The myth called 'Globalization'

If I tell you that I have a vacant flat and I want you to move in for free! You would never believe me, right? You have a critical stand here. Then why should you believe without investigation that Globalization is the answer to all problems in India? As a matter of fact, it is not. Confused?

As we know, Capitalism is the science of earning profit. How do you think a business man would increase his profit? Well, he has 2 options, either increase the SP or reduce the CP. The first option is not so smart as he would be beaten by his competitors. So he needs to somehow reduce the Cost of Manufacture, right? How do you think that is possible?

The easiest way is to kick out some people and make the others work harder. That's how you will have to pay less workers. There you go. The cost of manufacture has come down! So Capitalism promotes unemployment inherently.

What do you think Globalization is? Is it not foreign goods, money, technology coming to India and vice-versa? Now, when foreign multinationals come to India, they drive a lot of small Indian companies in their respective sectors out of the market, as they can't compete with the huge multinational monopolies. How many unemployed? The MNCs give employment to a handful of people and claim to have turned around the situation for developing countries.

Moreover, most of the people these MNCs hire are experienced who want to shift from their previous jobs. So fresh employment is not substancial. In reality, the net employment created by the foreign companies under Globalization is awfully negative.

These huge multinational monopolies have plethoric money and hence they advertise insanely, which our domestic companies can never afford. The MNCs first kill them and then instigate a propaganda which makes us really believe that Globalization is the best thing ever happened to India. Where is your critical stand?

How about an Aptitude Test for our Netas

Haha... That might sound ridiculous because we, the citizens of free India have formed a habit of eschewing whenever it comes to Politics.

Jokes apart, I strongly feel that if the corporate sector commends Aptitude Tests, its for a reason. And the reason is to manage a business or an industry, special qualitative, quantitative and other skills (you know that better) are required.

The big idea is that if to manage a small business we require skills of such high standards, think about managing India, which is home to zillions of such companies. And that's not it! We still have a lot many issues pertaining to other sectors like Defence, Health, Water, Power, Population, Pollution, Unemployment, Communal Harmony and so on...

Building up a bit more on the same lines, how about experienced editors and reporters of leading news journals stepping into politics after an enriching career in the said field? Because editors are someone who have the best of ideas available to tackle the situation at hands always and every time. I am not being sarcastic but this really makes sense as it would bring out many more aspects of politics which regular politicians cant write about!

The Great Hockey Inanity

If you thought 'All that glitters is gold', go for a reality check! Meet Team Hockey, India and you will feel hog-tied as a slave craving for freedom. Real heroes often have a long and bitter history of being unsung most of the times.

How many of us actually know that India has have had an excellent repute in the game and are ranked among the top Hockey playing nations in the world. India and Pakistan dominated men's Hockey till late 80's and still are respectable hockey playing nations even now. I invite you to consider that being among the top Hockey playing nations is far more commendable than being good at Cricket.

The fact can be testified by a simple comparison of the two sports. India ranks 8th among 120 Hockey playing nations and 6th among 11 Cricket playing nations. Media in India does all the ballyhoo about 3 sports in particular, CRICKET, CRICKET and CRICKET!

Why so much hype to cricket only? Even the Sports Ministry is to be blamed here. Poor Hockey players are the ones who actually play for nation's pride. They are still very poor unlike our cricketers who have become so irresponsible now. No media coverage, no big sponsors, no big company hiring hockey players as brand ambassadors... that's how tough and humiliating it is to be a Hockey Player in a nation who's National Sport is Hockey!

I bet you will be shocked to learn that while India clinched the Asia Cup 2007 title for Hockey in Chennai beating South Korea 7-2, our media was busy interviewing prominent personalities from the field of cricket asking them to comment on Sachin's retirement! This is how important issues are sidelined by the media.

Truly speaking Hockey is a sport which badly needs Media advocacy and recognition from public in general. Had India invested wisely in Hockey as much it glutted on cricket, we surely would have been paragons in the sport!

