1. What Is Depression?
We all go through ups and downs in our mood occasionally feel blue or sad. Sadness is a normal reaction to life�s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. But these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days, however when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, they interfere with daily life and cause pain for both you and those who care about you, it may be depression.
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being. It may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, or restlessness.
Depression is a common but serious illness.

2. What causes depression?
The exact cause of depression is not known.
Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. But depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much�if not more so�than genetics. However, certain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression.
Some types of depression tend to run in families. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression too. Depression results from the influence of several genes acting together with environmental or other factors. In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Other depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
Causes and risk factors for depression:
 Loneliness.
 Lack of social support.
 Stressful life experiences such as:
1. Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
2. Failing a class.
3. Death or illness of loved ones.
4. Divorce.
5. Childhood abuse or neglect.
6. Job loss.
7. Social isolation (common in the elderly), etc.
 Family history of depression.
 Marital or relationship problems.
 Financial strain.
 Early childhood trauma or abuse.
 Alcohol or drug abuse.
 Unemployment or underemployment.
 Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain.
 Certain medications such as steroids.
 Sleeping problems.

3. What are the different forms of depression?
Depression has various forms and each form has its own unique set of symptoms and signs.
� Major depressive disorder, or major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime, but more often a person may have multiple episodes. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months.

� Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression. It features a specific symptom pattern, including a temporary mood lift in response to positive events. one may feel better after receiving good news or while out with friends. However, this boost in mood is fleeting. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection.
� Dysthmia is a type of chronic �low-grade� depression. Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well. These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the fullest or to remember better times. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.
� Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression. Without treatment, people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder.
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include:
� Psychotic depression, which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).
� Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the "baby blues" that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming.

� Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Seasonal affective disorder is more common in northern climates and in younger people. Like depression, seasonal affective disorder is treatable. Light therapy, a treatment that involves exposure to bright artificial light, often helps relieve symptoms.

� Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes�from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes, which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual symptoms of major depression.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness, but there are some common signs and symptoms.
It�s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life�s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they�ve lasted�the more likely it is that you�re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.
People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way. Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
Signs and symptoms include:
� Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
� Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
� Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness harshly criticizing oneself for perceived faults and mistakes.
� Anger, Irritability, restlessness: Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Tolerance level is low, temper short, and everything and everyone gets on nerves
� Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
� Fatigue, decreased energy, sluggish and physically drained out
� Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
� Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
� Overeating, or appetite loss leading to weight changes.
� Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
� Reckless behavior: one engages in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
� If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
� Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

5. Depression and suicide.
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.
Warning signs of suicide include:
� Talking about killing or harming one�s self
� Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
� An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
� Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)
� Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
� Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
� Saying things like �Everyone would be better off without me� or �I want out.�
� A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy.
If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If You Are Feeling Suicidal...
When you�re feeling extremely depressed or suicidal, problems don�t seem temporary�they seem overwhelming and permanent. But with time, you will feel better, especially if you reach out for help. If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time, so please reach out for help!
Always remember suicide is permanent answer for a temporary problem.
Call your doctor right away if:
� You hear voices that are not there.
� You have frequent crying spells with little or no reason.
� Your depression is disrupting work, school, or family life.
� You think that your current medications are not working or are
Causing side effects.
Never change or stop any medications without consulting your doctor.
� If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others.

6. What illnesses often co-exist with depression?
Other illnesses may come on before depression, cause it, or be a consequence of it. But depression and other illnesses interact differently in different people. In any case, co-occurring illnesses need to be diagnosed and treated.
Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, often accompany depression. PTSD can occur after a person experiences a terrifying event or ordeal, such as a violent assault, a natural disaster, an accident, terrorism or military combat. People experiencing PTSD are especially prone to having co-existing depression.
Alcohol and other substance abuse or dependence may also co-exist with depression.
Depression also may occur with other serious medical illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. People who have depression along with another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both depression and the medical illness, more difficulty adapting to their medical condition, and more medical costs than those who do not have co-existing depression. Treating the depression can also help improve the outcome of treating the co-occurring illness.

