The Suffering of the Proud Essay Example For Students

The Suffering of the Proud Essay Pride is a key to self-respect; however, when it goes to far, people forget that humility is a virtue too. In the play Antigone, pride plays a major role throughout, appearing as fatal flaws in both Antigone and Kreon, the main characters of Sophocless tragedy. For Antigone and Kreon, as soon as the stepped past the line of humility, they were doomed to fail. For example, Kreon became so proud of himself he refused to listen to others warnings and assumes the gods are on his side. But didnt that girl do wrong? The whole nation denies it. Will the nation tell me what orders I can give? Kreon, Haimon, Kreon 881-3 this is a perfect example, because he refuses to listen to his son, and then, when presented with the fact that the whole nation thinks he is wrong, decides that he doesnt care what the nation thinks. Throughout the play, his advisor, Koryphaios, repeatedly gives him gentle warnings, and Kreon claims he is getting old, ignores him, or refutes him with points that only emphasize his out-of-control pride, such as, Men our age, learn from Kreon 876. He also assumes that the gods will go along with whatever he says, can you see the gods honoring criminals? Impossible Kreon 364-5. We will write a custom essay on The Suffering of the Proud specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This kind of attitude is something that appears in almost every Greek myth, the thought that the gods will side with them no matter what, and it always ends up biting them in the rear. Furthermore, Kreon holds his subjects in contempt, and feels that their opinions are a complete waste of his time. Kreon thinks there is nothing wrong with killing them if they displease him. He accuses the sentry who brings news of the burial, of being the culprit, and of course the only reason is because he is the closest person, but Kreon doesnt care. He exclaims to his advisor, You are an old man, are you senile? Kreon 353. He insults and degrades his own advisor, someone he is supposed to trust implicitly. The final, ultimate sign that he thinks he is better than everyone comes when his son, Haimon, confronts him. He refuses to even listen to his suggestions, degrades him, calling him too young, too idealistic, and under the control of a woman. Kreon then tries to kill Haimons fiancÃÆ'Â ©, right in front of him. Though the people in power control a nation directly, but the people in general indirectly control who rules them, if they want, and so a cruel or malevolent ruler, will always fall, and often violently. Finally, Antigone was so proud she could not try and change what was wrong, she just broke a law, and a law, weather right or wrong, should never be broken. Do you dare, despite Kreon? He cannot keep me from my own Ismene, Antigone 54-5. This is a perfect example of Antigones refusal to talk or reason with Kreon, and to just act, without thinking, and deciding that her morals are more important that the law of the land. She also refuses to back down, even once she is captured. Some people might argue that she is standing up for what she believes in, but if she had killed someone, because she felt that you may not murder is not a good law, would people agree? When people forget to be humble, they sew the seeds of their own destruction, they also often forget to listen to others, respect their junior, and sometimes even their seniors, and many time they break laws, forgetting that they are not gods, and cannot chose their fate.

Effective Ways to Overcome Postnatal Depression While Studying

Effective Ways to Overcome Postnatal Depression While Studying Postpartum depression can be a serious condition that mothers who have recently given birth may face. Being a new mother in school can be challenging enough, but if symptoms of postpartum depression occur, it can be even more stressful. What Is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression is a condition that can develop anywhere from three weeks to a year after the birth of a child. Symptoms include: feelings of sadness hopelessness loss of appetite urge to sleep all the time inability to practice self-care difficulty performing simple tasks trouble with focusing and loss of memory anxiety and feelings of guilt over not being able to bond with or care for your baby If you are experiencing these symptoms, know that you are not alone: about 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can be brought on by a number of factors. The sudden drop in hormones after the birth of a child can lead to depression. Being in a stressful environment or experiencing relationship strain between you and the child’s father may lead to depression. How to Overcome Postpartum