FELICITATION BY PRATIVA MANCH, RHENOCK.

PRATIVA MANCH, basically a literary organisation of Rhenock, has been playing a commendable role to uplift the local talents of Sikkim in the field of Literature, art and music. In the recent programme, the organisation felicitated three personalities [Miss. Rewanti and Robin for winning the title "North East Ka Super Star" and Mrs. Meena Bhutia for being honoured with Scouts and Guides National award. ]who has shown exceptional talents, thus not only making themselves but also the name of Sikkim renowned with utmost potentialities.

Act of Generosity.

Government Junior High School, Rhenock Bazar celebrated the Children's Day with great spirits this year. Unlike previous years, the additional programmes that added flavor to the day was providing lifetime sponsorship to an orphan child Miss Babita Biswakarma of class III by the students committee named "GENEROUS STUDENTS". The other program was felicitating Master Adarsh Khati [class VI] for having qualified for the J.N.V. He is the only student to have qualified for this exam from this school hitherto. Hon'ble Upa- Zilla Adakshya [Eas], Smt. Asha Bhushal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. SMC members along with H.M. Shabnum Golay were also present to witness the programme.

BHAI TIKA "NEWAR"

Bhai-Tika / Bhai-Teeka Bhai tika is the last day of Diwali celebrations in Nepal. It is the most important day and is also known as Bhai tihar. On this the sisters pray for her brother's long life and prosperity. However, there are many mythical stories, like the Yama had sent messages in the form of dogs and crows. At this time, Bali Hang's sister guarded him by sending messages that he could take him only after fulfilling certain conditions; that the god of death should wait till Panchami ie bhai tika. She also put forth conditions that Yama should not take Bali Hang until the tika, which she had smeared on his forehead, fades away, the water sprinkled dries and the makhmali (a kind of flower) flower wilts.

Hira Devi Waiba [the pioneer of Nepali folk songs]

Hira Devi Waiba was a legend of Nepali folk [MARUNI] singer from Darjeeling, India. She came from a family of musicians from Ambotia near Kurseong and is hailed as the pioneer of Nepali folk songs in India. She has sung nearly 300 folk songs during her musical career spanning 40 years. Her singing career began when she recorded three songs in Kurseong for Radio Nepal in 1966. She worked as an announcer at the All India Radio station in Kurseong from 1963 to 1965. She was also a Nepali folk singer with All India Radio. She is the only Nepali folk singer to have cut albums (in 1974 and 1978) with HMV, Kolkata. Her popular songs include Phariya Lyayidiyechhan and Ora daudi jaanda. As a tribute to her father, Waiba had opened the SM Waiba International Music and Dance Academy at her home in Kadamtala, near Siliguri in 2008. She was awarded the Mitrasen Purashkar by the Nepali Akademi of Darjeeling in 1986, the Mitrasen Smriti Puraskar by the Sikkim government in 1996, the Agam Singh Giri Puraskar in 2001 and the Gorkha Saheed Sewa Samiti’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Nepal government had awarded her the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu, Sadhana Samman and the Madhurima Phul Kumari Mahato Award. Hira Waiba died on 19 January 2011 at the age of 71 years after suffering burn injuries in a fire accident at her home.

An unusual sized moth found in Aritar, East Sikkim.

The students of Govt. Sec. School, Aritar during their education tour to the historical Aritar Monastery came across an unusual sized Moth. The moth measured 7 to 8cm in length. It was confused with a butterfly,as many of its features resembled that of a butterfly.

INDRA JATRA IN SIKKIM - 2011

INDRA JATRA ORGANIED BY SIKKIM NEWAR GUTHI AT GANGTOK 2011
Why Indra Jatra is celebrated?


Indra Jatra is a vibrant festival celebrated by Nepalese "NEWAR" community. It is belived that many centuries ago, Indra (king of Heaven)’s mother needed specially scented flowers (Parijat). Indra looked for them but could not find them in heaven. Indra discovered Parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by people in the Valley. Indra’s mother came searching for him and people were shocked to know what they had done. They released Indra and dedicated one of the most colourful festivals of Nepal to him to calm down his anger. This festival lasts for eight days with singing, mask dancing and jubilation. Various masked dances like Pulu Kishi(elephant dance ), Lakhe, Sawa Bhakhu and Mahakali dances are performed at various places. Indra is thanked for the rains and assured once again that he is respected in the Kathmandu Valley.