7. How is depression diagnosed?
A doctor generally performs a medical examination and selected investigations to rule out other causes of symptoms. These include blood tests measuring TSH and thyroxin to exclude hypothyroidism; basic electrolytes and serum calcium to rule out a metabolic disturbance; and a full blood count including ESR to rule out a systemic infection or chronic disease. Adverse affective reactions to medications or alcohol misuse are often ruled out, as well. Testosterone levels may be evaluated to diagnose hypogonadism, a cause of depression in men.
Subjective cognitive complaints appear in depressed people, but they can also be indicative of the onset of a dementing disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive testing and brain imaging can help distinguish depression from dementia. A CT scan can exclude brain pathology in those with psychotic, rapid-onset or otherwise unusual symptoms. Investigations are not generally repeated for a subsequent episode unless there is a medical indication.
The diagnosis is confirmed with help of psychological evaluation Standardized questionnaires can be helpful such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Beck Depression Inventory.

8. How can I help myself and/or a loved one who is depressed?
If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The most important thing you can do is help your friend or relative get a diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after 6 to 8 weeks.
To help your friend or relative
� Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
� Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.
� Never dismiss feelings, but point out realities and offer hope.
� Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one's therapist or doctor.
� Invite your loved one out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon.
� Provide assistance in getting to the doctor's appointments.
� Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
To Help Yourself
� Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible.
� Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed.
� Set realistic goals for yourself.
� Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
� Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
� Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
� Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
� Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
� Continue to educate yourself about depression.
Always remember everything does not get better overnight, but you will be able to enjoy life.

9. Prognosis of Depression.
With proper medication all types of depression can be treated. For people who have repeated episodes of depression, quick and ongoing treatment along with psychotherapy may be needed to prevent more severe, long-term depression. Sometimes people will need to stay on medications for long periods of time.

10. Complications of depression.
People who are depressed are more likely to use alcohol or illegal substances.
Complications of depression also include:
� Increased risk of physical health problems
� Suicide

11. Prevention of Depression.
Do not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. These substances can make depression worse and might lead to thoughts of suicide.
Take your medication exactly as your doctor instructed. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects and what you should do if you have any. Learn to recognize the early signs that your depression is getting worse.
The following tips might help you feel better:
� Get more exercise
� Maintain good sleep habits
� Seek out activities that bring you pleasure
� Volunteer or get involved in group activities
� Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
� Try to be around people who are caring and positive

12. Homeopathic Treatment for Depression.

Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for all stages of Depression, especially in the early stages. Homeopathy can take care of various symptoms of depression.
Homeopathy can positively influence personality traits that are working at the base of disease.

Homeopathy goes into the depths of depression, and the treatment is thus based on the underlying causes of it. The important aspect is that depression is a disease in which genetic make-up is topped with environmental stress result in disease.

Homeopathic medicines are very deep acting and having potential to counter genetic tendencies. Homeopathy medicines address the root cause of the disease and hence prevent the relapse and recurrence of the condition. Last but not the least; homeopathy medicines are absolutely free from any side-effects as opposed to most of conventional medicines.
The results achieved using from homeopathy can be augmented with supportive measures like counseling and psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy: Several types of psychotherapy�or "talk therapy"�can help people with depression.
Two main types of psychotherapies�cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)�are effective in treating depression.
Support Groups :
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.

STRESS ROMANCE AND RATIONALITY: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

One of the moot questions; is; how do billions of people live throughout with their spouse, till they die? What is the nature of bond between them?

Another moot question is; why and how are millions of people devotees of some body or else and practice some or other kind of religious rituals every day and throughout their life? What is it that motivates the people to devote their lives; for their guru, their deity or their leader? What is it that bonds them with their idol?

The rationalists try to analyze life. But beyond a point; the core of the life viz. the human bonds; cannot be analyzed. We can only experience and appreciate them!

Up to a certain stage of development; romance is a physiological need and hence an unwritten, yet inbuilt goal of life. There is definitely a sense of fulfillment and achievement in life, as and when one falls in love that culminates in a family and later a pedigree! In human beings; this fulfillment has physiological as well as social, religious, and ideological ingredients!

This fulfillment is however; insufficient after a certain stage of development (not necessarily age). Hence the people of various ages and different backgrounds; turn to some one whom they instinctively identify as their own leader, guru or deity; and follow, devote to; or worship him or her; respectively! This is a transition from jismani (physiological) to ruhani (spiritual or divine) mohabbat (romance).