Depression? If you’re in school and experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, here are some things you can do to get help and alleviate symptoms. #1 See a Doctor The first thing you should do any time you’re feeling depressed, regardless of whether or not it’s due to postpartum is to talk to a doctor or psychologist. They can help you work through the emotions you’re feeling and build a plan for how to cope with them. Getting professional help can also take a lot of the burden off of you to get better on your own. You will still have to do your part and participate as well as you can in the sessions, but allowing someone who is an expert in this subject to take the reins can be a huge relief to a lot of new mothers. #2 Keep the Journal It can be helpful to write your thoughts down in a journal, even if there are painful thoughts. Having a place to express your feelings and let things out can also help you organize your thoughts. You may also do some journaling exercises that help you think positive thoughts like write down things you’re grateful for or writing down activities you look forward to doing with your baby. #3 Talk to Your Advisor Don’t be afraid to talk to the staff at school, particularly your advisor. If you don’t have a close relationship with your advisor, but you do with another professor, don’t hesitate to reach out and let them know you’ve been struggling with postpartum depression. You may be able to negotiate some of the workload or come up with a plan to help support you in this process. #4 Reach Out to Friends Friends and loved ones are there for a reason, and that’s to enjoy the good times and stick by you in the challenging ones. Accept help when it’s offered and ask for it when you need it. Many of your friends will be relieved to be able to be of use to you, especially when they see you’re struggling. Let them babysit your baby while you get a massage or a hair-cut or go for a walk by yourself. Organizing the time and a support team that allows you to perform self-care can help to alleviate feelings of stress and pressure. #5 Eat Well As a new mother, your body needs nutrients to recover from the stress of carrying a child and going through the birthing process. Foods like salmon contain DHA which, in addition to being healthy for your baby if you are breastfeeding, can also help prevent postpartum depression. However, because salmon also contains mercury, it’s advisable to limit its consumption to 12 ounces or two servings a week. Other foods such as low-fat dairy, lean beef, legumes, blueberries, brown rice, oranges, eggs, whole-wheat bread, leafy greens, whole-grain cereal and lots of water can all contribute to a healthy and energetic body and mind. #6 Exercise Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when you’re experiencing postpartum depression, but it can be one of the greatest tools to help you feel better. Exercise is an important part of your health and self-care and making time for it can greatly improve your self-esteem and boost energy levels. Simple exercises like walking, sit-ups, kegels, cat/cow pelvic tilts can help you tone and stretch parts of your body. You can also do workouts with your baby which are convenient when you want to work out but can’t find a sitter. They can be a fun way to bond with your baby. Take advantage of your school’s nursery (if they have one) and hit the gym as often as you can. #7 Join a New Mom’s Group New mothers have a lot in common and joining a new mom’s group can help you to make new friends, learn that you’re not alone in what you’re going through and give you resources on how to alleviate some of the challenges you’re experiencing. Feeling alone can really trigger depression and joining a group helps you to know you’re not alone. #8 Consider Switching to Online Though new mothers can absolutely be successful students on campus, sometimes it can be a challenge that feels too overwhelming. If you feel self-conscious about your body or weight, or it’s difficult for you to breast-feed among your peers or your class schedule feels overwhelming, an online course could provide relief from some of those things. If switching to online, make sure you still maintain contact with friends and family members. Isolation will only increase the feelings of depression. For studying mothers, postpartum depression can be a difficult challenge that can feel debilitating. However, taking certain actions such as talking to a psychologist, journaling your feelings, talking to your advisor or other trusted professor, reaching out to friends and loved ones, eating well, getting some exercise, joining a new mom’s group and possibly switching to an online course can all help to alleviate the effects of postpartum depression.