We also come to hear another version of belief for the celebration of Indra Jatra which remarks that the "NEWAR" community, intimately linked the festival as devotees giving thanks to Lord Indra for rains, good crops and good harvest.

This festival has been officially declared as a State Holiday in Sikkim by the Government.

SILVER LINING

In the pupil of your eyes

Reflected are my images

It’s not a mistaken belief

Rather a truth

If you really dare

Stare me for the life ever

Dreams I awoke from,

Profound slumber

Reality bitter made me humbler

Let it be my days passing through

Old in body gay in spirit

Flowering withering yielding place

To new generation

“Grandpa, are you awake?” 

Issac Mukhia, Rhenock

[Retd. AD, HRDD]

6.8 Richter scale tremor… Was it enough to awake us?

Today, the world has already stepped into the millennium of 21st Century, where nothing has remained unexplored from the clutches of man’s perception, a century which is indeed a landmark of scientific progression and a manifestation of technological advancement. Be it a common layman or an elite individual, his existence is directly or indirectly inclined towards technological gadgets of the modern world. But, as we give a closer look at the overall scenario, we would always find ourselves entangled with the query: have we gained more than we have lost? Or have we lost more than we have gained?  In this era, economic phenomena like Globalization and Industrialization has reached its pinnacle of success, for that matter, Sikkim itself can be taken up as a biggest instance.

Sikkim, though, a tiny speck of a place, had been preaching the creeds of nature to the world, to safeguard our natural resources, prosperous culture endangered by the ravages of time. Sikkim, a place of aesthetic beauty, where nature has bestowed its divinity, where tradition religion and culture were worshipped with great devotion, humanity engraved into the very blood of people, had catered itself to a distinctive position in the world. Recapitulating the history of Sikkim, its significance is much commendable, as it stands profound with historical facts, ethnic possessions and enchanting scenic beauty, but history bearing these testimonies has corroded deliberately with the squall of time. It is evident that within a short span of a decade Sikkim has undergone an enormous change in the socio- economic sphere. Thousand of multi- storied building mushrooming every year, vehicles multiplying every day, increasing influx rate and industrial growth are the indicators of such changes, the so called ‘Development’. The recent havoc causing earthquake that shook the entire Sikkim whit a 6.8 Richter scale on 18/11 was indeed a wake- up alarm from our slumber. The tremor caused crores of devastation to life and property ripping people away from their life, property, family and shelter. Subsequently, it was speculated that most of the damage was also due to our ignorance and indifference. 6.8 Richter scale tremor… Was it enough to awake us?

It is a known fact that Sikkim unfortunately falls amongst the 5^th  earthquake prone zone of this earth. Despite knowing this facts we have constantly constructed numerous multi- storied buildings [more than our requirement], which are not earthquake resistant, multiplied the number of vehicles, massive increase in the Influx rate, numerous installations of industries and power projects [intended for development purpose]. As Newton Third Law follows “to every action there is equal and opposite reaction”, Many of our activity has undeniably brought comforts and economic prosperity, but on the contrary it has also ruined our environment and natural habitat. The closer we approach towards mechanical prosperity, the further we are alienated from the divinity of nature. Mankind is an astounding creation of nature and should live in commune with nature; else his extinction is inevitable.

Hence, the time has come for us to follow influential pragmatic approach. Several remedial strategy should be adopted which are within our potential parameter. Earthquake awareness, through NGOs, Departments and educated youths should be brought about in the society. Comprehensive studies of disaster management [especially Earthquake and Land Slide] should be implements as a mandatory course in the school, Colleges and Universities. Adoption of safety measures during the earthquake and technologies for construction of earthquake resistant house should be made public. Law which restricts the numbers of storey in a building should be enforced. Topographical structure of the land should be surveyed so as to allow construction only on the most suitable land. Many more remedial measures which are beyond my perception should be implemented, which would help curtail such disaster in the future.      

