#Tribal Youth Opportunities

[townpostin]

CM Champai Soren Proposes Tribal Regiment in Indian Army

Army General Suggests Ecological Territorial Army for Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren advocates for a Tribal Regiment, while Army proposes environmental conservation force during high-level meeting. RANCHI – Chief Minister Champai Soren met with Lieutenant General Ramchandra Tiwari, discussing the formation of a Tribal Regiment and an Ecological Territorial Army for Jharkhand. During a…

[city-of-ladies]

Japan's third empress regnant, Empress Jitō (645-703) was a powerful and effective ruler. Shrewd, bold and clever, she walked in the footsteps of empresses Suiko and Saimei and prevailed against all odds.

A troubled youth 

Jitō was the daughter of Prince Naka no Ōe, the son of empress regnant Saimei. The year she was born, her father killed a minister in front of his mother, leading to her abdication.

Jitō’s maternal grandfather committed suicide three years later, having been wrongly accused of plotting against Prince Naka no Ōe. Jitō’s mother, Ochi, died of grief. Jitō was thus placed in her grandmother's care and raised by the former empress.

At age 12, she was married to her paternal uncle, Prince Ōama, who was 27. Jitō was a reserved person with a brilliant intelligence and much liked by the court. She was curious, open-minded and studied Chinese literature. The death of her grandmother in 661 pained her greatly. In 662, Jitō gave birth to her only child: prince Kusakabe. Her father then ascended took the throne as Emperor Tenji in 667.

Succession struggle

The question of Emperor Tenji’s succession soon arose. The sovereign favored Jitō’s half-brother, Prince Ōtomo, but Prince Ōama had his own ambitions. He and Jitō left the court, waiting for an opportunity to strike. 

Ōtomo indeed succeeded Tenji, but Ōama revolted against him soon after with Jitō's support. When they arrived at Ise province, she dressed in male clothes and personally addressed the troops. She also worked on tactical plans. As Ōama left to leave an offensive in Ōmi province, Jitō took command of the troops stationed at Ise. She had indeed volunteered to defend the shrine dedicated to the sun Goddess, Amaterasu.

Their joint efforts led to their success. Ōama ascended the throne in 673 as emperor Tenmu, with Jitō becoming his co-ruler.

The radiant empress

Jitō was very influential in court matters. This was reflected in the choice of Tenmu's heir. He could have chosen his son by another woman, Prince Ōtsu, as his heir, but chose Jitō’s son, Prince Kusakabe, instead.

As Tenmu died in 686, Jitō took the matter in hand. She declared Ōtsu guilty of treason and forced him to commit suicide. She then organized grandiose funerals for her husband and wrote poems expressing her grief. 

Oh, the autumn foliage

Of the hill of Kamioka!

My good Lord and Sovereign

Would see it in the evening

And ask of it in the morning.

On that very hill from afar

I gaze, wondering

If he sees it to-day,

Or asks of it to-morrow.

Sadness I feel at eve,

And heart-rending grief at morn—

The sleeves of my coarse-cloth robe

Are never for a moment dry. 

Her son died in 689. Since her grandson was too young to rule, Jitō became empress regnant. 

She reformed the country, establishing a strong central power and surrounded herself with capable ministers. In 689, she enacted a mandatory code for all local governors. In 690, she launched a population census.

She reformed the army, improving the recruitment conditions and the troops' training. A protector of the arts, she also actively participated in the propagation of Buddhism. Poetry became more refined during her reign. One of her poems was later included in the popular Hyakunin Isshu anthology:

The spring has passed

And the summer come again

For the silk-white robes

So they say, are spread to dry

On Mount Kaguyama 

Jitō made her predecessors' objective of replacing the tribal system with a strong central power a reality. Her rule was synonymous with a degree of stability that neither her father nor husband were able to reach. She can be regarded as one of the true founders of Japan’s imperial monarchy. The empress was also fond of travels. In 692, she undertook a trip symbolic trip to Ise province, strengthening her authority and gaining the support of the local people.

The empress indeed took advantage of the Shinto rituals and the image of the sun Goddess to reinforce her legitimacy and used the links between the deity and the imperial family. Such was her prestige that Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, one of the greatest poets of his time, compared her to a goddess.

The retired empress

Jitō’s grandson, Monmu (r. 697-707) was ready to take the throne. She stepped back as Dajō Tennō (or “retired emperor”), becoming the first sovereign in Japanese history to assume this title. The power was in reality still in her hands. The Taihō Code was promulgated in 701, reforming governmental administration as well as administrative and penal law. This was only made possible by the reforms enacted during her reign.

In 702, she went through another tour of inspection of the eastern provinces and bestowed gifts and court ranks on the local officials and leading farmers. Jitō died in the first month 703 and her ashes were interred in her husband's tomb.

Here's is the link to my Ko-Fi if you like what I do! Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Further reading: 

Aoki Michiko Y., "Jitō Tennō, the female sovereign",in: Mulhern Chieko Irie (ed.), Heroic with grace legendary women of Japan

Souyri Pierre-François, Nouvelle histoire du japon

[mightyflamethrower]

Over 25,000 acres are ablaze in Los Angeles in the Pacific Palisades fire, a veritable living hell.

Some 12,000-plus structures were incinerated. More than 250,000 souls have been evacuated and are in need of shelter.

No one has really taken charge yet. And now even the woke culprits for the catastrophe are blame-gaming each other to determine who was the more incompetent, which in this case translates to the most woke.

No one knows how many have died; all know the number will escalate in the next few days.

The eventual price tag of the ruin will exceed $200-300 billion and outstrip the billions of dollars given to Ukraine.

And there are still some fires that are completely uncontained.

The Los Angeles apocalypse was a multisystem, green-woke collapse—and a disastrous reminder that when Soviet-style, anti-meritocratic ideology permeates all aspects of modern life in California, disaster is inevitable.

First, note that the culprit of the catastrophe is not climate change; it is not Donald Trump. Those are excuses for arrogant incompetency and disdain for the public. And it is not racism or homophobia to fault those who paraded and virtue signaled their tribal identities so extraneous to their actual responsibilities for public safety.

Note that all California statewide officeholders are left-wing. The California left holds supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature. Only 17 percent of California’s huge congressional delegation of 52 seats is Republican. California’s judiciary is the most left-wing in the country. There is not a single Republican on the 15-member Los Angeles City Council.

Add it all up, and the woke socialist state has been eagerly deindustrializing, decivilizing, and retribalizing its way into what is now a veritable peacetime Dresden on the Pacific.

Again, there is no one else to blame, because California is one of those rare states in which Republicans have de facto zero political power. All the state media, the legacy newspapers, the Silicon Valley daily online news sites, the Bay Area-based Apple, Google, and Facebook monopolies, and the local news outlets are parrots of the woke-green mindset.

To the degree that anything still works in California, it predates 2000. The core of the ossified Central Valley Water Project and the California Water Project remain—though they are in need of massive maintenance, like almost all the infrastructure the current generation of politicians inherited and largely ignored.

Now crowded and obsolete highways that were once the nation’s best still function—but barely. And there are a few remnants of sanity in what is left of the pre-woke and once-great universities of Berkeley, Caltech, Stanford, UCLA, and USC, founded by a now despised but far wiser and more competent long-dead generation of visionaries.

The Real ‘Basket of Deplorables’

Los Angeles brags about its new $50 billion budget and trumpets how it expanded “Care First” programs. Indeed, the mayor’s budget claims it created a new “451 positions”—highlighting its investments in “growing the department of youth development.”

It boasts it is adding positions to the “Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department,” “reducing our jail population,” and expanding “voting solutions for all people.” There is not much about fire, policing, or water—apparently now the low priorities that prior sexist, racist, and homophobic generations once worried about.

The role of DEI? Mayor Karen Bass was warned of the current danger of dry hillsides of chaparral buffeted by record-high, 100-mph Santa Ana winds. Her response?

She went junketing a continent away to the inauguration festivities of the president of Ghana—a strange way to prepare for a possible inferno to come. Does Ghana have firefighting expertise to share with Bass? In damage-control mode, Bass flew back only to be confronted at the airport by a now rare honest—and thus foreign—reporter.

He asked her why she cut over $17.6 million from the LA fire service budget—itself just 65% of the city’s homelessness expenditures. (She had planned to cut millions of dollars more). And why, he asked, was she in Africa at all in her city’s hour of need?

Bass stood mute—shamed into silence.

I think Los Angelenos needed no answer since it was obvious to them: she went to Ghana because she could and wanted to—since identity chauvinism is what ensured she was elected, reelected, and immune from criticism. Look at her appointments and budget, and it is clear public safety, fires, and water are most certainly not her priorities.

Bass was confident that if LA went up in smoke as she pursued her African agendas, the woke megaphones would silence critics as “racist” or “homophobic” or “sexist” in the way Soviet commissars used to send to Siberia any “ideological enemies of the state” who complained that the farms, industries, and trains of Russia no longer worked. And on spec, we now hear it is now racist to criticize a black woman incompetent mayor.

