advance notes

8/14/2019 Advance Notes

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Communication is essentially the transfer of ideas, messages or information from one person to another. It is effective when itgets the desired action or response. Basic communication skillsare essential for continued success, whether personal or professional. At the very base one needs to understand thecommunication process .

Since effective communication is essential for success, you have to make an all-outeffort to improve your communication skills. To do so, job seekers and others those whohave interest to enhance their communication skills can take the following course.

1. To communicate your response, you have to understand the point being made in thequestion. To understand, you have to listen carefully. Listening is the key to your understanding.

2. Plan and conceptualize your thoughts before giving a response. This requires your ability quickly and focuses on the core point. You may take a moments pause tocompose your thoughts before answering, but think before you answer.

3. Sharpen your language skills. Use simple words and short sentences as far aspossible. Strictly avoid long sentences, which can confuse and make you lose track of your talking points. Reading articles and books can help a candidate improve hislanguage skill and participate effectively in the communication process.

4. Remove the fear of failure from the mind. Look at the silver lining of the cloud. Onefailure may be a learning point for success in the next interview. The world is not lostwith one failure in an interview, as long as you are open to learning from the experience.

So, take it easy.

5. Perceive rightly. Be rational and dont rush into a judgment without analyzing themessage. Try to perceive the message from the point of view of the sender.

6. Make it a habit to put down thoughts on a piece of paper, if you are not comfortablewith mental conceptualization. Then, try to verbalize them.

7. Avoid needless communication. It takes away your valuable time and also tends toexpose your inconsistency. Answer to the point with relevant information, and do notresort to long elaboration.

8. Be mindful about the body language of the receiver. Quite often, the interviewersbody language conveys the signal about your effectiveness and correctness of answer. Itwill also tell you when to stop. If you dont stop soon, you may be at a disadvantage.


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Facilitating Communication

In addition to removal of specific barriers to communication, the following generalGuidelines may also facilitate communication.

1. Have a positive attitude about communication. Defensiveness interferes withCommunication.2. Work at improving communication skills. It takes knowledge and work. Thecommunication model and discussion of barriers to communication provide thenecessary knowledge. This increased awareness of the potential for improvingcommunication is the first step to better communication.

3. Include communication as a skill to be evaluated along with all the other skillsin each person's job description. Help other people improve their communicationskills by helping them understand their communication problems.

4. Make communication goal oriented. Relational goals come first and pave theway for other goals. When the sender and receiver have a good relationship, theyare much more likely to accomplish their communication goals.

5. Approach communication as a creative process rather than simply part of thechore of working with people. Experiment with communication alternatives. Whatworks with one person may not work well with another person. Vary channels,listening techniques, and feedback techniques.

6. Accept the reality of miscommunication. The best communicators fail to haveperfect Communication. They accept miscommunication and work to minimize itsnegative impacts.

Communication is at the heart of many interpersonal problems faced by farmemployers. Understanding the communication process and then working atimprovement provide managers a recipe for becoming more effectivecommunicators. Knowing the common barriers to communication is the first stepto minimizing their impact. Managers can reflect on how they are doing and makeuse of the ideas presented in this paper. When taking stock of how well you aredoing as a manager, first ask yourself and others how well you are doing as a

communicator.

Communication has its own importance in all aspects of life. Communicationbecomes easy only when the information is shared in simple and plain terms.Many of us make several mistakes in communication. Such mistakes are alwaysunnoticed by us and we never try to rectify those.


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Here are the 10 common communication mistakeslisted out.

1. Talking fast and rapidly:

This is the most common mistake a person makes while communicating with others. A clear conversation is more

clearly understandable. While talking too fast makes the listener impatience and confused.

2. Talking too much:

The proverb empty vessel makes more noise, will be the best match for this mistake. Likewise people will

evaluate you to be an empty vessel when you talk more. Usage of short verbal conversation is always appreciated

and welcomed every where.

3. To follow up basic verbal etiquette:

While conversing with others basic manners and etiquette has to be followed. The conversation will loose its

values if it does not have mannered words in them.

4. Negative body language:

Negative body postures and signs make the listener irritant and unease to listen or communicate with. So to make

the communication more brilliant negative body languages should be avoided.

5. Mastery over listener:

While having a conversation, avoid dominating your partner or listener. Give him/her the opportunity to share their

opinion. Never go for a monologue way of conversation.

6. Interruption:

For a good communication, avoid interrupting in the middle when one person is talking. When a person is talkingtry to listen and understand and then ask excuse for the interrupting and then tell your suggestions or comments.

Otherwise wait for him/her to finish and then share your thoughts.

7. Contradicting talks:

Never bring in contradiction during a conversation, especially when talking with the higher authorities or your own

boss. This may cause unnecessary troubles and misunderstanding.

8. Poor contribution:

There are few people who listen and take information from others, but never contribute their suggestions. This is

also a big communication mistake, because the communication again turns to monologue patterns.

9. Undesired advices:

There are people who give immediate advices for any problem told by others. So, the listener may again get

restless and the communication is finally end. So, even while suggesting advices see that whether it is really

required or not.

10. Loose talks:

Avoid talking unnecessary matters. Talk only to the pertained topic. This saves time and energy for both conversing

people.


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Job markets increase, grades go up and new friends are made. You will benefitgreatly from learning English simply because so many people speak the Englishlanguage. New horizons and opportunities will expand before your eyes. Use the

following tips to help you in your language learning process for your job.

Have desire Want to learn a new language. Learning English requires lot o f study and dedication. Only true

desire will keep you motivated.

Know your motive Why do you want to learn English? Is it to help you in school, your business or something

else? Identify your reason and remember it when you are having a hard time.

Set goals Set goals for yourself whether it be learning twenty words a week or giving a presentation in English

at work next month. Goals will keep you motivated.

Study a little each day Studying formally for at least 3060 minutes a day will help you retain what you learn.

At the beginning of each study session, review what you learned in the lesson before.

Make a set study schedule Set aside a specific time for study each day. That way you are less likely to skip

your lessons.

Study out loud Pronounce the words out loud to yourself as you study. You will remember them more easily

and you will be able to practice your pronunciation at the same time.

Use different learning methods Language can be learned through different activities such as speaking,

reading, writing, and associating pictures with words. Find out which method works best for you and use a variety

of other methods for practice.

Practice speaking Practice the language you have learned as much as possible.

Don't be afraid Never be afraid to try speaking to other people even if you dont know everything. They will

appreciate your efforts.

Surround Yourself Surround yourself with English. Read it, listen to it, watch it and speak it with others .


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The most commonly used tools for the selection process is thepersonal interview. An interview is a conversation with a purposebetween two persons or groups of persons. They are done not onlyfor the purpose of recruitment or selection for a post, but also togather information from someone important.

Even through it is a two-way traffic, it is mostly seen that theemployed is the one who asks questions and the interviewee issupposed to reply. Different purposes of a personal interview are to rate a candidate for his physical appearance, educationachievement and qualification, level of intelligence, background,interests and aptitude, There are different types of interviews, like:

1. Informal Interview: This is the type of interview that isconducted in an informal setting. The interview can be held at theresidence of the managing director for the post of a legal consultant.Similarly, many senior level job assignments are finalized duringdinner at some hotel or restaurant.2. Formal interview: This is the interview that is conducted mostcommonly for recruitment of personnel. In such interviews thecandidate is called for an interview at a particular location and time.The candidate is required to answer questions asked, based on theoutcome of which he is rated for selection.3. Patterned Interview: To maintain a uniform approach there arefew interviews where a set pattern of questions are asked. In suchpatterned interview the choice of person conducting the interview isrestricted and the selection criteria are also limited within a set

frame.4. Depth Interview: In such a interview, questions are based upona specific area of the interviewees interest. In a depth interview theperson has to answer in detail. The academic competence andknowledge is tested thoroughly in such type of interviews.5. Stress Interview: For the selection of supervisor and executivepositions, it is of equal importance to judge the suitability of individual competence based on stress endurance along withknowledge and intelligence. Therefore a candidate is required toappear for the stress interview. In such and interview a person is

required to respond to a tress situation and the assessment is doneon the basis of the response.6. Group Interview: When we are required to perform a task in agroup the selection is done in a group interview and the candidatealong with a group is asked to solve a particular problem. Theperformance and behavior is, however, assessed and ratedindividually.