Most of the major global problems that have already crippled the world to an alarming situation like global warming, nuclear terror, terrorism and water crisis are all manmade.
It is assumed that Humanity has no more than 10 years to reverse our trend. We have created phenomenal we cannot control. 20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of its resources. The world spends 12 times more on its military expenditure than on aid to developing countries. 5,000 people a day die because of dirty drinking water; 1 billion people have no access to safe drinking water. 40% of the arable land has suffered long-term damage. Every year 13 million hectors of forest disappear. One mammal in 4, one bird in 8, one amphibian in 3 is threatened with extinction. Species are dying out at a rhythm 1,000 times faster that the natural rate. The average temperatures of the last 15 years have been the highest ever recorded. The ice- capes is 40% thinner than 40 years ago. There may be at least 200 million climate refugees within 2050. Therefore, an effort should be made to heal the frailty of modern man and resort him back in commune with nature. The recent earthquake offers a platform for an introspective contemplation for us, to evaluate our gaffe as we have marched along our way of modernity. A lot is expected from the local individuals living in Sikkim. Goaded with the enherent wisdom we possess, the time has come for us to step into the arena and wrestle for achieving our desired goals because we all have the power to change and restore Sikkim back to its glory.

6.8 Richter scale not enough to awake sikkim.

HARKAY BARAH

HARKAY BARAH

HARKAY BARAH

HARKAY BARAH

HARKAY BARAH

A house totally shattered by the Sunday Sikkim Earthquake

A house totally shattered by the Sikkim Earthquake with 6.8 magnitude on Sunday 6:10 Pm at Chungthang West Sikkim.

Frequently Asked Questions about Earthquakes

Frequently Asked Questions about Earthquakes.


What is an "earthquake"?

An earthquake occurs when rocks break and slip along a fault in the earth. Energy is released during an earthquake in several forms, including as movement along the fault, as heat, and as seismic waves that radiate out from the "source" in all directions and cause the ground to shake, sometimes hundreds of kilometers away.

What causes earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by the slow deformation of the outer, brittle portions of "tectonic plates", the earth's outermost layer of crust and upper mantle. Due to the heating and cooling of the rock below these plates, the resulting convection causes the adjacently overlying plates to move, and, under great stress, deform. The rates of plate movements range from about 2 to 12 centimeters per year. Sometimes, tremendous energy can build up within a single, or between neighbouring plates. If the accumulated stress exceeds the strength of the rocks making up these brittle zones, the rocks can break suddenly, releasing the stored energy as an earthquake.

How do earthquakes cause damage?

Most earthquake damage is caused by ground shaking. The magnitude or size (energy release) of an earthquake, distance to the earthquake focus or source, focal depth, type of faulting, and type of material are important factors in determining the amount of ground shaking that might be produced at a particular site. Where there is an extensive history of earthquake activity, these parameters can often be estimated. In general, large earthquakes produce ground motions with large amplitudes and long durations. Large earthquakes also produce strong shaking over much larger areas than do smaller earthquakes. In addition, the amplitude of ground motion decreases with increasing distance from the focus of an earthquake. The frequency content of the shaking also changes with distance. Close to the epicenter, both high (rapid) and low (slow)-frequency motions are present. Farther away, low-frequency motions are dominant, a natural consequence of wave attenuation in rock. The frequency of ground motion is an important factor in determining the severity of damage to structures and which structures are affected.

Does the earth open up during an earthquake?

No! A common misconception is that of a hole in the ground that opens during an earthquake to swallow up unfortunate victims. This has nothing to do with reality but is Hollywood's version of earthquakes. After a strong earthquake, some cracks may be seen on the ground or in basements. These are not faults, nor are they crevasses ready to close up again. Theses cracks are probably due to soil settlement caused by the ground shaking.

Where do earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes occur all over the world; however, most occur on active faults that define the major tectonic plates of the earth. 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along these plate boundaries (that represent about 10% of the surface of the earth). The "Ring of Fire" circling the Pacific Ocean, and including Canada's west coast, is one of the most active areas in the world.

What is the relationship between volcanoes and earthquakes?

The earthquake activity of numerous volcanoes is closely monitored to provide warning signs of an imminent eruption. Large volcanic eruptions, especially the explosive type, can release huge amounts of energy that can be recorded by seismographs even far from the source.