How about the Bass-appointed DEI “deputy mayor for safety,” Brian Williams?

Surely, he stepped up in the mayor’s absence, given his purview of the city’s “safety?” Nope.

You see, he is currently under suspension for suspicion of phoning in a bomb threat to Los Angeles City Hall.

Well, how about the DEI- and the much-acclaimed “first Latina” director of Los Angeles’s vast waterworks? Bass recruited such talent by nearly doubling the job’s normal salary to $750,000 per year.

What did she accomplish on her over $2,000-a-day salary? Did Janisse Quiñones, “the new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the “first Latina woman to lead the organization,” leap into action?

Well, the water very quickly ran out in Pacific Palisades, and the hydrants went dry—as many had been for months prior.

Quiñones claimed that “three million gallons” in tanks above the suburb were mysteriously not up to the task of quenching the LA Dresden. You think?

She apparently gauges disaster preparation by the number of gallons of water available in tanks, not the number of gallons needed to save thousands of homes and lives. And she forgot to tell the public that in fact there is a 117-million-gallon water reservoir atop Pacific Palisades built for some purpose unknown to her.

Yet it was empty and “under repair” for months because of a mere damaged cover. Consider that: a dry autumn, the onset of the usual Santa Ana winds, a recent plague of hilltop wildfires, and Quiñones shuts down the linchpin of a prior generation’s plan to save the Palisades.

Note Quiñones was supposed to be the professional replacement for a retired director of water and power, who himself had been a replacement for another director who was found guilty of bribery and is currently in federal prison.

So goes the agency created by water wizard William Mulholland, who once created the 18-million-person Los Angeles megapolis by tapping every river and reservoir he could to feed the city’s unquenchable thirst for water.

How about fire chief Kristen Crowley? She now blames the mayor for dry hydrants. But in doing so, she pleaded that her job starts only after water flows out of them—as if their inert condition is not really her concern.

The self-celebrity, nonbinary fire chief Kristen Crowley has talked nonstop for the last two years about “diversity, equity, and inclusion” and the “LGBTQ community.” Less was said about the need to ensure the most meritocratic force possible, unmatched equipment, and long preplanned measures to prevent conflagrations—and screaming to high heaven that fire hydrants were either being stolen or bone dry.

Instead, like Bass, Crowley was mostly mute about the lack of preparation or the absence of sufficient warning to those about to be engulfed.

How about her deputy Kristine Lawson, who claimed people in need want to see fire officers arrive who look like they do? And if they don’t?

She is also on record with this: “Am I able to carry your husband out of a fire? He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out.” Consider that helpful LAFD logic: So, if you are a man who suffers cardiac arrest and collapses on your kitchen floor, it is your fault that you died without medical attention, not Kristine’s, who apparently either would not or could not carry you out the door.

How about morally bankrupt politicians?

The speaker of the California Assembly, Robert Rivas, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, had just called a special session of the legislature to “Trump-proof” California. He wished to allot millions of dollars in state funds—in a year of massive deficits—to sue and impede the federal government.

Will Rivas’s Trump “resistance” session include canceling California’s simultaneous request for hundreds of billions of federal dollars for Los Angeles from the Trump administration? When asked whether it was wise to borrow millions to sue Trump while Los Angeles was burning, Rivas mumbled, stuttered, and revealed himself to be little more than a caricature of an incompetent.

Governor Gavin “Nero” Newsom made his usual performance art, virtual-signaling appearance. When asked why the hydrants were dry, he batted it off as a “local problem.” He now uses his own campaign website, linked to Democratic fundraising efforts, to warn the fire-struck public about supposed “misinformation.”

But what could Newsom do or say? His entire tenure is synonymous with too many catastrophic forest fires and too little water.

He did nothing after the catastrophic Aspen and Paradise fires to revive the timber industry to glean and clean the forests. He never allowed much new grazing on fuel-rich hills or sent crews in to cut back the chaparral.

He never reconsidered his policies of diverting precious snowmelt from the Sacramento River tributaries to flow into the sea to help the delta smelt rather than to ensure that farmers could irrigate their crops or that Los Angeles County reservoirs were fully banked.

Despite an approved 2014 $7.5 billion bond to build three huge dams and reservoirs, Newsom ensured that we built none: not the easily constructed Sites reservoir, not Temperance Flat, and not Los Banos Grandes, all tertiary foothill reservoirs that could have given California by now nearly five million additional acre-feet of storage.

Or is it worse than that?

Governor Dam-Buster still brags about how he greenlit blowing up four dams on the Klamath River—the largest dam removal in American history. The dams provided 80,000 homes with clean hydroelectric power, farmers with irrigation water, and the public with recreation and flood control.

Instead of following the voters’ bond to build reservoirs and dams, Newsom preferred to dynamite them. The ensuing muddy deluge wiped out the surrounding riparian ecosystem.

Joe Biden, now in the last days of his disastrous tenure, was in the LA area by chance to boast that he had put thousands of valuable federal square miles off limits.

Instead, he mumbled about his new great-grandson and relief that his kid’s house was saved, as the fire was engulfing 12,000 homes of others. Then Biden unceremoniously left, heartbroken that his last junket to Italy might have to be canceled as Los Angeles continued to burn. Later he too grumbled about “misinformation,” which is his synonym for telling the truth about the Los Angeles green woke bomb.

Kamala Harris? Was the vice president perhaps marshaling federal money and assets to stop the fires in her last weeks in office? After all, we remember from her 2024 campaign Harris’s frenzied efforts to help out during national disasters, as she scolded the capable Florida governor Ron DeSantis that he was not partnering enough with her to mitigate the effects of flooding.

She too proved invisible other than remarking the fire was “apocalyptic.” Instead, Harris was too busy planning a multimillion-dollar junket in her last week in office and of free royal travel.

Insurance? Is there some plan to rebuild these suburbs as they were, to ensure there are some $300 billion to pay out claims? Well, no again. The state is broke and is driving out insurance companies, not enticing them in. Its public “Fair” unfair insurance plan of last resort is underfunded and will go insolvent once a week or two of claims flows in.

California’s failure to effectively prevent and put out fires—along with hyper-regulation and failure to combat an epidemic of insurance fraud—has destroyed the state’s insurance industry. Given the prior inability of homeowners to buy credible fire insurance at any cost, there are thousands of now-homeless who had no insurance at all.

How about the region’s large homeless population that camps out on the streets and in the tinderbox chaparral above the suburbs? Did the city investigate arson or detain, arrest, charge, and jail those rounded up with incendiary devices or seen lighting fires? Of course not. They vetoed any notion long ago of an anti-camping ordinance.

Collective Suicide

Add it all up. The California nihilist green ethos and the left-wing politicians who run the madhouse ensured there is no effort to glean the forests and hills of combustible fuel.

There is not enough water for hydrants, not enough to deliver to Los Angeles, and when it arrives, there is too much incompetence to know how to use it.

There were no real warnings to residents that they had mere minutes to flee for their lives. Or was it worse still? As the fires wore on, continuous false alarms of new fires sparked unnecessary and dangerous mass evacuations citywide, destroying what, if any, trust was left in the fire department.

There is no reason to believe that such derelict politicians during the next fire will not again be AWOL on DEI junkets, boasting of their genders, their race, and their sexual orientation, but not of their duties to those whose lives they are sworn to protect.

The final tragic irony?

California’s DEI “humanism” and Green New Deal environmentalism ensured the cruelest imaginable treatment of thousands of people and unrivaled destruction of the natural ecosystem.

No one in the government dares to guess about what might have caused the fires, even as they cry “climate change”—as if to do so would expose their own incompetency or confirm rumors of sporadic homeless arsonists.

The California green utopians, by their very ideological zealotry, ensured their fires likely will have released into the atmosphere several weeks’ worth of the entire state’s collective auto emissions.

The fires will have wiped out thousands of protected flora and fauna, will have released toxic fumes into the air, and will have destroyed the lives of thousands of Los Angeles residents for years to come.

To paraphrase a 1960s California left-wing slogan—green-woke is not healthy for children and other living things.

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): His Youth, Trade Life, His marriage to Hazrat Khadijah

The Prophet goes to Damascus for the second time

Most of the Meccan people did trade for a living. Abu Talib also dealt with trade for a while. However, he no longer had the financial strength to trade due to having too many members in his family, tribal wars, and outbreaks of famine and drought. For this reason, he was unable to attain another opportunity in joining a caravan after the previous journey he made to Syria with our Holy Prophet (PBUH).  He was making a living by doing some jobs in Mecca.

There was a rich widow, who lived in Mecca and was one of our Holy Prophet’s relatives, by the name of Khadija bint Khuwaylid; she was a partner in the caravan trade.

When our Holy Prophet (PBUH) was 25 years old, the Quraysh was preparing to send another caravan to Damascus. This caravan was also going to carry Hazrat Khadija’s goods. As usual, Hazrat Khadija was looking for reliable and trustworthy men to deliver her goods.

