Watershed Management

Society and Polity 2010 Watershed Management – A Hope for Sustainable Development Table of Contents Watershed2 Integrated Watershed Management2 Categorization of Watersheds2 Need for Watershed Management:3 Characteristics of Watershed Management:3 Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra3 Approaches/methods used for people's participation4 Persuasion4 Gandhian Approach4 Creation of a common platform4 Selfless leadership5 Identification of the most pressing common problem5 Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi5 ————————————————-Watershed Management: A Hope for Sustainable Development Watershed A Watershed is defined as a topographically delineated geographical area in which the entire run-off tends to converge, through the existing drainage system, to the common outlet of the area for subsequent disposal. In other words, a watershed is an independent drainage u nit. Integrated Watershed Management It is the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities within a watershed boundary Categorization of WatershedsWatersheds are categorized on the basis of the following criteria: * Based on Size: Based on size, the watersheds can be classified into micro, mini and large watersheds. The watersheds with area less than 500 ha are called as micro watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 500 ha but less than 2000 ha are called as mini watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 2000 ha are called as large watersheds. * Based on Drainage: Based on drainage, watersheds can be classified into drains and streams. Drains refer to the smaller water channels whereas streams refer to the larger water channels. Based on Shape: Based on shape, watersheds can be classified into two types namely fan-shaped and fern-shaped. Fan shaped water sheds are those which are circular or nearly circular in shape. Fern shaped watersheds are those which are elongated in shape. * Based on Other Criteria: Watersheds can also be classified according to other factors viz. altitude (high watersheds and flat watersheds), moisture content (arid watersheds and wet watersheds), type of soil (black-soil watersheds and red-soil watersheds), etc. Need for Watershed Management:Watersheds are an asset and therefore they need to be managed properly so that we are able to utilize them in the years to come. They act as a source of water for the people living in and around watershed areas. They help in maintaining the nutrients of the soil, thereby supporting the agriculture sector to give a sustained yield. They also act as a good source of irrigation for the fields throughout the year. Since they support vegetation, they also help in reducing soil erosion as the roots of the vegetation hold together the top layer of the fertile soil.They also hel p in the development of the forests as they act as good source of water for the forest flora and fauna. Objectives: * Water has multiples uses and must be managed in an integrated way. * Water should be managed at the lowest appropriate level. * Water allocation should take account of the interests of all who are affected. * Water should be recognised and treated as an economic good. Strategies: * A long term, viable sustainable future for basin stake holders. * Equitable access to water resources for water users. The application of principles of demand management for efficient utilisation. * Prevention of further environmental degradation (short term) and the restoration of degraded resources (long term). Characteristics of Watershed Management: * Allowing an adequate supply of water that is sustainable over many years. * Maintains water quality at level that meets government standards and other social water quality objectives. * Allows sustainable economic development over the sho rt and long term. Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra Development fundamentally refers to human beings.It should be a human experience to meet people's physical, mental and emotional aspirations and potentials, not just in economic terms but should also lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and fulfilment. Ralegan Siddhi, often termed as an oasis of greenery surrounded by dry and bare hilly tracts is a unique example of transformation from poverty to plenty and a living model of people's participation in natural resource management in a watershed. Ralegan Siddhi is a small village with an area of 982 ha in Parner county (taluka) of Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra, India.It is a drought-prone and resource poor area with annual rainfall ranging between 50-700 mm and temperature varying between 28Â °C and 44Â °C. The village is surrounded by small hillocks on the northeast and southern sides. The land is undulating and slopes vary from 3-15%. The 1991 Census enumera ted a population of 1,982 living in 310 households (presently estimated to be around 325). The sex-ratio being 902 females per 1,000 males (1,029 in 1971; 1,013 in 1981). The continued decrease in the ratio is explained as the return of male folk to the village with improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the village.Backward classes (scheduled castes and scheduled tribes) constitute only 14. 23% of the total population. Marathas of Khatri caste out-number other castes and constitute nearly two-third of the families. Among others are the backward castes including Mhar, Chamar, Bharhadi, Pardi, Sutar, Barber, Fishermen, Matang etc. By 1975, prior to intervention by Mr. Anna Hazare, the village had become quite notorious with all sorts of social evils, moral down fall and with badly shattered economic conditions. In general, the village presented the profile of a poverty-stricken and debt-ridden society.Scarcity of water was key to distress which limited the prospects of agric ulture. The water table was below 20 m, most of the wells used to dry up during summer and the drinking water had to be fetched from the neighbouring villages. The high rate of surface run off, due to high degree of slope and lack of vegetative cover had washed away the top fertile layer of the soils. Barely 20 ha of the village area was under irrigation. As a consequence the agricultural production was too meagre to support and sustain the livelihoods of the people particularly the resource poor farmers.Not even 30% of the food grain requirements could be met from rain-fed mono-cropping practised in the village. Approaches/methods used for people's participation The approaches/methods used by him for the participation of farmers in natural resource management works are highlighted below. Persuasion First of all, Anna went through a careful envisioning of the deteriorating situation in village life and decided to initiate through religion-moral undercurrent by persuading the people for reconstruction of Sant Yadava Baba temple.But he failed to impress and influence the people at large, primarily because the people were too busy with their own business and the worldly affairs. Gandhian Approach The second step was to set up examples by self-practising rather than mere preaching as Mahatma Gandhi used to do. Initially it went on unnoticed but in due course it gathered momentum. Particularly, he tried to organize the youths of the village under ‘Tarun Mandal' (youth organization). Besides, participation from all the sections of society was ensured and encouraged.Creation of a common platform Keeping all the differences and disparities aside, a common platform and meeting ground was created in the form of Sant Yadav Baba's temple. People started sitting in groups during evenings and discussing about the affairs of the village and common concern. Thus, the process of friendship, cooperation and communication started. Selfless leadership Anna himself invested all the money he had (Rs. 20,000) for purchasing building materials for the temple before asking others to contribute. Identification of the most pressing common problemThe main reason of disintegration, division and distress of the village society was the lack of a sound livelihood support system. The economy of the village was agrarian and shortage of water for irrigation was the major constraint to its development. Thus, assured availability of water was collectively identified as the top priority in a meeting of villagers. Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi Successful abolition of social evils like alcoholism, dowry, corruption and the caste system. These changes paved the way for positive steps to development.Regeneration of watershed resources through people's participation, a living example of watershed development and management. Development of agriculture and allied sectors by better farming practices and cropping patterns, judicious use of water by introducing drip irrigation system, yield enhancement etc. as a result the village where nearly three-fourth population was below poverty line, has become self sufficient and is surplus in food grains, today. Conclusion * Improving agricultural productivity. * Improving vegetative covers. * Increasing fodder & food availability. Reducing soil erosion & nutrient loss. * Improve water availability of surface & groundwater. * Enhancing quality of life among local communities.The case study shows the success of Gandhian approach to people's participation in watershed management. Since 1975, this has resulted into participation of all the 325 village families, renovation of a temple, stopping illicit liquor distillation, water harvesting in 4 small watersheds, construction of many check dams, plantation of five hundred thousand forest trees, controlled grazing, raising of ground water level rom 20 m depth to 6. 5 m, sale of onions worth Rs. 80 million in 1995 alone (exchange rate in June 1995 1 US$ = Rs. 31. 3), so lar street lights, village toilets, biogas, organic farming, introduction of livestock, a full high school, institutionalization of decision making at village assembly level, local voluntary organizational capacity building, acceptance and application of voluntary code of conduct, formation of different action committees, etc. References