NUTRITION RELATED DISEASE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 3

NUTRITION RELATED DISEASE - Research Paper Example Nutrition on other side can be defined as food that works in the body; components that are required in the body so as to grow, reproduce, and live a normal healthy life. Foodborne illness also known as foodborne disease is the term used to refer to symptoms associated with consumption of contaminated foods (Duggan, Walker and Watkins 179). Food poisoning entails eating contaminated foods as a result of poisons, or disease causing micro-organisms. On the other hand, nutrient related diseases are diseases that result from deficiency of some nutrients in the diet or over-consumption of some nutrients. According to Berdainer, Dwyer and Feldman, safe food is the major concern of all living things as well as food industry. Safe food contributes immensely towards protecting living things from foodborne illness. Additionally, observance of food safety contributes immensely towards reducing the rate of immortality as a result of consumption of contaminated foods. Safe food also entails taking in good diet. In tandem to this, consumption of safe food lowers the cases of nutrient related diseases. Food contamination is among the key elements that contribute to health problems. In most occasions, it is caused by the presence of unwanted micro-organisms, chemicals and physical elements in food. Food contamination is very crucial because it leads to occurrence of food borne illness. For instance, it is through consumption of bacteria as a result of food contamination that one develops gastrointestinal problems. Food contaminants have also the potential to cause death if not controlled in ti me. For instance, it is evident that typhoid leads to death if not treated effectively. Food additives are ingredients added to the produced food in order to increase its shelf life, enhance its flavor or change its physical appearance. Despite their contribution to successive maintenance of the quality of food, it is evident that they also cause some problems to people who are

Strategic Audits of Delta Airlines Research Paper

Strategic Audits of Delta Airlines - Research Paper Example Delta exists to include people of different diversities, religions, races, education, sexual orientation, gender identification, family status, geographical regions, citizenship, and styles of communication, socioeconomic background, skills, knowledge and much more. It is a great supporter of local organizations which focuses specifically on wellness and social health. For instance, Delta airlines has sponsored Cancer Society in America, Carter Center, Breast cancer centers, Network for Children Miracle, St. Jude Children Hospital, Humanity Habitat and much more (Datamonitor, 2010). Delta also is effective in supporting community-based organizations. For instance, the museums that enlighten, inspire, and exhibit people to make them important and enhance the betterment of this world is in partnership with Delta airlines. Other partnership includes Current partnerships include the Tribeca Film Festival, National Black Arts Festival, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchest ra, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, Guthrie, and many more partners (Datamonitor, 2010). The objectives are in consensus with each other and they resonate well with the mission and external environment. For instance, Delta is involved in community activities which fulfill one of its missions.Delta airline is a company that strives to promote a culture that includes all the members in all levels of the operational environment. In addition, the management at the top acknowledges any level of contribution of all the stakeholders.

Assessment Methods Essay Example for Free

Assessment Methods Essay Question: Explain the main types of assessments and explain how you conduct or could conduct an initial assessment of learners Assessment is one of the main resources of learning. It is key to understanding and developing for both teacher and learners. Here are the different methods of assessments and how I would use them in my organisation. Initial Assessment: this method comes into play the minute the group of learners are introduced to a new teacher. It is a crucial part of their learning journey as it provides information needed to decide a learners starting point. It is the benchmark from which learners can progress and achievement can be measured. For example, teaching a new child on his or her first football session with my organisation, the teacher would need to assess age, physical attributes and most importantly if the child has every played or been taught before and if yes, to what standard. After this initial assessment it can then help the teacher plan a better programme for this individual and development can begin. Observation: Observing learners in action, whether it is certain drill or game situation is pretty much the main key to overseeing their developing firsthand. Also gauging their understanding, by them mirroring what they are being taught or shown. This can help the teacher grasp whether the teaching session has been successful and pitched at the right level. By viewing individual performances the teacher can assess this thoroughly and record notes of the session in the ‘evaluation section’ on the session plan. Formative Assessments: This is the ongoing assessment which takes place over the duration of the course to ensure each learner is or can demonstrate a progressive understanding of the learning objectives from each session. This