Abu Talib, who was writhing in the distress of trying to get by, heard this news. He called his nephew, the Marvelous Master of the Universe (PBUH), to his side and was left with no choice but say the following:

“My nephew, you know that I do not own any property or possessions. This harsh famine and drought has dried up our stock; it has left us with no business and no strength and energy to stand up. Look, the tribe’s caravan of trade is preparing to leave for Damascus. Khuwaylid’s daughter, Khadija, is looking for some individuals from this tribe to load her goods to the caravan and to deliver them. Khadija is a wealthy woman who deals with trade and wants others to benefit from her wealth as well. She is in need of someone like you in this matter, someone who is trustworthy, loyal, and honest. If you go and explain this matter to her, she will probably prefer you over others due to your honesty and superior virtue.”

After this talk, he indicated his sadness and hesitation in this way, “I am hesitant about sending you to Damascus. I am afraid that the Jews will try to harm you. However, what can I do? I cannot think of anything else that will guarantee our livelihood.” 

Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) comforted his uncle by saying, “My dear Uncle, do whatever you wish.”

Hazrat Khadija heard about the conversation that took place between our Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his uncle, Abu Talib. Khadija knew that the Master of the Universe (PBUH) was a trustworthy, reliable, honest individual and that he had a superior code of conduct. For this reason, she immediately sent for our Holy Prophet (PBUH) to come. When he arrived, she said to him:

“I would like to send my commercial goods that are to be shipped to Damascus with you. I know that you are an immensely trustworthy, honest, and ethical person. I am going to pay you a high sum that I have never paid anyone else.“

Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) informed his uncle of this offer. Abu Talib was happy beyond measure, “This is a blessing that Allah has bestowed on you”.

Abu Talib did not think it was appropriate for our Holy Prophet (PBUH) to set off on the journey without a price having been determined. Therefore, he told our Holy Prophet (PBUH) to discuss this matter with Hazrat Khadija herself. However, our Holy Prophet (PBUH) made it clear that he did not want to do this and so Abu Talib went instead. He said, “Oh Khadija, we heard that you gave two male camels for so-and-so’s services. We will not accept fewer than four camels for Muhammad’s services.”

Hazrat Khadija was glad to have found someone reliable. She answered, “Oh Abu Talib, you have asked for a very easy and agreeable fee. I would have still accepted if you had asked for a much greater one.” 

Abu Talib was beyond happy for having heard these words.

Hazrat Khadija placed her slave, Maysara, under our Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) authority and issued a warning:

“If he commands you to do anything, obey immediately. Do not do anything that goes against his words and do not make him repeat his requests. Inform me on his every condition.”

All the preparations had been made for the journey. Abu Talib and our Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) aunts came to see him off and requested that those on the caravan look after him.

And the caravan set off on the journey…

The trade caravan arrived on the soil of Damascus after three tiring months. Every participant in the caravan set up his/her stand in a suitable spot in the Busra Market. The Master of the Universe (PBUH) went underneath an olive tree that was near a monastery.

Nastura, the Priest, and our Holy Prophet (PBUH)

Bahira, the priest who was in the monastery during our Holy Prophet’s previous visit to Damascus, had passed away and left a priest by the name of Nastura in his place.

The arrival of the caravan procession and our Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) descent underneath the olive tree had not escaped from the priest’s eyes. He called Maysara, whom he met before, and asked about the person who was lodging underneath the tree.

Maysara replied, “He is a respected figure in both the Quraysh and in Mecca.”

For a moment, Nastura was lost in thought. Afterwards, he expressed an idea that had left him astounded: “No one, other than a Prophet, has sat underneath that tree.” 

Later, he asked Maysara:

“Does he have redness in his eyes?”

When he received the answer, “yes” from Maysara, Nastura was certain in his recognition: “He is a prophet. In fact, he is the last prophet.” 

Maysara was bewildered by his excitement. The happiness and bliss of serving the Prophet of the Future (PBUH) spread to all of his cells in an instant. The priest’s words became thoroughly engraved in his memory.

The sales were finalized and the necessary items were bought. They found out that our Holy Prophet (PBUH) had made greater and more profitable sales than everyone else. This time, the procession’s amazement and bewilderment was added to that of Maysara’s.

The caravan departed from Busra and headed straight towards Mecca.

Angels Casting Shade

The caravan was advancing towards Mecca on top of the hot sands. The burning sun was thrusting its arrows of fire to the ground. Yet, what was this? Maysara could not believe his eyes. Was he imagining things?

No, what he saw was completely real. Two angels were shading our Holy Prophet (PBUH) so that he would not be bothered by the scorching heat, like a cloud. 

Maysara was unable to stand still in his place due to his wonder and excitement. The sun’s heat did not affect Maysara all that much after having witnessed the comforting warmth of this strange incident. However, he could not find the courage to explain everything that he had seen and heard to our Holy Prophet (PBUH). He was hiding his excitement, wonder, and bewilderment inside, and was using whatever energy he had to prevent it from being seen by others.

The caravan was now beginning to be seen in Mecca.

Hazrat Khadija was watching the caravan from the rooftop of her home with the Qurayshi women. She was amazed just like everyone else; the ones arriving were our Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Maysara. What were those on top of Muhammad’s (PBUH) head? The two angels were casting shade upon the Master of the Universe (PBUH) once again. Khadija pointed out this strange occurrence to the other women with excitement, “Look, look, Muhammad is being shaded by the angels!”

The caravan reached Mecca. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) submitted the goods to Hazrat Khadija. Hazrat Khadija then sold the goods and made a great profit. 

Meysara Explains his Observations

During this journey, Maysara saw and learned many things in regards to our Holy Prophet (PBUH).

First and foremost, our Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed cleanliness to the highest degree, his code of conduct was excellent, he was honest, and his friendship was sincere and in earnest. Nothing could be said about his honesty in trade.

Maysara explained all of this, all of what Nastura had said, and everything that he had seen on the journey, one by one.

Without wasting time, Hazrat Khadija went to Waraqa bin Nawfal, her uncle’s son, and explained him what she heard from Maysara and what she had seen.

Without wasting time, Hazrat Khadija went to Waraqa bin Nawfal, her uncle’s son, and explained him what she heard from Maysara and what she had seen.

Waraqa was a knowledgeable Christian and was not in favor of idol worshipping. He was a quiet and wise old man.

He was unable to hide his astonishment in the face of everything that Khadija had said. He then replied: If everything that you have said is true, than Muhammad is undoubtedly the Prophet of this community. I already knew that a Prophet for this community was going to appear and was awaiting his arrival. This is his exact time. 

Hazrat Khadija’s heart was filled with happiness upon hearing this statement and acknowledgment.

[rajasthan-political-leader]

BJP Government is Dedicated to the Education and Development of Youth: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore

The youth are the backbone of any nation, and their education and development are crucial for building a prosperous future. Recognizing this, the BJP government has consistently focused on empowering the younger generation with opportunities, skills, and resources. Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, a prominent leader and Cabinet Minister, has been at the forefront of these efforts, emphasizing the importance of education and holistic development for the youth of India.

Empowering Youth Through Quality Education

1. Focus on Skill-Based Learning

Traditional education is no longer enough. To prepare students for the future, the BJP government has introduced:

Skill development programs tailored to industry demands.

Vocational training centers in rural and urban areas.

2. Enhanced Educational Infrastructure

The government has invested heavily in building and upgrading schools and colleges:

Establishment of smart classrooms equipped with modern technology.

Construction of new universities and research institutes.

Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship

1. Startup Ecosystem for Youth

Under initiatives like Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, young entrepreneurs are being empowered to innovate and build businesses:

Simplified business registration processes.

Financial support through government-backed loans and grants.

2. Digital Literacy Programs

With Digital India, the government ensures that youth in every corner of the country have access to the internet and digital tools. This helps them:

Acquire knowledge and skills online.

Tap into global opportunities.

Sports and Physical Development

1. Building World-Class Sports Facilities

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, an Olympic medalist, has passionately driven efforts to promote sports:

Establishment of sports academies across the country.

Introduction of scholarship programs for budding athletes.

2. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Campaigns encouraging fitness and well-being, such as Fit India Movement.

Incentives for schools to integrate physical education into their curriculum.

Youth-Centric Policies and Programs

1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

A revolutionary framework aimed at:

Making education more holistic and multidisciplinary.

Encouraging critical thinking and creativity.

2. Digital and Financial Inclusion

Providing tablets and laptops to students from economically weaker sections.

Offering financial literacy workshops to make youth financially independent.

Regional Development and Opportunities in Rajasthan

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore has also prioritized the development of Rajasthan, ensuring that youth from the state are not left behind:

Launch of new educational institutions in underserved areas.

Special programs for tribal and rural youth.

Conclusion

The BJP government, led by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and driven by leaders like Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, is steadfast in its commitment to the youth. By focusing on education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, the government is laying the foundation for a brighter future. The youth of India are not just participants in this journey but the leaders of tomorrow.