Local Study About Social Networking

TOPIC: CORRELATIVE ASSESMENT OF REALITY TELEVISION AND SECONDARY STUDENTS VALUES FORMATION IN STO. NINO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL DURING S/Y 2012-2013 CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND IT’S BACKGROUND Introduction: The world today Is being controlled by the technology. With all the various types of new inventions and gadgets. People are slaves of all the product of the intelligence of mankind. People follow the trends of the world, whatever is new, people do follow. The influence of media Is a very big destruction to humankind. The invasion of new television programs are trending especially to the teenagers.Reality television began in 1948 with Allan Funt’s TV series Candid Camera. Reality Television is a television programming that presents purportedly unscripted melodramatic or humorous, situation, documents, actual events ,and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors. Reality television represents the life of rich high class individuals who thrive o ff drama, materialistic items and fame. Girls are being very liberated and show off their interest on men, or they do the first step instead of the guy moving first. Reality television shows series as an entertainment purpose to all of it’s viewers, young or old.Producers want viewers to think and believe that these shows are not scripted. Most of the individuals are most of the times very selfish, childish and materialistic. When people watch reality television programs, they indicate to think that what they are seeing or what they are watching are true to life. And because of that, they believe that what they see on TV is what life really is. Viewers of reality television who are addicted to these daily programs often get deeply involved into any situation. Often, certain reality television shows are based on topics that have no thought process or concepts.The audience thus gets hooked on to television shows, which do not really have any intelligent concept. For example, th ese shows often highlights constant fights or disagreements between a group and even telecasts certain moment not suitable for viewing for a family audience. However, some shows may even show positive things, which viewers can learn and apply in their daily life. For example, a person cal learn about teamwork or be motivated in life to achieve their goals or even chase a dream. It Is a problem because reality television programs, are not exactly real life on camera.Rather, the shows are edited and scripted in being a melodramatic television show to make it more interesting and more exciting. The producers edit and script these to show to make It to have more conflict, more danger, more of negative things.. History has shown that when a mass of people can easily be controlled by a single person or a group of people that results to causing of grave harm. The influence of reality television characters, especially those who are teenagers, because they are influencing teenagers very effe ctively, especially with daring segments of the television programs.Especially, to think that this is a reality television show. Reality television is not really reality. Unluckily, many people think that It Is. These television shows draws hundreds, thousands, and even millions of viewers from all ages because It Is entertaining. It has been the focus of so much criticism because of doubtful honesty messages of some of the shows depict. Unrealistic expectations. The late novelist Kurt Vonnegut once described media in terms that may apply to reality shows.He explained how TV and movies have caused people to expect reality to be much more dramatic than it really is: â€Å"†¦ because we grew up surrounded by big dramatic story arcs in books and movies, we think our lives are supposed to be filled with huge ups and downs. So people pretend there is drama where there is none. † Nothing proves Vonnegut's theory like America's love for reality TV. Shows such as â€Å"The Real World† and â€Å"The Hills† are filled with over-dramatic fights and intrigue. But unlike books and movies before them, reality TV claims to be representative of real life.This helps people believe more than ever before that life should be full of dramatic ups and downs that don't really exist. Enjoying misfortunes for others. Waite also expresses the fear that reality shows such as â€Å"Temptation Island† bring out viewers' attraction to mortification. â€Å"Temptation Island† revolved around trying to get monogamous couples to be unfaithful. Waite says of heavy watchers of these sorts of shows, â€Å"They expect it's OK to humiliate and to be humiliated by others, instead of thinking there's something wrong with this behavior. † The worst human behavior.Psychologist George Gerbner and Larry Gross of the University of Pennsylvania developed the â€Å"cultivation theory,† which asserts that prolonged exposure to television can shape viewerà ¢â‚¬â„¢s concept of the world. Basically, the more television someone watches, the more he will believe the world is as it’s presented by the TV. I can see how this might apply to older generations who didn’t grow up in the Information Age. Take my grandpa, for example. He watches nothing but the news and he’s convinced the world is a violent and dangerous place. I’d probably think that, too, if all I watched were reports of thefts, shooting, and terrorism.I wonder if the â€Å"cultivation theory† applies to reality TV shows. If I did nothing but watch â€Å"Big Brother† all day, would I start to believe there were cameras scattered throughout my home and my family was conspiring to vote me out of the house? Voyeuristic Urges The idea that reality TV nourishes voyeuristic behavior sounds like a great argument. Who would want to raise a society of Peeping Toms? Thankfully, this criticism has no merit. Voyeurism is, by definition, â€Å"the p ractice of obtaining sexual gratification by looking at sexual objects or acts, especially secretively. † The key word here is secretively.All voyeuristic pleasure is removed if the person being watched knows she’s being watched. A threat to intelligence Reality TV critics claim that these shows pander to the ill-witted and somehow manage to make the rest of us dumber for watching. I don’t think it’s possible to lose brain cells or cognitive functioning simply from tuning into a TV show. I think a far greater concern for critics is the sense of superiority viewers derive from watching reality TV. The truth is many people watch these shows to feel better about their own lives. What does that say about our society’s ability to promote a healthy self-image?Entertainment Critics of reality TV argue that television should be used to education, inform, and enlighten viewers. I agree television is an excellent medium for teaching, decimating information, a nd promoting the arts, but it is also a vehicle for entertainment. It’s a way to peer into another world for amusement and fun. Television offers viewers a needed break from the daily pressures of life; it’s a healthy occupation for the mind. These are just some of the reasons why we are really decided to study about this topic. It Is a stepping stone for us for all the teenagers out there, especially with the secondary students here in SNFSS.This Is to prevent bad things to happen. And open up there eyes in what they know and see about reality television programs. It Is not that when we enjoy, what we see or what we do, you think that It Is right. But It’s not, sometimes, It’s really easier and more fun to the bad or wrong things, especially Now a days. Technology Is getting better and better, and the media invades the world, It conquers peoples mind and beliefs. The goal that we wanted to achieve in studying this topic Is to open everyone’s eyes in what reality television programs Is all about.We carry on this analysis and research because we are craving to know what are the positive and negative effects of TV programs on the values formation of the secondary students In SNFSS during SY 2012-2013, and the possible effects and feedback of reality TV programs. Theoretical Framework Kohlberg’s theory of Moral development, Is a theory based upon research and interviews with groups of young children. A series of moral dilemmas were presented to these participants and they were also interviewed to determine the reasoning behind their judgments of each scenario. Kohlberg as not interested so much In the answer to the question of whether Heinz was wrong or right, but In the reasoning of for each participant’s decision. The responses were then classified into various stages of reasoning in his theory of moral development. Level 1- Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment) The earliest stage of moral development Is especially common in young children, but adults are also capable of expressing this type of reasoning. At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying the rules Is important because It Is a means to avoid punishment.Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange) Children and adults account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how they serve argued that the best course of action was the choice that best-served Heinz’s needs. Reciprocity Is possible at this point in moral development but only If It serves one’s own. Level 2-Conventional Morality; Stage 3(Interpersonal Relationships) Often referred to as the â€Å"good boy- good girl† orientation, this stage of moral development Is focused on living up to social expectations and roles.There Is an emphasis on conformity, being â€Å"nice†, and consideration of how choices influence relationships. Stage 4(Maintaining Social Order) At this stage of moral development, people begin to consider soc iety as a whole when making judgments. The focus Is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting authority. Level 3- Post Conventional Morality; Stage 5( Social contract and Individual Rights) At this stage, people began to account for the differing values, options and beliefs of other people. Roles of law are important for aintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards. Stage 6(Universal Principles) Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning Is based upon universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even If they conflict with law and rules. Conceptual Framework Input Throughput/Process Output Results of the survey form the secondary students. 1. Observation on the ongoing survey. Profile Variables: 1. Surveys about the given problems from Grade 7 to 4th year High school. . Comparisson of watching and not watching of reality television programs. Compare about the difference between the answers of the grade 7 and 3rd year, 2nd year and 4th year High school students. Surveys on 10 to 15 people Grade 7 and 3rd year HS 2nd year and 4th year HS Figure 2: Conceptual Framework of the study depicting the profile variables and the results of the survey from the secondary students The first box on our figure is the input. We have our profile variables, the first one Is having surveys about the given problems from Grade 7 to 4th year High school.And the second one Is the comparison of watching and not watching reality TV shows. These are the required or available data to be used in our surveys with the secondary students of SNFSS. The second box on our figure Is the throughput or the process. Our process would be like this. We will conduct a survey from 10 to 15 people of the grade 7 and 3rd year high school students and we will be observing and comparing It with the result of the survey of the students f rom the 2nd year and the 4th year High school. We will be comparing the differences between the 2 sets of batch of students.The third box on our figure Is the output and In It Is the results of the surveys. Hypothesis (Null Hypothesis) There Is no unnecessary effect of watching reality TV programs In the values formation of the secondary students of SNFSS during SY 2012-2013. Statement of the Problem 1. What Is the most commonly reality television show being watched by the secondary students of SNFSS (SY 2012-2013)? 2. How does It help you In your daily living in school or at home? 3. What are the advantages of watching different reality TV programs? 4. What are the disadvantages of watching different TV programs?Scope and Delimitation This study Is conducted and done to the secondary students of the Sto. Nino Formation and Science School during the school year 2012-2013 to know If there Is a unnecessary effect of watching reality TV programs In the values formation of the secondary students. Pinoy Big Brother Is one of the most famous reality TV show here In the Philippines, and next to It is the Survivor Philippines etc. Our main focus In our study Is to know the advantages and the disadvantages of reality TV programs In the Values formation of the secondary students here In SNFSS.

Consumer Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consumer Protection - Essay Example There were also certain ambiguities related to the actual people accountable for the faulty transaction. Hence, the author stresses on the need for stringent laws to protect the consumers' interests in business transactions. In addition, there appears to be an urgent need for a watchdog which would ensure that all laws are adhered to, in turn facilitating fair business practises. In the language of ecology, consumers are defined as those organisms who survive by depending on others around them (Consumer, AbNature, n.d.). This dependence could be for any day to day necessity, which they themselves are incapable of producing. And there are instances when triggered by the acute need of the consumer, this dependence on the producer has transformed into a form of exploitation, thus giving a freehand to the producers to make a kill. This definition and example might seem a little far fetched at the moment, but surprisingly both are in a way applicable in our day to day lives. There appears to be no end to our needs - material or spiritual and there are providers for all our needs. From the time we wake up each morning till the time we go back to sleep, knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or unwillingly, all of us tend to depend on one fellow human being or other for various reasons - hence, in a sense of speaking we all are consumers. Till the time all transactions happen in good faith and to the satisfaction to all parties involved, the world is a dreamland! However, the problem arises when the transactions do not happen in the true sense of fair practises. And considering that there are so many transactions happening, the possibility of exploitation cannot be ruled out. So, if we agree that we have advertently or inadvertently involved ourselves in one business transaction or the other, there have been at least one or two instances in our lives when we have felt that we as consumers have been given an unfair deal by the providers/salesman and the deal has not been concluded in the manner it should have been; in other words, our rights as customers have been infringed. The deal could be anything ranging from sale of faulty products, refusal to replace faulty products, unsatisfactory post-sales maintenance to poor service. And most often than not, in spite of continuous follow ups we have failed to get our issues addressed or resolved and the inconvenience compensated. Consumer protection is the current buzz word worldwide. There has been an increased awareness about the enormity of this need and there has been an increase in awareness among customers about their rights. Policies are being formulated, traders practising their trade unfairly are being implicated and there is a worldwide movement towards ensuring that the consumers get their due in all business transactions. However, in the absence of clear directions, policies and guidance on the grievance redressal systems, it is not always that the consumer is protected from unfair business practises. b. Objectives The need for consumer protection persists worldwide and it is no

