Vishwa Kalyan Award 2016 – Universal Benefit Award

August 23, 2016

By Padmini Arhant

Dear Citizens,

In 2015, Vishwa Kalyan Award was introduced to recognize and honor the unsung heroes alongside members known to world community. However, the mission not necessarily adapted and pursued for desirable outcome.

Every year on August 26th the awardees are commemorated for exemplary service and sacrifice.

The award is to create awareness among world population to appreciate, safeguard and contribute to the welfare and survival of all species for planet sustenance.

I present the categories for the year 2016 Vishwa Kalyan Award with the hope to revive interest and action in promoting goals to benefit humanity and earth. 

The two categories in 2016 are – Environment and Humanitarian Cause.

Environment protection is made possible with not only reducing carbon emission but also enrichment of natural habitat through greenery and preservation of rain forests worldwide.

In the environment category – The winners are:

Africa:

  1. Ethiopia – The East African nation in the Horn of Africa is leading power generator in the region via clean energy program.

Latin America:

  1. Peru – The National Photovoltaic Household Electrification Program (SOLAR POWER) expected to benefit more than 2 million people in Peru.
  1. Costa Rica – 100% Renewal Energy with departure from fossil fuel. The Central American country generated electricity entirely from renewal energy – the combination of hydroelectric and geothermal power permitting clean and affordable energy supply in 2015. The national commitment towards 100% carbon neutrality by 2021 sets important precedence for the rest of the world to follow suit.
  1. BrazilKayapo – Indigenous Tribe in Amazon protecting rainforests against miners, poachers, loggers and drillers in the region.     

     5.   Protecting endangered species – 

 A.  Irrawathi dolphins of Myanmar in Mekong river are critically endangered from fisheries and entrapment threatening the intelligent creature’s domain.

B. Save the Elephants – Elephants – the most fascinating and adorable member of animal kingdom is sadly now enlisted in endangered species.

C. Marine Mammals – The dismissal of global warming as a myth among skeptics slight polar bears plight in the arctic with melting glaciers posing challenge to marine mammals existence.

More on this topic to follow shortly.

The Humanitarian award recipients will be announced in due course.

Peace to all!

Thank You.

Padmini Arhant 

Humanitarian Issues – SOS from U.S. Charity Organizations

February 21, 2012

By Padmini Arhant

Tough economic times have taken toll on all in the society especially the most vulnerable and needy bearing the brunt of austerity.

However, the hope is revived with many charity organizations and volunteers’ sincere commitment to provide for the demography struggling to make ends meet in their lives.

Some of them have additional restraints due to physical disabilities and are challenged in daily survival increasingly becoming arduous with deep cuts in state and federal funding for vital programs.

Although population in general are weathering harsh winter in United States and other parts of the world,

Sadly, many have succumbed to the extreme weather while others yearn for human generosity and kindness to rescue them from the plight.

Citizens are kindly requested to extend their support to the less fortunate and disadvantaged members in the society.

Similarly, lawmakers with the power to make a difference in human lives are urged to pass bills in bipartisanship prioritizing humanitarian needs at the critical hour.

Economy and environment being intertwined – the United States Congress once again have the opportunity to unanimously approve Gulf Restoration bill.

The funds from BP fines related to Gulf Coast environmental disaster could save many American families suffering from the oil spill endangering life and habitat.

United States citizens outreach to humanitarian aid is emulated and appreciated worldwide.

Human empathy towards all transcending social and economic identity could foster better relation besides promoting much required peace and harmony in the world confronted with violence and warfare.

Natives in the land are often forgotten members in the society.

Nations’ focus on disproportionate military spending and urban growing demands absorb bulk of the budget allocations leaving little or none for rural as well as indigenous people progress.

Society prosperity shared among all would contribute to universal development.

Energy costs hurt the average citizens and further exacerbated with any preparation for unnecessary and unaffordable involvement in military intervention particularly in the oil producing Middle East.

Winter is a major hurdle for the poor dependent on charity to keep them warm and safe.

Children susceptible to illnesses from inadequate heating are the worst victims in the exponentially rising energy expense.

Your thoughtfulness through donations and petitions to congress members could alleviate suffering endured by many in silence.

Please take a moment and review the genuine plea from different charity organizations with a common goal – saving humanity.

Your compassion could heal the pain and uplift human spirit.

Thank you for your assistance in the humanitarian cause.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S.: Please respond to SOS from charities with fund raising deadline and congressional action.

