What is Vedic Maths, and how is it relevant?
Maths! The world echoes magic to some, fear to others. The latter ones are of a larger number I reckon. Mathematics is more than just numbers. It is a confluence of numbers, quantity and space. There is no standard definition of maths as such. But the most widely accepted one is that it is a study of a particular system of symbols and rules for organizing them. The most pervasive concern of students across the globe is that they find it time and energy-consuming. Many students also complain that they don’t get sufficient “get” maths and hence lag in class. This leads to creating a weak structure of the concepts that is destined to collapse at some point. Just like a pack of cards! This is where the concept of Vedic Maths eases the experience of learning mathematics.This ancient Indian discipline traces its roots to the Vedas. Vedas are ancient Indianscriptures which are known to be the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. Precisely, theAtharvaveda has details of the origins of the Vedic mathematics practice. It is said to be oneof the fastest means of calculation of modern-day mathematical problems. VedicMathematics found its true recognition when it was popularised by Vedic Guru Sri BharatiKrishna Tirthaji from 1911 to 1918. Sri Tirthaji was one of the pioneers of VedicMathematics. He founded 16 stutras and sub-stutras, which aided in more comfortable andfaster mathematical calculation. The essence of Vedic Mathematics was so profound as calculations could be performedwithin the blink of an eye, without much effort. The techniques were easily understandableand helped in solving difficult mathematical problems in no time. Let us try to understand thismagical technique, with the help of an example. Suppose we intend to multiply 999 and 998.These are three-digit numbers, the calculation of which are both complex and time taking.But through Vedic Mathematics, this can be done in a matter of seconds. 999 is one lessthan 1000 and 998 is two less than 1000. Considering the numbers are less than 1000, wecan consider a minus (-) symbol next to the difference between both the numbers. So wecan think that (-2)*(-1) = 2(Result). These numbers(999 and 998) are closer to 1000, and1000 have three zeros. Hence our first portion of the result would be 002. This is therightmost portion of the answer. Now we can cross subtract either the initial two numberswith the difference from 1000. Hence you can do either of the following mentally 999-2= 997or 998-1=997. The left-most portion of the answer is 997. By bringing the two sides together,our final answer will be 997002. Considering both the numbers were closer to 1000. Hencewe take 1000, as base as we call this method BASE 1000 method. Benefits of Vedic Mathematics Lessens Pressure on the Brain Vedic Mathematics advocates a simplistic approach to solving mathematical problems. Ittends to reduce the load of remembering a large amount of information such as themultiplication table of two-digit numbers because it requires you to memorize tables only up to 9. This helps in creating a more clear mind so that calculation can be done with utmostefficacy. Faster Calculation This is a no brainer! The most significant advantage of Vedic Mathematics is that it facilitatesfaster calculation. The Sutras of this ancient disciple helped in deciphering complexcalculations into lucid and straightforward numerical terms, which can be easily calculated inno time. This, in turn, helps in saving a lot of time and energy well. Creativity Vedic Mathematics can be used as an exercise to boost the creative part of the brain.People can train their minds in finding the most efficient or fastest trick to solve a problemwith ease and convenience. This encourages students to be unique in their ways of findingsolutions to various issues. This practice is incredibly helpful in higher education or researchand analytical purposes. Simple Remember how perplexed and obscure you feel when someone asks you the square orcube of a number? Especially if it is a two a three-digit number. Vedic Mathematics reducesthis cumbersome problem of the court, square cube root and cube root etc. Through thisdiscipline, these problems can be solved through mentally and simply. Increasing Concentration Vedic Mathematics has a calming and relaxing effect on the brain. It helps in increasing thevisualization and concentration among kids as it helps in sharpening the mind and improvingthe mental ability of the kids. Hence, the comprehensive development of the brain takesplace through Vedic mathematics. Conclusion Vedic Mathematics is a system of reasoning, punctuated with mathematical understanding.The applications of this discipline are varied. The modern competitive exams requireprecision and efficiency within a stipulated period. Vedic Maths is a great boon for this. It iseasy to apply and gives results in no time. So no more fearing Maths, Vedic Maths can makeyou guys amicable!