Manusmriti

The Manusmriti, translated smriti of Manu is a work of Hindu Law and ancient Indian society. It is one of the 19 Dharmashastras which are a part of the smriti literature. It is considered the oldest and one of the most important texts of this genre.

It explains itself as a discourse given by Sage Manu to rishis who begged him to enlighten them on the topic. There are 2,684 verses divided into 12 chapters.

A range of historical opinion generally dates composition of the text any time between 200 BCE and 200 CE. The dating is significant because the work was written during the period when Brahmanical tradition was seriously threatened by non-Vedic movements.

The work is considered an important source for sociological, political and historical studies. Manusmriti is one of the most heavily criticized of the scriptures of Hinduism, having been attacked by a gamut of people including colonial scholars, Dalit advocates, feminists, Marxists and Hindu Nationalists. Some of these groups have burned the text in public demonstrations.

The Manusmriti was one of the first Sanskrit texts studied by the British. It was first translated into English by the founder of Indology, Sir William Jones, and the translated version was published in 1794.

It is widely believed that out of a total of 2,685 verses, only 1,214 are authentic, the other 1,471 being interpolations on the text. The law in Manusmriti also is claimed to be overtly positive towards Brahmins (priests) in terms of concessions made in fines and punishments.

The stance of Manusmriti about Shudras, women and their education is a big issue. Certain interpretations claim that it discourages women from reading Vedic scriptures. This also forms the basic reason for the continued slavery of Untouchables in our society.

And You Thought There Was No Untouchability?

If you ever thought that we are living in a new world or a new century and hence we have eliminated Untouchability, think again... and be prepared for a shock.

The age old practices of casteism and untouchability were conceived by the Manusmriti, which is the first ever work of Hindu Law and ancient Indian society. Some of these codes of conduct pertain to the Hindu Caste System and are still practiced with full devotion and fidelity, the difference being, we now practice it in a more sophisticated and hi-tech fashion.

For instance, in Kerela, a low caste person is not allowed any footwear in the locality of high caste people or in shops etc. He must cross the region barefoot. Their under privileged children cant seek admission into the 11th grade even after clearing 10th grade exams.

In Gujarat, these people cant board a rickshaw and their children have to sweep the campus including toilets and prepare tea for teachers in the schools they study in. Its not surprising to listen to children address other children much younger to them saying 'ji' just because they belong to a higher caste. In Bihar, they are made to clean shit and dead bodies; and all this on temporary jobs basis.

The scene at temples is no better. While there are different doors for Mazhabis (lower caste sikhs) at Gurudwaras, temples in the south allow these people only for playing the drums, and not for offering prayers. Once a devotee was brutally hit on the head for mistakenly going to a higher caste door. In the Sikh community a mere 10% higher caste sikhs dominate the lower caste, which accounts for a mammoth 70% of the Sikh community.

Almost all religions have separate Mandirs, Mazjids, Gurudwaras and even churches for these ill-fated and the most unfortunate breed of living beings on Earth. How callous can this be? In miserable times we often seek blessings from our Bhagwan, Khuda, Parvar Degar and God, but its not like that for them. God has only biased them.

Its a common sight to see people changing their religion in a hope to get rid of their sufferings. But you can change your religion, not your caste. So you end up landing in the similar clutches of some other religion.

Aren't they humans? Don't they have the right to live?

Why can't they enjoy life the same way others do?

Can you imagine yourself or a close friend of yours to lead an extraordinary life like that?

They are pretty much like us. At least they deserve some dignity...

Can you offer your maid a cup of tea? If so, can you offer her tea in the same cup that you use? This is how we can change their lives. Simply by showing some respect, empathy and dignity we can make a world of difference to them.

Paani Paani Re...

Have you ever given a thought about the approximate daily water consumption in a big city, or for that matter, in your city? Say, Pune, for instance, with its 4.5 million people requires 950 million litres of water daily.

Now that is huge. I was really shocked to learn these figures. What should concern a citizen is that all the water we get is purified for safety. And this purification doesn't come free of cost. Even if we leave aside the cost of chemicals required for purification, a months electricity requirements only mount up to a whopping Rs. 4 crore.

