Udgam Matters has made festivals the main focus of this month and you will surely love to read our main article which brings to the fore the awareness of generation next about Indian mythology and folklore. Our general knowledge section is to brush up the tales we learnt at our grandmother’s knees. And when you find you are all done with festivals for the time being, find our about the world’s weirdest hotels in Backpacking and plan you next vacation. All this along with our regular articles by teachers and students and more for you in this October issue which is no less than a grand Octoberfest!

1. OCTOBER 2016
udgammatters
Revealed!!!
The Truth Behind The
Celebrations...
Page : 10, 11

2. 2 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016
Science And Technology Page 13
General Knowledge Page 14
Book & Movie Review Page 15
Tell Me About Page 16
Fit & Fine Page 17
10 HotelsYou NeedToSeeTo Believe Page 18
Udgam ProActivityClub Page 19
Radiant Reflections Page 4
Preprimary In Action Page 5
Primary Section Page 6
Middle Section Page 7
Secondary Section Page 8
Sr. Secondary Section Page 9
HowTo DealWith Lack Of
Concentration AtWork? Page 3
REVEALED!!!THETRUTH BEHIND
THE CELEBRATIONS… Page 10-11
Page 12
WHAT’S INSIDE
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Can you hear the
drums tonight?
- Mrs. Sagarika Sahana
Content Manager
When the sound of
dandiyas reverberate
amidst the swirl of the
dancers swaying away to
the tunes of popular songs,
one knows that it is that
time of the year again when the heart is up and ready
to celebrate Navratri. Just as the lull after the storm
of the nine nights of revelry begins to set in, we are
off again on a completely different note, to celebrate
with light and sound, the delightful night of Diwali.
Indian festivals are such an integral part of our culture
that we celebrate almost each and every one with
gay abundance. Be it the lighting of the lamps in
the north, or digging into delicious ona sadya in the
south, or dhanuchi dance with the dhakis of the east
or swaying to the lilting tunes of dandiya in the west,
we Indians are united by our festivals. The same is
true when we go or settle abroad as we try and find
threads of our culture in the much entwined quilt that
binds together people of the world.
Udgam Matters has made festivals the main focus
of this month and you will surely love to read our
main article which brings to the fore the awareness
of generation next about Indian mythology and
folklore. Our general knowledge section is to brush
up the tales we learnt at our grandmother’s knees.
And when you find you are all done with festivals for
the time being, find out about the world’s weirdest
hotels in Backpacking and plan you next vacation. All
this along with our regular articles by teachers and
students and more for you in this October issue which
is no less than a grand October fest!
Editor : Mrs. Sagarika Sahana
Student coordinator : Mrs. Hitiksha Soni
Designer : Chintan Shastri (Creative Grapes)

3. 3 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016
FROM
THE DIRECTOR
HOW TO DEAL WITH
LACK Of CONCENTRATION
at WORK
Once in a while we find that we cannot
concentrate on our studies or work.This happens
almosttoeachofusandinsteadofbeingalarmed
about it, we should take the following steps to
overcome it.
1. Find the purpose in your work: If you are doing
something that does not interest you or you don’t
care about then you lose concentration. Perhaps
knowing the reason you will be motivated to do the
work and it will be easier to do it well.
2. Plan before you begin: Often we make the mistake
of jumping and doing a particular piece of work and
then we are stuck. So before taking up something
new, take a few minutes to plan out how it’s going
to progress. Phase out the work, find missing links,
people who can help you, etc.
3. Take regular breaks: It is actually more effective
to work for shorter periods and take breaks in
between. If you really need to focus, you cannot do
so for more than an hour at a time. After each hour
you need a break to let your system recharge. Plus,
if you know you have a scheduled break coming up
itiseasiertostayonthetask.Soinsteadoftryingto
work for a long period and getting distracted now
and again, tell yourself, “I just need to concentrate
for a short time.”
4. Eat enough, but not too much: If you are hungry, a
growling stomach can take away your focus. Your
attention level drops when your blood sugar is
low. On the other had, eating too much will make
you sluggish and lethargic, thus hampering your
concentration level.
Concentration in any activity is very important
to complete it successfully. For improving your
concentration skills, find the purpose of your
work, plan ahead, take breaks in between and
keep hunger at bay.
Ms. Pratima Patell, Director