Mind-Body Connection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mind-Body Connection - Essay Example It is also not clear how compatible these inter-relations are, if any, and how complete are in the physical world. Descriptions given by formative degree and mid-nature connections are analogous. The operational principle of mind-body connection receives rations internally. Therefore, this connection strongly depends on spirit and mental effects. To begin with, there are vital things that influence connection between people’s minds and bodies. The inter-relation may result in negative or positive response within our bodies. Proponents believe that, people’s bodies do not just respond boldly but there is an internal play connecting mind with the rest of the body. In addition to that, our physical manifestation takes place due to our thoughts and emotions (Hall, 2011). For instance, a joyous memory or emotion may make people feel lighter and relaxed. On the other hand, an upsetting moment may cause a heart to race or make someone feel clammy. The body does not think but f eels. Therefore, it is clear that actions occur when mind and body inter-connect. Furthermore, some scientists claim that there is no any connection between mind and body where else others use some facts to explain the connection. Some say that personal growth is the key to mind and body connection since it raises people’s awareness and consciousness as well (Sha, 2006). When people free and expand their minds, they condition beliefs and behavior hence what enters one’s mind contributes to some degree of body reaction. There is a way in which mind shifts. In this case, people rethink how they live and start revolving around suggestions that discovered the conduit between people’s physical and mental status. Even though it seems so odd, it is true that all boundaries and divisions matters of our actions are simply a construct of our thoughts. Those who do not see the relationship between mind and body believe that there is nothing separate in the world of quantum . Moreover, those defying the presence of mind-body connection put across that, following emerging science assumptions the word connection loses its bases without the word separation. It is through utilization of language that people get informed thus creating too much awareness about reality. However, traditional medicine specialists view both mind and body as a dualistic dichotomy. They consider mind and body as simply wholesome aspects but differing (Klein, 2007). Scientific research reveals that, the idea of critical role played by our minds and emotions is a fundamental premise within interrogative medicine. Ancient healing procedures incorporated mind and body connection to heal. In order to achieve good health there should be balanced state of mind, body, and environment. Humans’ body undergoes situations that trigger emotional stress. For example, some situations like loss of a loved through death, separating from a loved one, getting laid-off from work and even movin g to a new house may be extreme thus causing anxiety or stress. However, people overcome them by use of fight-to-fight response. In such a situation, the mind links with the body and the latter secretes a hormone called catecholamine. Examples of catecholamine are no epinephrine and epinephrine. In entering the body’s bloodstream these hormones either increases breathing rate or quickens heart hence putting someone in position to deal with the current situation such as fear. Generally, how the mind and body inter-connect is amusing.

Organizational Behavior - How a successful Iranian based company like Research Paper

Organizational Behavior - How a successful Iranian based company like Hirbodan is surviving in tough times of sanctions against Iran - Research Paper Example Research will be taken to identify the measures taken by Hirbodan Company to succeed despite the difficult situation in the country (Griffin et al, 54). Hirbodan has an organization pattern that is well structured. The board of Directors are always at the top, middle level management, and then lower management (Griffin et al, 70). Due to this organizational structure, decision making and coordination of members within the organization is facilitated. Hirbodan Company mainly encourages its employees by using the theory Y used in management. The theory enables the employees to show commitment to the set goals and accept their responsibilities (Griffin et al, 75). International community especially the U.S has imposed sanctions on Iranian making the economy to suffer greatly (Owens et al, 92). Sanction imposed on the government of president Ahmedinejhad, include ban on Iranian oil, which is the backbone of Iranian economy. This affected several industries Hirbodan included. To worsen the situation President Amedinajhad’s plan on reforms on subsidy of 2010 removed subsidies on electricity and water affected industries (Griffin et al, 54). Iranian currency depreciated much making the cost of living rise and inflation skyrocketed (Colquitt et al, 128). The cost of running of a company turned high due to high cost of importing raw materials. The effects on Iran are adverse that companies are hoping for the best to have an enabling environment for investment. Hirbodan Rose against all odds and wage the storm, due to its strong foundation and the expertise offered by the founding professional (Colquitt et al, 253). It coordinated with companies in Engineering, procurement& construction to have its operations outside Iran. According to the research that was carried out in the company, the chairperson of the Hirbodan Company explained that the success of the company was mainly based on the definitive strategies and logical solutions to the firm problems (Owens

Life of Moses and Effectiveness in the Ministry Assignment

Life of Moses and Effectiveness in the Ministry - Assignment Example This paper is divided into three parts, according to the key components of the life and work of any minister of God who must be constantly guided throughout life by faith, love, and hope. The first part covers the life of faith and prayer, the central point and the soul of my life, ministry, and apostolate. As a minister, my role is to know God’s will, carry it out, and share it with others. This is why a life of faith and prayer is crucial for my ministry to be performed with rectitude of intention and a spirit of service and humility. The second part considers the active life, best described as the life of love or charity, which highlights my calling to occupy a special place as the mediator between God and his people. A life of love for all needs to be, balanced with the life of prayer, because every minister is called by God to perform a special mission in wor, d, among men and women, amidst good and evil, with the special task to help in the transformation of the world an d to confirm everything and everyone to God’s image and likeness. The third part is on my life of hope, a reflection on the challenges I will face in the world as God’s minister, and how Gregory’s reflections on Moses struck me as inspirational and appropriate. Learning from Moses, the man but at the same time called by God, with weaknesses and defects, is made by Gregory into a deep, human and supernatural experience. The trials of Moses parallel the ordinary trials facing me, and from which I could learn key lessons for life. The conclusion ties up the practical lessons from the Life of Moses into a summary that would guide me in the performance of my ministry. This also functions as a memory aid that could help ensure a fruitful life of prayer, faith, love, and hope not only for me but for anyone who wishes to serve God in any way. Called to a Life of Prayer and Faith Like a light that attracts, such as the call to the ministry; as God in the burning bush dre w Moses in the first of a series of intimate encounters, after which unfolds the panorama of Moses’ divine calling (II, 1-116). Gregory reveals in detail the meaning behind key events in the life of Moses, linking each experience to the significance of that encounter with God in the burning bush (II, 10-12; II, 13-18; II, 39-40).

Elimination of discrimination in modern educational system Essay

Elimination of discrimination in modern educational system - Essay Example More than 40 years ago, the nations of the world asserted the right to education through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human rights are those fundamental rights, which are crucial to live and develop as human beings with dignity (World Declaration on Education for All, 1990). But in 1990 they observed that despite remarkable efforts around the globe to ensure the right to education for all, more than 100 million children, including at least 60 million girls, have no access to primary schooling; more than 960 million adults, two-thirds of whom are women, are illiterate, and functional illiteracy is a significant problem in all countries, industrialized and developing; more than one-third of the world's adults have no access to the printed knowledge, new skills and technologies that could improve the quality of their lives and help them shape, and adapt to, social and cultural change; and more than 100 million children and countless adults fail to complete basic education programs; millions more satisfy the attendance requirements but do not acquire essential knowledge and skills. The Jomtien World Conference on Education for All (1990), thus, set the goal of Education for All. UNESCO, along with other UN agencies, and a number of international and national non-governmental organizations, has been working towards achieving this goal - adding to the efforts made at the country level (UNESCO 2003). Human Rights Day 2009 observed on 10 December focused on non-discrimination. "Discrimination targets individuals and groups that a vulnerable to attack: the disabled, women and girls, the poor, migrants, minorities, and all those who are perceived as different" (Ban Ki-moon, 2009). UN reports about an estimated 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, or 10 per cent of the global population, with approximately two-thirds living in developing countries. Despite encouraging developments there are still an estimated 113 million primary school age children not attending school. 90% of them live in low and lower middle income countries, and over 80 million of these children live in Africa. Of those who do enroll in primary school, large numbers drop out before completing their primary education (UNESCO 2004). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, often referred to as CRC or UNCRC, is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. They are founded on respect for the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, opinions, origins, wealth, birth status or ability and therefore apply to every human being everywhere (UNICEF, 2008). As of November 2009, 194 countries are signatories to this and they have ratified, accepted, or acceded to it. EXCLUSION UNESCO leads the global 'Education for All' movement, aiming to meet the learning needs of all children, youth and adults by 2015. According to UNESCO, today, 75 million children are excluded from the realm of education mainly due to poverty, gender inequity, disability, child labor, speaking a minority language, belonging to an indigenous people, and living a nomadic or rural lifestyle. 72 million children are still not enrolled at all in school and of this more than half are girls. Children in the rural areas and urban slums have hardly any