can be done on an observational basis as well as QA (question and answer). For example, the teacher seeing a learner performing a skill that was taught as part of a drill in training and then progressing this into a game/match situation without being prompted. Witnessing this, noting it and then asking questions to that individual, such as – Why did you do that skill? Did it work? – allows that learner to gain some form of feedback on their actions in that situation. Question and Answer: QA is the obvious point of gauging what information has been taken on board by your learners. As well as learning the physical attributes of football, it is important learners know exactly why they are being taught a certain skill or drill and when and where they can use it in a game situation. So creating scenarios where learners can be shown something then questioned – why did we do this and can you think of a better way – will give the teacher a better understanding through the relevant responses from individuals or the group. This can be done on the pitch or broken down into a classroom situation. Getting answers from learners in a verbal or written way can help assess and test their awareness and knowledge in certain areas. Summative Assessment: This is the all important assessment that allows learners to gain that precious feedback in their development and standard of achievement in every object they undertake. Whether it is their performance in a football match or a task set within a training drill, the feedback given lays the path to progression for that learner within the task or match and allows the learner the chance to listen and acknowledge the teachers comments and take on board and develop for future situations. This can be delivered to them verbally or as a written player development report done on a weekly or monthly basis. Assessment Records: The records we keep on individuals are called Player Development Reports (PDR’s). The reason we keep those is to assess players’ progress throughout the course, from initial to final assessment. These are kept by the teacher and updated every session. They consist of the initial assessment, in which the teacher gathers all relevant information from them such as medical information, ability and special needs. This information is taken into consideration when setting aims and objectives. Learners will then be assessed to find their level, taking on numerous tasks and graded accordingly. This outcome again is recorded in their PDR to identify their needs and progression route. Following each session the teacher will add a comment in the PDR on what was achieved during the session and evaluating how well that individual participated, also commenting a note for development and new objectives. Along with learners PDR’s, the teacher will also assess the effectiveness of their teaching as each lesson goes by. This can be done through all forms of assessment, with the teacher evaluating their session judging on the understanding from each learner from that particular lesson. This will allow room for improvement or change of teaching style for further development within the group. This will all be noted in the ‘Actions for Development’ section of the evaluation page of the session plan. Record Keeping: Keeping records is one of the best methods to track progress, development and capability of all learners in your group. They also help keep the running of your organisation to a high standard, therefore making a good environment for learners to evolve. Throughout the course learners will be observed, assessed and tested through different methods in each objective they attempt or complete. These outcomes can be recorded through PDP’s (Personal Development Plans), test papers and documented one-to-one tutorials. These can be set aside and revisited at any point by learner or teacher. Keeping records, with regard to session plans and test results, etc, is also an important tool that allows teachers to evaluate and refine their sessions and any aspect of the rapport between teacher and learner that may need changing or improving, to ensure effectiveness when delivering a session. Also gauging who may need more help or who is ready for more extensive work. In my organisation the types of records we keep are slightly different but still as effective. As a football coach the records I keep consist of medical and incident forms, contact details of learner and venue, (including addresses), CRB numbers and coaches’ ID badges, also a copy of insurance. For obvious reasons these are kept safe and secure between sessions, but during sessions these would be on-hand with the coach in case of any accidents, incidents or emergencies.

John Gotti Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From its very existence the Mafia has always been feared and respected. They are respected for the power that they posses to do what they want whenever and with whomever they please. Also the Mafia is respected for the money that they poses and the ability to get it by all means possible. They are feared by people knowing that the Mafia would not hesitate to kill someone if need be. "The roots of the mafia go way back to Sicily where their history is ancient and bloody" ( Cummings and Volkman 3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ËœThe American mafia is often portrayed as the invisible and omnipotent criminal of the movie melodrama" ( Cummings and Volkman 4). "It is neither of them, but the American mafia is one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world" ( Cummings and Volkman 4). When the American