4. UDGAM MATTERS
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CONSPICUOUS TRUTH
Mrs. Neha Manghani,Teacher
Secondary Section
Strange odds or broken ends,
Speaks to me to an extent.
What a fussy BEE we be
sometime,
When our conduct changes
with days. We don’t believe to
express our regret ,
And pretend to deal in a
different way.
Always come to a conclusion
Before analyzing the situation
We blindly follow the
reality shown
And then Criticize in
erroneous tone.
Have we ever thought
What we think may not?
The answer may surely be ‘No’
As we have stopped being
generous ‘JO’
Don’t really matter what
ever goes,
Quarrel to preserve egos.
Strange truth, but this is a
common fact, Beginning or
ending whatever it is,
We are least bothered for that.
We have forgotten the meaning
of humanity, Aren’t we more
influenced by our society? We as
unconscious laymen, Are striving
to kill our unity.
Literally imploring and
pleading on my part. Abide by
virtuousness and never
think to part.
Believe me,
Being human and joining
broken ends,
Will give us more pleasure
than revenge.
I am sure,
We can convert these strange
odds to even when, We will be
genuinely sincere to all Men.
Œ²¢Úè Åè™Ú
¼é}¢ „éÝ¢ï }¢ïÚè ÜUç±¼¢
Mrs. SUJATA CHAWDA,Teacher
Primary Section
RADIANT REFLECTIONS
4 OCTOBER 2016
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Mrs. Seema Sharma,Teacher
Middle Section
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5. 5 UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016
PREPRIMARY IN ACTION

6. 6 UDGAM MATTERS
MY SCHOOL
PROMISE
Each day I will do my
best, And I won’t do
any less.
My work will always please me,
And I won’t accept a mess.
I will colour very carefully,
My writing will be very neat.
And I will not be happy,
‘Till my papers are complete,
I will always do my homework,
And try my best in every test.
I won’t forget my promise,
To do my very best.
Pushti Gotecha - V F
PRIMARY SECTION
My Grandparents
Grandparents, as the name suggests
are the main part of the family and are
superior to our parents in every aspect.
-Grandparents are the backbone and
the root of our family who keep all the
members of the family together with love.
Their importance in our lives is inevitable
and they are the head of the family.
They are the most experienced people
of our family and shower their love and
blessings upon their grandchildren.
Grandparents are the best friends of their
grandchildren, where the grandfather
becomes the horse for the grandchild and
grandmother sings a lullaby every night.
Saksham Ajmera – III A
WHAT DO
ASTRAUNAUTs DO IN
SPACE?
What do astronauts do in space?
Where do they live?
In a house or in a hotel?
What do they eat?
Fruit or meat?
What do astronauts do in space?
Do they cycle or sit on asteroid and roam
in space?
Where do they sleep?
In a bed or on planets?
What do they drink?
Water or cold drink?
What do ‘astronauts’ do in space?
Nihira Pillai – V A
Wonderful tree
Trees,Trees how graceful you are!!!
Such sharing you do, so caring you are!!
You give whatever you have,
And don’t think what you will get back.
Trees trees how humble you are!!
You give us food to stay healthy,
And rain and air to live.
We bow our head for your support in our
life on earth.
Tees trees how great you are!!!
I feel sorry that people hurt you!!!
I promise, always to save you,
Trees trees how special you are!!!
Rushil Shah – V G
Shriya Patel IV - C DEEP III -F RAJVI SHAH I-E NEERTHACKER I-B
HIYA SONIV-B
DEVINA
TANDON IV A VANSHI -III H
HIYA SHAH
II -G
OCTOBER 2016