Climate Change in Latin America and the Caribbean Essay

Climate Change in Latin America and the Caribbean - Essay Example The glaciers in Columbia are vanishing and there are hurricanes not only in Central America but even in southern Brazil. The result of these phenomena will have debilitating effects on fisheries, coral reefs, water availability and agriculture. It will also result in an imbalance as the fragile ecosystem will not be in position to tolerate the increasing carbon level in the atmosphere as also the degrading effects of deforestation (Climate change threatens Latin America and the Caribbean). One may wish to turn the clock back and work on an agenda that may trigger the momentum to restore the ecological balance. The good news is that attempts are made in the direction of this restoration. The outcome of these attempts may take decades or even centuries to realize the desired effects. Nevertheless, the issue is survival of mankind with the rest of the plants and animals. Hence, every little contribution towards revival of the original environment has exponential effects in the improvement of the entire region. The increase in the amount of carbon in the air poses dire problems. It will raise sea level by 15 to 95 cm by 2100 AD. Heavy rains, floods, drought, desertification could result in colossal unsettlement and disease such as malaria and cholera. Poor countries such as Cuba and Guatemala will be particularly affected as they will not have the means to sustain elongated period of disease and drought (Future Climate Change in Cuba and Guatemala). The Contributions The steps for restoration of the ecological balance are worked out by ensuring clean energy technology and sustainable land use and forestry. Promotion of clean energy technology in Latin America is taking place as joint ventures with multinational corporations. The change from fossil fuel to clean energy will ensure better atmosphere with less carbon in the air. Reduction of carbon emissions from factories and automobiles will mean cleaner atmosphere. The solution towards cleaner energy is ensured through agencies like the Kyoto protocol, ecological footprints, global bio-capacity, sustainable development, etc. The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto protocol makes it mandatory for industrialized nations to cut down on the greenhouse gas (GHG). It is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Thirty seven industrialized countries and the European community have the responsibility of reducing GHG by 5% against 1990 levels over the five year period 2008-2012. The Kyoto protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and came into force on 16 February 2005. The countries meet their protocol target under three market-based mechanisms which are: Emissions trading also known as the carbon market, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI) (Kyoto

Law of Obligations 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of Obligations 1 - Essay Example "an agreement giving rise to obligations which are enforced or recognised by the law. The factor which distinguishes contractual from other legal obligations is that they are based on the agreement of contracting parties". (Trietel 2003) "An expression of willingness to contract made with an intention (actual or apparent)that it shall become binding on the offerer as soon as it is accepted by the person to whom it is addressed..and an acceptance "is a final and unqualified acceptance of the terms of an offer."(Cracknel 2001).Because of the interaction of the offer and its acceptance a validly enforceable contract between Andrew and Billy has been formed. Next, as the facts of the question state, right before Billy delivered the equipment Andrew changed his mind to having wireless enabled computers, and not the wired ones specified in the contract. He asked Billy to let him have the more expensive, wireless enabled computers rather than the ones they had agreed upon. The question which arises at this point is whether Billy can subsequently claim the extra 500. The courts are likely to view this 500 discount within the realm of the traditional definition of consideration , bearing the detriment/benefit dichotomy (Cracknell 2001).Consideration has been defined as " either some right ,interest ,profit, or benefit accruing to the one party or some forbearance ,detriment ,loss or responsibility given suffered or undertaken by the other".1 Andrew has offered Billy a practical monetary benefit which amounts to sufficient consideration to "close the deal"2. The court will not concern itself with the value of the consideration i.e. "consideration must be sufficient but not necessarily adequate"3.Therefore Billy cannot challenge the price of this transaction as it is up to him to go London as often as he likes and use the internet there for free at his caf. The waiver of fee in the internet caf is a monetary advantage no matter how inadequate it may seem in business terms and the courts will uphold this arrangement. Therefore in my opinion Billy will not be able to claim this 500 discount. The Claim for 2000 Although Billy will not able to claim the 500 discount , but when Andrew asks Billy to accept 8,000 instead of 10,000 in full settlement, this becomes a case of breach of contract. The payment of 10000 was an express term of the contract and by his refusal to pay he is breaching the contract. This means there is a breach of contract because Billy has performed his part of the contract and Andrew is avoiding his performance i.e. the payment of 10000.Therefore Billy will be able to repudiate the contract and get back his equipment as well as damages for any depreciation in the value of the equipment as well as any wasted expenditure.4 However Andrew has not totally refused payment. He is offering a partial amount of the payment in settlement of the debt because he feels that he will have financial difficulties. Billy accepts this money fearing that Andrew is going bankrupt. The acceptance should technically mean that he should not be allowed to claim back his 2000 .In this regard I would

Pan-arabism and Pan-islamism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pan-arabism and Pan-islamism - Essay Example Pan-Arabism is a political theory of adopting unity of the North Africa and West Asia countries from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Ocean. This portion is known as the Arab World. Pan-Islamism on the other hand is a political movement recommending the unity of Muslims under one Islamic state, command, or leadership that is similar to International Organization. One common factor between Pan-Arabism and Pan-Islamism is the fact that Islam as a religion is founded on Arabic as a language. Most of the Pan-Arabic countries have Muslims as their occupant and they uphold the religion’s doctrines as part of the constitution of the countries. Arabic language is also the national language in the Pan-Arabic countries. However, there are some countries, which have Muslims but do not uphold Arabic as a national language. The two ideologies are completely different. Pan-Arabism has belief that there should be one nation in the Arabic world; similar to Umayyad Caliphate as in was in 750 C. E. when it had no Persia or Southern Spain. (Schmid) They believed that Turks, Europeans, and greedy rulers artificially drew Arab borders from Arab and that Arab people had a nature of being in a large nation like the United States.

Farley, Mowat’s “Never cry wolf” Essay Example for Free

Farley, Mowat’s â€Å"Never cry wolf† Essay Farley, Mowat’s â€Å"Never cry wolf,† is a book based on the research of the lifestyle of wolves in the Arctic Circle. Mowat uses his experience to educate the society of the social ills conducted by the hunters towards the wolves. The book displays the risk that the wolf pack families face due to the human activities in the area. The title of the book acts as a symbol in reference to the story of the boy who cried wolf. The book thus enables the reader to think beyond the tile so as to form an opinion of the author’s message. The book challenges the human communities who are in charge of the nature around them. Humans tend to overstep their authority by infringing on the rights of the wolves. The analysis of the book educates the society of the inhumane activities that humans are inflicting on the animals. Different passages from the book Interpretation of the passage and meaning I was born and grew up in the farm and never knew what it was to have all I wanted or needed as a teenager in the late 20s The author talks of his life as a child. He was exposed to animals at an early stage in life due to his parent’s lifestyle. This is a contributing factor to his love for animals. That night the inevitable happened. We were awakened by the most frightful uproar. It seemed to consist of furious barking of a dozen dogs mingled with the roaring of the menagerie of lions The passage elaborates the intensity of the nature that surrounds him. The conflict between the dogs and the lions displays the fight for power amongst the animals. Then there were the birds. That spring Angus had bought me a field guide and with its help, I identified forty species that were new to me. The author’s exposure to different bird species enabled him to identify with the different lifestyles that they had. Angus developed a love for all forms of wildlife which in turn made him aware of the plight that the animals had. My most cherished images of the mountain country were not of the forbidding peaks but of the animals The author admits that he has a special place for the animals. The country has a number of natural resources that are fascinating to any visitor. Amongst all these features, he places priority on animals making them his favorite pastime. Although I would now commit such atrocities against some of the most beautiful creatures extant, I cannot honestly censor the boy who was for what he did then The author admits that his actions are reflective to that of other men. His treatment of the animals is not desirable initially. He learns how to appreciate all sorts of animals making him an advocate for their livelihood. â€Å"The wolf is a savage, powerful killer. It is one of the most feared and hated animals known to man and with excellent reason† Chapter 6, pg. 60. The passage showcases the dangers that the wolf portrays. Human beings often misinterpret the actions of the wolf due to its dangerous nature. Despite the fact that the wolf continues to become extinct, it poses a threat to the human beings who live next to the packs. This makes the world undesirable by man. â€Å"Evidence obtained by various Government agencies from hunters, trappers and traders seemed to prove that the plunge of the caribou toward extinction was primarily†¦ The intervention by the government saw the danger that the wolves are exposed to. Human activities were mostly responsible for these dynamics making them the number on culprits. This also displayed possible extinction of the breed of wolves if authorities continued to ignore the circumstances. â€Å"I had made my decision that, from this hour onward, I would go open-minded into the lupine world and lean to see and know the wolves, not for what they were supposed to be, but for what they actually are† Chapter 7, pg. 77. Morwat made a personal decision to protect the wildlife from the outside environment. One of the steps he takes is orienting himself with the lives of the wolves. This involves learning about the exact nature of the wolves instead of forming an assumption about them. This in turn will help remove the ignorance that he had so as to improve society’s awareness of the wolves. In conclusion, human beings are responsible for the surrounding environment. This involves observing the safety of all animals in and outside the wild. This is however, not the case in that the number of wild animals continues to diminish due to the human activity. The wolves are one of the animals that continue to face the wrath of human beings. The analysis of the book is thus ideal for the education of the public. This in turn will improve the existing relationship between man and nature.