Recent volcanic activity in Canada has been experienced in BC and the Yukon. Worldwide, the majority of volcanoes and earthquakes are located in the same areas. This relationship is explained through a geological model called plate tectonics. You can find additional explanations on plate tectonics:

USGS - Plate techtonics
University of Nevada - plate techtonics
U.C. Berkeley
In Eastern and Northern Canada, earthquakes are not related to volcanic processes. Although volcanic rocks exist in many regions (sometimes as old as 2 billions years of age) and magmatic bodies can be found (the Monteregian Hills of Quebec are 60 million year old intrusives), these magmatic events are just too old to have any relationship with current earthquake occurrences. No volcanic or magmatic activity is currently underway in these parts of Canada.

For more information on volcanoes in Canada, see Volcanoes of Canada (GSC).

Will more shocks be felt after a strong earthquake?

For several hours, or even days, after a strongly felt earthquake, it is quite possible that people may feel more shocks. This possibility always exists, but keep in mind these four facts:

In most cases, these shocks (called aftershocks) will be smaller; therefore, the vibrations will be weaker.
Aftershocks do not mean that a stronger earthquake is coming.
Aftershocks are normal; they show that the earth's crust is readjusting after the main earthquake.
The number of felt aftershocks is quite variable and thus cannot be predicted. There might be several per day, or only several per week.
It is impossible to predict either the number or the magnitude of aftershocks that might occur. These vary greatly from one region to another, according to many factors which are poorly understood.

Can earthquakes be predicted?

With the present state of scientific knowledge, it is not possible to predict earthquakes and certainly not possible to specify in advance their exact date, time and location.

However, a great deal of research is being conducted to develop reliable prediction methods. Canada, along with other countries, is working to minimize damage and injuries through the implementation of modern earthquake-resistant standards so people will be protected whenever and wherever an earthquake occurs.

Does the rate of earthquakes increase during the cold weather?

Although cold temperatures greatly affect the ground near the surface, it has no effect at greater depths. Near the surface, freeze and thaw cycles can weaken and break rock due to high water pressure. However, this is a phenomenon limited to near surface soil.

Consider a mine: the temperature inside the mine will be influenced by surface temperature only for about the first 50 m. Deeper in the mine the temperature will be influenced by the internal heat of the earth - a temperature that is relatively constant throughout the year.

The hypocentre (the place where displacement occurs along a rock fracture) of an earthquake is generally located several km below the surface (on average, between 5-30 km in Eastern Canada), where the surface temperature would have no influence. For example, the hypocentre of the 1988 Saguenay earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 km where the temperature is approximately constant at 300°C year round.

Furthermore, the principle causes of earthquakes (movement of tectonic plates, volcanoes, etc.) are large scale phenomena, unrelated to surface temperature.

However, close to lakes and rivers, when the ambient temperature drops below -20°C many little microseisms may be heard and are sometimes felt. These microseisms are not earthquakes as they are caused by cracking ice and movements of ice blocks one against another. They are cryoseisms, also known as frost quakes, and can only be felt close to the body of water from which they originate. Such ice cracks can sometimes be detected by a seismograph if it is located close to the body of water.

Seismic trace of a typical frost quake recorded on the vertical component of the seismic station in Sadowa, Ontario, near Georgian Bay (SADO), January 18, 2000 at 6:55 pm, a very cold night (12 frost quakes were recorded within 2 hours that night). A seismologist immediately recognizes the nature of such an event by the single frequency contained in the record.

Are there certain months of the year that are more seismically active than others?

No, there are no months that have more earthquakes than others. Examining the list of Canadian or global earthquakes, there isn't a season that stands out as having an increased number of earthquakes.

The explanation for this can be found by considering that the mechanisms that cause earthquakes are independent of seasonal temperature changes ( see effects of cold temperatures on earthquakes ), and independent of the changes in position of the Earth in the solar system at different times of the year. It is internal geological forces that play the most important role in generating earthquakes.

Most large earthquakes are as a result of immense continental plates, called tectonic plates, that move, one with respect to another. The driving force for this movement is found in the Earth's mantle in the form of convective currents. These currents carry the tectonic plates around the Earth generating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The movement of the plates creates strain which is then accumulated in faulted areas causing earthquakes. Both the movement of the plates and the accumulation of strain along faults are continual processes independent of the time of year.