Thus the natural leaders with different intellectual and spiritual stature; are gifted with; an inbuilt �concern� for the people of their race, religion, nation and at a highest stage of their development; for the whole mankind or universe! They and their followers have matching and fitting points in their personalities. They get bonded like the antigen � antibody or receptor � ligand; which bind with high specificity and high affinity.

It is not possible to prove this, but can be appreciated.

What is the role of rationality?

Rationality is important for us; to understand that the stupidity, ignorance and pettiness ditch us into the abyss of individual and global disagreement, discord, degeneration, derangement, disease, decay and destruction; and to reach divine romance, we have to first overcome these basal, barbaric and beastly elements inside us and also outside us!

But since the same rationality often laden with ego; may justify our pettiness; we need to purify it by measures such as NAMASMARAN and ascend from the pettiness to physiological and human romance and there from the divine or universal romance! This is Total Stress Management!

STRESS AND COMMUNICATION: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

One of the most natural, innate, inevitable, inseparable properties of beings; is communication. It goes on amongst; us, birds, animals, plants, organs, tissues, cells and molecules; in body, fetus and mother; and during sleep and dreams. Its nature and various permutations and combinations; are not yet fully understood.

Today we have internet, mobile phones and video conferencing and other speedy means to connect and meet physically. But chat, gossip, flattery, accolades etc; may elevate the mood temporarily and superficially; but cannot reach the soul and cannot accomplish heart to heart communication. Lack of satisfactory communication is a major cause of stress.

The causes of unsatisfactory communication are:

1.The characteristic limitations of our brain, the number of synapses, the synaptic connections, synaptic interactions, neuro-hormones, hormones and autonomic nervous system and environment inside; and outside and apparently remote facts in space and time, which influence our perceptions and hence; �our capacity to share truth�.

2. Moreover; we are engrossed in superficiality and pettiness; and so; are unable to reach our subconscious and unconscious stratums and conscience and the �self�, which is beyond concrete and constant identity. It is not even possible to understand our own and others� perceptions, feelings, instincts and needs; because they are too subtle and rapidly changing!


3. But apart from the above two reasons; what we share with others; is only after (unknowingly or knowingly) filtering through the doubts about acceptability, fear of condemnation, apprehension about fall in our own evaluation, shyness to accept our �basal aspects� or fear of punishment.

4. There is limitation to our ability to express and also there is limitation to what a language can express.

5. There is a dilemma about what we expect from ourselves; and what we actually do; and causes stress. We try frantically but in vain; to overcome such stress; by �assuming to be� �what we think we should be�. This stress is further complicated by being �torn apart� between; �what others should think/believe us to be� and �what we think we are�! It is actually a stressful shadow fighting because we cannot determine or decide; �what people think or should think; about us.�

But in spite of all these; the simple and inexpensive way of NAMASMARAN; can empower and enable us to reach our core; and accomplish �soul to soul� and not merely �heart to heart� communication. We are fortunate and privileged; to know and verify this!

ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION DR SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
Corruption probably cannot be eradicated, as it is a human weakness. Theoretically; even if it is eradicated today completely; it is going to re-surge; through the new generation.

But it can certainly be brought down to �least troublesome� level. For this; we need to rectify, repair, restore, regenerate, rejuvenate and effectively blossom the ROOTS of global perspective and global conscience; maximally! For this; we have to break open the throttling shackles, restricting the space of our consciousness and minimize the corruption of our perspective, thinking, feelings and actions!

This can be done if we study the scope and potential of NAMASMARAN as is done in Total Stress Management; and practice and propagate it as a common minimum program for blossoming of an individual and the mankind.

Is this not happening at all?
It is happening.
Actually; many theists practicing, promoting and propagating NAMASMARAN as well as the many atheists not practicing NAMASMARAN; do NOT have this perspective. Hence they may appear opposed to this idea. But actually; their actions; though piecemeal in approach; are complementary and hence contribute to Total Stress Management. For example; they provide the fervor, motivation and driving force; and analytical, operational and technological capability respectively! Of course; they often do this unknowingly and are unaware of the fact that they are serving the cosmic plan!
But this is far from being enough.