Reflection on self awareness and personal growth

Reflection on self awareness and personal growth The purpose of this essay is for the trainee Counsellor to critically reflect upon, and evaluate, a recorded counselling session which took place on Thursday 2nd April 2009. Within this essay, the trainee Counsellor will evaluate their use of advanced counselling skills and assess the value and usefulness of these skills. In particular, the trainee Counsellor will critically evaluate their own way of being by closely examining their application of the six conditions which are essential to therapeutic change and will focus on: the three attitudes or conditions that a person-centred therapist needs to provide for the client are congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. These attitudes are not presented as a hierarchy. Indeed they are viewed best as a trinity inseparable, essential and mutually independent. An evaluation and reflection of the trainee Counsellors performance will be enhanced by use of the person-centred rating scales. Mearns Thorne (2007) when writing about the rating scales posit that: Discussing these ratings, and the other possible responses the trainee counsellor might have made, could help to expand the trainees repertoire of ways of communicating [her] empathy. (Mearns Thorne, 2007, p.71) Another way in which the trainee Counsellor has evaluated the way they worked in this session is by closely examining the DVD with the observer who was present during the session and who asked the trainee Counsellor pertinent questions regarding the session. This procedure is known as Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) (Merry, 2006, p.146). Finally, the trainee Counsellor will refer to feedback notes from the observer order to critically evaluate their way of working with the client. The client in this session is a 36 year old married woman who has two children. This session is the trainee Counsellors second session with this client, although the trainee Counsellor is aware that the client has seen another therapist previously, nothing of these other sessions has been divulged by the client. In the first session prior to the client talking about her reasons for wanting to see a therapist, the trainee Counsellor and client worked collaboratively through the contract. This was done with sensitivity as the trainee Counsellor was very aware that he was the first male Counsellor seen by the client and she had already disclosed her anxiety and nervousness about this fact. During the first session, the client talked about a number of different issues, but continually returned to focus on her feelings about a man who had been harassing her both physically and sexually. The client also expressed doubts about her own lack of self-belief and her compulsive organisational an d controlling nature which she felt dominated her life. The trainee Counsellor considered how the client was moving along the Seven Stages Model (Merry, 2006, p.59) and that the client was positioned somewhere between stages 3 and 4, although possibly closer to stage 4 as during the first session the client demonstrated some internal confusion about her feelings and there was a tendency for her to express things in terms of black white, she was however, also able to convey some profound and more meaningful feelings. Merry (2006) describes stages 3 4 as: Clients who first seek therapy are often at this stage and need to be fully accepted as they present themselves before moving deeper into Stage 4. Stage 4 In this stage, clients begin to describe deeper feelings, usually those that happened in the past. (Merry, 2002, p60) At the beginning of the second session the trainee Counsellor checked, by working collaboratively with the client [C1, C3, C5], about the contract in order to confirm with the client that she was happy with and understood everything discussed in the first session. The client confirmed [CL6] that she was fine to continue. The trainee Counsellor then proceeded to set the boundaries [C1, C7] for the counselling session. Boundaries are an extremely important element of the therapeutic process as they make the client aware of what the trainee Counsellor is offering them. The trainee Counsellor, by being open about the type of counselling they offer, by setting time limitations and by reassuring the client, clearly sets the scene for a healthy, professional and mutually beneficial relationship. Mearns Thorne (2007) when discussing boundaries suggest that: It is important both at this early stage and as counselling proceeds that the counsellor monitors continually what [she] is prepared to offer to the client, and what lies outside the boundaries of [her] commitment. (Mearns Thorne, 2007, p.53) The trainee Counsellor, when discussing the boundaries and when checking with the client about the previous session and the clients understanding displayed a deep level of Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) [rating 4.0] [C1, C7]. At [CL8] the client begins to talk about a man who is heavily impacting on her life at the moment. The trainee Counsellor [C9] reflects the clients words back to her, but paraphrased and in a manner which questions the clients feelings. At [CL10] the client is interrupted by a loud noise from an adjoining room and the trainee Counsellor, because of the psychological connection with the client and his level of congruence [rating 5.0] responds with a degree of immediacy [C11] which is positively acknowledged by the client. At [CL12] the client expresses anger and frustration at herself. The trainee Counsellor [C13] is at this point offering the client UPR [rating 4.0] and a deep level of empathy [rating 4.5 5.0] and acknowledges the clients anger by reflecting and challenging the clients feelings about being trapped [C15] and angry. The client [CL14] agrees with the reflection and at [CL16] questions herself about what it is that she is actually angry and frustrated about. The trainee Counsellor remembers key details about the client which were disclosed in the first session and following the clients comments at [CL16] makes some gentle and refined queries [C19, C23, C25]. These challenges are accepted by the client, positively and with real emotion. The strength of the response identifies the level of relational depth that the trainee Counsellor and client have formed. At this point [C25, C27, C29] the Counsellors empathy [rating 5.0], congruence [rating 5.0] and UPR [rating 5.0] are clearly visible to the client and such a deep level of mutuality is present that previously unrecognised feelings which were just outside of the clients consciousness become visible and the client achieves a moment of comprehension and awareness [CL30]. Rogers (2004) describes this as: the letting of material come into awareness, without any attempt to own it as part of the self, or to relate it to other material held in consciousness. (Rogers, 2004, p.78) There is a visible shift in the client at this point and the trainee Counsellor, because of the level of his empathy [rating 4.5] is aware of the internal confusion and struggle that the client is undergoing. [C29, C31] At [C33] by expressing his confusion to the client, the trainee Counsellor displayed a deep level of congruence [rating 5.0] and this openness and genuine attitude assisted the client who moved on to explore her own feelings and reactions to what she had said at [CL30, CL32]. The trainee Counsellor [C35, C37, C39] reflects some of the clients thoughts back to her. During this period of interaction, the trainee Counsellor takes the opportunity to make some gentle challenges which cause the client to question her thought process. At [CL50] the client questions the trainee Counsellor, and it appears as if she is looking for some kind of affirmation that what she is saying makes sense. The trainee Counsellor [C51] makes it clear to the client that what she has said makes perfect sense to him, and this could easily be construed as some form of collusion, however in this case it is more of a corroboration to demonstrate the trainee Counsellors empathic understanding [rating 4.5 5.0] and a s a form of encouragement to the client to continue. The interactions at [CL50, C51] clearly display the trainee Counsellor and the client sharing the same frame of reference, being in the same place at the same time. Worsley (2002) suggests that: The greater the spontaneous-type content of the frame of reference, the more proper it is to call any therapist response process-orientated, because the therapist will be engaging empathically with the whole organism who is the client, and not just the reflexive, conscious elements. (Worsley, 2002, p.40) The trainee Counsellor, at interactions [C53, C81, C92] makes use of challenges which could be construed as directive questions, however, with the use of IPR and a deeper analysis of the recorded session, it is apparent that the trainee Counsellor was not directing the client, but was using thought-provoking words to stimulate the clients process. The trainee Counsellor used his UPR [rating 5.0] and empathy [rating 4.5 5.0] to identify with the clients goals whilst at the same time valuing and respecting the client at the deepest level and at the same time being his own person, being congruent [rating 4.0 5.0] and honest with his own feelings so that the client is aware that she is valued and prized and that the trainee Counsellor is not hiding anything of himself from her. At interactions [C81, C98] the trainee Counsellor takes the opportunity to query the clients incongruence and the clients responses [CL82, CL83, CL85, CL99] clearly suggest that she was not being truly honest with herself. Rogers hypothesises that if the client: becomes more self-aware, more self-acceptant, less defensive and more open, [he] finds that [he] is at last free to change and grow in the directions natural to the human organism. (Rogers, 2004, p.64) There is a point in the counselling session [CL109] where the trainee Counsellor senses a shift and a visible change in the client. The