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7. Panel Interview: For a senior level position selection, a panel of experts selects the candidate.

Personality and behavior traits are very important for performingwell in interviews. Interviews, at times, become a hurdle between

success and failure for persons just out of college. You have topresent your competence for a particular job within a short period of fifteen to forty five minutes. The candidate is assessed for hisbehaviour, mannerism, attitude, IQ, stress enduring, capability,general awareness, knowledge of the subjects studied and mentalframe of mind to take up the position for which he/she has applied.For a young student it is important that he prepares well for crossingthis hurdle. He must be ready for the competitive writtenexaminations as well as for the face to face interview

Listed below are a few interview do nots and usual reasons forfailure in interviews that every candidate should keep in mind:

The candidate should not lack self-confidence or appear shaky. The hello-effect of the candidate should be impressive to the

interviewing board. Poor communication skills are an absolute put-off. Body language must not reflect negativity. The candidate must not lack the relevant subject knowledge.

There is a difference between self confidence and overconfidence. Even if the expectation level of the candidate is

high, he should not exhibit arrogance. The candidates background and family history are important. The candidate must have reasonable amount of Knowledge

about the company and the industry in which he has applied

for employment. The candidate must not be improperly dressed or lack a sense

of hygiene. If the interview board is harsh, the candidate must not lose his

or her cool during the interview. The candidate must give a focused reply.


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Also, at time, the number of candidates is very large and board

members are unable give sufficient time to each candidate for

answering. Thus, answers should be as precise as possible.

10 Simple rules of InterviewRule I-Behave as you are: A person facing an interview isgenerally nervous and does not behave as his or her normal self. Hetries to follow the set guidelines that he has been told and in theprocess becomes very stiff and unnatural. Do not act, be yourself.

Rule II-Reach the interview site well before time: The earlyarrival at the interview venue will give you time to understand theoffice culture, the local etiquette and the expectation of the officeand a chance to adapt to the particular environment. Reaching inadvance also gives you the time to make yourself comfortable andmore presentable by giving you time to freshen up. The settling timewill help you to handle difficult situation properly.

Rule III -Try to know the company: The interview board expectsyou to know what the company is doing and what the industrynorms the company is in are. Prepare from all sources such as theinternet, company brouchers and other sources, if any. Try to findout the companys area of operation and expansion /diversificationplans for which they are recruiting people.

Rule IV-Be focused: The purpose of your appearing for theinterview is that you are looking for a job. The questions asked bythe board will at times derail your prepared answers and will takeyou to a different direction. Try to be focused about your strengthareas and the requirements of the company concerned. Try to be asshort and straight as possible while dealing with a controversialissue.

Rule V-Behave as if you are already in the job: When a personapplies for the job of a front desk manager, the interview board will

like to see him in that pretext and would judge him keeping thatperson in the mould of a manager. If he starts feeling and behavinglike a manager, half the work is done.


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Rule VI-Be genuine and honest: Never lie to the board members.It is very easy for them to judge the truth or falsity of any statementor claim. Besides, everyone would like to reward your honesty.

Rule VII-Never answer question about which you are not

sure : If you are honest in staying that you do not know the answer,people will appreciate it more than if you guess something absurd.

Rule VIII-Wish all members before and after the interview: Ithas been noticed that many candidates do not feel it necessary towish the members and many others skip it due to nervousness. Itdoes not give a good first impression of the candidate if he does notwish the board members.

Rule IX-Mind your body language: It is extremely important tomind your body language in the interview as you meticulously planthe words you utter.

Rule X-Anticipate the probable questions:

When we are to appearfor an interview we do have a clue as to what questions the board willask. Say, a person has an education gap of two years mentioned inhis CV. The board would like to know what the candidate was doingduring that period. Similarly, a housewife applying for a teachers postwill in all probability be asked about her routine for the day. Well-

prepared answers for irritating questions will help you fare better inthe interview.

Most people mistakes physical attributes of an individual as his/her personality. They talk about a marvelous personality when they may just he referring to an individuals stature fair


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complexion or chiseled features.Well, if you thought that personality has anything to do with height, good looks, complexion or the physique of a person. It is time you re-think what you think you know. Any physicalshortcomings can hardly influence of his personality traits such as superior character and

behavior, and not by other mundane and frivolous considerations.

As per modern management concept, "personality is the BRANDIMAGE of an individual .

It is simple made up of three broad aspects namely:

1. Character

2. Behavioral traits

3. Attitude

Personality development is the improvement of behavioral traits such as communicationskills, interpersonal relationships, attitude towards life and restoring our ethics. Character is the

prerequisite to achieving a better individual personality. There are several behavioral scientistswho argue that improving behavioral traits in a short-cut course of fifteen days to develop

personality can effectively influence others and help win the race. But we must never forget that

excellent behavioral traits such as communication skills, interpersonal relationships, higher order of motivational levels and excellent leadership qualities also fail miserably at the time of crisis if not based on solid character foundation.

Behavior is just the showcase of the larger inventory inside a person, i.e. character. If personality is developed on the solid based of values and ethics, it will last forever. Fake smilesand mannerisms are short-lived and do not help in improving ones personality.

Good behavior and co-operation makes a man popular. As a result the possibilities of his progress and success increasingly multiply. The feeling of help and gratitude towards others notonly adds to human qualities in a person but also increases his characteristic qualities.

Different people have different opinions about what makes a mans personality complete.There are several behavioral scientist who have the view point that character does not form a part

of personality, but Steven Covey, one of the alltime great authors and motivators says that the best of behavioral traits fail if they are not based on the solid foundation of character.

The person who wants to improve his personality has to have desire and determination ; hehas to identify the direction for his goals to achieve it. Once all the above three steps are taken hehas to dedicate himself to the task of achieving his goal. We need to develop personality traitsthat are very unique. Blindly following someone else who is successful will never take you in thedirection right for you.

Start Practising to do these points before you face an interview


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Listen to native speakers Pay careful attention to native speakers using English.Observe the way they pronounce the words and how they use them.

Pronunciation is key Imitate native English sounds as closely as you can. The moreclosely you pronounce words like native speakers, the better you will be understood.

Use good resources Use dictionaries, workbooks, software and any other resourcethat will allow you to practice and expand your language.

Use what you know Even if you know relatively little English, you should use whatyou know. You will be surprised at how much you can communicate with a few words or phrases.

Speed it up Get used to listening to the language at normal speed. It will seem fast atfirst, but the more you know, the more it will sound normal.

Don't get stuck If you dont know a certain word, work your way around it. Usedifferent words and actions to explain it, but dont give up.

Have fun! Learning a new language is fun and exciting. Recognize your progress anduse your language for ultimate enjoyment.


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Here are the keys to successful job interviewing. Follow these simple rulesand you should achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.

Do's:

Arrive 10 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.

Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills andbackground to the position requirements throughout the interview.

Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.

Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.

Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once

you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a

better rapport.

Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.

Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture. These are simple but important things that

are easy to forget to do during an interview.

Don'ts: Do not say "I have other offers but, yours pays a lot more and that's why I'm interested."

Do not say "I have demonstrated experience. Here, look at all of this..." Then proceed to hand over stacks of

paper including old reports, references, marketing plans, misc papers etc.

Do not offer any documents unless asked.

Do not wear cologne/perfume or smoke that day. Pop a mint 1/2 hour before. Smells can put people off. Make

sure you and your breath smell great!