Since the distance between the Earth and Sun changes throughout the year due to the elliptical trajectory of the Earth around the Sun, it seems possible that the attractive gravitational forces between the two bodies might cause extra strain in the Earth's crust. However, strain models have shown that this extra force is insignificant compared to the tectonic force present.

Since the temperature and gravitational forces are the only forces changing with the seasons, seasonal effects can be eliminated as a factor in influencing the frequency of earthquakes.

What is the intensity of an earthquake?

See the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

Can people cause earthquakes?

Yes! Minor earthquakes have been triggered by human activities such as mining (rockbursts and cavity collapse), the filling of reservoirs behind large dams, and the injection of fluids into wells for oil recovery or waste disposal. Large dams hold back enormous quantities of water. Some of this water may penetrate into cracks in the underlying rock, and sometimes this may trigger small earthquakes under or very near the reservoir.

Following an underground nuclear explosion, small earthquakes have often been recorded near the test site. These are due to the collapse of the cavity created by the explosion.

Man-made earthquakes always occur close to the site of the activity. There is no link between human activities like these and earthquakes occurring hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.

Does a small earthquake mean that a larger earthquake is coming?

No, except for very rare exceptions. Every year, hundreds of earthquakes occur in Canada. Only a very tiny minority of these precede a larger earthquake.

Although a large earthquake may be preceded by a foreshock (the Saguenay earthquake of November 1988 is an example), the occurrence of a small earthquake is not in itself a typical sign. Hundreds of small earthquakes occur every year in Canada, whereas major earthquakes have occurred only a few times in this century.

A small earthquake, however, provides an ideal opportunity to offer reminders about safety measures to take before, during and after an earthquake.

Magnitude

What is the "magnitude" of an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measure of the amount of energy released during an earthquake. It is frequently described using the Richter scale. To calculate magnitude, the amplitude of waves on a seismogram is measured, correcting for the distance between the recording instrument and the earthquake epicentre. Since magnitude is representative of the earthquake itself, there is only one magnitude per earthquake.

Taking the Saguenay QU earthquake of November 25, 1988 as an example, one could not therefore speak of magnitude 6 at Quebec City and magnitude 4 to 5 at Montreal. The effects (or intensities) experienced at different places were different, but the magnitude of the earthquake is unique; in this example, it was 6 on the Richter scale. Magnitude thus has more to do with the effects of the earthquake overall.

The magnitude scale is logarithmic. This means that, at the same distance, an earthquake of magnitude 6 produces vibrations with amplitudes 10 times greater than those from a magnitude 5 earthquake and 100 times greater than those from a magnitude 4 earthquake. In terms of energy, an earthquake of magnitude 6 releases about 30 times more energy than an earthquake of magnitude 5 and about 1000 times more energy than an earthquake of magnitude 4.

It is very unlikely that an earthquake of magnitude less than 5 could cause any damage.

What is the difference between the "magnitude" and the "intensity" of an earthquake?

The Intensity scale is designed to describe the effects of an earthquake, at a given place, on natural features, on industrial installations and on human beings. The intensity differs from the magnitude which is related to the energy released by an earthquake.

What it is the difference between magnitudes ML and mN?

Without going into the seismological details, the magnitude defined by Charles Richter is the source of all magnitude scales. Over the years however, it was realized that the magnitude that Richter had defined for California (ML means local magnitude), did not apply to Eastern North America where the seismic waves attenuate differently. Otto Nuttli, a seismologist at the University of Saint-Louis in the United States, developed a magnitude formula which corresponded better to the reality of Eastern America. One of the formulas which Nuttli derived is used to measure the seisms of Eastern Canada. The formulation used is called Magnitude Nuttli or mN. In order to simplify communication with the public, Canadian seismologists will often refer to the Richter magnitude whereas strictly speaking the seisms that occur in Eastern Canada are measured according to the Nuttli magnitude. An exception exists for the very small earthquakes of the Charlevoix Region, where the Richter scale is used. Around the world other scales of magnitude exist according to the source conditions of the earthquakes (depth), the conditions of attenuation, the type of measured wave, etc. More and more, seismologists describe earthquakes according to the magnitude of the moment scale (MW or M).