For an effective ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION; we have to take note of the qualities; by virtue of which corrupt people; have been proving victorious over HOLISTIC RENAISSANCE, SUPERLIVING i.e. Total Stress Management!

The qualities of the corrupt people are many! Some of these qualities are; leadership, clarity, focus, seriousness, courage, commitment, lack of inhibition and preparedness to face any consequences for their action, patience, shrewdness and planning. They have no weakness in terms of compromising with goal! They do not pardon anybody going astray.
They are ready to take any risk and stake not only their own, but their family�s life in their goal.
If we introspect honestly; then we would certainly admit; at least to ourselves; that we lack many of these qualities. We lack clarity, focus, seriousness, courage, commitment, lack of inhibition and preparedness to face any consequences for our action. Further; we lack patience, shrewdness and planning. We keep compromising with our goal! While they do not pardon anybody going astray from their goal we not only pardon, but actually leak the feet of our friends going away from our goal of �action against corruption�!!
We are NOT ready to take any risk and stake nothing! Forget about life, we are NOT ready to give any time, energy or money for; what we call as our goal viz. ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
If we study and propagate the concept of Total Stress Management i.e. holistic renaissance or superliving (the core of which is NAMASMARAN) to merely 10 persons in a day only once; then in 10 days it would go across the whole mankind as a weapon for the action against corruption; as follows.
� 1x10=10
� 10x10=100
� 100x10=1000
� 1000x10=10000
� 10000x10=100000
� 100000x10=1000000
� 1000000x10=10000000
� 10000000x10=100000000
� 100000000x10=1000000000
� 1000000000x10=10000000000
But this is what can happen if we wish. In any case; Total Stress Management i.e. holistic renaissance or superliving (the core of which is NAMASMARAN); whatever be the semantics; is writing on wall. It is an incoming thing irrespective of our wish and will!! It is our fortune and privilege; if we understand and participate in it!

References:
1. Stress: Understanding and Management; Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
2. Namasmaran: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
3. Smiling Sun: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
4. Conceptual Stress: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
5. New Study of Bhagavad Geeta: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
6. Holistic Medicine: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
7. Holistic Health: Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
8. Namasmaran (Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
9. Tanavmukti (Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar (Assistance Dr. Suhas Mhetre)
10. Bhovara (Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
11. Sahasranetra (Comprehension of Vishnusahasranam; Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
12. Thakawa Ghalwa (Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
13. Tanavmuktisathi Upayukta Lekh (Marathi): Dr. Shriniwas Janardan Kashalikar
14. SUPERLIVING: (English) Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
15. SUPERLIVING: (Marathi) Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar

STRESS AND CHILD LABOR: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

I have not gone through the international law or the details of WTO. But since most of us (the people of world) do not like children to undergo the coercion of daily labor for survival, there is international consensus about banning child labor.

But in spite of this; the child labor continues. Our egalitarian desire of banishing child labor; through charity and laws; has not worked.

What is the reason for this?

The reason for this is; we have not gone to the root cause of the child labor. The egalitarian desires, charity and laws can be wishful, but not effective in banishing child labor; unless we go to the root cause of the child labor and design policies to rectify the same.

What is the root cause of child labor?

The root cause of child labor is obviously; the lack of productive domain in education, which could empower the student and make self sufficient and self reliant. This is especially true in case of mainstream school and college education.

But more importantly there is lack of affective domain, which is essential for inner blossoming.

Lastly our education; is irrelevant to the ongoing scientific, technological, social, economic, religious, cultural and political reality.

In short; the mainstream education (in countries like India); is cut off from productivity, self realization and the real life around.

Our education is modeled on the basis of pettiness. It is modeled to suit laziness, mugging, slave mentality, petty selfishness, bribes, kick backs, and undue profit of some. Hence it is made dependent on costly teaching and learning aids. The content of the curriculums also revolves around pettiness. Hence we have curriculums also; which serve; all the luxurious life style; such as five star hotels, credit cards, fashion designing, call centers, loan services, mobile phones, cosmetics and cheap entertainment.

Naturally; such education system being alien and unproductive, produces repulsion amongst us; the students, teachers and parents; and leads to child drop outs that become the unemployed vulnerable and easily available helpless and cheap child labor.