7. 7
‘GURU’
Teachers are great sources of
knowledge, prosperity and
enlightenment to whom anyone
can be benefited for whole life.They
serve as the real light in everyone’s
life as they help students to make
their ways in life.They are the God
gifted people in everyone’s life who
lead us towards success without
any selfish motives. Really, we can
call them as builders of the dazzling
future of our nation through
education.
Teachers play a very essential role
in the field of education.They teach
the students to be persons of good
morals and behaviour.They equip
students with lots of knowledge,
skills and positive attitude.They
help students to achieve their
educational goals by developing
clear vision and ideas.Without
teachers one cannot grow mentally,
socially and intellectually.
Aayushi Kulkarni –VIII F
MIDDLE SECTION
October
Goodbye to the monsoon
October is here
The evenings are cooler,
This time of the year.
Dussehra is coming
I’m happy to say,
A week of doing nothing
But play, play and play!
Dhyey Dave –VI H
My lost Glasses
I have hunted near,
I have hunted far,
I even looked inside my car.
I have lost my glasses, I am in need,
Help me find them so I can read.
I loudly shout and I curse,
Did I leave them in my purse?
Are they behind the sofa,
under the bed,
Oh!They are on my head.
Aahna ShethVI -G
WHYTO STUDY?
Oh! Why to study?
When in monsoon you can be
wet and muddy!
Oh! Why to study the
charter acts,
And mug up the boring facts.
Oh! Why to prefer maps,
Over the heavenly
afternoon naps?
Don’t you understand chaps,
There is something called
memory lapse?
They say, ‘It is for your
development’
It will help you get some
employment,
To pay your house’s rent and,
Buy those amazing
mesmerising scents.
Time will pass as fast
as an eye’s blink,
Oh, it forces me to think,
Exams will take me
to the next link.
Isha Sampat, VIII B
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{Ú¼è ±¢„è ТÝè Ðè¼ï J
Vrushti ChauhanVI – G
„Ï¢„ï ÐãHï
UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

8. UDGAM MATTERS
Photosynthesis Rap
Ever wonder why a plant doesn’t
need to eat. Makes food from the
sun that you can’t beat.
Uses water during this process too.
Creates sugar from light and CO2.
Now it has got the energy to grow.
Called photosynthesis
you didn’t know.
Does the opposite of what we do.
Takes in CO2 and releases O2.
What makes a plant green I’m glad
you asked. Photosynthesis takes
place in the chloroplast.
Chemistry of photosynthesis is
quite easy bro.
Starts with 6CO2 and 6H2O.
Add sunshine and chlorophyll to the
mix. End up with C6H12O6.
Plants doing that,plants doing this.
Because it is the Photosynthesis!
Rohin Sharma - XF
APOCALYPSE
I see below the clouds a waste-
What once was, was, but why was
and not is?
Well, they themselves in inglorious
haste Summoned Death
to give his kiss.
Cursed be they, discards of Creation
Damned be they, scarring His face
Condemned be they, cause of
destruction
Of their lives shall remain no trace.
First shall the Fire come
and then the Guardian Angels
Gabriel, Michael to wipe the slum
O, fie on them, wretch’d mortals!
The hour of doom, the Judgement
Day On which they lose existence
David and the Sybil did say
A price be paid for hate, greed,
violence.
I see down there great quakes,
Their Earth long last split wide open.
From Its summits, fire breaks,
Great floods come too, leaving none.
Panic and pandemonium
Begin their reign anew.
Chaos and commotion
Out of cesspits and abysses spew.
Now they beg, they plead, they cry
To Father Almighty, they turn
with hope.
All strife forgotten,
remainder reunify
Caliph, Sage, Guru, Rabi and Pope.
All voices amid terror croon
All heads bowed, hearts contrite.
Desperately within His thundering
Typhoon
Mankind witness their final twilight.
Agreed, that they left their gift to
wane Agreed, that they succumbed
to sin Agreed, that their art alone is
their bane But is that deserving of a
fate akin?
Mercy,Vishnu, Jesus and Allah
If there be Heaven beyond.
Forsake them not, Jehovah
To their prayerThou must respond.
Thy creation is all but nought
ThyWrath has played its game
Let there be a New King wrought,
Who will save them inThy Name.
Down shall he descend in glory,
Down, beneath the skies.
His Graceful Salvation shall
be the story
While mother next to
elated child cries.
-Let the destruction of all that we
hold dear be prevented-
AatmanVakil - X B
SECONDARY SECTION
8
Arushi Gupta X F Devinani Janani X E Vandan Lakhani IX C
Made out of waste paper
OCTOBER 2016