Never bring a gun into an interview. Yes, someone came into my office one day and it fell right out of their

briefcase onto the floor. Not good

Never walk around your interviewer's desk and show them something on their own computer.

When asked: Why did you leave your job? Do not say: "My old boss was a jerk and the company was going

bankrupt." Come up with some better answers. Be creative, turn negatives into positives.

Turn your cell phone off. Never ever answer your cell phone during an interview and talk to the person calling!

Do not chew gum. Do not touch anything on the interviewers desk or try to peek at anything.

Do not preen your clothes, hair or fidget with a pen etc. Keep still and keep your hands/arms in an open confident

position. Never cross your arms, stare or lean back like you're in a lazy boy.

Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some newtalent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity thatwas at hand." Bruce Barton

Be confident and smart with your answers. Think first and you will do great.


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The topic that was under discussion would have been completely analysed and reviewed by both the speaker and

the listener in case of a smooth communication. Both the speaker and the listener can be benefited through such a

neat communication. This type of smooth ending conversation only is required for finding a solution to any sought

of problem. If the conversation looses its temper, etiquette, and control over the words and language will end up in

a hot arguments. Such controversial arguments can be avoided by following these simple and useful tips.

1. While beginning, the discussion make sure that you would never select any controversial topic. Avoid entering

into such topics which may lead to some arguments. Generally avoid topics on marriage, divorce, politics, personal

relationships etc. So, be away from such controversial topics.

2. Always have a track on the observer or your listeners posture to make sure that they are comfort with the

conversation. Make sure that they feel at ease during with the topics and matter of discussion.

3. Have control over your words and language. Never utter a word that is going to begin an argument.

4. Never allow any development of anger to the listener. If you find so, immediately change the topic.

5. Give time for the listener to pass his comments and opinions. Never show your power on the listener. Give

him/her a chance to speak and share their comments also.

6. Have control over your volume and tone. Dont raise your voice and add to the tension of the listener.

7. Avoid talking controversial topics over phone and email.

8. If the listener drives the topic to a controversial argument, be frank enough to say that you are not comfort with

the topic and change the topic of discussion.

1. Build up your Creativity


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You should have a new clear idea which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topics. It is highly

appreciated when you have creative thinking and speak anything which has new information.

The examiner will keenly watch you in this perspective. So try to build up your creativity.

2. Bring out your ability to inspire others

All the team members should participate and they should be given chance to express their own ideas.

If some are not getting opportunity to give their ideas , give them an opportunity and you will be seen as positive

trait.

3. Improve your Listening skill

You should have a strong listening skill and it will help you to grab ideas of others. Listen to others and get more

information.

4. Try to be initiative

First impression is the best impression. So try to initiate and start the group discussion only if you are well versed

with your topic. Without preparation don't enter in task. If you stammer or blubber it may create a false feeling upon

you.

5. Take a role of Leadership

Leadership role is not given to all. Your behavior is keenly noticed and there should be some skills to possess the

leadership role.

Leadership qualities requires

-----directing the group in the proper way when it moves away from the topic------should appreciates the different team members in the group discussion

-----should inspires and also should motivates the team members to bring out their points.

6. Be very Assertive

Express your points in the positive manner. It shows your emphatic, and positive manner. You can be very

assertive person and it displays you positive body language.

7. Reasoning Ability

Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at the group discussion. Try tobuild up your reasoning ability and it will show you how good you are in group discussion.

Active participation is very important and it will help your group to achieve a goal and improve your confidence

level.


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The first and the foremost thing which you have to remember is that you should think about what your are going to

say or speak about. Speaking too much is always not recommended. So we should be aware of want we are going

to speak in front of public. See to it that you don't give the other members and people around you the wrong

impression by committing statements that are not clear.

Make sure the you fulfill the tasks of any role that you have been given. If suppose you have been give a role of

team leader or head to your group, it is important to make sure you carry it out to the best of your abilities. If you

agree to specific role, don't think to change it and it would bring a negative thought about you. While the discussion

if you don't understand any statement or question that has been made by someone else, please do ask them to

clarify it to you. Without a clear idea you cannot proceed it and you may not feel comfortable to proceed it.

Conflict is very dangerous in the group discussion and it should be avoided as much as possible. You should give

respect to the other members also. It is very important to look at things from their perspective also. So please

agree with their views also and avoid the conflict which arises during group discussion.

If you are given to take the responsibility of a team and given a leader post you should first make sure that

everyone in your team participates or not. You should consider everyone with equal importance and see that

whether they are given equal amount to time to voice their views. If you see some members in partial and someare not fit to speak there arise conflicts. Here we can judge where the group will determine the success or failure

through their attitude.

If you don't agree with the statement, instead of saying "that doesn't make any sense," it would be better to say "I

don't know if I agree. Could you elaborate?" When you use this statement, it will not be as offensive as the other

statement. You should never ridicule the idea or statement of another member by calling it dumb or stupid. Instead,

you could simply say you disagree with them, and offer an explanation of why your feel the way you do. To give

another example, instead of using the statement "that is not what the assignment asked us to do" you could say

that "I think it would be better if we refer back to the assignment."

First see to it that if you want your group to be success it is very important to avoid conflict statements. Conflictstatements will lead to problems between you and other members and it will cause less productive to you team.

We can always see the disagreed statement which

by using phrases such as " it may be better to......" or "have you ever though about doing it this way? It should be

easy to see the difference between these two phrases and the first one.

Once the conflict has started it is very difficult to deal with. So please avoid conflict during group discussion.

Everyone in this world are different and have their own idea and thoughts and differ from others. However, they

should be respectful in how they deal with the differences. Using statements and questions which avoid conflict will

allow you to be respected by the other members, and you can help the group successfully move forward. Respect

the opinions of others, and never try to push your ideas on the other members. Remember, the purpose of having

a group discussion is to solve problems, not create them.

TOPICS FOR G.D.


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1. Indian cultural values have nothing to fear from globalization2. The impact of economic reforms has been that rich people have become richer rich and poor people poorer.3. Management education is only for the rich.4. Reservation in parliament for women.5. The US dollar is no longer a stable currency.6. Impact of Internet in India.7. Behind every man there is a woman.8. Politicians are not interested in the future of our country.9. Wisdom does not come with age.10. Corruption is the main outcome of democracy.

11. Is the consumer really the King in India?

12. Globalization verses Nationalism.

13. Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane?

14. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for protecting if not

encouraging corruption.

15. Commercialization of health care: good or bad?

16. Should agricultural subsidies be stopped?

17. Do we lag behind China?

18. Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies?

19. Food comes first, ethics later!

20. To survive in the civilized world one needs to be a hypocrite.

21. Money is the sixth sense without which one can't enjoy the other five.

22. English language as a mode of instruction in primary level.

23. Men and Women are different.

24. Given the present state of affairs, India will remain a developing country forever.

25. IIM's and IT's encourage only brain drain.

26. Whether reservation to women is beneficial?

27. There is no alternative to Pokhran nuclear test in present scenario.

28. Modern cinema is a boon to Indian society.

29. Should youth indulge in politics?30. US war on Iraq-justified or not.

31. Role of UN in peacekeeping.

32. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.

33. Environment Management.

34. Is China better than India in software?

35. Should SONIA Gandhi be made the PM

36. BPOs in INDIA

37. Gov. contribution to IT

38. Will punch lines rule the Advertisements?

39. Premarital sex

40. India or west, which is the land of opportunities

41. Water resources should be nationalized

42. "BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"

43. Is it necessary to ban COCO COLA in India?

44. About Hockey being the primary game in India.


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45. Cricket should be banned or not.

46. Present state of Indian Cricket team.

47. Love marriage/Arranged marriage.

48. Advantages of CO-education.

49. How to deal with international terrorism.

50. Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?

51. A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.

52. What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?

53. Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.

54. Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.

55. What India needs is a Dictatorship.

56. With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.

57. Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.

