Heartfelt sympathy to the citizens in Japan and the nations along the Pacific rim on natural disaster alert.

Japan is hit by massive earthquake with 8.9 magnitude on the Richter scale triggering a 7.3 meter i.e. nearly 24 Ft high tsunami in the North Eastern region.

The devastation from the ferocious waves hitting the northern shores of Japan is overwhelming and the images with every possible material objects being swept away in the extreme natural calamity pose tremendous challenge to the rescue operators.

Heavily electronic and automaton oriented infrastructure, communications notwithstanding the transportation system are affected during such catastrophe.

Nuclear power plants shut down in a carefully calibrated manner with the concern on one particular reactor being monitored for temperature setting is a relief and avoiding further loss of life in the dangerous environment could ease the burden on the coordinated relief efforts.

The international pledge to support Japan would expedite restoration and definitively save lives.

People stranded in their domain particularly those entrapped in the rubbles need immediate assistance for most casualties rise from the inability to survive when victims lay buried under the collapsed building structures.

Japan is well known for being impressively organized to minimize harm and injury to life.

Nonetheless the phenomenal wrath of Mother Nature as witnessed in this horrific event would consume substantial resources to contain the aftermath damages poignantly requiring patience and perseverance especially throughout the search for the loved ones.

Although economic status and logistic sophistication combined with well preparedness all contribute to positive outcome in the humanitarian crisis, the horrendous effects from earth shattering breaks down barriers in the excruciating battle to salvage life.

Japanese government under Prime Minister Naoto Kan along with cabinet and the people of Japan are reached to extend the sincere condolences on the human tragedies with prayers to heal the mourning and wounded for a renewed beginning.

Wishing hope and strength for a speedy recovery to the people of Japan – the land of the rising Sun.

Thank you.

Today – On March 8, 2011 the international community celebrates the 100th anniversary of Women’s Day.

It would be poignant to recognize and honor women’s role in every aspect of life.

Life formation to functionality is facilitated by the equal gender ratio. Feminine grace combined with intellect and nurturing quality significantly enhances the beauty of evolutionary process.

Women’s contribution since life on earth has been instrumental in humanitarian progress.

Religion, education, politics, military, economics, trade and commerce, science and technology, space exploration, archaeology, spirituality, arts and humanities…to the most important responsibility being a homemaker define the character and strength of womanhood.

Rising to prominence and making history in various capacity appropriately adorns the female essence throughout human civilization.

Despite the magnificent attributes the multi-talented women are yet to be acknowledged with equal social status in certain parts of the world.

Customs and traditions have held back communities in these regions depriving them from the benefits of women empowerment.

Young girls and women are socially stigmatized and subject to atrocities in the new millennium with many of them denied basic education leading to abject poverty and life-long dependency in the society.

Accomplishments without social equality are meaningless for it generates economic disparity defeating the sole purpose of national goals.

Although there are organizational efforts to promote basic human rights for women, the universal impact would confirm the milestones reached in advancing the women’s cause.

It is a challenge to transform the archaic mindset frozen in time declining the influence of modern era with women often enduring the negative effects to the society’s detriment.

Even in the twenty first century – the treatment of women and limited participation to restriction in politics witnessed in some political systems has undermined their ability to share powerful ideas with great potential for national and global gains.

Women’s performance in other areas is not always appreciated in the otherwise competitive workforce. For instance the mineworkers’ salary and benefits were unsuccessfully contested in the United States highest court.

Addressing distinctive anomalies could considerably elevate the conditions in the social environment with pervasive prospects for all.

The light at the end of the tunnel could be a reality rather than a perception provided the political will is exemplified in consolidated action yielding the desirable change.

Congratulations! On the Centennial Celebration of Women’s Day.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

As we all know that aerial bombing and ground assaults against unarmed civilians in Libya has produced mass casualties alongside refugee crisis with an estimated 180,000 people fleeing the country across the borders to Tunisia and Egypt.

United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) is on the ground providing relief to the refugees and displaced population.

However considering the tragedy of greater magnitude, the international support is vital to expedite the humanitarian aid desperately required to save lives.

Visual images and victims’ personal accounts confirm the deteriorating situation with the escalating violence inflicted upon citizens both domestic and foreign nationals forced to leave in fear of being killed by the regime.

Although UNHCR is diligently engaged in the rescue effort, the worldwide response with a generous donation would be extremely helpful in meeting the basic requirements as outlined hereunder.