9. JUST BECAUSE,
FOR WHO I AM
Just because I’ve never
bunked classes,
Doesn’t mean I’m not ‘cool’
Just because I ask loads of
questions,
Doesn’t mean I’m lame.
Just because I’m not ‘hanging out’
every now & then,
Doesn’t make me boring.
Just because I argue and highlight my points,
Doesn’t prove I’m a rebel.
Just because I speak my mind,
Doesn’t mean I wanna be rude.
Just because I try and keep shut,
Doesn’t mean I lack my beliefs.
Just because I always help you in need,
Doesn’t tag me ‘MissGoody two shoes’
Just because I avoid trouble,
Doesn’t mean I’m weak
Just because I ‘be’ who ‘IAM’,
Doesn’t mean I’m weird.
It’s who I’m gonna be forever,
I don’t care,
It doesn’t bother,
Neither people’s comments,
Nor their thoughts.
Choice is yours,
To like or not to,
Accept me forWHO IAM
And who I’ll always be
9 UDGAM MATTERS
SR. SECONDARY SECTION
ISSUES FACED
BY STUDENTS
IN THE MODERN
AGE
It is often said that ‘student life is golden life’.
It is the period of pure joy and happiness,
becausethemindofastudentisfreefromcares
and worries of a grown-up life. It is the time
when we are molded into being good citizens
of this society. But is there all there is to it?
Are all students living a life like they should
be? Carefree and laidback? NO.The pressure
faced by this generation of children has
never been seen before. Today’s generation,
especially the teenagers undergo a lot of
pressure and stress than what meets the eye.
Peer pressure. “Social influence exerted by a
peer group on an individual, “this is how peer
pressure is actually defined. But people fail
to realize the importance and gravity of this
word. How it affects an innocent child’s life
and how the child’s future depends on it. Peer
pressure is a very real issue that affects many
of the teenagers of the world today. Society
offers many misleading advertisements
that seem to lead teens in all the wrong
directions. Children grow up and move into
teenage lifestyles, involvement with their
peers, and how they look in other peoples’
eyes start to matter. Their hormones kick in,
and they experience rapid changes in their
minds, and bodies. They also develop a mind
of their own, questioning the adult standards
and need for their parental guidance.We get
blinded, lose sound judgment and end up
getting overwhelmed by the society and peer
pressure. It is not a situation to be considered
lightly. Peer pressure is one of the reasons
whytheyouthresorttodoingdrugs,alcohol,
smoking, fighting and bullying. One of the
most decisive results of peer pressure is
academic performance which goes down the
hill along with the normal life they used to
live. Usually, people having low self-esteem
are the ones affected by peer pressure.
Wanting attention and the fear of being left
outislikeaddingoiltofire.Itiswhatincreases
the liability of being a victim of bad influence.
Not only peer pressure but also social media
is something that has a deep impact on
the students’ life.First of all, any web site
through which social interaction can occur is
known as a social media site. It includes social
networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter,
andMySpace,gamingsitesandvirtualworlds
suchasClubPenguin,SecondlifeandTheSims
and video sites such as YouTube and other
blogs.Suchsitesoffertoday’syouthaportalof
entertainment and communication which has
exponentially increased over the years. It also
has a significant impact on our life affecting
people of diverse ages. But the larger effect is
onteenagers.Itissaidthatengaginginvarious
forms of social media is a routine activity that
research has shown to benefit children and
adolescents by enhancing communication,
social connection, and even technical skills.
Also, many parents today use technology
incredibly well and feel comfortable and
capable with the programs and online venues
that their children and adolescents are using.
But because of their limited capacity for self-
regulationandsusceptibilitytopeerpressure,
children and adolescents are at some risk as
they navigate and experiment with social
media. Recent research indicates that there
are frequent online expressions of offline
behaviors, such as bullying, clique-forming,
and sexual experimentation, that have
introduced problems such as cyber bullying,
privacy issues, and etc. Other problems that
merit awareness include Internet addiction
and concurrent sleep deprivation.
Apart from these two problems there are
other reasons as to why the students of
today’s generation have undergone drastic
changes compared to the students of older
generation. In earlier generations, kids
enjoyedbeingkids.Buttoday,withtheadvent
of satellite television and internet, kids are
bombardedwithunwantedinformation.They
are exposed to some adult-related content
too, which is not at all appropriate for their
delicate minds. The concept of childhood
becomes problematic.
But the biggest fear a student faces is the
fear of being bullied. Strong monopolizes
the weak. Victims of bullying are often shy
and tend to be physically weaker than their
peers. They may also have low self-esteem
and poor social skills, which makes it hard
for them to stand up for themselves. Bullies
consider these children safe targets because
they usually don’t retaliate. Bullying affects
the future of both the person being bullied
and the person bullying. Kids who are bullied
experience depression and anxiety, increased
feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in
sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest
in activities they used to enjoy and in worst
cases trauma and suicide.
Effortsshouldbemadebyparents,counsellors
and teachers to make sure that kids avoid
getting into trouble and lead a cheerful life.
It is rightfully said “Childhood and adulthood
are not factors of age but states of mind,”
thus a happy childhood leads to a happy life!
Isha Sharma – XI B
Tanvi Kumar – XII F
OCTOBER 2016