So the next time you decide to take a bath in that lavish shower of yours or leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, just think about this coz you don't get this water for free. All of us pay taxes to make up for this cost...

And, there are places where water is not available that freely. Even till a few years back, people in Akola had to buy water.

Even if all of us save just 1 litre of water daily, Pune saves 4.5 million litres...

These are very small things I thought of which all of us can easily practice and make a lot of difference :-

1. A shower wastes 6-7 times more water (120 lit) than the use of a bucket for bathing (20 lit)

2. Even while we using shower, turn off the tap when you don't require water

3. Turn off the tap while brushing or shaving

4. Turn off taps in public places, schools or officers if you happen to witness them running for no reason

Lets Save our Saviour...

The Dalit Culture

Dalits are a people broken, forgotten and exploited. There are more than 240 million dalits who are formerly known as the Untouchables or the Outcaste in the subcontinent of India which has a population of almost a billion.

Dalits whose homeland is India were made refugees in their own land by the aggressive invasion of the Aryans. Dalits who had maintained their own unique culture and heritage were robbed by the intruders. Even up to this day, the dalits are the modern day slaves and holocaust victims through the most cruel system of the caste.

The Afro-Americans suffered slavery for some centuries. The Jews suffered holocaust and martyrdom for some time. The Dalits have been suffering humiliation, martyrdom and unspeakable horror for the last three thousand years of our human history. Does the world know about this man-made tragedy?

At the dawn of this millennium, who has to bring the good news of freedom and hope to the millions of voiceless people? The world communities must assume responsibility in bringing total justice to the dalits who have been systematically deprived of their rights and dignity by the upper caste people of India. These upper caste and in particular the Brahmins carry the blood of the millions of dalits in their hand. Now time has come when these people need to be brought to justice.

The upper caste men and women have been traveling comfortably at the cost of the dalits. It is at the sweat of these poor dalit peasants, the landlords and other caste people have amassed wealth. In short, in the name of God, the dalits were cheated and continue to be cheated. Now time has come when dalits must wake up.

Show some Spirit, CFBC

The Central Board of Film Certification (CFBC) has yet again proved its improbity. Its our motivational guru's Documentary Film this time to face the music.

Intended for a good cause, the 29 minute documentary on Reservation, Jaati Todo - Bharat Jodo (Break Caste - Unite India) by Shiv Khera, was allegedly advised 3 cuts, with the Board asking for proof for 2 claims made in the film.

Khera dismisses them by saying, "They want documentary evidence of some of the statements I've made. For example, there's one that says that in 1984 riots, thousands of sikhs were killed. I've gone on to ask whether their lives can be compensated with money. The Censor Board wants a documentary proof of this! The others are equally ridiculous."

This is the level of people in the Censor Board. It can safely be stated that we're not the world's biggest Democracy, we're the world's biggest Hypocrisy...

Its sad to learn that just because of those corrupt politicians India is in such a sorry state, and to add more to the misery, the political heads do not even want these facts to be stated in the documentary.

Mera Bharat Mahaan, Sau mein se Ninyanave Be-Imaan... Jai Hind!

Lets Design a Film Club

What is the first thing that strikes our mind when we hear about a Film Club? Well, it should screen movies; What else?

How should a Film be? Should it have a message to deliver? Should it have something that appeals our intellect? Should it be satisfying? How about a film that could showcase an important social issue?

If that's the case, how should a Film Club be? Should it provide us the best of movies? Should it be a place where individuals can hope of spending quality time or rather invest time? Should it also provide a platform to exchange our views?

Now, what if there is a dream film club wherein we can have discussions held right after the screening of a movie? So we watch a movie; Form an opinion about the issue being raised; And put it forward in the house...

Click to Enlarge
Who knows your idea can start a revolution?

All of you who have that desire to understand a lot of Social Issues and working out their possible solutions, Aagaz Film Club is the place for you.