A Note on brain Yoga
A Note on brain Yoga Today’s world is extremely competitive and requires you to give your best every time. Perfection may be a fallacy to some, but the modern world is very demanding on those terms. It is pertinent to have a sharp and intellectually profound mind, to shine out of the ordinary; to leave an indelible impression in everyone’s mind. The most profession requires you to have a sharp memory and healthy cognitive brain to perform the allotted tasks. Hence it is essential to develop a holistic approach to enhance the functioning of the brain and garner praises and rewards for your performance. This is where the need for brain yoga comes. Brain yoga is a genre where yoga stimulates the acupressure points of the earlobes. It sends electric signals to the brain, thus triggering it and enhancing the cognitive clarity of the brain. This result is providing for a sharper and calmer brain, which helps in improving the overall performance of the mind and body. The benefits of brain yoga are numerous. Let us see some of them. Impact of brain Yoga on the brain’s gray matter Yoga helps in improving the Hippocampus of the brain. It is a cognitive apparatus, which aids us to learn and grasp things quickly. Hippocampus is primarily responsible for the memory power of the brain. It has been observed that as the cortical thickness of the Hippocampus grows in volume through yoga, the density of the gray matter increases proportionately and thus nurturing the functions of the brain. Making scenes in the head and daydreaming are common to almost everyone is us. The posterior cingulated is the part of the brain, that helps us create stories in our head and excite the imagination and creativity of our brain. So, it mind be challenging at times, to keep the mind static and work concentratively for longer hours. Larger and stronger the posterior cingulate, the mind can concentrate for larger span, without wandering around. This helps in having a realistic approach to everything in life. Yoga increases the density of the posterior cingulate so that the mind is stable and firm. Sleep, facial expressions, processing sensory input, and raw physical functioning are primarily dependent on the pons of the brain. Yoga is said to strengthen the pons. It is a relatively busier part of the mind because it produces neurotransmitters, aiding the various functions of the brain. Some of the other benefits of meditation which helps the brain to be refined and nurtured are as under: Yoga helps in calming the mind and sets in the sense of peace and tranquillity that induces sleep. It allows you to let go of those recurring thoughts that keep drifting off at night. Yoga brings a balance of mind that helping in getting proper sleep and energizing the mind. Yoga can be considered as a force of nature, that helps in developing the overall health of the brain. Research has proved that you can improve your memory and cognitive powers of the brain. Today’s world is extremely demanding, and it is particularly important to have a sharp and analytical brain to prove your worth. Yoga also helps in improving concentration powers, as it is a rare quality to exhibit these days. Yoga acts as a sedator to ensure peace of mind and induces sleep. This, in turn, makes the brain happy and healthy, aiding the brain to take a leap and attain greater heights. It awakens the creative part of the brain and enhances the mind to come up with interesting creative ideas. Anxiety and stress have become synonymous to modern lifestyles. From striking the work-life balance to finding peace of mind, everything is a struggle, and with effort comes stress. Yoga helps to subside anxiety and stress by calming the nerves and providing a sense of tranquillity. Psychologists have asserted that yoga re-engineers the brain in a way that neural pathways responsible for fear and anxious thoughts get weakened and makes the body and mind much calmer. Yoga promotes a sense of harmony and oneness through its practices. Various techniques to yoga are directed towards developing the cognitive skills of the brain by bringing a sense of affinity and compassion. Consequently, it helps in building social connections and interpersonal relationships, making us more compassionate and generous. Yoga is the answer to most mental and physical ailments. It is one of the best-known approaches to ensure a healthy body and mind. Studies show that yoga triggers the genes that can protect you from pain, high blood pressure, and infertility etc. Yoga also induces cell generation in the body. Most of us are indecisive and fickle-minded by nature. We are mostly guided by external influences, rather than internal sanity. Yoga ensures the brain to better focus and pays attention to detail. Research shows that those who practice yoga regularly are prone to witness improved cognitive skills and thereby increasing professional proficiency. Mental health has been receiving recognition and importance, which was long overdue. Self-awareness and self-worth are of utmost importance to lead a balanced life. Yoga advocates various self-actualization techniques, which act as a deterrent to various depressive thoughts and mood swings. Yoga is known to enhance the levels of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin in the body. Research indicates yoga has the capacity to uplift the mood and bring in a relaxing sensation. The nectar of optimism blooms the beautiful flowers of life through yoga. Conclusion The brain is the powerhouse of the body. Hence, utmost precedence must be set to enhancing the overall health of the same to ensure a good lifestyle.
Why is Sanskrit the mother of all Languages?