10. 10 UDGAM MATTERS
Each and every festival that is celebrated has a history or a myth behind it. Som
Puranas. Some of them have been reshaped and new stories have been born obli
beginning, there were no religions as such. Today we know and celebrate festivals a
stories and tales that have been have bee
We asked a group of students ranging from Classes 4 to 8 and were amazed by th
REVEA
THE TRUTH BEHIND

Diwali is around the corner and is
a major festival of Gujarat state.
About 95% students know the
story of Diwali and all the smaller
ones are aware that we light
lamps and burst crackers on that
day. However, about 5% are not
aware of the reason behind the
rituals of the festival.

Onam is a festival that
about 50% of the group
are aware of alongwith the
the name of Mahabaliand
Vamana avatar. About
65% know that it is
celebrated in
September.

Ramzan awareness
is quite less and only
about 40% know about
the fasting ritual that is
observed over a month.
Even fewer are aware that
dates are eaten first to
break the day long fast.

Christmas is a festival
that almost 100% of the
group know well about
and also about the story
of Jesus and the ritual of
exchanging gifts.

Navroz is a festival that
all students have heard of
but only about 60% know
why it is celebrated and by
which community.

Uttarayan seems to be a
favourite festival as 100%
students are aware of
the rituals and festivities
along with when it is
celebrated.

Navratri is a festival that
100% students are well
aware of along with the
stories behind the festival
and the ritual of dancing
for 9 nights.

Cheti Chand is well
known by the students
and 80% are aware
of why it is celebrated
and by which
community.
OCTOBER 2016

11. UDGAM MATTERS 11UDGAM MATTERS
me of them are centuries old and actually date back to the times of the Vedas and
iterating the old ones. Some of them have become religion based although, in the
and have some idea about why we celebrate them. But are our children aware of the
en handed down through the generations?
heir responses. We take this opportunity to share some of their responses here.
PUSHKAR MELA
Pushkar is famous for the world’s oldest Brahma temple and also the largest camel
festival. The festival is less and less about the eponymous camels and more about
a good time, though the dunes outside of Pushkar are still a sight to behold when
the cameleers come to town. Drawing in 50,000 camels and 200,000 people,
the fair is ostensibly a time when Rajasthani farmers gather to buy and sell their
camels, cattle and horses. When the festival proper begins, the camels go to the
outer as moustache competitions and sporting events take centre stage.
For each of the seven days of the festival proper, there’s a programme of day
and evening events, most taking place in the mela (festival) ground, and some
out in the camel or cattle exhibition grounds (the number of cattle at Pushkar
actually exceeds camels).Visitors are embraced and incorporated into the fair,
with events such as tugs-of-war or kabaddi matches pitting Indians against
foreigners, and a turban-tying contest purely for foreign visitors.Outside the mela
ground, there’s a fairground-cum-market, where you can buy the finest of camel
or human decorations before taking a spin on a Ferris wheel for a view over the
vast expanse of camels.
ALED!!!
THE CELEBRATIONS…
Dussehra is a festival most
students know about in terms
of the tales of the Gods and
the demons. They are also
aware of Devi Durga and
her super powers. When
questioned on whose effigy is
burnt in north India only 50%
could give the
correct answer.