58. Beauty contests degrade womanhood

59. The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India

60. Six billion and one bronze!

61. Is dependence on computers a good thing?

62. Should the public sector be privatized?

63. Is India a Soft Nation?

64. Value based politics is the need of the hour

65. Religion should not be mixed with politics

66. How to deal with high oil prices

67. Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing

68. Why can't we be world players in industry as we are in software?

69. Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?

70. Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).

71. Should there be private universities?

72. Do banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?

73. Are Big Dams Necessary?

74. A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly

75. Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.

76. The education system needs serious reforms

77. The impact of MTV on our psyche

78. Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television.

79. Let us legalize gambling

80. The objective of Management is to maximize profits

81. Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses?

82. The Internet is an exercise in hype

83. Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth.

84. Dot com or doubt com?


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85. The Wheel is Turning Round and Round

86. There is no right way to do a wrong thing

87. Group Task: How can we have Mount Everest in India?

88. Do Beauty and Brains Go Together?

89. Marriage is a social trap

90. Secularism has become a tool to justify the wrongs done by the minorities.

91. Media is a mixed blessing/How ethical is media?

92. To fight Aids, stop being coy about sex education.

93. What should India strive for- Westernization or modernization?

94. Developing countries need trade, not aid.

95. Flexibility of labor laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.

96. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalization of politics.

97. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so that they can elect the right

aspirant by their own assessment.

98. India should go for the presidential form of democracy.

99. In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than doing

100. Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for corruption.

1. Public sector is more a hindrance than help to promote socialism.

2. Economic betterment of the poorer nations is as important as disarmament to ensure lasting world peace.

3. From public sector to privatization as in the U.K., is the right answer for India's instant economic breakthrough.

4. The doctrine of "limited nuclear war" is an ill-convinced, ill- logical, irrational and extremely dangerous concept.

5. Some simple but effective electoral reforms will enable us to retain the present parliamentary system and ensurethe preservation of democracy in India.

6. We must have only two national parties to contest parliamentary elections and regional parties should not be

allowed to contest for the same.

7.We can increase our food production not only to match our population explosion but also for export provided we

adopt modern, mechanized farming methods with large size land holdings.

8. Nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.

9. Private enterprise and not public sector will contribute to faster and higher economic growth in India.

10. Inflation is inevitable in our developing country.

11. The policy of reservation is a legacy of the British and it has done more harm than good.

12. Do you think MBAs are useful in the manufacturing / production department?

13. For a marketing post graduate, without prior work experience working in a big marketing firm is a disadvantage

when compared with working in a small firm. Discuss.14. Consumerism is destroying the social fabric of Indian culture.

15 Free markets is a prerequisite for growth.

16. Cricket as a national obsession is a detriment to other sports.

17. To develop India has to empower women.

18. Formulate the government's health policy to control the spread of AIDS.


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19. Advertising is a waste of resources.

20. Privatization will lead to less corruption.

21. State is the biggest violator of human rights.

22. There can never be a classless society.

23. Beauty pageants are a marketing gimmick.

24. Voting rights to illiterates in India is illogical because it is widely misused.

25. Joint family is a blessing in disguise.

26. Higher education should be made possible only for those who can pay for it.

27. The weaker sex is the weakness of the stronger sex.

28. Women cannot successfully combine both career and home.

29. Women are good managers.

30. Executive should be allowed to form unions.

31. Effect of liberalization on poverty.

32. Indians perform better as individuals rather than in groups.

33. Business and ethics go hand in hand, or do they?

34. Developing countries should spend more on development than on defense.

35. Political parties have outlived their utility.

36. Is Swadeshi relevant for India today?37. Money is required to earn more money.

38. Foreign trade is necessary for any country to survive.

39. Presidential Vs Parliamentary form of government of India.

40. Technology: The Ism' Of the New Millennium?

41. Religion And Politics Should Not Mix

42.TRIPS Controversy And The Patent Act Amendment

43.Export Stagnation: Causes And Cures

44.Excessive Depiction Of Sex And Violence In Films

45.Classical Music Heritage And The Growing Pop- Culture

46.Decentralisation & The Panchayati Raj Institutions

47.Should India Sign The CTBT

48.State Interventions In Market Kind Or Mixed Economy

49.Science Is A Boon Or Bane

50.Is Swapping Terrorists For Hostages An Encouragement For Plane- Hijackers?

51. India and the political dynasties: The Nehru Family context

52.Nice Guys Finish Last

53.All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

54.Individual Freedom and Civil Society

55.Conventionalism And Modernity: The Ever going Debate

56.Should There Be a Restriction on Permissiveness Being propagated by The MTV Culture And Foreign Media?

57. Marxism And Its Future All Over The World

58.The Growing Menace Of Cartelism And Regionalism

59.Presidential Form Of Government Is Needed In India60.Bullet For Bullet: Is It The Right Policy?

61.Capitation Fees Should Be Abolished

62.Arranged Marriages Are Better Than The Love-Marriages


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63.Brain-Drain Has To Be Stopped

64.Business And Ethics Can't / Don't Go Together

65.Are women As good as Men Or Inferior?

66. Nothing Succeeds Like Success

67.The Malthusian Economic Prophecy Is No Longer Relevant

68.Secessionism In The North-East: Who's To Blame?

69. Should India Break Diplomatic Ties With Pakistan?

70. Age and Youth: Experience And Young Talent

71.`East Is East & West Is Where All The Action Is': Mark Twain

72.Freedom Of _Expression And The State Authority.

73.Capital Punishment Should Be Abolished

74.Tuitions Should Be Banned

75.India Needs Gujral Doctrine For Better International Relations

76.Doctors' Accountability To Improve Health-Care

77.Universal Disarmament Is A Must

78.Indian Cricket Team Shouldn't Be Allowed To Play Abroad

1. Plan - Put a plan ahead of time and prepare about what you should talk about and how to present it. Gather

more points and jot down in a piece of paper. You should try to organize your thoughts and put the pieces together

later on. You can surf the internet to gather more information.


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2. Put the pieces together - Once you have jotted down as many thoughts as possible, its time to begin organizing

those thoughts. Try to combine all the points that makes sense and keep ready to present it.

3. Say thoughts out loud - Try to bring out your oral though and think it out loud. This will help you to present good

in the group discussion.

4. Practice in front of the mirror - Practice in front of the mirror as much as possible once you have jotted down in

the paper. Relax first and then build up your confident level and try to mould yourself to present the topic well in the

clear manner.

5. Speak clearly - The message or the information which ever you convey should be clear and should be

understood by everyone. There should not be any blunder and you should feel that you have presented well and

clearly.

Giving a presentation can definitely be a nerve-racking thing to do. If you take the time to prepare your

presentation well in advance and practice in front of the mirror, you will feel much more confidant stepping in front

of a crowd. By practicing the above all you can face the group discussion without any fear.

Well known behavioral scientists and psychologists have identifiedmany types of personalities. We shall concentrate on the nine typesof personalities. These are perfectionists, Helpers, Romantics,


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Achievers, Asserters, Questioners, Adventures, Observers andPeacemakers. They have their own unique personality traits thatare briefly analyzed below.

The perfectionist:

Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious and principled. Theystrived to live up to their high ideals. They can be got along wellwith if you take your share of the responsibilities so they do notend up with all the work. You need to acknowledge theirachievements. It is better if you tell perfectionist that you valuehis\her advice. Perfectionists also expect others to be fair andconsiderate, as they are.A perfectionist would like to be self disciplined and be able to

accomplish a great deal. He would like to work hard to make theworld a better place, having high standards and ethics. They arereasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything they do.Example: The great Indian software business leader NarayanMurthy falls in the category of a perfectionist.