Certain earthquakes have a negative magnitude, is this an error?

No, it is not an error. As magnitude calculations are based on a logarithmic scale, a ten-fold drop in amplitude decreases the magnitude by 1. Let us assume that on a seismogram:

an amplitude of 20 millimetres corresponds to a magnitude 2 earthquake.
10 times less (2 millimetres) corresponds to a magnitude of 1;
100 times less (0.2 millimetres) corresponds to magnitude 0;
1000 times less (0.02 millimetres) corresponds to magnitude -1.
Naturally, a negative magnitude is found only for very small events, which are not felt by humans.

Is there a maximum magnitude for an earthquake?

Though theoretically there is no mathematical limit with the magnitude calculation, physically there is a limit. The magnitude is related to the surface area of the blocks of rock which rub together and in doing so give rise to seismic waves. Since the tectonic plates have finite dimensions, the magnitude must therefore also reach a maximum. It is believed that the greatest earthquakes can reach magnitude 9.5, which corresponds to the magnitude of the Chilean earthquake described below.

At what magnitude do earthquakes begin to be felt? When does damage start do to be observed?

This is difficult to answer absolutely. According to past earthquakes , one can however draw up some general information for Eastern Canada.

Do several magnitude scales exist?

Though seismologists generally refer to magnitude on the Richter scale, several magnitude scales do exist. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) site describes several.

Distribution and frequency of Earthquakes

Global

How often do earthquakes occur?

Global Frequency of Earthquakes

Where can I find information on the world's earthquakes?

In addition to the international networks which can detect earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 and greater, the majority of the countries have their own national network. All these networks are listed on the University of Washington site.

Are earthquakes really on the increase?

No, earthquakes occur at more or less at the same rate every year. For more info: USGS web site

What was the greatest earthquake in world history?

The greatest earthquake of recent history is the Chilean earthquake of May 22, 1960, which is estimated at magnitude 9.5. According to the USGS, this earthquake caused the death of more than 2000 people in Chile, in addition to generating a tsunami which propagated around the Pacific, adding several hundreds of victims to the assessment. The greatest world earthquakes since 1900 are described on the USGS site.

In Canada

How often do earthquakes occur in Canada?

On average, the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) records and locates over 4000 earthquakes in Canada each year. That is about 11 per day! Of these 4000, only about 50 (1/week) are generally felt.



What is the largest earthquake ever recorded in Canada?

The largest earthquake recorded (during historic times) in Canada was a magnitude 8.1 event that struck just off the Haida Gwaii on Canada's west coast on August 22, 1949. This earthquake (larger than the 1906 San Francisco earthquake) ruptured a 500-km-long segment of the Queen Charlotte fault and was felt over almost all of British Columbia, and as far north as the Yukon Territory and as far south as Oregon State.

Although not recorded by seismographs, the largest earthquake ever to strike Canada was undoubtedly the giant megathrust (subduction zone) earthquake of 1700 off the west Coast of Vancouver Island.

Earthquakes in Western Canada


Where do megathrust earthquakes occur?

The Cascadia fault, on which megathrust earthquakes occur, is located mostly offshore, west of Vancouver Island, Washington, and Oregon, although it does extend some distance beneath the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The large distance between the Cascadia fault and the urban centres limits the level of shaking that the urban areas are exposed to.


How do we know that megathrust earthquakes have occurred?

The sudden submergence of the outer coast when a megathrust earthquake occurs kills vegetation which can be dated. Megathrust earthquakes also cause underwater landslides off the continental shelf into the deep ocean. The landslide deposits can be recognized in core samples taken from the ocean floor.

How do we know that we will have another one in the future?

The deformation of the crust in a predictable pattern can be detected by very careful geodetic measurements using Global Positioning Satellites, precise levelling, micro-gravity measurements and changing distance measurements using laser technology.