The students showed
total lack of awareness
about the Pushkar Fair
as the largest cattle
fair.
Janmashtami is a popular
festival and Lord Krishna
is a much loved God and
100% students are aware
of mythology and rituals
involving this child God. But
when asked about questions
related to Krishna’s birth and
other tales of Krishna the
awareness level dropped to
about 40%.
Ganesh Chaturthi seems
to be the most popular
festival among the
students as 100% got all
questions correct when
asked about
this festival.
OCTOBER 2016

12. From the Counsellors…
LOVING CHILDREN UNCONDITIONALLY
o Most parents I have worked with
over the years have told me that
their parenting choices are a result
of their deep love for their child.
However, some of their loving
choices can have adverse affects
later in life.
o Parents who buy every toy that their
childasksformaycreatematerialistic
adults who expect everything of the
world and have little sense of value.
o Parents who push their children
to get the highest grades, be the
prettiest or be the star athlete may
create joyless adults or externally
focused over achievers.
o Parents who want to be friends with
their child may create undisciplined
adults who lack a sense of security.
o Parents who do everything for their
child, never wanting their child to
experience the pain of failure, may
create adults who never take risks.
o Parents who over discipline their
child may create adults who
are unable to problem solve for
themselves.
In thinking about your loving parenting
choices, please ask yourself “Am I helping
to create independent , fulfilled , joyous ,
imaginative,content human beings who
are capable of giving and receiving love
themselves?”
Here’s the answer, simply, love your
children unconditionally. Make sure
your love is not based on what they do
or don’t do. Love them because their
very existence is a gift to you and to the
world.
Do parents love their children? Of course they do.The important question for all
parents to consider is not if they loved their children but how.
12 UDGAM MATTERS
You can’t teach children to behave better by making them feel worse.
When children feel better, they behave better. - Pam Leo
“ “
OCTOBER 2016

13. 13 UDGAM MATTERS
SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY
Bacteria coaxed to deliver
chemo drugs right inside tumours
Canadian scientists say they have found
a way to direct special bacteria to carry
chemotherapy drugs straight into the
most active part of a cancerous tumour.
That could lead to more effective cancer
treatments with lower doses of drugs and
fewer side-effects.
Greenland sharks may live 400 years, scientists say
Creature that dwells in Arctic Ocean and deep sea may live up to 400 years.
Step aside Galapagos tortoises, the Greenland shark may be the longest-living vertebrate
on Earth with a 400-year lifespan, a new study suggests.
Dirty Stone Age tools show what was on
the menu 250,000 years ago
Residue from horse, rhino, beef and duck
showsprehistorichumanshadtechnology
to hunt variety of animals.
1.
3.
2.
OCTOBER 2016

14. 14
GENERAL
KNOWLEDGE
The stories behind the festivals....
EID-UD-ZOHA:Once Hazrat Ibrahim saw a dream in whichAllah ordered him to sacrifice his most
precious thing.After much discussion, Hazrat Ibrahim and his wife decided to sacrifice their most
precious possession, their only son for the sake ofAllah.Hazrat Ibrahim was all set to sacrifice his son at
the gallows.As he put the sword at his son’s throat, the son vanished and he was replaced by a sheep.
This was a test set byGod which he passed.So sacrifice of goat or sheep takes place on this day.
DIWALI: It is believed that on this day Lord
Rama, along with his consort Sita and loyal
brother Lakshman returned to his hometown
Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the
forest. He had just finished battling and
overcoming the fierce demon king of Ceylon,
Ravana,whohadabductedSita.Thepeopleof
Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome
their true King as well as celebrate his victory
over Ravana.
DUSSHERA: According to the story, all the Gods
in swarglok and the living beings on earth were
upset by the tyranny of the demon Mahishasura.
Hewasundefeatable,evenbythemightydeities.
Therefore,alltheGodsdecidedtocreateapower,
which would destroy Mahishasura and free the
living beings. This gave rise to the creation of
Goddess Durga, an avatar of Ma Shakti. She
defeated the demon. Her victory is celebrated as
Vijayadashmi or Dusshera.
ONAM: According to the story, King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He was
sincere, honest, just and a good ruler but with a big ego.To redeem his beloved devotee of this one
sin,VishnucametoearthintheformofadwarfBrahminnamedVamana.Thekinginhisprideasked
the Brahmin what he wanted for he could give anything. Vamana asked for three paces of land.
Vamana grew in size and with one foot covered earth, with the other the heavens and then for the
final pace Mahabali offered his head.This fatal step proved a blessing in disguise for the good king
— it released him from the recurrent cycle of birth and death.
CHRISTMAS:The world was waiting for a messiah who would stop tyranny of the emperors and bring peace to earth. It is believed thatGod
came to Mary in her dream and told her that she would give birth to the messiah.Jesus was born in a stable and three wise men came to bless
him.Christians celebrateChristmas Day as the anniversary of the birth ofJesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis
of their religion.
UDGAM MATTERSOCTOBER 2016