The Helper:

Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to otherpeoples need. That cab be got along well with if you tell then youappreciate them. They would expect you to share fun time withthem. They would like you to take interest in their problems;through they will probably try to focus on yours. They want you toknow that they are important and special to you.A helper likes to be able to relate easily to people and make theirlive better. They are generous, caring and warm. They are sensitiveto and perspective others feelings. They are fun-loving andgenerally possess a good sense of humour.Example: Mother Teresa is one such personality who was sensitivenot only to the needs of few people around, but for the millions of poor in the country.

The achiever:

Achievers are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal-oriented.An achiever gets along well with his coworkers. He welcomeshonest, but not unduly critical or judgment harmonious and


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peaceful. You cannot burden with negative emotions. He likes beingoptimistic, friendly and upbeat, and likes to provide will for hisfamily. He is happy if he stays informed, knowing whats going on.Achievers face problems when they have to put up with inefficiencyand incompetence. They are gripped with the fear of failure or of

not being seen as successful. They keep on struggling to hag on totheir success.Example; Sachin Tendulker the greatest batsman, and Kapil Dev,the greatest all rounder, fall in the category of achiever- always fullof energy to achieve something big.

The Romantic

Romantics have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.A romantic would like to get plenty of compliments. They mean a

lot to them. He expects you to be a supportive friend or partner. If you care for him you respect him for his special gifts of intuitionand vision. He would like to establish warm connections withpeople, admire what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life; hewould like to be creative, intuitive, and have a sense of humour. Heis unique and is seen as unique by others.Example: The great Indian painter MF Hussain falls in the type of romantic personality. He has a sensitive and heart and romanticpersonality for his creativity.

The observer:

Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted curious,analytical, and insightful.An observer likes to be independent, not clingy. He prefers tospeak in a straightforward and brief manner. He desires and needstime alone to process his feelings and thought and may doubt yoursincerity if you intensely welcome him. He dislikes intrusions in hisprivacy. He remains calm in a crisis.An observer faces a problem which he/she is not sure of thesituation and is unable to understand the relation between cause

and effect. He gets disturbed if his integrity is doubted.Example: The great economist Noble laureate Amartya Sen is onesuch observer personality, who is curious analytical insightful.

The Questioner:

Questioners are responsible and trustworthy. They value loyalty tofamily, friends, groups and causes. Their personality rage broadly,


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from reserved and times to outspoken.A questioner likes to be direct and clear. He likes others to listen tohim carefully. You are required to reassume him that everything isok between us and not judge him for his anxiety. He is committedand faithful to family and friends, responsible and hardworking

compassionate towards others, direct and assertive.Example: The out spoken Bollywood actress and former RajyaSabha member Shabana Azmi, may fall in this category. She canraise relevant questions in all platforms.

The Adventurer:

Adventurers are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want tocontribute to the world.An adventurer likes to get companionship, affection and freedom.

He likes engaging you in stimulation conversation and laughter andexpects you to appreciate his grand visions and listen to his stories.He is optimistic and do not let lifes troubles get him down. He isspontaneous and free-spirited.Example: The energetic NRI businessman, Vijay Mallaya, may becategorized in the adventurer type of trying something new thatwas not done by any Indian earlier.

The Asserter:

Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self- confident and protective.An asserter likes to stand up for you and is confident, strong anddirect. He is vulnerable and shares his feelings and at the sametime acknowledges your tender, vulnerable side. He likes to getspace to be alone, He is curious to hear about his owncontributions, but do not flatter him. He likes being independentand self-reliant, able to take charge and meet challenges head on.He is courageous, straightforward, honest, supporting empoweringand protective of those close to him.Example: The former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan,the straightforward bold officer, is the best Indian example of an

asserter.

The Peacemaker:

Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured and supportive. Theyseek union with others and the world around them.


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Every man who wants to develop his personality alsowants to become popular. Mans life is a burden withoutpopularity. If we leave aside certain action, there is not

much difference between a man and an animal. Everybodycan be popular if he/you takes care of these few enlisted

personality development tips -1. If you want to progress in life than honestly analyze the traits of your

character.

2. Do not laugh at people when they are in difficulty or trouble other wiseyou will loose your personality in a moment.

3. This is a great way to develop your personality by listening everyonepolitely, even if their ideas are baseless or not of your interest.

4. During conversation do not keep talking yourself too much.

5. When ever somebody brings any gift for you, dont forget to praise it. It

does not matter even if you were expecting something else.6. Make other feel that you love them.

7. Keep your moral high in case of defeat and be more polite on beingvictorious.

8. Solve your problems in a creative way. Try your best not to let these spoilyour relations with your friends.

9. Enlist your bad habits and try to get rid of them.

10. We should not uplift our standard of living but also help others to do so.Try to remove the feeling of inferiority in others by loving them and bykeeping good behavior towards them.

11.Be careful of what your say about others because others will say the

same thing about us at different times and at different places and in thisway form a public opinion about us.

12. Some people often have a favorite sentence which they repeat frequently.We should try and get rid and get rid of such a habit.

13. Independence increases our good qualities and personality and slaverybad qualities.

14. Independent thinking and freedom to work is the only source of progressand welfare.

15. Love is the greatest magic in this world. You can do every thing with helpof love. Develop this art to improve your personality.

16. Positive attitude is of great importance in our personality. No body like

people who have narrowed out look. In life only that person is consideredwell behaved who has positive and healthy bend of mind.

17. The real beauty of man lies not in his physical appearance but in his workand good qualities. That is why it is important that we improve mentaloutlook to develop our personality.

18. Every individual should develop the ability to adjust with others, becausebasically man is a social animal, so one can not survive by living alone.


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19. Some people keep repeating a particular statement and it becomes a partof their nature. At the most you may repeat a statement twice but it youdo it more than that it leaves a bad impact.

Personality Development

Overcoming negative thinking

Courtesy India Express

When you are angry, worried or afraid, your blood pressure and heart beat may

increase dramatically and your activities are more likely to go into sperm and your

pallets tend to clump together and clog up your blood vessels, says Dr, Dean Ornish.

More you concentrate on your fear on worry, the more harm you do to your body.

Maintaining a negative mental attitude has always been know to produce negative

physical conditions. We know that the people who maintain a positive mental attitude

rarely get sick.

Negative thinking causes problems, positive thinking causes solution. Negative

thinking provides a climate in which health problems can develop/ Positive thinking

provides a climate in which good health can be attained and maintained. Negativethinking involves worry. Insecurity, fear, suspicion, hatred, antagonisms, anger

despair, mourning, self-doubt, etc.

While positive thinking spreads love, appreciation, optimism, security, courage,

cooperation, compassion, generosity, friendliness, patience helpfulness and

ambition., negative thinking is being out of step with people and things around you..

Positive thinking is being in step, in harmony with people and things around you.

Negative thinning becomes habitual and the stress it causes becomes chronic.

Chronic stress is a killer. When you hold negative attitudes for prolonged periods,

chemical changes take place in your body.

A stress chemical is released into the blood which inhibits the work of the immune

system apparently by confusing and a awakening the system. In these

circumstances, health problems start to build up.

But positive feeling about yourself and the work you are doing leads you to be

optimistic rather than pessimistic, contributing thereby to your health. This is better


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for your health and ultimately, your survival. Do right and your health thrives. Do

wrong and your health suffers.

Life is not always so closely under our control but our minds are or should be

under our control .

Personality development by Swami Vivekananda

Hi friends, recently I read this book Personalitydevelopment by Swami Vivekananda and I find it very interesting and useful. Therefore, I am


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going to post every Monday one chapter fromthis book(some excerpts). May be theintroduction is toooooooo long (may be

introduction needs two post), other than that all chapters are small and crispy. I hope you allenjoy.

What is personality?

Your personality is the type of person you are,which is shown by the way you behave, feeland think.

How a person behaves, feels and thinks, howhe conducts himself in a given set of

circumstances is largely determined by thestate of his mind. Mere external appearance ora persons speech or mannerisms are onlyfringes of ones personality. They do not reflectthe real personality. Personality development inthe real sense refers to deeper levels of aperson.