“Sanskrit”- the word evokes a classical essence of traditional India. The world took a new dimension when India introduced Sanskrit to global literature. The language is said to belong to the Indic group of language families of Indo-European and its descendants, primarily Indo-Iranian and Indo-Aryan. Sanskrit is all about being refined, decorated or produced at its best version. The clarity and beauty of the language are worth the applause. Many religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism use Sanskrit for their religious scripture. Sanskrit is used in various religious ceremonies and functions. Hence it is regarded as the sacred language of the religion. It is said that chanting Sanskrit mantras with a combination of sound and vibration, has many implications on the mind and psyche of the individuals. There is a lot of conjecture about the creator of Sanskrit. Mythological rumour has it that Brahma was the introducer of Sanskrit language to the sages of the celestial bodies. Hence, Dev Vani is the other name of Sanskrit, meaning the language of the Gods. The Western world got exposed to this universal language in the 18th century when similarity was discovered among Greek, Latin and Sanskrit. This was the primary driving force to identify the relation between all Indo- European languages. The forms of Sanskrit have evolved over time. The initial version of Sanskrit was Vedic Sanskrit, which came approximately around 1500-1200 BC. It was essentially an oral system of imparting knowledge from one generation to another. Sanskrit is known as the oldest Indo-Aryan language. It has taken a prominent position in the Indo-European family of languages. Sanskrit has evolved over time, but the gist remains the same. The gamut of the language encompasses a rich tradition of philosophical and religious texts, in addition to poetry, music drama, science and other texts. The earliest known scriptures of Sanskrit traces to the 1st century BCE, such as the few discovered in Ayodhya and Chittorgarh. Amidst various speculations of its origin. Being the mother of all Languages Sanskrit is known to be a heritage of the Indian cultural legacy. It instilled a sense of pride and glory in the Indian cultural life. The characteristics of Sanskrit are quite unique and undeniable. The eloquence, sway and prestige accorded to the language are beyond magnificent. Sanskrit is undoubtedly the mother of all Indian languages. Although it is hard to say that there is a direct relevance or the languages emulated from Sanskrit, it will be a wrong conclusion. But the uncanny influence of Sanskrit on other Indian languages is profound and undeniable.Many ancient scholars and writers have precisely concluded that the gamut of Sanskrit is pervasive throughout the Indian subcontinent and not restricted to one particular region. The scholars testify that the glory of Sanskrit language remains unmatched and the way it has permeated the national life down centuries. From the Vedas to the Upanishads to the Puranas, ranging from works on medicine, astronomy, astrology and mathematics are all written in Sanskrit. Most Indian languages trace its roots to Sanskrit, and if any Indian wants to know his/her mother tongue in the best possible manner, the need to study Sanskrit is undeniable. In a ten well-documented chapter on Sanskrit, scholars have opined that Sanskrit is a panoramic language. Many of the Indian regional languages are heavily influenced by Sanskrit in their scriptures. It is so profound that Sanskrit plays a pivotal role in the grammar and phonetics of these languages. Sanskrit can be regarded as the core of all Indian languages, and thus it is necessary to have an account of this ancient heritage every time we learn any regional language. The literary history of Sanskrit remains unbroken for 4000 years. Many Indians still understand Sanskrit and are even spoken by scholars worldwide. Knowledge alone does not serve in uplifting a community or a country; culture is also equally important. Sanskrit brings culture. The sublime nuances of the language advocate a futuristic vision veiled in a traditional account of beliefs and thoughts, which is very profound and intriguing. Hence, it is imperative that Sanskrit is the most effective means of preserving the cultural ethnicity and heritage of the Indian sub-continent and also aids in consolidating and strengthening the cultural views of the country. Frankly, it is the mother of all Indian languages.