[wutaijiemei]

excerpt from the part of a 2022 interview collage did w/ streetvoice where natsuko discusses "talacowa"

(interview by Lizzy Hsu/徐韻軒)

In 1945, the US military began bombing Taiwan, and Japan was on the verge of facing the reality of their imminent loss. A group of young Amis men were at the Takasago volunteer military camp in Taichung, witnessing the chaos firsthand and fearing deployment under such circumstances. They resolved not to fight any more on another nation’s behalf, and a number of them decided to desert and return to Taitung on foot. Natsuko’s grandfather was among them.

This is the basis of “Talacowa”’s narrative. Through music, Natsuko summons the imagery of her grandfather’s journey.

The song begins with an indigenous style of call and response singing, imitating a soldier calling out and receiving a collective response from his companions as they enter the forest. To create contrast with its historical setting, she chose a distorted electric guitar for the Showa-style melody that plays through the chorus.

The snare drum evokes the rigid rhythm of a military march, while other percussion instruments mimick the frog, insect, and bird calls they would have heard during their journey. As the narrative of the long and difficult trek structures itself around day and night imagery, the trumpet becomes the rising sun and the guitar strings become the stars that populate the night sky. Hunter says he hopes that the song’s vivid melody can illuminate the long journey once taken by Natsuko’s grandfather.

“The Amis people are very good at stargazing—the contents of the sky are very important.” In the song’s lyrics, the eight-pointed star guides the Amis youth towards their destination. In addition to symbolizing the protection of the ancestors, it also references the way they would have used the stars as a navigation tool. “My father always stressed to me that the Amis people are excellent survivors,” Natsuko says with a smile.

She shares that in all honesty, although she knew immediately upon hearing the story that she wanted to write the song, she began to question herself several times over the course of its composition. After all, her grandfather passed away before she was born, so what connection did she really have to the song?

Unexpectedly, she not only climbed through the Central Mountains as her grandfather once had, but also began to flip through the pages of her own lost history. “To write the lyrics, I did a lot of reading on the Takasago volunteer soldiers. I realized I was doing something I hadn’t done in my first [Amis language] song—that is to say, I hadn’t integrated my culture into the lyrics of my first song.”

Not everyone joined the Japanese to fight overseas out of submission or deception. She saw that at that time, many indigenous coming of age rituals had been banned. From the perspective of the “civilized” Japanese, rituals such as leaving children alone in forests or tasking them with hunting monkeys were deemed too barbaric. But once indigenous boys were robbed of the opportunity to become men in the eyes of their traditional tribal social structures, they felt it was necessary to prove their courage on the battlefield, instead.

“Why would the colonized wish to fight for their colonizers? In fact, it’s not as simple as everyone may think.”

There is one part of the song that I particularly like:

awaay ma’araw ako ko soda i ca’ang no kilang. awaay ma’araw iso ko taneng niyam. latek cowa kafana’ kako to kararoman no miso. kaorira i, caay ka patadoen ako kiso a malalo’od. we may know nothing of snow-covered branches but you know nothing of our wisdom perhaps i am simply unable to understand your struggles but i will not fight your battles

The “struggles” here refer to the rise of an invading imperial power, and the fact that the Japanese self-concept was inseparable from the many years of discrimination they had suffered from Western powers. Unsure whether her grandfather’s relationship with the Japanese was marked more by animosity or camaraderie, Natsuko chose to use a relatively neutral tone in the absence of her grandfather’s ability to speak for himself.

[jordanianroyals]

1 October 2024: King Abdullah II stressed the importance of moving forward with development in Ajloun, as well as investing in promising opportunities in tourism and agriculture.

During a meeting with local community leaders and figures from Ajloun, attended by Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty said he is pleased to be in Ajloun, meeting its people at its historic castle.

The King noted the importance of the cable car project in increasing the number of visitors to Ajloun, adding it should serve as a model for future projects.

His Majesty called for continuing the implementation of the government’s masterplan for Ajloun, as well as developing infrastructure to attract investors and enhance tourism to create job opportunities.

The King also directed the government to study the construction of a new road to facilitate the movement of citizens and access to tourism areas.

For his part, Ajloun Governor Nayef Hidayat expressed best wishes to His Majesty on the Silver Jubilee, highlighting achievements in Ajloun in several sectors over the past 25 years.

Hidayat reviewed key projects that have contributed to the development of Ajloun in vital sectors such as health, education, tourism, social welfare, and productive projects.

Upon arrival at Ajloun Castle’s yard, the King was welcomed by poetry and music performances.

Prior to the meeting, His Majesty inaugurated the Ajloun Cultural Centre, which aims to provide creative spaces for the local community.

The King listened to a briefing by Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh on a mural at the centre, which highlights Ajloun’s history.

The King toured the three-storey centre, which consists of a theatre, a library, and multiple training halls, and was briefed by Ajloun Culture Director Samer Freihat on the centre's plans and facilities, as it currently trains around 300 students, with plans to expand the number to include 1,000 students within five years.

His Majesty also visited the Crown Prince Foundation's office in Ajloun, and was briefed by the foundation’s coordinator, Mohammad Hennawi, on services provided at the office, which include training opportunities for youth on soft skills like communication, leadership and teamwork, as well as technical skills on artificial intelligence, 3D printing, programming, and the English language, in addition to awareness sessions on social and political engagement.

During the visit to Ajloun, the King bestowed the Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals and institutions in the governorate, in recognition of their contributions to serving Jordan, especially the local community.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi attended the meeting.

[powertrumpeter]

Biafra: The Rising Sun of Africa

Biafra is a land bubbling with abundant human talents and resources. This is apart from the crude oil, God has blessed us with in the land. But, we are under subjugation by Nigeria Authorities since time immemorial. Independence of Biafra will be a great boost to our potentials. It will be like releasing the lions out of the zoo. We are really in a “Zoo Republic: with restrictions and maltreatments here and there.

Independent Biafra will be a land of milk and honey. Currently, we are wallowing in abject poverty and penury, in the midst of plenty. Our people in diaspora, are making waves in all areas of human endeavours in: manufacturing, medicine, engineering, agriculture, internet, name them. They are among the best, if not the very best. But right here in Nigeria, talents are being killed.

Nigerian authorities prefer foreign goods and services at exorbitant prices, to patronizing locally made ones, especially the ones from Biafra. Take for instance importation of refined petroleum products. Most of those locally constructed refineries, (they call them illegal refineries) in occupied Biafra, if licensed to operate, are capable of meeting our local consumption needs; and even exporting to neighbouring countries. A lot of those manning the local refineries are qualified Engineers and Technicians, who couldn’t gain employment in Federal Establishments like NNPC, due to tribalism and nepotism of Hausa/Fulani Government. The latter will always destroy those structures and round the people up.

We call on tribal Nigerian Government to reopen Chemical Engineering Department of University of Nigeria Nsukka in Biafra, shut down after the Nigeria civil war. The department played prominent role in the refining of crude oil into very clean: petrol, kerosene, diesel and other products. They were of very high quality. The school was also involved in production of hydraulic brake fluid for cars. Cocoa nut fluid was mixed with other substances to form it. They as well produced aviation fuel. The continued closure of the department is retrogressive.

Engineer Ezekiel Izuogu was frustrated from having car manufacturing company. He wanted to use hundred percent local materials. He produced a sample of the car. He made passionate appeal to the government for help. His request was never granted. One night, unknown gun men went and carted away his inventions. Those items couldn’t be traced anywhere till today. That ended his ambition. Nigeria is a land that kills talents.

A lot of inventions are going on in Biafra on daily basis. People are inventing cars, airplanes, generators without fuel, and so on. There is no encouragement. The Government won’t allow their products to be patronized by people, even if they are better than imported ones.

Biafra will be an advanced and industrialized country, shortly after its freedom from Hausa/Fulani colonialism. Biafran Government will revive moribund industries, and companies that litter our land. There will be massive employment opportunities. Youths fleeing abroad for means of livelihood, will be thing of the past. Crime rate will drastically reduce, as almost everybody will be engaged in one useful venture or another. Idle mind they say is the devil’s workshop.

Currency of the land of rising sun will be strong and stable; comparable to strong foreign currencies, like dollar and Euro. Black marketing of foreign exchange by Northerners, have been causing downward plunge of naira for decades now. Their bothers in Government give them those hard currencies, stolen from oil sale proceeds, to sell at ever increasing high rate to naira.

“Give them Biafra, in the next 20 years their country will become paradise”_ Gowon told Buhari.

“Give them Biafra in the next 50 years, they will become the world power”_ Queen told Obama.

“Give them Biafra in the next 5 years, we will become their slave and be begging them for food”_ Nigeria told UN.

“Give them Biafra in the next 50 years, each Biafra will be richer than any Governor in the world”_ the economist told the world.

“If Nigeria refuses to give us Biafra, every living thing in it will die. I repeat, if Nigeria refuses to give us Biafra, every living thing in it will die. BIAFRA OR DEATH”_Nnamdi Kanu told the world.

When Biafra is firmly established, we are going to take the world by storm.

Biafra needs a new generation of leaders, who are seriously involved in the struggle for actualization of our land. No saboteur, collaborator with Hausa/fulanis, or rogue politician, will be allowed to participate in the governance of the land. Currently, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the undisputed Biafra apex leader; along with his colleagues in IPOB. He has demonstrated the real leadership qualities, and unshakable commitment to the struggle. He has refused to be bribed or intimidated into submission. He rejected bribes money running into billions of dollars. God Almighty has actually entrusted him with the leadership of Biafra.