Necessity to know our mind:

We intend to do many things makeresolutions to cultivate good habits, to kick


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certain bad habits, to study with concentration,to do something with a concentrated mind.Very often our mind rebels, forcing us to beat a

retreat from our efforts at implementing ourresolutions. A book is open before us, and oureyes are open. But the mind has startedwandering, thinking about some past events orsome future plans. The same thing happenswhen we sit for a few minutes trying to pray orthink of a divine name or form. Says swamiVivekananda: Free! We who cannot for amoment govern our own minds, nay, cannothold our minds on a subject, focus it on a pointto the exclusion of everything else for amoment! Yet we call ourselves free. Think of it!

According to the Bhagavad Gita, the

undisciplined mind acts as our enemy, whereasa trained mind acts as our friend. So we needto have a clear idea of the mechanism of ourmind. Can we train it to obey us, to cooperatewith us? How can it contribute to thedevelopment of our personality?

The fourfold functions of the mind:

Memory: The storehouse of memory andimpressions of our past experiences presentsvarious possibilities before the mind. This


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storehouse called chitta . It is in this storehousethat the impressions of our thoughts andactions good and bad are stored. The sum

total of these impressions determine ourcharacter. This chitta , again, is what is knownas our subconscious mind.

Deliberation and conceptualization: Not yet,sure, the mind examines the many optionspresented before it. It deliberates on severalthings. This faculty of the mind is calledmanas. Imagination and formation of conceptsare also functions of the manas.

Determination and Decision-making: Buddhi isthe faculty responsible for decision-making. It

has the capacity to judge the pros and cons of things and find what is more desirable. It isalso the discriminative faculty in a person,which enables him to discriminate between thereal and the unreal, between what is to bedone and what is to be avoided, what ismorally right and what is wrong. It is also the

seat of will-power so essential for personalitydevelopment and hence this aspect of themind concerns us the most.


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I consciousness: Appropriating to oneself allphysical and mental activity eg, I eat, I see,I talk, I hear, I am confused, etc, is calledahamkara or I consciousness. As long as theI identifies itself with the undisciplined body-mind complex, human life is dictated by eventsand circumstances of the world; we becomehappy with pleasurable events and miserablewith adverse circumstances. More the mind

gets refined and disciplined, more does one getto know the real source of I consciousness.Correspondingly, a person becomes morebalanced and equipoised in his daily life. Sucha person is no longer swayed by any event orcircumstances of life.

More about the mind:

Our, I is represented by the master of thechariot; the body is the chariot and the buddhithe charioteer. The manas is sense organs-ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose-which arethe five windows in human being that give him

or her the knowledge of the objects in theworld.

Important activity of the mind that concernspersonality development is our emotions. More


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the emotions are under control, healthierbecomes ones personality. Emotions can bebroadly classified into two types. Viz attraction

and repulsion. Love, admiration, aspiration,sympathy, joy, veneration, pride and the likeindicate attraction. Hate, anger, fear, sorrow,

jealousy, disgust, shame, etc., are the nature of repulsion. As long as one is entangled with theundisciplined mind, ones personality does notreally develop. Buddhi, the charioteer, servesas an effective instrument of self-developmentby controlling the emotions and raising thehigher self from the hold of the lower mind.

What is character?

Personality development by Swami Vivekananda

What is character?

Every action and thought of ours leaves animpression in our mind. These impressionsdetermine how we behave at a given moment,

how we respond to a given situation. The sumtotal of all our impressions is what determinesour character. The past has determined thepresent. Even so the present - our presentthoughts and actions - will shape our future.


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This is the key principle governing personalitydevelopment.

What activates the body-mind system?

This question will help us to have betterknowledge of ourselves. This question engagedthe attention of ancient Indian seers and sages.

They experimented with themselves - theirsensory and mental apparatus and after adisciplined quest they found out that there is adivine element in human beings, which is themind of the mind, eyes of the eyes, ears of theears and speech of the speech. It is this divinity

which constitutes the real I and the eternalelement in our personality. This divinitysurvives physical dissolution of the body. Thisdivinity remains latent in us as long as weidentify ourselves with our body-mind and thesensory systems. The goal of life, according to

the scriptures and the great ones, is tomanifest this hidden divinity.

What was the central message of swami


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Vivekananda?

My ideal indeed can be put into a few wordsand that is: to preach unto mankind theirdivinity, and how to make it manifest in everymovement of life.

Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is tomanifest this divinity within by controlling

nature, external and internal.

A nation may conquer the waves, control theelements, develop the utilitarian problems of life seemingly to the utmost limits, and yet notrealize that in the individual, the highest typeof civilization is found in him who has learnedto conquer self.

This universe is simply a gymnasium in whichthe soul is taking exercise; and after these

exercise we become gods. So the value of everything is to be decided by how far it is amanifestation of God. Civilization is themanifestation of that divinity in man.


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This divinity in us is the repository of eternalexistence, eternal knowledge and eternal bliss.

The more it manifests, the more we experienceabiding happiness and get supremeknowledge.

Strengthening of will-power, the essence of

personality development:

Physical dimension consisting of our body andsenses.

Energy dimension which performs digestion of food, circulation of blood, respiration and otheractivities in the body.

Mental dimension characterized by theactivities of the mind, like thinking, feeling and

emotions, etc.

Intellectual dimension characterized bydeterminative faculty in a person. This is also


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the seat of decrimination and will power.

Blissful dimension experienced as bliss duringdeep sleep.

Development involves struggle with oneslower mind characterized by desires, oldhabits, wrong tendencies, impulses and badimpressions. The lesser we identify with thelower mind, and the more we identify with thehigher mind, and exercise our buddhi(discrimination), the more developed will ourpersonality be. This involves struggle tograpple with ones mind and its old habits, to

cultivate new and wholesome ones. But thisstruggle is the greatest of all struggles in that itmakes us civilized in the real sense of the termby manifesting our divinity and thereby ourhidden perfection.

Some essential qualities for personalitydevelopment:

Faith in oneself: Faith in god came next only to


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faith in oneself. If one believes that ones realnature is the spirit-not the body or the mind-one would be a better individual with strong

character.

Think positive thoughts: positive, wholesomethoughts based on our inherent divinity areessential for a strong character. Go on doinggood, thinking holy thoughts continuously, thatis the only way to suppress base impressions.Character is repeated habits and repeatedhabits alone can reform character. Further,according to Swamiji, the only sin is to think of oneself and others as weak.

Attitude towards failures and Mistakes:Swamiji advocated uploading the ideal onceagain even if a person failed a thousand times.He appreciated committing mistakes andlearning from them rather than leading an inertexistence like a wall, which cannot even tell alie.

Self-reliance: Man is the maker of his own


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destiny. We are responsible for what we are,and whatever we wish ourselves to be, wehave the power to make ourselves.

Renunciation and service: Swamiji held selflessservice as a paramount means to characterdevelopment. This, coupled with renunciationof selfishness and desire for the fruits of action,was considered by Swamiji as the twin ideal of our nation. Intensify her in those channels,and the rest will take care of itself.

- - - - - - - - -

Teach yourselves, teach every one his realnature, call upon the sleeping soul and see howit awakes. Power will come, glory will come,goodness will come, purity will come, andeverything that is excellent will come when thissleeping soul is roused to self-conscious

activity.- Swamiji

It is personality that matters

Personality development by Swami


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Vivekananda

It is personality that matters

What we want is to see the man who isharmoniously developedgreat in heart,great in mind, [great in deed] we wantthe man whose heart feels intensely themiseries and sorrows of the world. And[we want] the man who not only can feelbut can find the meaning of things, whodelves deeply into the heart of nature andunderstanding. [We want] the man whowill not even stop there,[but]who wants towork out [the feeling and meaning byactual deeds]. Such a combination of head, heart, and hand is what we want.