client starts to question her own behaviour and self, and in doing so realises how important some of the issues discussed in the session are to her. Rogers (1980) suggests that: To perceive a new aspect of oneself is the first step toward changing the concept of oneself. The new element is, in an understanding atmosphere, owned and assimilated into a now altered self-concept. (Rogers, 1980, p.155) The trainee Counsellor, through several interactions [C112 to C134] briefly sums up the session so far, recapping the salient points of the session. This is done collaboratively with the client, continually checking that the client is in agreement with what the trainee Counsellor is reviewing. By working in this manner, the trainee Counsellor is adhering to the ethical principles recommended by the BACP and is ensuring that he is working in an anti-oppressive way. Within this review of the counselling session, the trainee Counsellor considered different parts of the clients self. Mearns Thorne (2007) refer to these different parts as configurations of self and suggest that: a configuration is a developed self-within-a-self that can contain a wide array of elements a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that together represent an important dimension of the persons existence. (Mearns Thorne, 2007, p.34) An analysis of the clients various dimensions gave the trainee Counsellor the opportunity [C124, C126, C134, C136] to sensitively challenge those different parts which in turn triggered a reflective process in the client. The relational depth between the trainee Counsellor and client at this point was extremely good with both client and trainee Counsellor aware of their own feelings and expressing the genuine and authentic person to each other. Nothing was hidden and there was a real connectedness between both people in the counselling session. If both the trainee Counsellor and the client can be genuine in the relationship, the more helpful it will be. (Rogers, 2004, p.33) The trainee Counsellor is a student member of the British Association for Counselling Psychotherapy (BACP), and as such is fully aware of the importance of adhering to the elements within the BACPs Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling Psychotherapy (BACP, 2007) which discuss the provision of maintaining a good standard of practice and care (BACP, 2007, p.5). The trainee Counsellor fully believes that: Regularly monitoring and reviewing ones work is essential to maintaining good practice. It is important to be open to, and conscientious in considering, feedback from colleagues, appraisals and assessments. (BACP, 2007, p.5) IPR of the session reinforced the trainee Counsellors original observations and feelings about the client as the session drew to a close. It was apparent that from interactions [CL150 CL156] that the client was in a deep state of process. The trainee Counsellors level of empathy [rating 5.0] and the relationship which had developed between client and trainee Counsellor was such that at interaction [C157] the trainee Counsellor made the decision to end the counselling session a couple of minutes early. This was checked with the client to ensure that she was happy to do this, and the expression on her face confirmed that the trainee Counsellors choice was the correct one. The client had, at this point, moved on and was clearly trying to figure out what was going on in her head. Rogers (2004) outlines a clients process by suggesting that: Clients seem to move toward more openly being a process, a fluidity, a changing. They are not disturbed to find that they are not the same from day to day, that they do not always hold the same feelings toward a given experience or person, that they are not always consistent. (Rogers, 2004, p.171) The clients progress in this session was, for the trainee Counsellor, quite a revelation. The trainee Counsellor by focusing, using a felt sense (Mearns Thorne, 2007, p.79) [C29] touches on the clients unknown feelings and attends with deep empathy [rating 4.5 5.0] congruence [rating 4.5] and UPR [rating 4.5 5.0] to the client. It was the trainee Counsellors first real experience of witnessing a clients self-realisation [CL30] to something that was at the edge of their awareness but which they had previously ignored or dismissed. A change came over the client [CL30] and their honesty and openness became much more expressive. At this moment the relationship between the trainee Counsellor and client became much closer. Feedback from this session was received from a third party observer, who took notes to assist the trainee Counsellor in their evaluation of this session. The comments suggested that the trainee Counsellors congruence, empathy and use of UPR were obvious and perceived by the observer to be at a deep level. The observer suggested that on occasion, in her opinion, the client / trainee Counsellor relationship seemed almost friendly. From a learning and professional perspective and having reviewed the recording several times, the trainee Counsellor can see how some of the session might have been experienced from an observational point of view, but within the counselling relationship the two participants were experiencing each other and absorbed deeply in the counselling relationship. This is characterised by their ability to share a moment of levity [CL36, C37], followed by the client moving flawlessly back into her train of thought and process. From the trainee Counsellors perspective, several key points were noticed. Firstly, there were a couple of areas [C19, C39] where the session could have gone in different directions. As a trainee, the choice of language, the correct use of handle-words and the on-the-spot decision making is difficult to practice as every client is unique and individual, and every client will bring a different range of issues to the session. Secondly, the trainee Counsellor considered their use of questions in the session. There is no doubt that there will be some criticism of the way in which the trainee Counsellor phrased some interactions to the client, but there is a firm belief that none of the questions were deliberately directive and the session flowed well, with the relationship between client and trainee Counsellor relaxed, natural and open. Finally, the trainee Counsellor was real and authentic and it is clear that the client experienced this realness in the relationship. A major learning experience taken from this session is that of experience. There were three significant moments in the session, the first at interaction [CL30] where the client achieved self-realisation about the way she had been behaving, the second was at interactions [C61, CL62] where the client acknowledges her participation in what she refers to as a game in which she chooses whether or not to play, and the third is at interaction [CL91] where the client starts to question the relationship she has with her husband with regards to her issue of control. As a learning outcome, these moments were invaluable as they provided the trainee Counsellor with experiences not previously encountered. The trainee Counsellor, in evaluating this counselling session, has already discussed and evaluated three of the conditions from the six necessary for therapeutic change: the trainee counsellors empathic understanding of the clients world; congruence on the part of the trainee Counsellor and the trainee Counsellors UPR towards the client. The remaining three conditions, although not mentioned specifically have also been present during this session. The first, that two people are in psychological contact, is demonstrated throughout the session by the dialogue that the client and trainee Counsellor maintained, thus forming a meaningful relationship. The second condition is that the client is in an anxious or vulnerable state, in other words is in a state of incongruence and this condition is openly displayed by the client throughout the session and no more so that at interaction [CL8] where the client admits to being stuck and confused. The third and final of the remaining six conditio ns is: The communication to the client of the counsellors empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard is to a minimal degree achieved. (Merry, 2006, p.49) The trainee Counsellor, in evaluating this session, has visibly exhibited his UPR [rating 4.5 5.0] and empathic understanding [rating 4.5] of the clients inner world [C61, C86] and in doing so helped to facilitate a safe and constructive environment for the client. This was a significant session for the client as the trainee Counsellor believes there has been a major movement along the seven stages of process and that the client at times during the session made the transition into stage 5. There was obviously some vacillation between stage four and five and the trainee Counsellor, although identifying the shift in the client [CL30, CL109] made no attempt to move them onto stage five, but rather left the client to find their own path, knowing that she would move forward when it was right for her to do so. The trainee Counsellor was himself, the client was herself. There were no facades, no hidden agendas, just two people experiencing a deep understanding of each other. Rogers (2004), when talking about this kind of relationship, posits: acceptance of each fluctuating aspect of this other person makes it for [him] a relationship of warmth and safety, and the safety of being liked and prized as a person seems a highly important element in a helping relationship. (Rogers, 2004, p.34) The relational depth achieved by the client and trainee Counsellor is clearly evident throughout many parts of the session. A particularly powerful moment is at interaction [CL109] where the client questions her own values and the clients body language and the timbre of her voice expose her feelings. Mearns Thorne (2007) suggest that: At times such as these, understanding between client and counsellor exists at many levels, as does acceptance. The outcome is a profound sense of sharing. (Mearns Thorne, 2007, p.191)