We won’t permit vultures and traitors, hiding under leadership of one socio-cultural organization or the other, to hijack the leadership or governance of Biafra. Take for example Ohaneze. The so-called leaders are elected, or selected by handful of members. They are never elected by the generality of Igbos. They are never representing Igbos or their interests. These crooks are only after their own selfish interests. Such persons use their headship of those mushroom groups, to sell out their people to Northern dominated Nigeria Government, for one favour or the other.

Most of them are discredited “retired politicians.” Some of them were former Ministers, Governors and Federal legislators; while some are still at the corridor of power. They are being used to undermine Biafra struggle, in pursuit of so-called Igbo President. Igbo elite are the most gullible, and self-centred set of people on earth. As well, they allowed themselves to be deceived, used, and dumped by their ill-educated, and half-educated Northern rulers for decades now.

While in office, these charlatans from Biafra loot the treasury under their care with impunity. They stockpile billions of stolen money, with the intention to pursue their narrow Presidential, or Vice Presidential ambitions; which they can never realize. They begin by buying their way, to become Presidents of socio- cultural groupings. We won’t allow them to play any leadership role in Biafra; even advisory role. They cannot reap where they didn’t sow. You cannot make a rogue your adviser.

Igboland is not landlocked. It is the imagination of our oppressive rulers, since the so-called independence. Our land was excluded in the establishment of seaports, among other deprivations. The Orashi River in Oseakwa Ihiala LGA, in Anambra State, is the closest potential seaport we have in Igbo land, that links to Atlantic Ocean. Lagos seaport to Atlantic Ocean is 60 nautical miles. Oseakwa project abandoned in 1959, is only 18 nautical miles to Atlantic Ocean. When dredged, Oseakwa seaport can conveniently serve people in South South, South East, and part of Middle Belt. It is potentially the deepest seaport in Nigeria.

Osemoto in Oguta, Imo State is another potential seaport, which is also 18 nautical miles to Atlantic Ocean. It is the deepest natural harbor in the country; over 20m deep. We are being relegated to the background, in all spheres of life. But Biafra restoration will take care of all these deprivations. https://powertrumpeter.org/blog2/?p=309.

[dojae-huh]

I’ll be waiting for your commentaries on Doyoung youth documentary! I think you’re really gonna like a lot of the contents during this promotional era. Thankful that promotion nowadays are not just about going to variety shows. Thanks to social media, we got to see him appear to talk shows and see him talks more. We’re seeing more of Doyoung who is not part of NCT. His thought process, his interaction with people outside of his circle or out of his field. I can see he’s a lot more confident too. He really says ‘This is who I really am’ through this era (album-wise and personality-wise). Despite being ambitious he’s also aware that this album will not appeal to all due to people’s preference. But most important thing to him, he’s satisfied with it. I learnt a lot from him through this album. Once again, you’re really gonna enjoy it!!

*sobs* Yeah, only in June. I'm in a new country, and the prices for mobile internet are insane here. Plus there are complications with buying a package in the first place giving my location and lack of a credit card. I have to severely safe on data. Unlimited is not even an option.

I see that Doyoung goes on a lot of programmes where he can sing live. It's really great he has the opportunity to do now what he had been longing for for so long (remember how he complained about his parts in NCT songs? "I will do what I have to do"). All his patience and perseverance is paying off.

I think, it is extremely hard to wait for postponed gratification (when an idol starts to invest blood and tears since day one of a trainee life), to see other, younger people, making it or doing what you want to do (like freshly debuted groups achieving more awards than NCT), add to it the loom of enlistment over male idols. Fortunately, in comparison to poor Taeil, and even Taeyong to a degree, Doyoung lucked out with the debut time window. I'm really happy for him and for his fans.

I also suppose that he got a full album because he found those additional 3 songs himself (one he wrote, one from Lucy's guy, maybe Kenzie's or the one with Mark can be counted as the 3d). As it is less about money, and more about finding enough of good songs that can go together. The songs were collected over a long time as well (Tae had less than a year after Shalala).

I said before that I don't find idol Jaehyun interesting, he is bland to me. (His real self I'm sure I will like, what's with the love for arts, old things and jazz). Doyoung is a different case, but mostly because I invest in knowing him and see past his fake facade of a cute trembling bunny. The real Doyoung is tenfold more charming than his idol image that he developed over the years in apprehension of antis and not his NCT fans. After his shift in image (from savage) there always was a difference between what he allowed to show being in a group setting with other 127 members versus his communication with his own fans. With his fans he was more honest (Doyoung/Dongyoung divide, fake boyfriend pictures, etc). And as a soloist he is even more sincere. I'm looking forward to seeing him open up in those interviews (he will never be not self-censored, but still).

I thought yesterday about Doyoung's words about standing out. To me, he is a more unusual and rare individual than even Taeyong. I guess "tortured artist" is a well-explored personality, heh. There are many of them in the industry. Meanwhile a "tribal chief" could be more often found behind the scenes, not on the pop-stage. And if they exist, they are not "seen". The idol culture exposes artists, shows them from many sides, it is very different from how pop-scene is elsewhere.

Real Doyoung gives off a lot of energy. Active positive energy. Many idols are a subject of desire (sex appeal), adoration (cuteness) or empathy ("mistreatment"), not many are "class presidents" (Hanbin seems to be one, btw), those who push you.

I'm sorry, I'm rambling, but Do's chant guide cracked me up. It heavily reminded me how he persuaded his class to participate in a choir competetion and led them to win it.

Doyoung: "Repeat after me. You all emit light, you are all fireflies and stars, you are all kind and meant for great things. You are my support, I'm your support. If I can do it, you can do it. Do like me, do better than me. Sing with me."

[shamandrummer]

"A Journey Into Shamanism" Book Sale

I am now offering a 50% discount on my ebook Riding Spirit Horse: A Journey Into Shamanism. The ebook sale price is $2.99. Offer good through July 31st, 2023. In this spiritual memoir, I recount my journey into shamanic practice. The narrative of my story moves from my first ecstatic experience as a youth at a church revival to my mystical shamanic awakening in the wilderness, transformational pilgrimages to sacred places, working with indigenous wisdom keepers, to the experiences that prompted my writing, particularly my trance experiences "riding the drum" or Spirit Horse. Studying with Native elders and shamans, I discovered my shamanic gifts as a drummer, storyteller and ceremonialist.

A journey into shamanism is a pilgrimage of the soul. My journey has taken me down many spiritual paths. As a youth growing up, I embraced the teachings of Christ; I later studied and practiced the teachings of Taoism and Buddhism, all of which have their roots in shamanic practices from the earliest tribal communities. Shared core principles and truths weave a common thread through all spiritual traditions. This golden thread runs through the lives and the teachings of all the great prophets, seers and sages in the world's history.

Ultimately, all contemplative spiritual practice leads to the evolution of conscious awareness and union with the divine in the present moment. The perennial wisdom traditions teach us that the "here and now" is eternal, unchanging and omnipresent; it should be the primary focus of our life. When we are not present in the moment, we become a victim of time. Our mind is pulled into the past or the future or both. The present moment is all we ever have. The eternal now is the fundamental ceremony of life. When we bring ourselves fully into the present moment, our life becomes a spiritual practice and an opportunity to ride in beauty on the windhorse of authentic presence! I invite you to read Riding Spirit Horse: A Journey into Shamanism.

[youngsoutheastasianleaders]

#YSEALIAFP Highlight: Zai Sam, Myanmar

“Hi, young leaders! I am Zai Sam from Myanmar, a Spring 2022 YSEALI Academic Fellow on Civic Engagement at Arizona State University. I just completed my fellowship from February to March this year. Due to the pandemic, our cohort had to adjourn for almost a year. Thankfully the respective YSEALI Academic Fellows program coordinator arranged the five-week-long virtual sessions to connect and learn with other fellows before our experiential visit.

Among three #YSEALIAFP themes, I selected Civic Engagement to strengthen my public engagement and problem-solving skills and also to explore diverse cultures. The biggest takeaways from the program was learning about how to tackle day-to-day gender-based violence scenarios, domestic violence cases, problems with young aged drug users, displacement and human rights. As anticipated, I got to visit significant institutions, namely the Inter-Tribal Council and the Arizona State Capitol. I volunteered at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and met with well-known people in the government and educational sectors and others.

Getting knowledge, hearing people’s experiences and hearing ‘never give up on your dreams.’ This was the driving force that kept motivating me to keep making positive impacts in my community regardless of my education, career, gender, and social and environmental barriers.

Even before departing to the U.S., the YSEALI Team offered me a grant to address pressing issues relating to youths. YSEALI Academic Fellows was not just solely focused on fostering skills but truly encouraged and built me to be a better version of myself after the program.

Finally, dear future leaders, challenge yourself to grasp this massive opportunity if you are between 18 and 25 years old.