Masterpiece paintings by Indian painters
Art is arguably the most elegantly and subtly vociferous medium of stirring human intellect and creativity. It is profound imagery of pronunciation in a nuanced and intricate manner, without the use of words. The treasure trove of Indian art heritage is phenomenal. Indian artists have painted the world with a new brush of traditional modernization, which has proven to be eloquently refreshing. They have manifested a real sense of sheer brilliance, worthy of universal gaze. Indian painters have some of the most profound masterpieces in their repertoire which have managed to garner universal acclaim. Here is a list of the most prolific art pieces by Indian artistic legends that are true masterpieces. Bharat Mata by Abanindranath Tagore The iconic masterpiece is a rendition of British-ruled India, which is embodied through a saffron-clad woman, holding a book and rosary, emulating a sadhvi. The inspiration for this painting is so iconic that Abindranath Tagore’s Bharat Mata is one of the celebrated portraits of India. The theme is so captivating yet empowering; it exhibits a sense of foresightedness on the part of the painter. Tagore’s idea of India was so liberating for its times, as the country was still a colony of the British Empire. It evokes a sense of dynamic parallelism by depicting India as a Goddess and thus redefining patriotism and respect for the nation. However, it is a seemingly human portrayal which enumerates a symbolic personification of India of our future. Horses by MF Hussain Maqbool Fida Hussain is undoubtedly one of the most talented painters of India. His unprecedented acumen of painting and colours always delineate a sense of brilliance, which is ingenious. His works have a consistent occurrence of some constant muses, that evoke a sense of prolific artistic cognizance. One of the most extraordinary pieces produced by Hussain is the Horses. It is a depiction of the painter’s fascination for encompassment of power and energy through these relatively nimble creatures. The painting shows three horses in bold outlines and tremendous majesty. The painting has managed to fetch crores of rupees at Christie’s auction in 2008. The galloping boasts of the horses are an embodiment of free spirit and power, which Hussain always advocated through his works. Three Pujarinis by Jamini Roy Jamini Roy is a prolific personality of modern India, redefining the spirits of women-empowerment through his artistic manoeuvres. He is a painter par excellence, whose unparalleled execution of ideas through colours and patterns are magnificent. He was a prodigy of Abanindranath Tagore and the founder of the Bengal School of Art. Roy’s repertoire of artistic excellence encapsulates the Indian spirit of life and living. Despite being trained in Western genre of art, he chooses to explore the innate nuance of Indian culture and thereby produce his most iconic creation. It is none other than the Three Pujarins. The painting embodies the essence of India in every stroke. The painter was inspired by the folk art tradition of Bengal and thus used vibrant colours, like most of his works. Three Pujaran depicts three priestesses with almond-shaped eyes wearing indigo colour Bengali style sarees (a subtle hint of the Indigo movement against the British Rule), in a worshipping avatar. The women are poise and grace personified. They have dominant blue eyes and black contour lines. The painter is a treat to the eyes with such a unique splash of colours adorning the canvas. Shakuntala by Raja Ravi Verma Shakuntala is one of the most epic paintings by the erudite artwork of ancient India, Raja Ravi Verma. His works are a fusion of European techniques with an Indian sensibility, defining artistic tastes among people for several decades. Shakuntala is an oil painting, depicting a forlorn love of the whole Shakuntala-Dushyanta saga. Shakuntala is said to be deeply in love with the King, and the painting shows her pretending to remove a thorn from her foot, whilst stealing a glance of her beloved prince Dushyanata. The scene illustrates a youthful exuberance of love, yet nothing suggestive or inappropriate in that manner. The beauty of Shankunta is in her grace and mannerisms rather than symbolism or facial characteristics. Raja Ravi Verma has exceeded his artistic talent by this masterpiece, as it echoes a sense of universal parallelism of love and compassion. Days of Glory by Satish Gujral Satish Gujral is an exemplary Indian painter who took inspiration from the distributing experiences of partition to depict the predicament the painter faced in his formidable years. Days of Glory is ironically a rendition of the overwhelming emotions of bloodshed and sufferings that the painter faced during partition. The masterpiece is a depiction of helplessness, yet with enormous restraint. Amidst such unsettling disturbances, the painting embodies an oxymoronic emotion of compassion and repulsion. As if solidarity is the only response of this utterly morbid circumstance. The painting questions to the moral compass of the authorities and administration who gazed partition with pride and glory. Mahishasura by Tyeb Mehta Tyeb Mehta can be regarded as one of the finest contemporary artists of India. Mahishasura is one of his finest works, which has managed to fetch millions of accolades across the globe. It is particularly intriguing how Mehta drew the strings of personification of a mythological saga of the demolition of the demon by Goddess Durga, in such a lucid and humanitarian context. Despite being ancient imagery, the painting is a depiction of modern mayhem and eradicating the same with optimism and maybe sometimes violence. Conclusion India has been a pioneer in the field of art and culture. The world has seen the most prolific artists emerge from India and garnered universal applause. It is high time we as Indians should take pride in our heritage and celebrate these maestros and their work.