Alternatively, our education produces the graduates who are unproductive and ignorant about current developments and transactions in the society and incompetent to get self employed. As a result; they either become unemployed, frustrated; and suicidal mental wrecks; or arrogant and indiscriminately violent criminals.
Hence child labor and the indiscriminate violence and corruption therein; continue as if inevitable. This because we are helpless, callous or passive; or sentimental but misdirected.

Child labor can be effectively stopped (even as palliative measures of charity may help temporarily); mainly through the policy of holistic education as discussed below.

Education is defined in various ways but it can be safely said to have three domains, which are as follows.

The first domain is called AFFECTIVE DOMAIN. This means the state of mind. In simple words affective domain relates to how we feel. Thus when our mind is full of alertness, attention, enthusiasm, buoyancy, affection, concern, joy, tolerance, self esteem, mutual respect, mutual trust, commitment, dedication, confidence, positive and victorious spirit, we would call it healthy affective domain. In addition the zeal and concentration needed in the pursuit of excellence in intellectual field, tenacity and endurance required in skillful activities and patience and commitment essential for satisfying and socially beneficial actions constitute affective domain. The purpose of education is to nurture this domain by designing suitable curricula and syllabi.

The second domain of education is called PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN. This implies ability to appreciate skills and ability to perform physical and mental skills, with speed, accuracy, elegance, ease of performance etc. This may involve appreciation and performance of skills such as surgery, playing a musical instrument, playing basket ball or doing carpentry! The purpose of education is to nurture this domain through not only designing suitable curricula, syllabi but also by providing sufficient practical and demonstration classes with all the necessary equipment.

The third domain is called COGNITIVE DOMAIN. Cognitive domain incorporates accurate perspective, contemplation, correct perception understanding, conceptualization, analysis and recall of problems, ability to evaluate, synthesize, correlate and make decisions, appropriate policies, plans and expertise in the management, administration, etc.

It is clear that all the domains have three components viz. Cognition [Perception], affect [Feelings] and conation [Response].

Let us consider the traditional system in a dispassionate manner and scrutinize the merits and demerits. It is obvious that we will not be able to consider all the details of the system as they varied from time to time and from place to place. But a general review of the system would help us in rectifying the present education system.

We may argue here that this task can not be accomplished by common people, but can be successfully accomplished only by the politicians, political advisors, the decision-makers and the top administrators. This argument is valid, but not completely. It has to be appreciated that no statesman, no political leader, no policy maker and no administrator can bring about change in an existing system unless, there is a consensus in the vast majority of people whose cooperation in such matters is very vital.

So let us take at least a cursory look at the merits and demerits of traditional system of education in India.
a] Careers were not selected on the basis of monetary gains,
b] Careers were not selected arbitrarily on the basis of idiosyncrasies and whims,
c] Some lucrative careers could not be sought after obsessively, in preference to the others,
d] All careers ensured income and production from early age,
e] All careers ensured that society was benefited,
f] All careers ensured security to all the social groups,
g] All the careers ensured intimacy and closeness between young and old in the families.
h] All careers ensured ethical education and passage of experience from generation to generation.

But it is also true that, the traditional system was apparently marked by deprivation of scholastic education on mass scale, apparently unjustifiable distribution of a variety of jobs, deficient infrastructure for collective scientific and technological efforts, an element of arbitrary imposition of hierarchy etc.

But the point here is to see how to preserve and nurture the merits and discard the demerits; and establish the basis and blue print of holistic education.

