

7. “No, I can’t.” The simplest and most direct way to say no.

JUST TO LAUGH

Two men Tom and Frank, had loved cricket more than anything their entire lives. One day Tom says to Frank, ‘If you die before me, promise me you’ll come back and tell me if there is cricket in Heaven.’ Frank agrees and makes Tom promise the same thing. About a week later, Tom dies. One night, Frank wakes up to someone calling his name. Scared he asks, ‘Who’s there?’ Suddenly Tom appears and says ‘Hi Frank, I’m speaking from Heaven. I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news first: there’s cricket in heaven.’ Frank gets very excited and then asks, ‘What is the bad news?’ Tom looks at him grimly and says, ‘I looked at the line-up for tomorrow and you’re opening the batting.’