mafia first started people did not pay much attention to the criminal acts that they did and the unholy morals that they stood for. That was until a man from Chicago by the name of Al Capone took the mafia from rags to riches from the late nineteen twenties well into the nineteen thirties. Thanks to Mr. Capone, the American mafia was well known, and became a great force to be dealt with in the world. Mr, Capone also made men of the mafia among the most socially mobile people in America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are mafia families all over the world, some of which run their businesses in the countryside. The mafia is mostly a big city organization because of what goes on in the city:" crime , police , corruption and unholy alliances between politics and business" (Cummings and Volkman 5). Basically wherever the money is there will be a mafia family nearby. New York City is considered to be the main grounds of the mafia world in which they earn up to "thirty billion dollars each year" ( Cummings and Volkman 6).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The mafia is similar to a business where men run their own business and do as they please. Just as every business has its own structure so does the mafia. At the top of the ladder there is the "Capo Di Tutti Capi (boss of the bosses)" ( Cummings and Volkman 6). There is no head boss for the whole entire mafia organization itself. But each family has its own boss and he runs it the way he wants to in whatever way he pleases to do so. Under every boss there is an under boss, who is considered to be a supervisor in the mafia world. The counsigliere is called in to... ...BROKE THE MOB. NEW YORK : SIMON AND SCHUSTER, 1993. CUMMINGS, JOHN, AND ERNEST VOLKMAN. GOOMBATA: THE IMPROBABLE RISE AND FALL OF JOHN GOTTI AND HIS GANG. BOSTON: LITTLE BROWN AND COMPANY, 1990. ELLIOT, JOHN. "JOHN GOTTI HIS FAMILY". JOHN GOTTI TRIBUTE PAGE. HTTP://HOME.PACIFIC.NET.SQ/~SEOWJEAN/JOHNGOTTI/FAMILY.HTML ELLIOT, JOHN. "JOHN GOTTI HIS LIFE". JOHN GOTTI TRIBUTE PAGE. HTTP://HOME.PACIFIC.NET.SQ/~SEOWJEAN/JOHNGOTTI/LIFE.HTML KURINS, ANDRIS, AND JOSEPH F. O'BRIAN. BOSS OF BOSSES: THE FALL OF THE GODFATHER: THE FBI AND PAUL CASTELLANO. NEW YORK: SIMON AND SCHUSTER, 1991. LUBASCH, ARNOLD. "GOTTI JURY BEGINS DELIBERATION BY HEARING REPLY OF SECRET TAPES". NEW YORK TIMES 23 JUNE. 1992, B3. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI IS SEIZED IN ‘86 SHOOTING OF UNION LEADER". NEW YORK TIMES 24 JAN. 1989, B1. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI FREE ON BAIL AFTER PLEA IN SHOOTING OF UNION LEADER". NEW YORK TIMES 25 JAN. 1989: B3. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI AND 3 CHIEF AIDS ARRESTED ON FEDERAL RACKETEERING CHARGES". NEW YORK TIMES. 12 DEC. 1990, 1A+   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   JOHN GOTTI BY JEFFREY TAYLOR 2,854 WORDS John Gotti Essay -- essays research papers fc   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From its very existence the Mafia has always been feared and respected. They are respected for the power that they posses to do what they want whenever and with whomever they please. Also the Mafia is respected for the money that they poses and the ability to get it by all means possible. They are feared by people knowing that the Mafia would not hesitate to kill someone if need be. "The roots of the mafia go way back to Sicily where their history is ancient and bloody" ( Cummings and Volkman 3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ËœThe American mafia is often portrayed as the invisible and omnipotent criminal of the movie melodrama" ( Cummings and Volkman 4). "It is neither of them, but the American mafia is one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world" ( Cummings and Volkman 4). When the American mafia first started people did not pay much attention to the criminal acts that they did and the unholy morals that they stood for. That was until a man from Chicago by the name of Al Capone took the mafia from rags to riches from the late nineteen twenties well into the nineteen thirties. Thanks to Mr. Capone, the American mafia was well known, and became a great force to be dealt with in the world. Mr, Capone also made men of the mafia among the most socially mobile people in America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are mafia families all over the world, some of which run their businesses in the countryside. The mafia is mostly a big city organization because of what goes on in the city:" crime , police , corruption and unholy alliances between politics and business" (Cummings and Volkman 5). Basically wherever the money is there will be a mafia family nearby. New York City is considered to be the main grounds of the mafia world in which they earn up to "thirty billion dollars each year" ( Cummings and Volkman 6).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The mafia is similar to a business where men run their own business and do as they please. Just as every business has its own structure so does the mafia. At the top of the ladder there is the "Capo Di Tutti Capi (boss of the bosses)" ( Cummings and Volkman 6). There is no head boss for the whole entire mafia organization itself. But each family has its own boss and he runs it the way he wants to in whatever way he pleases to do so. Under every boss there is an under boss, who is considered to be a supervisor in the mafia world. The counsigliere is called in to... ...BROKE THE MOB. NEW YORK : SIMON AND SCHUSTER, 1993. CUMMINGS, JOHN, AND ERNEST VOLKMAN. GOOMBATA: THE IMPROBABLE RISE AND FALL OF JOHN GOTTI AND HIS GANG. BOSTON: LITTLE BROWN AND COMPANY, 1990. ELLIOT, JOHN. "JOHN GOTTI HIS FAMILY". JOHN GOTTI TRIBUTE PAGE. HTTP://HOME.PACIFIC.NET.SQ/~SEOWJEAN/JOHNGOTTI/FAMILY.HTML ELLIOT, JOHN. "JOHN GOTTI HIS LIFE". JOHN GOTTI TRIBUTE PAGE. HTTP://HOME.PACIFIC.NET.SQ/~SEOWJEAN/JOHNGOTTI/LIFE.HTML KURINS, ANDRIS, AND JOSEPH F. O'BRIAN. BOSS OF BOSSES: THE FALL OF THE GODFATHER: THE FBI AND PAUL CASTELLANO. NEW YORK: SIMON AND SCHUSTER, 1991. LUBASCH, ARNOLD. "GOTTI JURY BEGINS DELIBERATION BY HEARING REPLY OF SECRET TAPES". NEW YORK TIMES 23 JUNE. 1992, B3. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI IS SEIZED IN ‘86 SHOOTING OF UNION LEADER". NEW YORK TIMES 24 JAN. 1989, B1. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI FREE ON BAIL AFTER PLEA IN SHOOTING OF UNION LEADER". NEW YORK TIMES 25 JAN. 1989: B3. RAAB, SELWYN. "GOTTI AND 3 CHIEF AIDS ARRESTED ON FEDERAL RACKETEERING CHARGES". NEW YORK TIMES. 12 DEC. 1990, 1A+   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   JOHN GOTTI BY JEFFREY TAYLOR 2,854 WORDS

Watershed Management

Society and Polity 2010 Watershed Management – A Hope for Sustainable Development Table of Contents Watershed2 Integrated Watershed Management2 Categorization of Watersheds2 Need for Watershed Management:3 Characteristics of Watershed Management:3 Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra3 Approaches/methods used for people's participation4 Persuasion4 Gandhian Approach4 Creation of a common platform4 Selfless leadership5 Identification of the most pressing common problem5 Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi5 ————————————————-Watershed Management: A Hope for Sustainable Development Watershed A Watershed is defined as a topographically delineated geographical area in which the entire run-off tends to converge, through the existing drainage system, to the common outlet of the area for subsequent disposal. In other words, a watershed is an independent drainage u nit. Integrated Watershed Management It is the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities within a watershed boundary Categorization of WatershedsWatersheds are categorized on the basis of the following criteria: * Based on Size: Based on size, the watersheds can be classified into micro, mini and large watersheds. The watersheds with area less than 500 ha are called as micro watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 500 ha but less than 2000 ha are called as mini watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 2000 ha are called as large watersheds. * Based on Drainage: Based on drainage, watersheds can be classified into drains and streams. Drains refer to the smaller water channels whereas streams refer to the larger water channels. Based on Shape: Based on shape, watersheds can be classified into two types namely fan-shaped and fern-shaped. Fan shaped water sheds are those which are circular or nearly circular in shape. Fern shaped watersheds are those which are elongated in shape. * Based on Other Criteria: Watersheds can also be classified according to other factors viz. altitude (high watersheds and flat watersheds), moisture content (arid watersheds and wet watersheds), type of soil (black-soil watersheds and red-soil watersheds), etc. Need for Watershed Management:Watersheds are an asset and therefore they need to be managed properly so that we are able to utilize them in the years to come. They act as a source of water for the people living in and around watershed areas. They help in maintaining the nutrients of the soil, thereby supporting the agriculture sector to give a sustained yield. They also act as a good source of irrigation for the fields throughout the year. Since they support vegetation, they also help in reducing soil erosion as the roots of the vegetation hold together the top layer of the fertile soil.They also hel p in the development of the forests as they act as good source of water for the forest flora and fauna. Objectives: * Water has multiples uses and must be managed in an integrated way. * Water should be managed at the lowest appropriate level. * Water allocation should take account of the interests of all who are affected. * Water should be recognised and treated as an economic good. Strategies: * A long term, viable sustainable future for basin stake holders. * Equitable access to water resources for water users. The application of principles of demand management for efficient utilisation. * Prevention of further environmental degradation (short term) and the restoration of degraded resources (long term). Characteristics of Watershed Management: * Allowing an adequate supply of water that is sustainable over many years. * Maintains water quality at level that meets government standards and other social water quality objectives. * Allows sustainable economic development over the sho rt and long term. Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra Development fundamentally refers to human beings.It should be a human experience to meet people's physical, mental and emotional aspirations and potentials, not just in economic terms but should also lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and fulfilment. Ralegan Siddhi, often termed as an oasis of greenery surrounded by dry and bare hilly tracts is a unique example of transformation from poverty to plenty and a living model of people's participation in natural resource management in a watershed. Ralegan Siddhi is a small village with an area of 982 ha in Parner county (taluka) of Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra, India.It is a drought-prone and resource poor area with annual rainfall ranging between 50-700 mm and temperature varying between 28Â °C and 44Â °C. The village is surrounded by small hillocks on the northeast and southern sides. The land is undulating and slopes vary from 3-15%. The 1991 Census enumera ted a population of 1,982 living in 310 households (presently estimated to be around 325). The sex-ratio being 902 females per 1,000 males (1,029 in 1971; 1,013 in 1981). The continued decrease in the ratio is explained as the return of male folk to the village with improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the village.Backward classes (scheduled castes and scheduled tribes) constitute only 14. 