Thank you so much to the #YSEALIAFP Civic Engagement coordinators, professors and students’ ambassadors from Arizona State University.” 

Zai Sam, Myanmar 🇲🇲 Spring 2022 YSEALI Academic Fellows on Civic Engagement

[fulldelusionfest]

CSR Excellence: Partnering with Marpu Foundation for Growth

In today's business world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is vital for companies aiming to align with societal needs. Partnering with non-profits like Marpu Foundation can help businesses implement impactful CSR initiatives. This article explores how successful collaborations with the Marpu Foundation create meaningful change and offer insights for companies to enhance their CSR strategies. The name MARPU means “the change” and this is what this organization has been offering for a long period of time.

What is CSR and Why is it Important?

Corporate Social Responsibility involves integrating social and environmental concerns into a company's operations. It's a strategic approach that benefits society while enhancing a company's brand and stakeholder trust. The Marpu Foundation operates with the mission of creating a better and more sustainable future. Unlike many organizations that consider CSR as an additional activity, Marpu integrates social responsibility into its strategic framework. The foundation focuses on three key areas:

Key Components of CSR

Economic Responsibility: Ensuring profitability while fostering economic growth in society.

Environmental Responsibility: Reducing negative environmental impacts through sustainable practices.

Social Responsibility: Addressing social issues like education, health, and poverty.

Benefits of CSR

Companies that implement effective CSR initiatives often experience:

Enhanced brand loyalty and customer trust.

Improved employee engagement and retention.

Positive relationships with regulators and community leaders.

Competitive market advantage.

Successful CSR Partnerships with Marpu Foundation

One of the cornerstones of the foundation’s CSR activities is empowering our community. Some major programmes accomplished by marpu foundation are mentioned below:

Enhancing Education with Shiksha Jyothi Project : Marpu Foundation's Shiksha Project addresses the critical issue of inequality in education. By building schools in remote areas, providing scholarships to underprivileged children and training teachers, the foundation has transformed educational opportunities for thousands of people.

Example: In rural Uttar Pradesh, where literacy rates were surprisingly low, the Marpu Foundation established 15 schools with modern teaching tools. Within five years, the literacy rate in the region increased by 30% and many students went on to higher education. In the mentoring program, students were guided to careers in medicine, engineering and teaching, breaking the cycle of poverty.  

Arogya Seva: Access to Health Care Underprivileged groups are usually affected by health inequalities. Arogya Seva by Marpu Foundation provides necessary medical care, preventive check-ups and nutritional facilities to marginalized people.

 Example: The foundation has worked with district administrations in Maharashtra to organize free health camps in tribal areas. Examinations, vaccinations and treatment of chronic diseases were part of the camps. In 2023 alone, more than 50,000 people received these camps, with some life-saving interventions.

Skill Up: Development of economic resilience Recognizing the importance of self-reliance, Marpu Foundation has launched Skill Up, a vocational training program designed specifically for rural and semi-urban youth. With courses that include tailoring, carpentry, digital skills and more, participants are prepared for employment opportunities.

 Example: In Andhra Pradesh, Skill Up has trained more than 2,000 women in tailoring and handicrafts. Today, these women are running businesses, contributing to the household income and gaining financial independence. The domino effect of this program led to improved living standards for entire communities.

Pioneering Green Futures: Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: As climate change threatens ecosystems and livelihoods, Marpu Foundation's environmental initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

Green Earth Campaign:  The foundation has a Green Earth campaign that includes mass reforestation, waste management programs and awareness campaigns, all in the fight against environmental degradation.

Waste to Wealth: Circular Economy in Action Through their Waste to Wealth program, the muse has delivered modern methods of handling waste. They partner with nearby companies and municipalities to convert plastic waste into creation materials, as a consequence lowering landfill burden.

 Renewable Energy Initiatives: The Marpu Foundation is one of the pioneers in promoting the adoption of renewable power, specifically solar panels, amongst villages without get right of entry to electricity.

Why Partner with Marpu Foundation:

Proven Impact: Marpu Foundation has a track record of successful projects like recycling plastic waste and setting up solar power in villages. These initiatives have tangible benefits like reducing landfill and providing electricity.

Community Focus: Their programs are deeply rooted in local needs, ensuring that the projects are beneficial and welcomed by the communities they serve.

Economic Empowerment: They help communities achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs, which leads to sustainable development.

Expertise and Leadership: With experienced professionals at the helm, Marpu Foundation provides valuable guidance and ensures effective CSR project implementation.

Partnering with Marpu Foundation means contributing to meaningful and sustainable change while benefiting from their expertise and strong community connections.

[mightyflamethrower]

Firebombing on the Pacific

Over 25,000 acres are ablaze in Los Angeles in the Pacific Palisades fire, a veritable living hell.

Some 12,000-plus structures were incinerated. More than 250,000 souls have been evacuated and are in need of shelter.

No one has really taken charge yet. And now even the woke culprits for the catastrophe are blame-gaming each other to determine who was the more incompetent, which in this case translates to the most woke.

No one knows how many have died; all know the number will escalate in the next few days.

The eventual price tag of the ruin will exceed $200-300 billion and outstrip the billions of dollars given to Ukraine.

And there are still some fires that are completely uncontained.

The Los Angeles apocalypse was a multisystem, green-woke collapse—and a disastrous reminder that when Soviet-style, anti-meritocratic ideology permeates all aspects of modern life in California, disaster is inevitable.

First, note that the culprit of the catastrophe is not climate change; it is not Donald Trump. Those are excuses for arrogant incompetency and disdain for the public. And it is not racism or homophobia to fault those who paraded and virtue signaled their tribal identities so extraneous to their actual responsibilities for public safety.

Note that all California statewide officeholders are left-wing. The California left holds supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature. Only 17 percent of California’s huge congressional delegation of 52 seats is Republican. California’s judiciary is the most left-wing in the country. There is not a single Republican on the 15-member Los Angeles City Council.

Add it all up, and the woke socialist state has been eagerly deindustrializing, decivilizing, and retribalizing its way into what is now a veritable peacetime Dresden on the Pacific.

Again, there is no one else to blame, because California is one of those rare states in which Republicans have de facto zero political power. All the state media, the legacy newspapers, the Silicon Valley daily online news sites, the Bay Area-based Apple, Google, and Facebook monopolies, and the local news outlets are parrots of the woke-green mindset.

To the degree that anything still works in California, it predates 2000. The core of the ossified Central Valley Water Project and the California Water Project remain—though they are in need of massive maintenance, like almost all the infrastructure the current generation of politicians inherited and largely ignored.

Now crowded and obsolete highways that were once the nation’s best still function—but barely. And there are a few remnants of sanity in what is left of the pre-woke and once-great universities of Berkeley, Caltech, Stanford, UCLA, and USC, founded by a now despised but far wiser and more competent long-dead generation of visionaries.

The Real ‘Basket of Deplorables’

Los Angeles brags about its new $50 billion budget and trumpets how it expanded “Care First” programs. Indeed, the mayor’s budget claims it created a new “451 positions”—highlighting its investments in “growing the department of youth development.”

It boasts it is adding positions to the “Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department,” “reducing our jail population,” and expanding “voting solutions for all people.” There is not much about fire, policing, or water—apparently now the low priorities that prior sexist, racist, and homophobic generations once worried about.

The role of DEI? Mayor Karen Bass was warned of the current danger of dry hillsides of chaparral buffeted by record-high, 100-mph Santa Ana winds. Her response?

She went junketing a continent away to the inauguration festivities of the president of Ghana—a strange way to prepare for a possible inferno to come. Does Ghana have firefighting expertise to share with Bass? In damage-control mode, Bass flew back only to be confronted at the airport by a now rare honest—and thus foreign—reporter.

He asked her why she cut over $17.6 million from the LA fire service budget—itself just 65% of the city’s homelessness expenditures. (She had planned to cut millions of dollars more). And why, he asked, was she in Africa at all in her city’s hour of need?

Bass stood mute—shamed into silence.

I think Los Angelenos needed no answer since it was obvious to them: she went to Ghana because she could and wanted to—since identity chauvinism is what ensured she was elected, reelected, and immune from criticism. Look at her appointments and budget, and it is clear public safety, fires, and water are most certainly not her priorities.

Bass was confident that if LA went up in smoke as she pursued her African agendas, the woke megaphones would silence critics as “racist” or “homophobic” or “sexist” in the way Soviet commissars used to send to Siberia any “ideological enemies of the state” who complained that the farms, industries, and trains of Russia no longer worked. And on spec, we now hear it is now racist to criticize a black woman incompetent mayor.

How about the Bass-appointed DEI “deputy mayor for safety,” Brian Williams?

Surely, he stepped up in the mayor’s absence, given his purview of the city’s “safety?” Nope.

You see, he is currently under suspension for suspicion of phoning in a bomb threat to Los Angeles City Hall.

Well, how about the DEI- and the much-acclaimed “first Latina” director of Los Angeles’s vast waterworks? Bass recruited such talent by nearly doubling the job’s normal salary to $750,000 per year.