15. BOOK& MOVIE REVIEW
UDGAM MATTERS15
In this groundbreaking book Dr
Devdutt Pattanaik, one of India’s
most popular mythologists,
seeks an answer to these
apparent paradoxes and unravels
an inherited truth about life
and death, nature and culture,
perfection and possibility. He
retells sacred Hindu stories and
decodes Hindu symbols and
rituals, using a unique style of
commentary, illustrations and
diagrams. We discover why
the villainous Kauravas went
to heaven and the virtuous
Pandavas (all exceptYudhishtira)
were sent to hell; why Rama
despite abandoning the innocent
Sita remains the model king; why
theblood-drinkingKaliisanother
formofthemilk-givingGauri;and
why Shiva wrenched off the fifth
head of Brahma. Constructed
over generations, Hindu myths
serve as windows to the soul,
and provide an understanding of
the world around us. The aim is
not to outgrow myth, but to be
enriched and empowered by its
ancient, potent and still relevant
language.
OMG or Oh My God! is about
something that touches all
our lives - religion. It is a
film about our relationship
with God, how instead
of being God-loving, we
have become God-fearing.
How religion has become
a business run by godmen
(here aptly referred to as
‘salesmen’) who aren’t in fact
very spiritual at all. A note to
atheists and agnostics - the
film is not an endorsement
of those views. It insists on
the existence of God. The
story is an adaptation of a
very successful Gujarati play.
The original template is an
Australian film called ‘The
Man Who Sued God’. Kanji
LaljiMehta,playedbyParesh
Rawal, is an avowed atheist
who runs an antiques shop.
Kanji is a wily salesman who
weaves tall tales around his
wares and sells 200-rupee
idols for thousands. The
faithful are always ready
to pay. As Kanji puts it:
“Shraddha ka kaam hai, jitna
dalo, utna kum.”
One day, an earthquake
destroys Kanji’s shop. The
insurance company refuses
to pay, saying it was an act
of God. So Kanji, defiant,
furious and abandoned by his
family,goestocourtandsues
God.Paresh Rawal, as usual,
rises above the material. He
is the force in this film.
OMG! (2012)
BOOK
MOVIE
Myth = Mithya
Sub title: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology
OCTOBER 2016

