purnima

KOLKATA: It's no use blaming the civic authorities alone for the inundation of parts of Kolkata and its surroundings. Try as they may, water simply cannot be pumped into the Hooghly or the canals. In fact, every time the tide comes in, more water is flowing back into the affected areas.

According to experts, the latest spell of downpour came at a time when Hooghly was experiencing the fabled Sara Sari'r Baan (neap tides). Every year, for about two days, the water level rises and inundates parts of south and north Kolkata. The water recedes during low tide, though. The rise in water level can be up to 10 feet or nearly three metre.

"Wednesday was full moon or Purnima and during this time of the year, there are neap tides in the Hooghly. As it is, the river has a lot of water flowing down from the flooded plains of the north around this time of the year," said an expert.

"Once the neap tides come in, there is bound to be a back flow into the low-lying parts of the city. This year, parts of the city were already inundated when the water flowed back from the river (through canals and high drains). Naturally, there is no place for this water to go," he explained.

Fortunately, the tides this year were not as high as on previous occasions. A few years ago, even during dry weather conditions, parts of the city went under knee-deep water due to the high tide. Even state finance minister Asim Dasgupta spoke about this at Writers' Buildings during the day. "Due to the tides, pumps have failed to function at several places. The moment water is pumped out, it simply flows back. Waterlogging at Lake Town, Bangur, Ultadanga, Tiljala and Behala is entirely due to this." Growing up in a digital world of instant messaging, online exchanges and all that today's children , often outmanoeuvre elders. Family dynamics have changed. Conventional parents have been replaced by more flexible and less authoritative ones. Does this affect family life? Do children think they're smarter? Are they less likely to accept authority? Is technology undermining parents' control over children?

Mittu Manoj, an advocate and a mother, says: "This is a problem parents confront today. Being traditional and modern is difficult. My husband and I agree that children should be exposed to technology. Though I'm computer savvy, my nine-year-old's performance on the computer is far superior. I rely on her to send an SMS. There is a positive and negative side about this trend. Children definitely have an edge. But instead of feeling inferior we need to come to terms with it."

Jayant Narayanan, Superintendent, Central Excise, feels that "the influence and authority of parents have come down. Middle-aged parents find it difficult to keep pace with new technology, and kids get impatient. This leads to lack of respect. Parents, once the chief source of information have been replaced by the Net." For Purnima Satish, a mother, it is a matter of attitude. "Parents need to familiarise themselves with the new technology to be self-sufficient more than just to keep pace with children." She says the attitude of children depends on the upbringing. Yet, many feel that technology has led to isolation. Children spend more time online than with family.

K.C. Rajan Clement, a lecturer feels that "More than technology it is its abuse that creates rifts in the family. Human values should be instilled in children along with their passion for technology. "
KATHMANDU, Aug 28 - Rishi Tarpani or Janai Purnima is being observed Tuesday by Hindus across the country.
The day is also known as Rakshya Bandhan, Rishi Purnima, Shrawani Purnima and Kwati Purnima, and holds significance for people from different faiths and cultures in Nepal and India.

Some Hindus change their sacred threads, Janai, on this day and also perform their annual rites and give tarpan to their forefathers and ancestral sages (rishis).

Likewise, people of the Newar community make a special soup made up of eleven cereals called Kwati.

The day holds special significance for the Terai people and also to the Hindus in India as they celebrate Rakshya Bandhan (Rakhi) today.

Sisters bind a thread, Rakhi, on their brothers' wrists on this occasion. It symbolizes a bond of love between brothers and sisters.

In return, brothers give gifts and presents to their sisters.

Nowadays, Rakhi has allured people from diverse communities and is increasingly being observed by a number of people in the capital as well.