What did she accomplish on her over $2,000-a-day salary? Did Janisse Quiñones, “the new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the “first Latina woman to lead the organization,” leap into action?

Well, the water very quickly ran out in Pacific Palisades, and the hydrants went dry—as many had been for months prior.

Quiñones claimed that “three million gallons” in tanks above the suburb were mysteriously not up to the task of quenching the LA Dresden. You think?

She apparently gauges disaster preparation by the number of gallons of water available in tanks, not the number of gallons needed to save thousands of homes and lives. And she forgot to tell the public that in fact there is a 117-million-gallon water reservoir atop Pacific Palisades built for some purpose unknown to her.

Yet it was empty and “under repair” for months because of a mere damaged cover. Consider that: a dry autumn, the onset of the usual Santa Ana winds, a recent plague of hilltop wildfires, and Quiñones shuts down the linchpin of a prior generation’s plan to save the Palisades.

Note Quiñones was supposed to be the professional replacement for a retired director of water and power, who himself had been a replacement for another director who was found guilty of bribery and is currently in federal prison.

So goes the agency created by water wizard William Mulholland, who once created the 18-million-person Los Angeles megapolis by tapping every river and reservoir he could to feed the city’s unquenchable thirst for water.

How about fire chief Kristen Crowley? She now blames the mayor for dry hydrants. But in doing so, she pleaded that her job starts only after water flows out of them—as if their inert condition is not really her concern.

The self-celebrity, nonbinary fire chief Kristen Crowley has talked nonstop for the last two years about “diversity, equity, and inclusion” and the “LGBTQ community.” Less was said about the need to ensure the most meritocratic force possible, unmatched equipment, and long preplanned measures to prevent conflagrations—and screaming to high heaven that fire hydrants were either being stolen or bone dry.

Instead, like Bass, Crowley was mostly mute about the lack of preparation or the absence of sufficient warning to those about to be engulfed.

How about her deputy Kristine Lawson, who claimed people in need want to see fire officers arrive who look like they do? And if they don’t?

She is also on record with this: “Am I able to carry your husband out of a fire? He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out.” Consider that helpful LAFD logic: So, if you are a man who suffers cardiac arrest and collapses on your kitchen floor, it is your fault that you died without medical attention, not Kristine’s, who apparently either would not or could not carry you out the door.

How about morally bankrupt politicians?

The speaker of the California Assembly, Robert Rivas, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, had just called a special session of the legislature to “Trump-proof” California. He wished to allot millions of dollars in state funds—in a year of massive deficits—to sue and impede the federal government.

Will Rivas’s Trump “resistance” session include canceling California’s simultaneous request for hundreds of billions of federal dollars for Los Angeles from the Trump administration? When asked whether it was wise to borrow millions to sue Trump while Los Angeles was burning, Rivas mumbled, stuttered, and revealed himself to be little more than a caricature of an incompetent.

Governor Gavin “Nero” Newsom made his usual performance art, virtual-signaling appearance. When asked why the hydrants were dry, he batted it off as a “local problem.” He now uses his own campaign website, linked to Democratic fundraising efforts, to warn the fire-struck public about supposed “misinformation.”

But what could Newsom do or say? His entire tenure is synonymous with too many catastrophic forest fires and too little water.

He did nothing after the catastrophic Aspen and Paradise fires to revive the timber industry to glean and clean the forests. He never allowed much new grazing on fuel-rich hills or sent crews in to cut back the chaparral.

He never reconsidered his policies of diverting precious snowmelt from the Sacramento River tributaries to flow into the sea to help the delta smelt rather than to ensure that farmers could irrigate their crops or that Los Angeles County reservoirs were fully banked.

Despite an approved 2014 $7.5 billion bond to build three huge dams and reservoirs, Newsom ensured that we built none: not the easily constructed Sites reservoir, not Temperance Flat, and not Los Banos Grandes, all tertiary foothill reservoirs that could have given California by now nearly five million additional acre-feet of storage.

Or is it worse than that?

Governor Dam-Buster still brags about how he greenlit blowing up four dams on the Klamath River—the largest dam removal in American history. The dams provided 80,000 homes with clean hydroelectric power, farmers with irrigation water, and the public with recreation and flood control.

Instead of following the voters’ bond to build reservoirs and dams, Newsom preferred to dynamite them. The ensuing muddy deluge wiped out the surrounding riparian ecosystem.

Joe Biden, now in the last days of his disastrous tenure, was in the LA area by chance to boast that he had put thousands of valuable federal square miles off limits.

Instead, he mumbled about his new great-grandson and relief that his kid’s house was saved, as the fire was engulfing 12,000 homes of others. Then Biden unceremoniously left, heartbroken that his last junket to Italy might have to be canceled as Los Angeles continued to burn. Later he too grumbled about “misinformation,” which is his synonym for telling the truth about the Los Angeles green woke bomb.

Kamala Harris? Was the vice president perhaps marshaling federal money and assets to stop the fires in her last weeks in office? After all, we remember from her 2024 campaign Harris’s frenzied efforts to help out during national disasters, as she scolded the capable Florida governor Ron DeSantis that he was not partnering enough with her to mitigate the effects of flooding.

She too proved invisible other than remarking the fire was “apocalyptic.” Instead, Harris was too busy planning a multimillion-dollar junket in her last week in office and of free royal travel.

Insurance? Is there some plan to rebuild these suburbs as they were, to ensure there are some $300 billion to pay out claims? Well, no again. The state is broke and is driving out insurance companies, not enticing them in. Its public “Fair” unfair insurance plan of last resort is underfunded and will go insolvent once a week or two of claims flows in.

California’s failure to effectively prevent and put out fires—along with hyper-regulation and failure to combat an epidemic of insurance fraud—has destroyed the state’s insurance industry. Given the prior inability of homeowners to buy credible fire insurance at any cost, there are thousands of now-homeless who had no insurance at all.

How about the region’s large homeless population that camps out on the streets and in the tinderbox chaparral above the suburbs? Did the city investigate arson or detain, arrest, charge, and jail those rounded up with incendiary devices or seen lighting fires? Of course not. They vetoed any notion long ago of an anti-camping ordinance.

Collective Suicide

Add it all up. The California nihilist green ethos and the left-wing politicians who run the madhouse ensured there is no effort to glean the forests and hills of combustible fuel.

There is not enough water for hydrants, not enough to deliver to Los Angeles, and when it arrives, there is too much incompetence to know how to use it.

There were no real warnings to residents that they had mere minutes to flee for their lives. Or was it worse still? As the fires wore on, continuous false alarms of new fires sparked unnecessary and dangerous mass evacuations citywide, destroying what, if any, trust was left in the fire department.

There is no reason to believe that such derelict politicians during the next fire will not again be AWOL on DEI junkets, boasting of their genders, their race, and their sexual orientation, but not of their duties to those whose lives they are sworn to protect.

The final tragic irony?

California’s DEI “humanism” and Green New Deal environmentalism ensured the cruelest imaginable treatment of thousands of people and unrivaled destruction of the natural ecosystem.

No one in the government dares to guess about what might have caused the fires, even as they cry “climate change”—as if to do so would expose their own incompetency or confirm rumors of sporadic homeless arsonists.

The California green utopians, by their very ideological zealotry, ensured their fires likely will have released into the atmosphere several weeks’ worth of the entire state’s collective auto emissions.

The fires will have wiped out thousands of protected flora and fauna, will have released toxic fumes into the air, and will have destroyed the lives of thousands of Los Angeles residents for years to come.

To paraphrase a 1960s California left-wing slogan—green-woke is not healthy for children and other living things.

[yetisidelblog]

Congress often doesn't easily agree on policy, but one item that has broad support on both sides of the aisle is outdoor recreation. That's why the House passed the EXPLORE Act, a bipartisan package that would boost outdoor recreation across the country.

But as Congress prepares to head home for the holidays, the EXPLORE Act has been left on the table in the Senate. We can't afford to lose this important piece of legislation!

The significance of the EXPLORE Act can't be overstated. It would extend the free park pass program for fourth graders, expand recreational opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members, allow Tribal Nations to apply directly for federal conservation funding, make permanent a federal program that improves green space in nature-deprived communities and much more!

Tell senators to pass the EXPLORE Act ASAP!

@upontheshelfreviews

@greenwingspino

@one-time-i-dreamt

@tenaflyviper

@akron-squirrel

@ifihadaworldofmyown

@justice-for-jacob-marley

@voicetalentbrendan

@thebigdeepcheatsy

@what-is-my-aesthetic

@ravenlynclemens

@writerofweird

@bogleech

[rajasthan-political-leader]

The Story of a Prosperous Rajasthan: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s Vision

Rajasthan, the land of majestic palaces, golden deserts, and vibrant culture, is scripting a new chapter in its history — a story of prosperity and growth. With strong leadership and a vision for the future, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore has been at the forefront of this transformation. His dedication to development, innovation, and inclusivity has laid the foundation for a thriving and self-reliant Rajasthan.