The changing face of UK Fashion retailing market

The changing face of UK Fashion retailing market The clothing retail industry has been and is undergoing significant changes resulting from processes of globalisation, changes in consumer demand as well as changing corporate activities in terms of strategic marketing decisions. The UK clothing retail industry has experienced significant growth which has focused attention on studies in the field with this sector being considered as the one of the most competitive markets in Europe. This is primarily as a result of the concentrated power of larger retailers such as Marks Spencer. One prime issue as a result of globalisation is that there are more and more retailers sourcing globally aiming to provide competitive prices and quality products in the market. Marks Spencer as such then is challenged by this trend particularly from rival discount and supermarket competitors. Research Method The basis of the primary research conducted in this brief was delivering a questionnaire based survey delivered at four retail outlets two of which were Asda and two of which were Marks and Spencer. Opportunistic sampling was used in that customers were approached in the store as they entered and left the premises and asked would they participate. A target of 100 questionnaires to be completed at each store was decided on to achieve a healthy sample size yielding useful results for the analysis. The questionnaire had four sections. The first of these sought general demographic information such as age and sex, the second section sought information related to the frequency of shopping at the stores as well as frequency of shopping elsewhere. The third section sought altitudinal information related to reasons for purchasing in the respective stores while the fourth section and the fourth section sought information on preferences in terms of shopping specifically related to the variables of quality, price and the retail environment. Data was entered into SPSS and analysed according to the objectives of the study. Permission to conduct the questionnaires were sought be local managers in the first instance though for two of the stores further permission had to be sought be regional managers. All respondents were advised of the anonymity of participating in the research and the results of the research were also offered to the managers involved in order to increase the chances of successfully gaining permission to conduct the research. Surveying was conducted during a weekday and at a weekend time in order to enhance the representativeness of the sample in terms of people working and varying their shopping times. Comparison of marketing mix in George at Asda and Marks Spencer Overall 412 questionnaires were completed but 12 of these were discarded due to incomplete or incorrect completed parts. Of the 400 68% were female and 32% male. The age breakdown of the sample showed that some 38% of the total was between the ages of 26-32 or over although in the case of Marks and Spencer shopper the proportion of shoppers in this age group was higher being 49%. Also Asda had a higher proportion of shoppers between the ages of 18-21 than Marks and Spencer the figures being 19% and 9% respectively. Over 90% of the total sample had shopped more than once in each of the stores within the previous month with 45% shopping at least twice a week in either Asda or Marks and Spencer. Of interest was the result that 40% of Marks and Spencer customers indicated that they would shop there regularly (at least once a week) while the figure for Asda was 29%. This may be an indicator of stronger brand loyalty for Marks and Spencer in some respects but given further results examined below may be under threat given attitudinal results related to price and quality. Product The UK clothing retail industry has grown in recent years and reached a value of $38.7 billion in 2004 which represented an increase of 3.7% over the previous year. Womens wear was one of the fastest growing areas in the sector (Datamonitor, 2005). However it is claimed that the growth in revenues within this industrial sector will slow down mainly due to the impact of discount and value adding retailers offering clothing goods at lower prices forcing prices down overall within the industry. Clear indications of this trend can be seen in this case study in that George at Asda and its range achieved significant growth and success compared to overall declining profitability within Marks and Spencer. Since the introduction of clothing ranges by the supermarket in 1990 its product categories have expanded to include womens wear, mens wear and infants-wear. Marks Spencer has operated in the marketplace for decades and offers similar product ranges. While 49% respondents indicated a preference for shopping in Asda for womens clothes 51.2% of customers chose Marks Spencers to purchase womens products. It is obvious that there is slight difference in the choice of product range yet the results also suggest that there a significant percentage (60%) of customers chose George at Asda primarily to buy childrens clothes and in particular to buy items such as school uniforms. One of the main reasons for this arguably can be explained by the lower price yet reasonable quality design of the Georges range. Especially for younger children where school uniforms would be discarded in a relatively short time due to the children growing the price of products offered by Asda can be said to be a significant attractive featuring influencing purchasing decisions. It has been reported that the childrens wear sector in the UK grew by 3% and reached a value of $4.7 billion in 2004. This phenomenon is perhaps attributable to the success of discount stores and supermarket operators who are able to provide cheaper childrens wear at reasonable quality levels (Datamonitor, 2005). From a macro perspective however the decline of birth rates in Britain has resulted in the expectation of a future decline in childrens wear sales. Hence arguably over the longer term it may be the case that with possible future declining sales that this sector will become even more competitive and quite feasibly the number of operators will be reduced in retailing childrens wear. Evidence from this case study suggested that childrens wear product ranges represented 27% of customers purchases in Asdas compared to 10% in MS. Additionally supermarket as generally a daily shopping preference for food provided a relatively convenient shopping environment for women and in particular working women to purchase childrens clothes. This was indicated by some 59% of respondents at the Asda stores stating they had or were intending to purchase items other than clothes as well. It is reasonable to say that as a result of changing roles for women in both social and economic contexts there is increasing pressure such as reduced times available for shopping for women as discussed in literature review. These new consumer behavioural characteristics have resulted in changing retailing forms in the clothing industry to which new entrants such as supermarkets like Asda have capitalised on and responded to quickly as they emerge. In addition more men have become involved in clothing buying behaviour illustrated by the mens wear sector growing 5% in 2004 (Datamonitor, 2005). It was interesting to examine the results of this case study in the comparison of consumer preferences towards mens wear at Asda and MS. In this research 46% chose MS when purchasing mens wear as opposed to 33% in Asda. It is useful to look at this trend in understanding the changing features of the UK clothing retail market bearing in mind major impacts on consumer behaviour within the sector. Firstly Mark Spencer have exploited a branding strategy which established a reputation for high quality goods for a considerable period of time. As a result of price wars between supermarkets and value adding discount stores MS has aimed to focus on quality in order to differentiate it from rivals and position the store further in terms of exclusive designs as well as quality products. However its advertising campaign with the tagline ‘exclusively for everyone’ which was launched five years ago has been demonstrated to have mostly failed with customers turning away from the retailer because of its high prices to lower cost offerings in other retailers (Gardner, 2004). The high figure though mentioned above for MS respondents relating to whether they would shop in the future in the stores perhaps indicates that MS still retains a sizable customer base from which it could build on. However the validity of this assumption can be challenged given the size of the sample of this research and would need further investigation on a larger sample to confirm or deny. As such while MS seems to have failed in maintaining competitive advantage through emphasising quality its supermarket rival Asda has also introduced designer ranges and positioned itself in terms of good design as well as lower price offerings. It is fair to argue then perhaps that MS will not improve its performance by challenging its supermarket rival on pricing and volume. Hence one response has seen MS switching to a branding strategy. Secondly as outlined in the literature review purchasing clothing products should not be seen as indicative of normal commodity buying behaviour because it is to a large extent it is linked with extrinsic factors such as culture and social status which in turn makes the value of brand names an essential element of clothing goods (Entwistle, 2000). Davies (1998) claims that the marketing of own brands is a feature of modern multiple retailing which can also be seen in this case study. Retailers such as Marks Spencer have created brand images by advertising their own products and in the meantime transferred this brand equity into the physical products in their stores. The costs of branding to the retailer are lower than that of marketing other manufacturers brands. This contributes to an understanding and explanation of attitudes towards mens wear purchasing behaviour which in this case saw the brand name of Marks Spencer as a quality clothing producer helping the retailer maintain a critical market share in the mens wear sector. It perhaps also demonstrates that men are less sensitive about price in purchasing clothing goods than female consumers in that brand name and perceptions of quality influence their decision making processes. Jobber (2001) argues that price is often used as an important indicator by customers during the decision making process hence it is useful for fashion retailers who exploit pricing tools to create impacts on customers at the perception and evaluation stages of the purchasing process. As Britains biggest clothing retailer Marks Spencer has established its brand image traditionally on the basis of providing quality clothing goods reflected in higher pricing justified as being good value for money given the quality of the product. In contrast competition at the discount and value adding clothing segment of the market has generated significant threats to MS not only from discount retailers such as Primark but more importantly from new supermarket operators. In this case study George at Asda was chosen in order to provide a useful point of view in understanding the changing environmental contexts of clothing retailing. With a turnover of  £8301.5 Marks Spencers is one of the major clothing retailers occupying a commanding position in the middle market level (FAME, 2005). It is reported though that Marks Spencer has continuously lost market share due to intense competition in the UK clothing retail industry as well as from threats posed by new entrants such as George at Asda which has proven to be a highly successful entrant with the company reporting revenues of $26 billion by the end of January 2005 a significant increase of 19.8% compared to 2004 (Datamonitor, 2005). In contrast to George at Asda, Marks Spencer saw a decrease of 2.6% in revenues with operating profits falling to $1.3 billion in 2005 (Datamonitor, 2005). According to this research customers switched from Marks Spencer to cheaper retailers where quality levels were perceived as being relatively high with George at Asda being for 61% their first choice. The extremely low price of designer products helped Asda penetrate the clo thing retail sector successfully and effectively. It is fair to say that international sourcing and effective supply chain management contributed to a significant degree to the competitive prices in its clothing sector in the same manner as its grocery section. It is also interesting to note that although more than 40% of customers believed that Marks Spencer maintained a better quality level for clothing product ranges based on its reputation and effective quality control programs only 31% respondents considered clothing products at MS as good value for money. As such then the price war between supermarkets and discount stores have driven down the market price for clothing products while improvement of quality in both retailing sectors has become essential in the overall value adding process. As a result as one of the main middle market players Marks Spencer has been threatened both at price and quality levels. A strong financial background enabled Asda to achieve economies of scale and benefits from its integrated supply chain. The power of Asda as a retailing giant helped it negotiate with global suppliers for lower costs which as a result lowered final prices for consumers. Particularly in recent strategies by employing designers the creation of brand name and image of George at Asda contributed to its competitive capabilities. This point of view corresponded to earlier research discussed on consumer behaviour towards clothing buying which suggested that customers are particularly sensitive to price regardless of brand names yet in considering any extra value perceived in a brand name with the purchase customers became less sensitive to this element. This is able to help explain the strategic decision for Asda in building the brand name George at the initial stages of entering this very competitive market. Reflecting this it has been reported that MS had lost its place as the UK’s biggest clothes retailer to its supermarket rival Asda. with MS’s volume share of the clothing and footwear market remaining static at 9.1% while Asda’s George label increased its share from 7.3% to 9.4% in 2004 (Barnes, 2004). As a result the supermarket has grown to be Britain’s biggest clothing retailer after figures produced by Taylor Nelson Sofres which pointed to the volume of the George range at Asda rising to 9.4% compared with MS’s share which was static at 9.1%. However in terms of sales by value MS is still the market leader beating the Wal Mart-owned supermarket by  £3 billion pound (Gardner, 2004). It is thus expected this represents a significant change in the retailing market particularly in consideration of the middle to value adding discount clothing market. This corresponds closely to arguments reviewed in the literature section which suggests that further casualties in the Mid-market and Value Clothing sector are expected driven by increasing competitive levels (Collins, 2005). Supply Chain Management: franchising, merchandising and distribution Since the mid 1990s there has been an evolution in the UK clothing retail industry which has seen increases in both offshore sourcing and international expansion (Jones, 2002). In terms of local apparel manufacturers sales are focused on a few large buyers and Lustgarten (1975) has found that concentration ratios of major buyers have a significant impact on profit margins in the industry. In the case of Marks Spencer its strong position in the supply chain gave them strong negotiation abilities in the sourcing process but the trends of offshore production and overseas sourcing by other retailers has created crucial threats and challenges. The fast fashion strategy introduced by George at Asda in 1990 depends on effective supply chain management especially in the management of sourcing abroad to reduce production costs. Additionally the Wal-Mart owned supermarket enjoys economies of scale from its large number of suppliers globally and as a result good design and fast fashion goods c ould be transported to supermarkets rapidly as with its grocery products. However for Marks Spencer as one of the UK’s leading retailers the franchising group acts in a revolutionary capacity in seeking to respond to these trends effectively (Whitehead, 1991). Marks Spencer has attempted to reduce stock hold by improving the efficiency of its logistics management in terms of lead times through promotional sales for stock goods (Benady, 2005). However the results here were disappointing particularly in relation to womens wear. Market share fell by 5% and UK retail sales fell by 1.7% (Benady, 2005). The problematic aspect of this can be found in the supply chain where too complex a design in the production process and inefficient management strategies resulted in the decrease. Results in this research shows that respondents believed merchandise in the basic sales floor in MS was characterised by a lack of a clear marketing image and that the product ranges were too complex. The retailer has sought to cut down on its sub-brands and volume of stock held in order to introduce fashionable products at competitive prices in a shorter time. However it has been a point of concern that the management of its supply chain relied on management consulta nts rather than sales figures and marketing research on customer preferences. Consequently while UK womens wear sales grew by 4.9% Marks Spencer suffered decreases in terms of market share and operating revenues leading to reduced profitability. Due to the changing nature of the UK clothing retail industry there are revolutionary changes occurring in the supply chain sector. The most important element here can be seen as the increasing amount of sourcing activities from cheaper overseas suppliers such as Eastern European countries as well as far Eastern regions. Additionally bearing in mind the key features of clothing products the principle of shortened response is an integral element of the sector. This is to say lead times in terms of design, production, transportation as well as merchandising have become shorter. In turn benefiting from significant declines in stock holding numbers as well as risks linked with mark down sales clothing retailers are able to provide new ranges products within several weeks with maintained profit margins. As Porter (1980) suggests industrial performance is largely influenced by levels of competition and this is the case for the UK clothing retail sector. The position of Marks Spencer is no t only challenged by competitors within the same market level such as Next but also from rivals in the value adding discount marketplace including Primark, New Look. Entrants such as Asda into this industry have likewise created evolutionary changes in terms of marketing strategies as well as revolutionary supply chain management changes. The existing retail environment in which 72.5% clothiong sales went through larger retailers since 1998 is expected to continue however the battle for market share and sales among large retailers has become more intensive (Retail Intelligence, 1999). The tables below suggest that while the price of clothing is approximately the same in considering inflation prices of clothing have decreased. The speed element linked with purchasing has also decreased dramatically. This reflects both the new characteristics of modern consumers who have less time for shopping but who are also more demanding in terms of price, quality and style and the strategic choice by retailers in introducing fast fashion and effective supply chain management in order to meet this new demand.