If the shaking of a magnitude 7 is 10 times greater than a magnitude 6 and 100 times greater than a magnitude 5, is the shaking from a magnitude 9 100 times greater than a magnitude 7

No. Earthquake shaking, in the frequencies that damage buildings, increases to a maximum between a magnitude 7 and 8 earthquake, then the shaking simply involves a bigger area. However, the duration of shaking for a megathrust earthquake is much longer. It can be several minutes. This long duration can result in damage to some types of buildings that might not be damaged at the same strength of shaking produced by a smaller earthquake.

If a magnitude 6.9 earthquake can devastate Kobe, Japan, what would a magnit megathrust earthquake do to Vancouver?

The Kobe earthquake was right beneath the city and the megathrust earthquake will be about 150 kilometres from Vancouver. The damage pattern would be very different. We can get a good example of the kinds of damage Vancouver can expect to experience if we look at what happened to Anchorage, Alaska, during the 1964 magnitude 9.2 megathrust earthquake. Anchorage is about the same distance from the Alaska subduction fault. Small buildings generally had little or no damage, unless they were affected by landsliding. Almost all the damage involved large buildings or large structures such as bridges.

What is a seismograph?

How we record earthquakes - Seismographs

What do seismic waves look like?

How we record earthquakes - Seismic Waves

Is it possible to build your own seismograph?

Building your own seismograph is possible, but it requires time and materials. If your project is due tomorrow, forget about it! If you have a little more time here is a reference:

" The Amateur Scientist", Scientific American, July 1957 and July 1979: BASIC principles and how to build a simple seismograph.
The 1979 article is reproduced on the Redwood City (California) Public Seismic Network site.

The Canadian National Earthquake Database

What do the acronyms stand for in the list of Canadian earthquakes?

Please consult the Legend.

Seismic Hazard and Earthquake Engineering

Can buildings be designed to withstand earthquakes?

Yes! Engineers can, and are, designing earthquake-resistant structures.

What is the safest type of structure?

The safest type of structure is a modern, well-designed, and well-constructed building. Generally, wood-frame houses perform very well during an earthquake. However, even these structures are prone to damage from soil failure, chimneys may be damaged or collapse, windows may break, interior walls may crack, and those houses not securely bolted to their foundation may fail at or near ground level. For more information on your home and earthquakes, click here. For some examples of damage to typical wood-frame houses during the M=7.3 Vancouver Island earthquake of 1946, click below:

chimney damage
foundation damage
Unreinforced masonary structures (those not seismically upgraded) are generally more vulnerable to earthquake damage. For some photos of damage caused to unreinforced masonary structures during the M=7.3 Vancouver Island earthquake of 1946, click below:

masonary failure
masonary failure and broken windows
Where can I get more information on earthquake engineering?

Ottawa Carleton Earthquake Engineering Research Centre
Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center - UC Berkeley
Multidisciplinary Centre for Earthquake Engineering Research
Facing Earthquakes

What should you do during an earthquake?

Falling objects pose the greatest danger during a major earthquake. In Canada, no house has ever collapsed during an earthquake. However, many types of objects may fall and cause damage or injuries. Of prime concern, therefore, is protection from falling objects such as framed pictures, light fixtures, plaster from ceilings or the upper part of walls, or chimneys which may fall outside or through the roof into the house.

Here is what to do:

Stay calm - don't panic.
If you are indoors, stay there. Do not run outside: you could be hit by flying debris or bits of glass. Take cover under, and hold on to a sturdy desk, a table, or a bed - or stand in a doorframe. Never use the elevators (they may have been damaged and/or the power may fail).
If you are outdoors, stay there. Keep away from power lines and buildings. (House chimneys are likely to topple during a strong earthquake).
If you are in a vehicle, stop and park away from buildings, bridges and overpasses.
To learn more about earthquake preparedness, follow the links at Preparing for earthquakes.

What should you do after a strong earthquake?

Stay calm.
Help the injured, if any. Speak calmly with family members, especially children about what has just happened, in order to relieve stress.
Stay tuned to the radio and follow instructions.
Use the telephone only in an emergency.
Do not enter damaged buildings.
To prevent fire, check the chimneys or have them checked before using the furnace or fireplace. Check all gas lines.
Earthquakes can trigger huge ocean waves called tsunamis. The best warning is the earthquake itself and residents in tsunami risk areas should be prepared to evacuate to higher ground immediately (at least 10 metres above sea level) in the case of a large undersea earthquake. Stay tuned to your radio during a disaster. lynx web-geomag-o1cat /var/www/html/test.php
For more information on earthquake preparedness and what to do during and after earthquakes, follow the links at Preparing for earthquakes.