——————————————————————————————–

1. Urgent Heating Fund

Request from Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ
Director, St. Joseph’s Indian School ,

South Dakota, USA.

Please visit –  http://stjo.org/site/MessageViewer.

https://secure3.convio.net/stjo/site/Donation2?df_id=4383&4383.donation=form1&autologin=true

Dear Friends,

There’s just one day left before our matching gift expires, but we still need your help to raise $95,000 to keep our students safe and warm this year.

Will you take this rare opportunity to DOUBLE your impact before time runs out? Donate to our Urgent Heat Fund before midnight tomorrow.

Our heating costs can be unpredictable, and especially high this time of the year. I won’t back down from our commitment to keep every child in our care safe and warm so I’m turning to you for help.

Time and time again, friends like you have come through for our students in our hour of need – can our little ones count on you again today?

Please come to our rescue this winter: donate today to keep a child warm!

  • $25 becomes $50 to keep a child warm for  two weeks!
  • $50 becomes $100 to keep a child warm for  one month!
  • $100 becomes $200 to keep one child warm for two months!

It is only through the generosity of people like you that our Lakota students have the safe home, structured curriculum and nurturing environment they need to learn and thrive.

Pilamaya – thank you – for your kind and compassionate support of our students right now – and all year round.

God bless,

Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ
Director, St. Joseph’s Indian School

———————————————————————————————–

2.  Kids in California left to fend for themselves?

From:  Easter Seals – Creating life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play.

All around the country, states facing tough times are being forced to slash their budgets – and many are choosing to balance the numbers on the backs of children with special needs. Major cuts could have major consequences for children who depend on state funding.

A recent Easter Seals report found that programs serving children with disabilities are so underfunded that more than one million kids are going undiagnosed and untreated for their special needs. Without the proper support, these children will struggle to keep up in school and in life, even though the health and learning difficulties they face are treatable.

If you believe every child deserves the help they need to achieve their dreams, ask officials in your state to protect funding for programs that serve kids with special needs!

Since we launched our Make the First Five Count campaign last year, more than 40,000 people like you dedicated to helping children with special needs have asked government officials to protect federal funding for the programs that help our most vulnerable kids succeed. But many children are still falling through the cracks – so we can’t stop there. This year, we’re taking our message to the state level, too.

Right now, elected officials across the country are weighing their options and making crucial decisions about how they’ll balance their state’s budget this year. Many will have no choice but to make painful cuts – and when it’s time to cut the budget, programs for children with disabilities are often among the first items on the chopping block.

This is your chance to speak up – if you don’t, even more children could miss out on their best chance to get the help they need at the age when it’s most effective.

Send your message to officials in California now: don’t cut funding for programs that diagnose and treat children with disabilities.

I know you won’t let them down. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Katy Beh Neas
Senior Vice President, Government Relations

———————————————————————————————-

You may also please donate online at www.bva.org/donate

3.  Blinded Veterans Association

477 H Street NW

Washington DC 20090-8081

—————————————————————————————————

Please visit www.kidswishnetwork.org for online donations.

4.  Kids Wish Network

Wish Fulfillment Center

P.O.Box 0968

Wilton, NH 03086-0968

————————————————————————————————

5. Urgent Alert: Please ensure BP’s Fines go to the Gulf!

From: Louisiana State

Dear Friends,

We need your help right now to seize an historic chance to restore the Gulf Coast to environmental health.

Please Take Action Today! Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and your Senators to pass the RESTORE Act amendment on the Senate’s transportation bill.

It is outrageous that almost two years after the worst environmental disaster in American history, Congress still has not passed a single new law dedicating BP’s fines to repair the long-term damage done to the extraordinary and economically vital Gulf Coast and Mississippi River Delta.

But, right now, the bipartisan RESTORE Act has been attached as an amendment to the Senate transportation bill, giving us a golden opportunity to finally move forward. In our more than 35-years of work on this issue, we have never had such an important opportunity to make so much progress.

If Congress doesn’t pass legislation to direct BP’s fines to Gulf restoration, two things will happen:

  1. The funds will simply go to the U.S. Treasury’s “general fund” – to be used on unrelated federal spending, and
  2. We will have squandered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in real Gulf Coast restoration.

Please Take Action: Send an email to your Senators, as well as Senators Reid and McConnell.

Here is why this legislation matters. For decades, the fragile Gulf Coast wetlands have been cut up, channelized, and engineered to serve the offshore oil industry and shipping interests – starving the wetlands of silt and sediment and poisoning them with saltwater.