And, those of you who are least interested in Social Isuues that affect our neighbourhood, our locality, our state, our country and our world; There's something for you too.

How about developing a taste for such issues through way of mature and lively discussions?

Click to Enlarge

Aagaz Film Club plans to screen 2 movies a month; On the first and third Saturdays, and also progressive cultural shows once in 3 months.

What are you waiting for? Flex that Social Muscle in your mind. Together we can create a community of our kind, which is fearless, self motivated, unique and most importantly Socially Aware and Responsible...

Have You Taken a Life Today?

This is a real incident that happened in a local hospital in Bangalore, India.

A 4 year old girl was admitted due to leg fracture. As it was an open fracture, she had to undergo an operation to stitch the protruding bone back in place. Though it was quite a minor operation, she was hooked on to life support system, as a part of the process. The doctors had to input some data prior to the operation to suit different conditions Thereafter, the operation proceeded. Half way through the process, the life support system suddenly went dead.

The culprit :- Some one was using his/her hand-phone outside the operation theatre. And the frequency had affected the system. They tried to track the fellow but to no avail. The little girl, young and innocent as she was, died soon after.

"Be compassionate! Do not use your hand phones/mobiles especially at any hospitals or within the Aircraft or any places where you are told not to use it... You might not be caught in the act, but you might have killed someone unknowingly".

Sometimes it's a matter of Life & Death...

Why No RTI for Jammu & Kashmir?

World's largest democracy, that's how we know India. But is it really true? Unfortunately enough, Kashmir, the Paradise on Earth, happens to be one of the largest militant hub in India. The situation is so worse that people can not avail even the most basic of their rights and needs.

A premiere example being citizens in J&K still do not have access to the Right To Information Act. I'd say this is absolute Death of Democracy at the hands of the corrupt officials in the state. Let me acquaint you with some very harsh truths about the most beautiful state of our country.

Every year Centre issues a special sum of Rs. 275 crores for developments in the state, but thanks to the local government, not even a single leaf is turned in the region. Its a nexus of corrupt government officials, IAS officers and army personnel. All have their own shares in this managed colossal exploitation of man and resources.

The rate of growth of unemployment here is even higher than the growth of population in India and China. There are no jobs for the increasing number of graduates in the state. The recent protests by engineers there stands a true testimonial to the situation.

Fake Encounters are a frequent sight. Its not unusual for people to go missing for years together. In a recent incident the Police captured a person from a market and killed him in an encounter. His face was crushed badly. When the civilians forced a DNA test, he was found to be a normal civilian like you and me, and the Police claims he was a terrorist.

Increasing pressure by social activists in the region also had no effect in the administration. The central government says it can not do much for the state as it falls in the area of dispute (Indo-Pak).

"Kuch Karo... Agar Kashmir mein jaldi RTI nahin aya toh Khoon ki Nadiyan beh jaengi yahaan!", cried a social activist at the National Convention for RTI Activists held in Pune some time back.

Is there a way to solve this problem? YES. Indian Home Ministry has a special Jammu & Kashmir Cell. If this unit is approached by residents from all over India in the form of RTI applications requesting for the status of RTI in Jammu & Kashmir, may be some improvement could be expected.

Lets hope for Peace in the State !!!

Different states are like different rooms in a house called India. Wouldn't you do something to put off a fire in your brother's room?

Bt Calamity

We all read daily about farmer suicides in India. But have we ever thought what could the reason be? Here is why they are bound to take the ultimate step.

Bt Cotton accounts for one of the most cardinal causes for the growing deaths. Unlike usual cotton, Bt Cotton is grown from artificially developed seeds and ensures a much superior harvest with the minimal use of pesticides.

Companies selling the seeds claim that the use of Bt Cotton can increase the yield by 30-40 % and also decrease the use pesticides by a whopping 70%. As anticipated, these advantages come with a cost. The seeds cost roughly 16 times the cost of Non Bt Cotton seeds.