See what is happening around us. Theworld is one of influence. Part of our


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energy is used up in the preservation of our own bodies. Beyond that, everyparticle of our energy is day and nightbeing used in influencing other. Ourbodies, our virtues, our intellect, and ourspirituality, all these are continuouslyinfluencing others; and so conversely, weare being influenced by them. This isgoing on all around us. Now to take aconcrete example. A man comes; youknow he is very learned, his language isbeautiful, and he speaks to you by thehour; but he does not make anyimpression. Another man comes, and hespeaks a few words, not well arranged,ungrammatical perhaps; all the same, he

makes an impression. Many of you seenthat. So it is evident that words alonecannot always produce an impression.Words, even thoughts, contribute onlyone-third of the influence in making animpression, the man, two-thirds. What youcall the personal magnetism of the man-that is what goes out and impresses you.


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In our families there are the heads; someof them are successful, others are not.Why? We complain of others in ourfailures. The moment I am unsuccessful, Isay, so-and-so is the cause of the failure.In failure, one does not like to confessones own faults and weaknesses. Eachperson tries to hold himself faultless andlay the blame upon somebody orsomething else, or even on bad luck.When heads of families fail, they shouldask themselves, why it is that somepersons manage a family so well andothers do not. They you will find that thedifference is owing to the man-hispresence, his personality.

The personality of a man is two-thirds, andhis intellect, his words, are but one-third. Itis the real man, the personality of theman, that runs through us. Our actions arebut effects. Actions must come when theman is there; the effect is bound to followthe cause.

The ideal of all education, all training,


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should be this man-making. But, instead of that, we are always trying to polish up theoutside. What use in polishing up theoutside when there is no inside? The endand aim of all training is to make the mangrow,. The man who influences, whothrows his magic, as it were, upon hisfellow-beings, is a dynamo of power, andwhen that man is ready, he can doanything and everything he likes; thatpersonality put upon anything will make itwork.Laws of personality development

Personality development by SwamyVivekananda

Laws of personality development

The science of yoga claims that it has

discovered the laws which develop thispersonality, and by proper attention to thoselaws and methods, each one can grow andstrengthen his personality. This is one of thegreat practical things, and this is the secret of


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all education. This has a universal application.In the life of a householder, in the life of poor,the rich, the man of business, the spiritual

man, in every ones life, it is a great thing, thestrengthening of this personality. There arelaws, very fine. Which are behind the physicallaws, as we know. That is to say, there are nosuch realities as a physical world, a mentalworld, a spiritual world. Whatever is, is one. Letus say, it is a sort of tapering existence; thethickest part is here, it tapers and becomesfiner and finer. The finest is what we call spirit;the grossest, the body. And just as it is here inmicrocosm, it is exactly the same inmacrocosm. The universe of ours is exactly likethat; it is the gross external thickness, and ittapers into something finer and finer until itbecomes God.

We also know that the greatest power is lodgedin the fine, not the coarse. We see a man takeup a huge weight, we see his muscles swell,.And all over his body we see signs of exertion,and we think the muscles are powerful things.But it is the thin thread like things, the nerves,which bring power to the muscles; the momentone of these threads is cut off from reachingthe muscles, they are not able to work at all.


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These tiny nerves bring the power fromsomething still finer, and that again in its turnbrings it from something finer still - thought,

and so on. So it is the fine that is really theseat of power.

Of course, we can the movements in the gross;but when fine movements take place, wecannot see them. When a gross thing moves,we catch it, and thus, we naturally identifymovement with things which are gross. But allthe power is really in the fine. We do not seeany movement in the fine, perhaps, bcoz themovement is so intense that we cannotperceive it. But if by any science, anyinvestigation, we are helped to get hold of these finer forces which are the cause of the

ex-pression, the ex-pression itself will be undercontrol. There is a little bubble coming frombottom of a lake; we don not see it coming allthe time, we see it only when it bursts on thesurface; so, we can perceive thoughts onlyafter they develop a great deal, or after theybecome actions. We constantly complain that

we have no control over our actions, over ourthoughts. But how can we have it? If we canget control over the fine moments, If we canget hold of thought at the root, before it hasbecome thought, before if become action, then


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it would be possible for us to control the whole.

If there is a method by which we can analyse,investigate, understand, and finally grapplewith those finer powers, the finer causes, thenalone is it possible to have control overourselves, and the man who has control overhis own mind assuredly will have control overevery other mind. That is why purity andmorality have been always the object of religion; a pure, moral man has control of himself. And all kinds are the same, differentparts of one mind. He who knows one lump of clay has known all the clay in the universe. Hewho knows and controls his own mind knowsthe secret of every mind and has power overevery mind.

A good deal of our physical evil we can get ridof, if we have control over the fine parts; agood many worries we can throw off, if wehave control over the fine movements; a goodmany failures can be averted, if we have

control over these fine powers.

Different layers of personality

Personality development by Swamy


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Vivekananda

Different layers of personality

This GROSS PART OF THE MAN, this body, inwhich are the external instruments, is called inSanskrit, Sthula Sharira , the gross body; behindit comes the series, beginning with the organs,the mind, the intellect, the egoism. These andthe viral forces form a compound which is

called the fine body, the Sukshma Sharira . These forces are composed of very fineelements, so fine that no amount of injury tothis can destroy them; they survive all theshocks given to this body. The gross body wesee is composed of gross material, and as suchit is always being renewed and changingcontinuously. But the internal organs, the mind,the intellect, and the egoism are composed of the finest material, so fine that they will endurefor aeons and aeons. They are so fine that theycannot be resisted by anything; they can getthrough any obstruction.

The gross body is non-intelligent, so is the fine,being composed fine matter. Although one partis called the mind, another the intellect, andthird the egoism, yet we see at a glance thatno one of them can be knower. None of them


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can be the perceiver, the witness, the one forwhom action is made, and who is the seer of the action. All these movements in the mind, or

the faculty of intellection, or egoism, must befor some one else. These being composed of fine matter cannot be self-effulgent. Theirluminosity cannot be themselves. Thismanifestation of the table, for instance, cannotbe due to any material thing. Therefore theremust be some one behind them all, who is thereal manifester, the real seer, the real enjoyerand He in Sanskrit is called the Atman, the Soulof man, the real Self of man.

The body is dying every minute. The mind isconstantly changing. The body is acombination, and so is the mind, and as such

can never reach to a state beyond all change.But beyond this momentary sheathing of grossmatter, beyond even finer covering of the mindis the Atman, the true Self of man, thepermanent, the ever free. It is his freedom thatis percolating through layers of thought andmatter, and, in spite of the colourings of name

and form, is ever asserting its unshackledexistence. It is his deathlessness, his bliss, hispeace, his divinity that shines out and makesitself felt in spite of the thickest layers of ignorance. He is the real man, the fearless one,


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the deathless one, the free.

Now freedom is possible when no externalpower can exert any influence, produce anychange. Freedom is only possible to the beingwho is beyond all conditions, all laws, allbondages of cause and effect. In other words,the unchangeable alone can be free and,therefore, immortal. This Being, this Atman,this real Self of man, the free, theunchangeable is beyond all conditions, and assuch, it has neither birth nor death.

Every human personality may be compared toa glass globe. There is the same pure whitelight an emission of the divine Being in the

centre of each, but the glass being of differentcolours and thickness, the rays assume diverseaspects in the transmission. The equality andbeauty of each central flame is the same, andthe apparent inequality is only in theimperfection of the temporal instrument of itsex-pression. As we rise higher and higher in the

scale of being, the medium becomes more andmore translucent.Man is Divine

Personality Development by


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Vivekananda

Man is Divine

Children of IMMORTAL BLISS what asweet, what a hopeful name! Thechildren of God, sharers of immortalbliss, holy and perfect beings. YeDivinities on earth sinners! It is a sinto call a man so; it is a standing libelon human nature. O lions, Shake of the delusion that you are sheep; youare souls immortal, spirits free, blestand eternal; ye are not matter, ye arenot bodies; matter is your servant, notyou the servant to matters.