As a result, the wetlands are disappearing – not just shifting or changing – they’re actually vanishing at the astonishing rate of a football field every hour.

So, after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, last year’s BP blowout and resulting oil catastrophe battered an already depleted and vulnerable coastline.

And the damage is still being felt. To this day, oil continues to wash up on Gulf shores. As much as 30 percent of the spilled oil is still out there: on or under beaches, draped across marshes, sunk to the bottom, floating as tar balls.

This issue isn’t complicated. As the Gulf struggles to recover, the only thing we’re asking Congress to do is simply pass common sense legislation to direct the BP fines to fix the Gulf.

Sadly, in Washington these days, nothing is simple. That’s why we need you to help us force the issue.

Please Take Action: Urge your Senators as well as Senators Reid and McConnell to pass the RESTORE Act amendment attached to the Senate transportation bill.

Help us make sure Congress stops holding the battered Gulf Coast hostage.

Thank you for your activism and support,
Courtney Taylor
Coastal Louisiana Project

Race

January 18, 2011

By 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

Race

August 15, 2008

By 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 several 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 and 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 talent 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 a milestone 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 their 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

Accountability

August 15, 2008

Vadim said…

I feel the same way about Obama . You neglected to mention his shifting stance towards Israel (perhaps it’s not your issue).  He’s been pro-Israel from the start.

FISA was the last straw for me. I’m going to vote third party unless he revokes his support for the bill: http://tinyurl.com/5w9w9v

I’m in Illinois so it likely won’t make a difference but I’m too disillusioned with Obama at this point to do otherwise.

August 14, 2008 1:44 PM

Padmini Arhant said…

Hi Vadim,

Thank you for your comment.

Palestinian issue is a humanitarian issue.

I have raised my concerns recently in public regarding human rights violation and the challenges faced by Palestinian population for more than half a century now.

I see no difference between a Palestinian Mother or any Mother’s grief stricken images in a conflict that could be resolved only when those responsible for the suffering treat victims as human beings first and then anything next.

Giving birth to life is the most arduous and joyous journey for a mother. The aspiration to raise a child in a free and secure world and provide basic to affordable comforts is a common dream of any parents.

The  sources behind violence fail to realize that they too have been gifted with life by a mother who is rewarded with a second chance to live during childbirth despite modern medicine and technology.

Every life is precious and should matter.

When I see a child in West Bank & Gaza, Tibet, Burma, Sri Lankan Tamils or Darfur and indigenous people suffering and yearning for freedom, I see beyond their ethnicity. I see the human pain and agony. The hopelessness in their eyes that darkness will never be expelled and yet forcing a smile for the international press coverage on the carnage and destruction of their lives.

I have mentioned on numerous occasions in my blogs throughout the Democratic Primary Election about the Palestinian plight  and the importance for international support and action to restore human rights and dignity for the Palestinian People and others mentioned above.

The international community must work harder to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East and possible only  upon ending western and regional alliance sponsored terrorism, weapons supply and military intervention.

My website www.padminiarhant.com to be uploaded and active from August 19th, 2008 has Humanitarian header dedicated to human rights issues concerning all human beings on earth.

I have sincere and genuine concern for citizens deprived of basic human rights and liberty to think and express as well as those struggling to establish a place they could call home like in the case of Palestinians.

Once again, your thoughts are much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Padmini Arhant

August 15, 2008 5:57 PM

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The Nation Salutes our Heroes

July 21, 2008

Dear America,

On Memorial Day and every day, it is the duty of every “free” individual to think about the veterans and thank the brave young men and women volunteered to lay their life for the freedom of their fellow citizens at home and around the world.

The families of these veterans deserve not only praise but immediate attention for survival with respect and dignity. It is a tragedy that these veterans are left dependent on charity upon arrival at home especially after their huge sacrifices for the nation and the world population subject to oppression and persecution.

While these noble servicemen and women do their part in serving the nation, it is the duty of the nation in return to honor the “Fallen Heroes” and pay tribute to the wounded and all those brave hearts guarding our borders and challenging the forces in the frontline of the battlefield.

Read more

The hypocrisy of racism: Why is “race” a hot button issue?

June 25, 2008

Cyberspace is a platform where the voiceless can have a voice or be heard through someone on their behalf on issues related to mankind and everything else. 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 an “internet” access can express an opinion or recount an experience that is relevant to all or none. The “Giant Leap” by mankind in every field is truly admirable.
People across the globe share their thoughts and experience via “blog”, an innovative medium for expression of views and comments that has revolutionized communication in the modern era.
Read more