In no time, farmers across India became interested in these seeds and opted for them hoping to increase their profits. But the results were truly crestfallen.

New crops cant be grown from the seeds of artificially grown cotton

Farmers have to buy new seeds every season

The crop stills required almost the same amount of pesticides

As opposed to 50-60 bolls in the Non Bt brand, the Bt Cotton bore only 20-30 on an average

Most of these would fall off much earlier than the crop could be harvested

Use of these seeds degraded the soil, which affected other crops as well

Result, all hopes shattered! Harvests became their biggest nightmare.

Most farmers took loans for buying such costly seeds

Loans were made available on a staggering 35-40 % interest rate

Investing about Rs. 25000 (that too through loans) gave a return of only Rs. 2500 after harvesting

Other crops also affected

No way of returning the loan

Possible Reasons

Seeds were developed in the USA and suited their environment, soil and weather, not ours

No tests or experiments conducted to study the impact of artificial seeds on the soil

Government privatizing Agriculture Sector because of political gains through MNCs

MNCs don't bother about the impact of seeds on Indian Agricultural. They only think about selling off their product in the Indian market

Unawareness among farmers

Possible Solutions

Try to raise voice against privatization of agriculture sector

Spread awareness among farmers

I feel the first optional is very crucial. We must take a stand against the various injustices happening around us.

There is also a need to unite our farmers and raise voice against the deliberate murder of our Agiculture. No industrialization can sustain without a firm agricultural base!

A Tree for Free

Pune is the greenest place on Earth I have ever visited. When my mother had come to see me a year back, she was absolutely spell bound by the greenery around. It really gives you a lot of pleasure to watch such wonderful trees.

When studying for exams in college, I'd often sit in our beautifully maintained college garden. It'd relax my mind to a degree that I could get back to studies full swing.

I really realised the importance of trees recently and would like to do every thing to make my surroundings greener. Whats more, Green has become the flavour of this season for me.

The good news is that Sambhaji Park, near Bal Gandharva Square (in Pune) maintains a nursery and sells all kinds of trees just for a rupee each. Now this is the most amazing thing I heard of in recent times. This facility of availing low cost trees is provided specially to promote afforestation by common people.

We should take up responsibility of planting a few trees at least and maintaining them. This would ensure to preserve the greenery in our cities. Dont you feel this is an easy way to say Good Bye to Global Warming !

Think Global Cooling

I dont think I need to mention about the threats to our environment by Global Warming. But here's we can do our bit :-

1. Save Air by

• Using private vehicles wastes money and pollutes air. Why not make car pools to save both? You will eliminate about 22 pounds of carbon dioxide for every gallon of gasoline saved

• Use public transport facilities like buses, if convinient. They are already there messing up the situation. Why do you want to add up to the mess?

• Use a bicycle for short distances. We often have work nearby - grocery, school, college and so on. Why not use the most trendy means of transport? Saves a lot of fuel and money also

• We cant do anything to the pollution by Power Stations. Better way, Save Electricity

• SAVE TREES. Green should be the flavor of all seasons to come now.
  

2. Save Water/Land by

• Shut the tap while brushing teeth. A lot of water gets wasted. Whats more, open the tap in low pressure. Even this would save a lot of water

• A shower wastes a lot of water as compared to bathing by the use of a bucket. So if you still want to use the shower, shut it off when you dont exactly require it (of course while bathing)
  

• Buy minimal packaged goods. Choose reusable products over disposable ones. You will be able to eliminate about 1000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year if you cut down your garbage by 25%.

3. Save Electricity by

• Shut lights and fans when not required. Be it your school, college or work place. Insist others to as well

• Do not use Air Conditioners as far as possible. Else our kids might not even get to see an AC in times to come

• Relace Air Conditioners by fans and desert coolers. Quite a good deal, huh?
  

Did You Know?

According to the World's Health Organization, each year about tens of thousands of people die in the world's major cities due to the breathing in of poor quality air. As many as one billion people around the world are regularly exposed to pollution levels up to 100 times more than WHO guidelines.