23% of the total population. Marathas of Khatri caste out-number other castes and constitute nearly two-third of the families. Among others are the backward castes including Mhar, Chamar, Bharhadi, Pardi, Sutar, Barber, Fishermen, Matang etc. By 1975, prior to intervention by Mr. Anna Hazare, the village had become quite notorious with all sorts of social evils, moral down fall and with badly shattered economic conditions. In general, the village presented the profile of a poverty-stricken and debt-ridden society.Scarcity of water was key to distress which limited the prospects of agric ulture. The water table was below 20 m, most of the wells used to dry up during summer and the drinking water had to be fetched from the neighbouring villages. The high rate of surface run off, due to high degree of slope and lack of vegetative cover had washed away the top fertile layer of the soils. Barely 20 ha of the village area was under irrigation. As a consequence the agricultural production was too meagre to support and sustain the livelihoods of the people particularly the resource poor farmers.Not even 30% of the food grain requirements could be met from rain-fed mono-cropping practised in the village. Approaches/methods used for people's participation The approaches/methods used by him for the participation of farmers in natural resource management works are highlighted below. Persuasion First of all, Anna went through a careful envisioning of the deteriorating situation in village life and decided to initiate through religion-moral undercurrent by persuading the people for reconstruction of Sant Yadava Baba temple.But he failed to impress and influence the people at large, primarily because the people were too busy with their own business and the worldly affairs. Gandhian Approach The second step was to set up examples by self-practising rather than mere preaching as Mahatma Gandhi used to do. Initially it went on unnoticed but in due course it gathered momentum. Particularly, he tried to organize the youths of the village under ‘Tarun Mandal' (youth organization). Besides, participation from all the sections of society was ensured and encouraged.Creation of a common platform Keeping all the differences and disparities aside, a common platform and meeting ground was created in the form of Sant Yadav Baba's temple. People started sitting in groups during evenings and discussing about the affairs of the village and common concern. Thus, the process of friendship, cooperation and communication started. Selfless leadership Anna himself invested all the money he had (Rs. 20,000) for purchasing building materials for the temple before asking others to contribute. Identification of the most pressing common problemThe main reason of disintegration, division and distress of the village society was the lack of a sound livelihood support system. The economy of the village was agrarian and shortage of water for irrigation was the major constraint to its development. Thus, assured availability of water was collectively identified as the top priority in a meeting of villagers. Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi Successful abolition of social evils like alcoholism, dowry, corruption and the caste system. These changes paved the way for positive steps to development.Regeneration of watershed resources through people's participation, a living example of watershed development and management. Development of agriculture and allied sectors by better farming practices and cropping patterns, judicious use of water by introducing drip irrigation system, yield enhancement etc. as a result the village where nearly three-fourth population was below poverty line, has become self sufficient and is surplus in food grains, today. Conclusion * Improving agricultural productivity. * Improving vegetative covers. * Increasing fodder & food availability. Reducing soil erosion & nutrient loss. * Improve water availability of surface & groundwater. * Enhancing quality of life among local communities.The case study shows the success of Gandhian approach to people's participation in watershed management. Since 1975, this has resulted into participation of all the 325 village families, renovation of a temple, stopping illicit liquor distillation, water harvesting in 4 small watersheds, construction of many check dams, plantation of five hundred thousand forest trees, controlled grazing, raising of ground water level rom 20 m depth to 6. 5 m, sale of onions worth Rs. 80 million in 1995 alone (exchange rate in June 1995 1 US$ = Rs. 31. 3), so lar street lights, village toilets, biogas, organic farming, introduction of livestock, a full high school, institutionalization of decision making at village assembly level, local voluntary organizational capacity building, acceptance and application of voluntary code of conduct, formation of different action committees, etc. References