A Legacy of Resilience and Valor

Rajasthan’s journey toward prosperity is rooted in its rich history of courage and resilience. From the valor of Maharana Pratap to the sacrifices of its brave soldiers, the state has always stood tall in the face of challenges. Today, the same indomitable spirit is driving its march toward progress.

The Foundation of Prosperity

Cultural Wealth: Rajasthan’s heritage is not just a source of pride but also a driver of tourism and global recognition.

Natural Resources: With its vast solar potential and mineral reserves, Rajasthan is poised to become a leader in renewable energy and industry.

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore: A Leader Shaping Rajasthan’s Future

Col Rathore’s leadership embodies a unique blend of vision, strategy, and commitment. As an Olympian and Member of Parliament, he understands the importance of discipline and teamwork in achieving goals. His initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to development, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the state’s growth.

Key Pillars of a Prosperous Rajasthan

1. Infrastructure Development

Rajasthan’s transformation begins with its backbone: infrastructure.

Roadways and Highways: Improved connectivity has opened up opportunities for trade and tourism.

Smart Cities: Urban areas like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur are becoming hubs of modern living and economic activity.

Rural Development: Focus on electrification, water supply, and healthcare has improved the quality of life in villages.

2. Economic Empowerment

Col Rathore’s efforts have been instrumental in boosting Rajasthan’s economy.

MSME Growth: Policies aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises have created jobs and strengthened local industries.

Investment Attraction: Events like the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit have brought in significant investments from global players.

3. Renewable Energy Revolution

Solar Power: With projects like the Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan is leading India’s renewable energy drive.

Green Jobs: Renewable energy projects are creating employment while ensuring sustainable growth.

4. Tourism as an Economic Driver

Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty have been harnessed to boost tourism.

Eco-Tourism and Desert Safaris: Promoting sustainable tourism in regions like Jaisalmer and Ranthambore.

Infrastructure for Visitors: Improved facilities have enhanced the state’s global appeal.

5. Education and Skill Development

Quality Education: Initiatives to establish schools and colleges ensure access to quality education.

Skill Training: Programs to equip the youth with skills for emerging industries like IT, manufacturing, and tourism.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

Col Rathore’s vision of prosperity is inclusive, ensuring that no region or community is left behind.

Women Empowerment: Schemes to provide education, healthcare, and financial independence to women.

Support for Farmers: Modern irrigation techniques, subsidies, and market access are transforming agriculture in the state.

Focus on Tribal and Rural Communities: Targeted programs are uplifting marginalized groups.

Challenges on the Path to Prosperity

Rajasthan’s transformation is not without challenges, including water scarcity, climate change, and rural poverty. However, proactive leadership and innovative solutions have ensured steady progress:

Water Management: Projects like the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project aim to address water shortages.

Sustainability Initiatives: Emphasis on green energy and eco-friendly policies mitigates environmental concerns.

A Prosperous Future Awaits

The story of Rajasthan’s prosperity is one of courage, vision, and relentless effort. Under the leadership of Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, the state is embracing modernity while staying rooted in its heritage. With continued focus on infrastructure, education, and sustainable development, Rajasthan is not just a symbol of bravery but also a beacon of progress in India.

[being-mughal]

7.A Mirror of the Dominance of Game Archetypes in Representation

We live in a society and what happens in the video game industry reflects what society is; its values, challenges and discrimination. Representations of identity in games have remained relatively stable over the years and are still associated with stereotypical images and certain standards of appearance. But as the medium evolves, it is able to challenge current paradigms and also become able to take on more adoptive identities.

This blog basically revolves around the main archetypes in the game, one of the most typical visual patterns, and how it's possible for developers to break the mold and be more diverse.

Best and Frequent Identities Among Players:

1. Acting as the standard bearer of white male protagonists Here I have a classic example of rough and tough heroes in Kratos of God of War and Arthur Morgan of Red Dead Redemption 2. These heroes portray the most common western masculinity in terms of strength, self-reliance and toughness.

2. Women in limited positions Even today, there are many examples of characters still being stereotyped even though there are more opportunities for female representation.

The Fatale Femme Hypersexualized concept, like the characters in Bayonetta, are sexually oriented for a male audience.

While it's refreshing to see female protagonists like Horizon Zero Dawn's Aloy exist, they're presented as the exception rather than the norm.

3. Optional, Shallow Homosexuality In some games like Mass Effect, sexual relationships are allowed, but in these the main characters are caricatures and only included in the game to meet certain diversity quotas. The few times when cultures from the non-Western world were shown, the subjects were caricatures and the characters turned into caricatures rather than real and complex characters.

4. It is another case where the antagonist is different Views in related video games are associated with legendary or cultural negative images, such as the "demonic other" or tribal comic book "barbarian".

Similar Aesthetic Trends:

1. Hyper-Realistic Designs in AAA Titles Premium video game characters often have proportional face and body proportions, the emphasis is on high-contrast flashy realism. The accuracy of the body shapes and appearance depicted is generally limited by this realism factor, so several stereotypically sized models can be used.

2. Color and Costume Symbolism

To emphasize and portray muscularity and strength, the clothes used by the heroes are most often found in noble dark shades such as gray and blue.

When characters are depicted in lighter or more stable colors than characters in darker or brighter ones, the colorful and irregular patterns represent villains and antagonists or something that is dangerous or chaotic.

3. Impractical Costumes Although more attention has been paid to the games' realism, the male characters are still portrayed with a focus on the game's sex appeal, while the opposite is true for the female characters, regardless of the fact that they also take part in combat-heavy roles. This increases the contrast between external and internal form and between visual impression and the importance of use.

New Directions Redefining Representation in Games:

1. Expanding the Diversity of Main Characters On location, the white male archetypal live-action video game hero like Spider-Man's Miles Morales must step out of the shadows. Miles is an 18-year-old Hispanic youth from Brooklyn, and his ethnicity is relevant to the theme: the young man is cartoonish, and the runner is portrayed as a character who needs sympathy from the audience.

2. A New Approach to Aesthetic Design So it's the independence games that are at the forefront of ignoring visual traditions. Which are abstract Instead of realistic games like Gris, they deal with issues of identity and mental health through symbolism. Cultural Representation Authenticity Raj The ancient epic, which removes the exotic from the work, embraces the real aspects of India.

Video Insight: Artistic design in Gris

3.Inclusion of Black LGBTQ+ stories How careful rendering can fully embrace queer characters without reducing them to tropes are plays like Tell Me Why (2020), which is centered around trans characters.

Cyberpunk 2077 Case Study:

Firstly, Cyberpunk 2077 has gay, trans, bisexual and non-binary characters; Players cannot choose the main character's gender, body type, or voice. While this was rather encouraging, critics noted that the narrative integration of the various identities itself was not very sophisticated. The game also shows when worrying about difficulty is a beneficial practice in game and product development, as well as when it becomes a disservice.

What’s Next for Representation:

1. Behind-the-Screen Diversity

The idea behind casting diversity is. about the assembly of several teams, the main goal of which is to occupy. The real world can allow studios to at least employ artists from marginalized groups to tell the truths of such worlds.

2. Multi-Layered Narratives Whatever the images are, they are not necessarily only associated with visuals. In this regard, fun games must have stories associated with multiple self-stereotyping.

3. Evolving Aesthetics The industry demands more diverse, less stereotypical sexualized portrayals and greater bodily and visual variation and cultural representation.

The Power of Games to Change Perceptions:

By embracing diversity, the gaming industry can shape a cultural environment that respects all identities and rejects traditional beauty standards. Now is the time for all players, regardless of their background, to see themselves represented in the worlds they explore.

Referencing:

Hall, S., 1997. The Work of Representation. In: Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage. Available at: https://fotografiaeteoria.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/the_work_of_representation__stuart_hall.pdf [Accessed 16 November 2024].

GLAAD (2024) Where We Are on TV Report. Available at: The Guardian (Accessed: 16 November 2024).

Supergiant Games, 2020. Hades. Available at: https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/ [Accessed 16 November 2024].

Dontnod Entertainment, 2020. Tell Me Why. Xbox Game Studios. Available at: https://www.tellmewhygame.com/ [Accessed 17 November 2024].

CD Projekt Red, 2020. Cyberpunk 2077. Available at: https://www.cyberpunk.net/gb/en/ [Accessed 16 November 2024].

Chandler, D. (2002) Semiotics for Beginners. Available at: http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/sem01.html (Accessed: 17 November 2024).

Rockstar Games (2018) Red Dead Redemption 2. Available at: https://www.rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption2 (Accessed: 18 November 2024).

CD Projekt Red (2020) Cyberpunk 2077. Available at: https://www.cyberpunk.net (Accessed: 17 November 2024).

Guerrilla Games (2017) Horizon Zero Dawn. Available at: https://www.playstation.com/horizonzerodawn (Accessed: 18 November 2024).

Nomada Studio (2018) Gris. Available at: https://nomadastudio.com (Accessed: 18 November 2024).

Insomniac Games (2020) Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Available at: https://www.playstation.com/spiderman-milesmorales (Accessed: 18 November 2024).

BioWare (2012) Mass Effect 3. Available at: https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect (Accessed: 18 November 2024).