We often might reject the thought of contributing to save the environment by saying it wont be enough or adequate if a single person tries to help. Of course it wont be. But what if like me, you also start spreading awareness of such small techniques to save our mother land. I am sure you can think of even more minute and accurate details. Why not spread them for a good cause?

By sharing technologies, experience and resources we can hopefully lower the greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the threat of global climate change.

Kothrud Rip Off

As Pune gets new sky scrapers, cost living in Pune also has sky as the limit. Kothrud happens to be one of the fastest developing localities of Asia.

The effect is so gruesome that rooms in Yashraj Hostel near MIT College, which were just capable of dwelling 2 people now have 3; and the rent that used to be a mere Rs. 1500 p.m. is now a whopping Rs. 5000 p.m. And I can tell you that its not even possibly to accommodate 3 cots, tables and chairs in the room, leave aside living and studying...

Going by calculations, its surprising to note that a small room which would generate Rs. 3000 a month 2 years back will now generate Rs. 15000 a month. To add more, every room has a separate electricity meter which means electricity bill needs to be cleared separately.

And its very much possible because we do have quite a few 'million dollar babies', who can flex a money muscle to meet the price rise. Thanks to the callous owner who has a nasty attitude and says, "The boys need a place to live and this is the cost they have to pay! I don't care if a few people go. Newer ones will keep coming".

The situation became even worse when the nearby hostels also shot up room fares leaving a middle class student in total dismay. Such students now hunt for flats or rooms on cot basis in far off places which definitely waste a lot of time and could be a major head ache if they do not own a vehicle.

How Penurious is our Police?

When it comes to taking responsibilities, the Indian administration is world class in demurring and turning away. And Indian Ploice is no exception.

In a recent happening, a man was brutally beaten to death by crushing his head with stones by 6 people near a railway station in Pune and then laid down on the tracks to be chopped off in day light in public. The most exciting part of the story is that even Police was there enjoying the sight. When asked be the people around to do something in that regard, they promptly replied, "A railway line is not in police jurisdiction. Railway Police should stop and catch the criminals."

Yes sir, why would you do anything to stop someone from killing people in public? Was it your family member being brutally murdered? But sir, you would atleast call up the Railway Police and hand them over your criminals, right?

A National Level Convention for RTI Crusaders

A National Convention of RTI activists was held in Pune on 12,13th May 2007. Activists from 23 states in India participated. Bharat Uday Mission (BM) Pune members were present as volunteers to assist the organizers "Surajya Sangharsha Samiti, Pune", a group of RTI activists in Pune.

The convention was attended by well known personalities including: Aruna Roy, Arvind Kejriwal, Anna Hazare, Prashant Bhushan, Manish Sisodiya (parivartan), Medha Patkar. Phew, being with such people was quite an honour.

Following members from Pune participated as volunteers: Prerna, Ranjini, Rishikesh, Abhijeet R, Ashwin T, Dipendra, Pradnya K, Ketaki M, Abhijit K.

Members of BM Gwalior and BM Ujjain chapters were invited and Saurabh and Gaurav Bharat From those chapters represented BM.

Through this convention BM got good visibility among some of the activist groups like Parivartan, and among activists from various other states. We also showed our interest in helping the RTI activists all over India in making a database of all RTI activists.

Lot of BM members are already members of HumJanenge yahoogroup, which is the prime medium of communication for RTI activists. We can further use this group to update the RTI activists about : our experiences with the applications that we have filed, difficulties, solutions,
suggestions, etc. BM members can use the name of Bharat Uday Mission in their signatures to further give visibility to the mission.

The next RTI convention is planned in Ranchi in September and I believe that BM members from nearby areas will definitely participate.

I believe working in isolation is exremely inefficient, and we should be coordinating our activities with other activists in our states. "Ekta Mein Bal Hai", you see.