As the education shifted from homes, home industries and farms to; nurseries, K.G. schools, schools, colleges, universities, corporate industries, research institutions etc.
Cognition suffered because of:
a] Huge number of students, in a single class making following three things almost impossible. These things are i] individual attention ii] dialogue iii] discussions,
b] Lack of adequate salary, accountability, incentive and economic security to the teachers taking away the initiative of nurturing cognitive domain
c] Increase in alienation with respect to student�s background and aptitude
d] Lack of adequate incentive to the students in the form of creativity, production and earning, service to the family and service to the nation, takes away the motivation required for building up cognitive domain
e] Lack of conviction essential in the growth of cognitive domain in the teachers and students because of outdated practical and demonstration classes, lack of interdisciplinary dialogue and in general the irrelevance of education to the realities of day to day life in as much as almost predictable consecutive unemployment at the end! The lack of conviction could be partly due to lack of participation by teachers in decision-making, policy making, development of curricula, syllabi etc.
f] Emphasis on recall and hence rote learning thereby denying free inquiry, reading, questioning etc. thereby directly thwarting the cognitive domain
g]] Too many examinations with irrelevant parameters or criteria of evaluation [besides being unfair in many instances] lead to misguided and in most cases counterproductive efforts thus adversely affecting the cognitive domain
h] Competitions where the manipulative skills, callousness, selfishness are given more respect, destroy the enthusiasm of growing in cognitive domain
i] Information explosion can affect cognitive domain by either causing enormous and unnecessary burden on memory or inferiority complex
j] Pressure of interviews causing constant tension and sense of inadequacy, right from the tender age,
k] Protracted hours of homework in schools denying the students their legitimate right to enjoy their childhood and make them physically, mentally and intellectually unfit to grow in cognitive domain
l] Irrelevant and unnecessary information loading in lectures in the form of monologue, leading to suppression of the spontaneity, originality, interest and enthusiasm so much required in cognitive development amongst the students,

Affective domain suffered due to,
A] Isolation of the children from their parents and their domestic environment at an early age [Making the parents also equally sad]
B] Lack of warm bonds due to huge number,
C] Cut throat individualistic and petty competition,
D] Inadequate facilities of sports, trekking, educational tours, recreation and physical development etc
E] Alienation from one�s social environment and culture

Psychomotor domain suffered due to
A] Almost total lack of opportunities to actually participate in skillful activities such as drawing, painting, sewing, sculpturing, carpentry, knitting, weaving, music, agriculture, horticulture, other handicrafts, various sports, performing arts etc.
It is important to realize that promotion of psychomotor domain is evident but in its caricature form. It has no concrete economic realistic basis. The activities have no economic incentive and no productive element.

The present education system in India; basically and almost completely prevents a huge section of society such as teachers, students, clerks, servants, sweepers and many others such as education inspectors, etc. from being creative and productive. In addition it causes colossal loss of space, electricity, construction cost and so on. In addition because of the typical emphasis on rote learning it leads to phenomenal waste of educational material such as paper, bags, pencils, ball pens etc.

Lack of productive element in education not only causes colossal loss to nation but it also causes economic loss to children while suppressing and starving their psychomotor domain! The lack of productive element and economic incentive is a single most important cause of

1] Reduction in the dignity of labor amongst those who continue to learn, as well as reduction in the income of the concerned families and the nation
2] Lack of education, lack of employment and starvation or criminalization amongst those who are forced to drop out because the poor villagers� children normally contribute to the earning of the family.
3] Inhuman suffering of those dropouts, who somehow manage to get into cheap labor for subsistence.

It has to be appreciated that billions of rupees are spent on construction, decoration and maintenance of schools and colleges. Billions more are spent on payment of millions of teachers and other staff members engaged in unproductive exercises. Billions are spent on electricity, and so called educational material. Billions more are spent on the exams conducted to test the �capacity and merit of rote learning�. This way we weaken the national economy, jeopardize the developmental activities and force millions of students to drop out due to economic reasons and get into the hell of child labor, besides starving and suppressing the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of millions. In short, present day education system harnesses [amongst those who continue to learn] arrogance coupled with lack of confidence leaving all the domains viz. cognitive, psychomotor and affective, [including creative and productive skills and physical health] defective, deficient and underdeveloped. Further, when this education fails to give a job, it tends to create vindictive attitude transforming an individual into a criminal or develops frustration and transforms an individual into a mental wreck.

It must be appreciated that some institutions and individuals are making illustrious efforts in the direction of rectifying the education at their level.

But the problem of child labor cannot be managed effectively, unless we propagate this conceptual understanding about education and try to see that suitable changes are made to nurture cognitive, affective, psychomotor and productive domains all over the world.

In short it can be stated that every school, college, university etc must become the centers of production and service besides being centers excellence in science, art, literature, philosophy etc.