16. 10 FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN
16 UDGAM MATTERS
LAND OF THUNDER DRAGON
Bhutan is called “The Land of
Thunder Dragons” because of the
violent and large thunderstorms
that whip down through the valleys
from the Himalayas.
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS
Bhutan is the first country to
switch from the western ideal
of Gross National Product to
“Gross National Happiness,”
which is achieved through four
foundations: good governance,
natural environment, sustainable
growth, and cultural values.
THE NATIONAL SPORT
The national sports of Bhutan are
archery and darts – I am not sure
how darts qualifies as a sport! In the
city of Paro I had the opportunity to
whiteness an archery competition
and was surprised how far they had
to shoot. After watching for over
forty minutes not one person had hit the bullseye!
NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The capital city, Thimphu, has no
traffic lights– just white-gloved
traffic officers. When the city tried
to install some lights there was
a public outcry, and they were
promptly removed.
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest
mountain in Bhutan and considered
so sacred that no one has yet
climbed to its peak (at 24,840 feet).
The views of the mountains as you
drive across the high passes are jaw
dropping and the highlight of any
journey through Bhutan.
ENVIRONMENTALISTS
Bhutan is one of the only countries in the world where citizens
have a constitutional obligation to preserve and protect the
environment.
STATE RELIGION
Tantric Buddhism is the official
religion, followed by Hinduism.
Buddhismisstatesponsoredandthe
Dzong’s and temples are maintained
and supported by the government.
There are even trade schools to
teach new artisans that work on the
paintings and carvings of these holy places.
NO TV OR INTERNET
In 2001 Bhutan lifted its ban on TV
and Internet—the last country in the
world to do so. But today it is not
strange to see computers and cell
phones in the hands of teenagers
especially in the capital city of
Thimphu.
CLOSED TO TOURISTS
In1974,thefirstinternational
tourists were allowed into
Bhutan by invite only. Today
it’sfullyopenfortourism,but
at the high cost of $250.00
a day per person. You must arrange all your travel
through a government authorized tourist agency,
but once you arrive everything is taken care of from
food through to your transportation and guide.
NO SMOKING
Bhutan is the first country to
have outlawed tobacco in 2004.
Although, in 2012 the laws
were loosened and smuggling
now occurs. It is still rare to see
people smoking on the streets,
but drugs and alcohol have
continued to create problems
and the government has started
a program to educate and deter
citizens from abusing or using the
smuggled narcotics.
OCTOBER 2016

17. 17 UDGAM MATTERS
FIT &
FINE
Ways to Ease a
SoreThroat
A sore throat can be the first sign of a cold, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or an indication
of something more serious (like strep throat). Here are a few things to try the next time you’re
feeling scratchy, hoarse, or just plain sick.
1. Saltwater gargle
Studies have shown that
gargling several times a day
with warm salt water can
reduce swelling in the throat
and loosen mucus, helping to
flush out irritants or bacteria.
Doctors generally recommend
dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in
one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for
you, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten the
mixture slightly. (Just remember to spit the water out
after gargling, rather than swallowing!)
3. Fluids
Staying hydrated is very important, especially when you’re sick and your throat is irritated or
inflamed. You should be drinking enough fluid so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This
keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like
allergens, and make your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms.You need
to drink water and can even have warm soup and fruit juices.
4. Tea
Tired of drinking water?A warm cup
ofherbalteacanofferimmediate,
soothing relief for a sore throat.
What’s more, non-herbal teas—
whether they’re made with
black, green, or white leaves—
contain antioxidants that are
thought to strengthen immunity
and ward off infection.
6. Magic Concoction
Make a concoction of honey, ginger
andlemonwithadashofturmeric
and take it whenever your throat
feels really sore. This magic
mixture works wonders in easing
the soreness and warding off a full
blown cough.
2. Cough Drops
Sucking on cough
drops stimulates saliva
production, which can help
keep your throat moist. But
many varieties are no more
effective than hard candies, so opt for the
medically recommended ones. For an added benefit,
choose brands with a cooling or numbing ingredient,
like menthol or eucalyptus.
OCTOBER 2016

18. 18 UDGAM MATTERS
BACKPACKING!10 Hotels You Need To See To Believe…
OCTOBER 2016
Faralda Crane
Hotel,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Sun Cruise
Resort,
Gangwon-do,
South Korea
La Balade
des Gnomes,
Durbuy,
Belgium
Hotel Jested,
Liberec, Czech
Republic
Free Spirit
Spheres, British
Columbia,
Canada
Sheraton
Huzhou
Hot Spring
Resort, China
Inntel Hotel
Amsterdam
Zaandam
Spitbank
Fort, Gosport,
England
9 Hours Capsule
Hotel Kyoto,
Japan
The Aurora
Express, Alaska,
US

19. CALLING ALL FROM 18 TO 81 YEARS On OCTOBER 20 & 21.
19 UDGAM MATTERS
Exclusive Field Trips for Proactivity Club Students
Join our club and experience outdoor activities
For online registration click here: http://foodfest.doattend.com
Hitiksha Soni- Pro Activity Club Coordinator
M. 8238002012 or email hitiksha@udgamschool.com
OCTOBER 2016

20. Health Reasons to Avoid
Crackers
This DiwaliThis Diwali
Opp. Sardar Patel Institute, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad - 380 054 Gujarat INDIA.