Even this world, this body and mindare superstitions; what infinite soulsyou are! And to be tricked by twinklingstars! It is a shameful condition. Youare divinities; the twinkling stars owetheir existence to you.


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Everything that is strong, and good,

and powerful in human nature is theoutcome of that divinity, and thoughpotential in many, there is nodifference between man and manessentially, all being alike divine.

There is, as it were, an infinite ocean

behind, and you and I are so manywaves, coming out of that infiniteocean; and each one of us is trying hisbest to manifest that infinite outside.So, potentially, each one of us has thatinfinite ocean of Existence,

Knowledge, and Bliss as our birthright,our real nature; and the differencebetween us is caused by the greater orlesser power to manifest that divine.

This infinite power of the spirit,brought to bear upon matter evolvesmaterial development, made to actupon thought evolves intellectuality;and made to act upon itself makes of


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man a God.

Manifest the divinity within you, andeverything will be harmoniouslyarranged around it.Full moon day

Full moon day

So bright and serene

Lost my soul in the sight

It is dreamy to see a full moon

So comforting

So calm

So elegant

So bright

So cool

Just the way the soul wants

To rejuvenate the calmness

To be lost in the peaceful


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feeling

Am I talking to moon?

Am I getting lost in a different world?

Yes, for the time being.

Moon and I have something...

SatisfactionTo see a bright of all

Through the moons eye

Capture it!

Store it for the futureTill next full moonday!

---MeenaPleasure Is Not the Goal

Personality development by


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Swami Vivekananda

Pleasure Is Not the Goal

Pleasure is not the goal of man,but knowledge. Pleasure andhappiness comes to an end. It is amistake to suppose that pleasureis the goal. The cause of all themiseries we have in the world isthat men foolishly think pleasureto be the ideal to strive for. Aftera time man finds that it is nothappiness, but knowledge,towards which he is going, andthat both pleasure and pain aregreat teachers, and that he learnsas much from evil as from good.

Good and Evil have an equal sharein moulding character, and insome instances misery is agreater teacher than happiness.In studying the great characters


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the world has produced, I daresay, in the vast majority of cases,it would be found that it wasmisery that taught more thanhappiness, it was poverty thattaught more than wealth, it wasblows that brought out their innerfire more than praise.

Sense-happiness is not the goal of humanity. Wisdom (Jnana) is thegoal of all life. We find that manenjoys his intellect more than ananimal enjoys its senses; and wesee that man enjoys his spiritualnature even more than thisrational nature. So the highestwisdom must be this spiritualknowledge. With this knowledgewill come Bliss. All these things of this world are but the shadows,the manifestations in the third orfourth degree of the realknowledge and Bliss.


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Only the fools rush after sense-enjoyments. It is easy to live inthe senses. It is easier to run inthe old groove, eating anddrinking; but what these modernphilosophers want to tell you is totake these comfortable ideas andput the stamp of religion on them.Such a doctrine is dangerous.Death lies in the senses.

Life on the plane of the spirit isthe only life, life on any otherplane is mere death; the whole of this life can be only described as agymnasium. We must go beyond itto enjoy real life.Thanks to Chennai Corporation

Four months before in our camp


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Chennai corporation opened anew childrens park. It is so

pleasant that I go there every day in the evening just to sit on theconcrete bench and watch thekids play.

It is refreshing to see kids play without any worry. Even thoughthey fight in between and cry but immediately, they get back tonormal and start to play again.

Why cant we remain kids. just be kids and happy. Parents will take care of us, we dont have toworry about anythingcarelessand happyanyway there is study to worry about.:)

Coming back to this kids park, we


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are genuinely happy that Chennai Corporation is making availableopen corporation places as KidsPark and walking spaces for adults. We have a place for walking which is actually good for many elderly people. Some of the parks have artificial waterfalls, lot of green plants,which is feast to the eyes and mind.mostly it is in the city only.

Anyway, we can do two things at one time, kids can play and wecan walk. Mostly it is useful for kids and aged people. One of thegood things that the corporationis doing for Chennai people, and

they are maintaining the park well that is a surprise to Chennai citizens. A hearty Thanks tocorporation officials who aredoing this with care and special


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thanks to political leaders, whodidnt stop this good thing.How to change our Character

Personality Development by SwamiVivekananda

How to change our Characters

Every work that we do, every movement of the body, every thought that we think, leaves suchan impression on the mind-stuff,and even when such impressionsare not obvious on the surface,they are sufficiently strong to work beneath the surface,

subconsciously.


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What we are every moment isdetermined by the sum total of

these impressions on the mind.What I am just at this moment isthe effect of the sum total of all theimpressions of my past life. This isreally what is meant by character;each mans character isdetermined by the sum total of these impressions. If good impressions prevail, the character becomes good; if bad, it becomesbad.

If a man continuously hears bad words, thinks bad thoughts, doesbad actions, his mind will be full of bad impressions; and they will

influence his thought and work without his being conscious of thefact. In fact, these bad impressionsare always working, and their


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resultant must be evil, and that man will be a bad man; he cannot

help it. The sum total of theseimpressions in him will create thestrong motive power for doing bad actions. He will be like a machinein the hands of his impressions,and they will force him to do evil.

Similarly, if a man thinks good thoughts and does good works, thesum total of these impressions willbe good; and they, in a similar manner, will force him to do good even in spite of himself. When aman has done so much good work and thought so many good thoughts that there is an

irresistible tendency in him to dogood, in spite of himself and evenif he wishes to do evil, his mind asthe sum total of his tendencies, will


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not allow him to do so; thetendencies will turn him back; he is

completely under the influence of the good tendencies. When such isthe case, a mans good character is said to be established.

If you really want to judge of thecharacter of a man, look not at hisgreat performances. Every foolmay become a hero at one time or another. Watch a man do his most common actions; those are indeed the things which will tell you thereal character of a great man.Great occasions rouse even thelowest of human beings to somekind of greatness, but he alone is

the really great man whosecharacter is great always, thesame whatever he be.


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All the actions that we see in the

world, all the movements in humansociety, all the works that we havearound us, are simply the display of thoughts, the manifestation of the will of man. Machines or instruments, cities, ships, or men-of-war, all these are simply themanifestations of the will of man;and this is caused by character,and character is manufactured by Karma. As is karma, so is themanifestation of the will.

The men of mighty will the worldshas produced have all beentremendous workers- gigantic soul,with wills powerful enough tooverturn worlds, wills they got by

persistent work, through ages, and


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ages.

We are what our thoughts havemade us; so take care of what youthink. Words are secondary.Thoughts live, they travel far. Eachthought we think is tinged with our

own character, so that for the pureand holy man, even his jests or abuse will have the twist of his ownlove and purity and do good........................................???

..Self-analyzing

What I am going to write now is acommon thing to each and every one,trying to find our true selves once in awhile, just trying to analyze our past and try to correct our present, and tothink about our future. This is one of the hardest things, bcoz this self


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analyzing thing is not just thoughts,this is the thought process whichtalks about actions whatever I had done in the past, my fear, my mistakes and my own thoughts, my good stuffetc etc etc and the

present and future too.

Whenever I am thinking about good things that I did, it always makes mefeel good about me and I dont think it is wrong! But this thought process of my disappointments and wrongdoings. It makes me worry and

ponder analyzing our inner mind isvery painful process, I do not knowothers accept this or not. But once ina while I do this, but this past fewmonths, I stopped this self analyzing

process. Because of that, I made somemistakes, which I can set right, but for

that, I needed to go within my mind tofeel the pain, anger, justification, and in the end the authentic truth. Could Icome out fresh and could I make sureof myself, that I will not do that


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mistake again and most importantly,will I have the courage and the ability to accept the truths and get better by them..

It is easy to talk and write than toexperience all

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