The student must have economic incentive for what he/she is privileged to make. Besides, everybody connected with education directly or indirectly must be involved in production or service.
Everyday approximately
20 % of the time must be spent in production, service etc.
20 % of the time must be spent in physical activities
20 % of the time must be spent in personality development and
20 % of the time must be spent in entertainment
20 % of the time must be spent on cognitive domain
Production may be of suitable items and service can involve community projects such plantation, cleanliness etc.
Physical activities can include sports, exercise, trekking, hiking etc.
Personality development refers to broadening of perspective through various means such as invited guest lectures, seminars, discussions on holistic health, educational tours and visits to places where the student gets exposed to rapid developments in the society such as laboratories, airports, government offices, share market, farms etc.
Entertainment could include playing musical instruments, dance, painting or anything that makes a student happy such as mimicry, singing, story telling, drama, movie etc.
Development of cognitive domain can include teaching of languages, history, geography, mathematics etc with utmost emphasis on interpretation and relevance in day to day life.

Thus typical questions in the examination of history, languages should be totally done away with. The subject such as economics, psychology, civics, philosophy, logic, sociology etc must include field work and made relevant to the present society.
Child labor can not be stopped effectively unless and until a situation where millions are �imprisoned� in unproductive work and millions are forced into unemployment and inhuman cheap child labor is eradicated through law and government rules, besides public awareness.

The details of practical steps can be developed by interactions amongst the people active in the field of education all over the world.

Can practice of NAMASMARAN by everyone; prove useful in this? But what is NAMASMARAN?

Namasmaran means; remembering the name of God, Guru, great souls; such as prophets and holy objects such as planets and stars. It may be remembered silently, loudly, along with music, dance, along with breathing, in group or alone, either with counting by rosary (called SMARANI or JAPAMALA) or without counting. The traditions vary from region to region and from religion to religion.

However the universal principle underlying
NAMASMARAN is to reorient our physiological being with our true self. In fact while reorienting with true self we aim to establish and strengthen the bond or connection; between; our physiological being; with our true self. We aim at reunification within ourselves!

Since remembering our true self is the pinnacle of or culmination of individual consciousness and individual consciousness is the culmination of every activity in life, remembering any name of God or Guru (any symbol of your true self) is equivalent to opening the final common pathway for the individual consciousness associated with every possible activity to get funneled into or unified with objective or cosmic consciousness.

Thus NAMASMARAN is in fact the YOGA of YOGA in the sense that it is the culmination of consciousness associated with every possible procedure and technique in the yoga that you are familiar with. It is the YOGA of YOGA because it is the culmination of consciousness associated with all the activities in the universe, which it encompasses as well! It is YOGA of YOGA because everybody in the world irrespective of his/her tradition and the beliefs; would eventually, ultimately and naturally reach it; in the process of liberation. Even so called non believers also would not �miss� the �benefit of remembering the true self through one symbol or another�!

Just as NAMASMARAN is YOGA of YOGA it is meditation of meditation also! It is the natural and ultimate climax of every form of meditation.

These facts however have to be realized with persistent practice of NAMSMARAN and not blindly believed or blindly disbelieved with casual approach!

In short NAMSMARAN is super-bounty of cosmic consciousness for every individual to realize it (cosmic consciousness)! This is truly a super-bounty because a person, who experiences it, rises above mercenary, commercial and even professional and charity planes and manifest super-transactions in his or her life!

These are just few observations to give rough idea about what is NAMASMARAN. NAMASMARAN is an ocean of bliss. Its true meaning is beyond description in words and has to b experienced, most preferably, by billions!

NAMASMARAN can certainly help in evolving holistic education and eradicating child labor; and holistic education in turn can universalize NAMASMARAN! In fact; NAMASMARAN can enlighten and empower us to firmly assert; universally benevolent perspective and policies, which blossom the individuals and the universe; in turn; to universalize the NAMASMARAN!

However; we should not merely believe, disbelieve, imagine, conjecture, or theorize casually; about all this; and develop presumptions, prejudices, liking, acceptance, disliking, rejection or respect; and should not go into uncertainty, dilemma, indecision, wavering, and vacillations! Instead; we should provisionally accept and actually study and verify TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT and NAMASMARAN.