adventures :: essays research papers

B orn in a liberate and democratic atmosphere, I as well as people around me take freedom for granted. In our eyes, freedom is innate, coming hand in hand with the very first cry. The seeming God ¡Ã‚ ¯s truth obviates the endeavor to obtain it, thus incarnating the equality of all inscribed in the Holy Scripture, which even in some part of the world today is still Arabian nights, let alone in turbulent climate then. The period during which the author Mark Twain lived could be called tumult itself when the legal rights for Afro-Americans had not yet been granted and the antagonism to slavery was in the prime. The uprising of John Brown brought the anti-slavery campaign to its zenith, promulgating the idea to numerous blacks who were enlightened only at this time. Their resistance to the planters, namely the interior force, together with exterior one from peace-loving people contrives to emancipate tens of thousands of slaves from the claws of racial discrimination. Living in a social background as such, Mark Twain, the advocate for democracy for all, embodies his noble thoughts in the novel. Jim, the maroon, escapes from the plantation and seeks his way to Cairo where a newly impartial life can be anticipated. For him, or rather, a host of fugitive slaves like him, freedom is not like air or sunshine that is ubiquitous, but like almost a catch-22. Great efforts should be made if they are to get freedom. The road to paradise is bestrewed with brambles. Throughout his hegira, Jim wades through difficulties and setbacks now and again. The same applies to the abolition of slavery, and later the elimination of racial discrimination. There is no social progress but is at the expense of some of its components. The emancipation of black slaves undoubtedly impinged the interests of planters who reckon themselves on the cheap labor force of these slaves, so it is understandable that they bitterly oppose the Act. Apart from freedom, another central theme of the novel is friendship, which is also vital to social well-being. As the saying goes, a father is a treasure, a brother a comfort, but a friend is both. In the book, true friendship between Jim and Huck is represented on a higher level. Albeit Jim is black, Huck simply pays no attention to that. Admittedly, there were millions of anti-slavery people then, I don ¡Ã‚ ¯t bracket Huck with them.

Macbeth: Time And Evil :: essays research papers

The Shakespearean tragedy of Macbeth is one of the shortest of all his plays. The story of one man's determination to secure his position as king has become a literary classic around the world. Many critics have applied their input on what they believe to be the proper analysis of Macbeth. However Phyllis Rackin's interpretation of the play has become the counter balance to which I place my critique. Rackin's criticism of Macbeth employs both the importance of time and the overwhelming power of evil; these ideas are only two of the many themes displayed in Shakespeare's illustrious tragedy. Rackin analyzed that time was a major factor in Macbeth and all his actions were a "race against time"(108). She also noticed that Shakespeare started his play with a question about time, "When shall we three meet again†¦?"(Act I, scene I). Rackin viewed Macbeth's reign at king as a pause in time, at which moment the sun ceases to rise and darkness engulfs Scotland. At the death of Macbeth and the end of his sovereignty, Macduff pronounces, "time is free"(Act V, scene VIII). The issue of time has been strongly supported by Phyllis Rackin, however I view this issue as an insignificant matter in the story of Macbeth. Time is an issue in all plays and would function the same in any other suspenseful thriller. Along with time, Phyllis Rackin critiqued the use of the compelling manipulation of evil. In Macbeth, the main character becomes enraged with an evil urge to maintain his status as king. Macbeth's cravings begin when he is no longer capable of waiting for the witches' prophesies to come true and murders the king. He continues he rampage with the murders of Banquo and Maduff's intermediate family. This can all be foreseen after Macbeth kills Duncan and cries out that "the deed will not be 'done when 'tis done,' that it will be no 'end-all' but instead a beginning"(113). Unlike Rackin's view on time, I agree with her view on Macbeth's evil entrapment. It is apparent that, throughout the progression of the tragedy, Macbeth transforms from the loyal thane into the murderous king.

Indus Valley Civilization.

Indus Valley Civilization. The earliest traces of civilization in the Indian subcontinent are to be found in places along, or close, to the Indus river. Excavations first conducted in 1921-22, in the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, both now in Pakistan, pointed to a highly complex civilization that first developed some 4,500-5,000 years ago, and subsequent archaeological and historical research has now furnished us with a more detailed picture of the Indus Valley Civilization and its inhabitants.The Indus Valley people were most likely Dravidians, who may have been pushed down into south India when the Aryans, with their more advanced military technology, commenced their migrations to India around 2,000 BCE. Though the Indus Valley script remains undeciphered down to the present day, the numerous seals discovered during the excavations, as well as statuary and pottery, not to mention the ruins of numerous Indus Valley cities, have enabled scholars to construct a reasonably plausible account of the Indus Valley Civilization.Some kind of centralized state, and certainly fairly extensive town planning, is suggested by the layout of the great cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The same kind of burnt brick appears to have been used in the construction of buildings in cities that were as much as several hundred miles apart. The weights and measures show a very considerable regularity. The Indus Valley people domesticated animals, and harvested various crops, such as cotton, sesame, peas, barley, and cotton. They may also have been a sea-faring people, and it is rather interesting that Indus Valley seals have been dug up in such places as Sumer.In most respects, the Indus Valley Civilization appears to have been urban, defying both the predominant idea of India as an eternally and essentially agricultural civilization, as well as the notion that the change from ‘rural’ to ‘urban’ represents something of a logical progression. The I ndus Valley people had a merchant class that, evidence suggests, engaged in extensive trading. Neither Harappa nor Mohenjodaro show any evidence of fire altars, and consequently one can reasonably conjecture that the various rituals around the fire which are so critical in Hinduism were introduced later by the Aryans.The Indus Valley people do not appear to have been in possession of the horse: there is no osteological evidence of horse remains in the Indian sub-continent before 2,000 BCE, when the Aryans first came to India, and on Harappan seals and terracotta figures, horses do not appear. Other than the archaeological ruins of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, these seals provide the most detailed clues about the character of the Indus Valley people. Bulls and elephants do appear on these seals, but the horned bull, most scholars are agreed, should not be taken to be congruent with Nandi, or Shiva’s bull.The horned bull appears in numerous Central Asian figures as well; it is also important to note that Shiva is not one of the gods invoked in the Rig Veda. The revered cow of the Hindus also does not appear on the seals. The women portrayed on the seals are shown with elaborate coiffures, sporting heavy jewelry, suggesting that the Indus Valley people were an urbane people with cultivated tastes and a refined aesthetic sensibility. A few thousand seals have been discovered in Indus Valley cities, showing some 400 pictographs: too few in number for the language to have been ideographic, and too many for the language to have been phonetic.The Indus Valley civilization raises a great many, largely unresolved, questions. Why did this civilization, considering its sophistication, not spread beyond the Indus Valley? In general, the area where the Indus valley cities developed is arid, and one can surmise that urban development took place along a river that flew through a virtual desert. The Indus Valley people did not develop agriculture on any large scale, and con sequently did not have to clear away a heavy growth of forest. Nor did they have the technology for that, since they were confined to using bronze or stone implements.They did not practice canal irrigation and did not have the heavy plough. Most significantly, under what circumstances did the Indus Valley cities undergo a decline? The first attacks on outlying villages by Aryans appear to have taken place around 2,000 BCE near Baluchistan, and of the major cities, at least Harappa was quite likely over-run by the Aryans. In the Rig Veda there is mention of a Vedic war god, Indra, destroying some forts and citadels, which could have included Harappa and some other Indus Valley cities.The conventional historical narrative speaks of a cataclysmic blow that struck the Indus Valley Civilization around 1,600 BCE, but that would not explain why settlements at a distance of several hundred miles from each other were all eradicated. The most compelling historical narrative still suggests tha t the demise and eventual disappearance of the Indus Valley Civilization, which owed something to internal decline, nonetheless was facilitated by the arrival in India of the Aryans.