Animals need our Support -- Even we are Animals

People for Animals - Pune has changed the lives of hundreds of animals in Pune. Run by mere two core people and 3 other volunteers, it has conducted more than 30
animal rescue operations in 1 year. It has also conducted 5 major raids where more than hundred animals were rescued. PFA volunteers have also given more than a hundred presentations on vegetarianism and animal welfare in India, UK and USA.

How can you help


* PFA urgently needs an animal ambulance and land for rescue center.

* You can join PFA as volunteer and save animals from torture and pain

* Can get PFA an opportunity for presentation in vyakhyans / lectures / club meetings / society meetings / vegetarianism for non jains and ahimsa for Jains.

* Provide information about animal cruelty or illegal confinement.


You can contact PFA at


People for Animals, Pune
1st Floor, Kesariya Apartment,
149, bhawani Peth,
Pune - 411042


Phone - 02066017797

Emails -

web@pfapune.com

ahinsa.w@dhirajjain.com
ahinsa.w@manojoswal.com

Animal Helpline Pune - 9890793853 / 9890044455

14th June -- A Tribute To World Donor's Day

History

Landsteener discovered the ABO Blood Group system in 1901, which is one of the most important landmark discoveries in the Transfusion Medicine. In the 1970s voluntary donors were accepted as blood donors. These donors were later on found to people having high-risk activities and the recipients were found to be suffering from liver diseases. This lead to another discovery of Hepatitis B transmitted by donated blood. Since then testing for the hepatitis B antigen was implemented and this together with cessation of paid donors reduced the incidence of post transfusion hepatitis. Further studies also made us to include tests for Malaria, Syphilis, AIDS, and Hepatitis C to make the donated blood as safe as possible to the recipient.

What is Blood?
One can say that blood is that magic potion which gives life to another person. Though we have made tremendous discoveries and inventions in Science we are not yet able to make the magic potion called Blood. Human blood has no substitute.

Who can donate Blood?
Donor should be between 18-55 years of age with a weight of 50 kg or above with normal pulse rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Both men and women can donate. Donors with a history of epilepsy, psychotic disorders, abnormal bleeding tendencies, severe asthma, cardiovascular disorders, malignancy are permanently unfit for blood donation. Donors suffering from disease like hepatitis, malaria, measles, mumps, and syphilis may donate blood after full recovery with 3-6 months gap.

How much blood can be taken?
Our body has 5.5 ltr of blood of which only 350 ml - 450 ml of blood is taken depending upon weight of donor. Majority of healthy adults can tolerate withdrawal of one unit of blood. The withdrawn blood volume is restored within 24 hours and the hemoglobin and cell components are restored in 2 months. Therefore it is safe to donate blood every 3 months.

What is done with the collected blood?

The blood collected in sterile, pyrogen free containers with anticoagulants like CPDA or CPDA with SAGM. This prevents clotting and provides nutrition for the cells. This blood is stored at 2-6 C or -20 C depending on the component prepared. Donated blood undergoes various tests like blood grouping antibody detection, testing of infections like hepatitis, AIDS, Malaria, syphilis and before it reaches the recipient it undergoes compatibility testing with the recipient blood.

Modern Blood Transfusion Practice

Modern blood transfusion basically deals with the optimal use of one unit of blood. One unit of whole blood is separated into components making it available to different patients according to their requirement. Thus one unit of blood is converted into packed cell volume, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate, cryoprecipitate and granulocytes concentrate.

Another important practice is apheresis. This is separation of only desired component from the donor and return the remaining constituent back to donor. This technique is also used for remaining pathological substance in patients.

Withdrawal of blood for transfusion is regarded as a safe procedure now and blood donor has emerged as the single most vital link.

Yeh Hai Meri Kahani

Its June and exam time in Pune University. Soon I will be called 'Rushal Bhai Engineer'.

Computer guys have been lucky enough this time around to have managed to pull out pretty long gaps between the subjects. 6 days holidays for 2 exams and 4 for the remaining 2.

Its really been a journey from first year to the final year. Learnt a lot new lessons, taught a lot new lessons and grown with time.

In the last 4 years we have been taught some of the finest subjects related to Computers.