Your $200 could be used to purchase a tent for a family of five in need of urgent accommodation.

Similarly $80 would allow the organization to distribute 40 wool blankets to protect families with young and old members from the cold.

Then there are medical supplies as well as essential items that could be covered with your generosity.

Please step forward and reach out to our fellow citizens in Libya especially those in transit to a safe haven having abandoned their home and belongings are now left at the mercy of compassionate beings in the global society.

We could all make a difference in the moment of tremendous humanitarian challenge in Libya and elsewhere.

Please visit UNrefugees.org for further information.

http://www.unrefugees.org/site/c.lfIQKSOwFqG/b.4778881/k.A2F8/UN_Refugee_Agency.htm

Mailing Address:

USA for UNHCR – 1775 K Street, NW, Suite 290, Washington DC – 20006

Life saved at every opportunity makes life worth living and defines the purpose in life.

Your donations to UNHCR for Libyan and many other humanitarian causes are deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Race is a contentious matter. Hence thoughts are presented in this blog – an innovative medium to express views and comments.

Cyberspace is a platform where the voiceless can have a voice or be heard through someone on their behalf on any issue.

It is not necessary to go through the Red Tape or be newsworthy to be a news item in the prominent media and print press. There is no requirement to be part of any influential circle either.

An average citizen with internet access can state an opinion or recount an experience that is relevant to all or none. It has unequivocally revolutionized communication in the new millennium.

Mankind Giant Leap in this regard is poignant.

However, have we made progress in human relations?

Why is it difficult for the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom hierarchy to co-exist in harmony and accept one another as human beings first and then anything next?

We have been gifted with the discriminatory power. Unfortunately, it is being used effectively for negative purpose than otherwise.

It is believed that ‘God created all equal.’

Do we all think like the creator?

Perhaps then the status quo would be delightfully different.

Since evolution many battles and wars have been fought over land, wealth, resources…with the ulterior motive being Power and dominance of one segment over another.

The global dire situation is attributed to human quest for endless needs at other inhabitants’ peril. Human suffering along with several species extinction are caused by environment abuse largely recognized as greed.

Historically people in general are stigmatized and victimized by fellow human beings.

We are living in an imperfect world – Yet there is a desperate search for perfection among humans.

People come in all shapes and sizes notwithstanding variation in skin pigmentation – the acknowledgment on the unique genetic composition could promote higher tolerance.

Will this world be an exciting place as it is now in the absence of such diversity around us in all aspects?

It is evident in human history that a secular and diverse society achievements are substantial compared to a homogeneous society.

The collective talent available in the heterogeneous society is a formidable challenge for those against the concept.

There could be no better example than the United States having triumphed the trials and tribulations of homogeneous vs. heterogeneous society.

This great nation’s phenomenal success in every field is the result of the cosmopolitan intellectual and varied skills maintained since origin.

It is a country that set precedence in modern times for other nations to embrace multiculturalism and secularism as milestones for humanitarian progress.

Then why is race a sensitive topic to discuss?

Can discriminatory practice towards human beings be ever eliminated in any society?

If that happens, it will be Utopia. Why seek heaven or paradise?

Nonetheless there is hope considering that goodness still exists in the paradoxical universe.

The racial and cultural diversity is complex for it presents prospects and problems in every domain.

The world will be peaceful and prosperous if people could receive one another as the member of the human race.

Importantly rather than detecting flaws in others it would be wise to acknowledge one’s own shortcomings that every individual possess at some level regardless of identity.

Introspection is self-cleansing and a natural process to develop empathy.

Should the entire race and culture be held responsible and vilified for an individual or a group of individuals’ action or behavior?

Regrettably, human tendency to analyze others based on predisposed views and speculations is not uncommon creating obstacles in relationships.

Then what about nobility demonstrated by human beings of a particular sect that is targeted for any wrong doing?

Should society ignore the positive contributions of these individuals even if they are presumed a minority?

There is no particular race or culture that is spared about anything in the contemporary society.

We can overcome prejudice only if human beings can alienate themselves from the qualities and characteristics that allow conflict over compassion, caring and consideration for others.

It is up to mankind to practice goodness for pervasive happiness.

There could be no better legacy than virtuous deeds that would benefit all.

The truth is – despite tremendous accomplishments in science and technology,

Mortality is certain and no one is assured eternal life on earth.

The other reality being when we all bleed; the color of the blood is the same no matter who we are!

These facts prove the theory that ‘all are created equal.’

Thank you.

PadminiArhant