What causes damage?

Most earthquake damage is caused by ground shaking. The magnitude or size of an earthquake, distance to the earthquake focus or source, type of faulting, depth, and type of material are important factors in determining the amount of ground shaking that might be produced at a particular site. Where there is an extensive history of earthquake activity, these parameters can often be estimated.

The magnitude of an earthquake, for instance, influences ground shaking in several ways. Large earthquakes usually produce ground motions with large amplitudes and long durations. Large earthquakes also produce strong shaking over much larger areas than do smaller earthquakes. In addition, the amplitude of ground motion decreases with increasing distance from the focus of an earthquake. The frequency content of the shaking also changes with distance. Close to the epicenter, both high (rapid)and low (slow)-frequency motions are present. Farther away, low-frequency motions are dominant, a natural consequence of wave attenuation in rock. The frequency of ground motion is an important factor in determining the severity of damage to structures and which structures are affected.

Can houses withstand earthquakes?

Generally speaking, Canadian wood-frame houses are well able to withstand vibrations generated by earthquakes - even very large ones. Moreover, modern buildings must be designed according to national or provincial building code standards, which are intended to minimize the probability of building collapse in major earthquakes.

However, building codes do not prevent certain types of non-structural damage. Thus, it is possible that cracks may be seen on some walls. Unreinforced masonry (e.g. brick walls and chimneys) has little resistance to strong horizontal shaking and may collapse. Vibrations may also cause ground settlement under a house. Sometimes this may cause small cracks in the basement or warping of walls. These are indirect effects that do not indicate that a fault lies near the house.

For more on the effects of earthquakes on buildings, see section 4 above, "Seismic Hazards and Earthquake Engineering." See also How would your home stand up?

Seismologists

What is a seismologist?

FAQ - What is a seismologist?

What do scientists do after an earthquake?

In the hour immediately following a relatively large earthquake, GSC Seismologists locate the earthquake and measure its magnitude. They use data supplied by the national seismograph network, which feeds continuous data 24 hours per day to the Ottawa and Sidney, BC offices. They pass this information on to the federal Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness, Provincial Emergency Program offices, to the news media - and, in Quebec, to the Quebec Provincial Police and to Hydro-Quebec.

During the following hours, the seismologists decide whether it would be feasible to conduct a field survey to learn more about the geological environment where the earthquake occurred, and to record any aftershocks that might occur in the ensuing hours and days.

In a field survey, seismologists set up portable seismographs to measure any further release of energy through small earthquakes. This information is analyzed in the weeks and months after the main earthquake and permits scientists to better understand the phenomenon of earthquakes in Canada. In the short term, this information cannot be used to predict earthquakes. In the long term, it will provide the basis for a more comprehensive understanding of seismic activity in the region.

Also, if the earthquake was large, other scientists specializing in surface deposits (clay, sand) may join the field survey team. Engineers may also come to inspect buildings to better determine the effects of the earthquake. Some of these specialists may return again after several months to gather additional data.
Source: Natural Resources Canada.

SMALL HANDS FOR A BIG CAUSE

A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog” - these words of Jack London is much relevant in today’s world where people have but little concern for the poor and needy. Our world seems to have changed into a big rat race where, every activity of us serves a purpose, a purpose of desire, greed, and selfishness and vice. The entire human race seems to run towards the boundless horizon of success ignoring the importance of sharing.
Under such a commotion of self-seeking world, the children of Government Junior High School, Rhenock Bazar have rolled up their sleeves to preach the creed of “Sharing and Giving”. It was when Mr. Suman Thapa, an efficient teacher of the school came across “World Vision India” an international organization that has been working to create a lasting change in thousands of children, family and community living in poverty and injustice especially in India; felt the need of such community which creates a generous heart in our society. Sooner, with a strong support from Mrs. Sabnam Golay [Headmistress Rhenock Bazar, J.H.S.], when his Ideas were discussed with the students of the school, he was surprised to receive positive feedbacks. During one of the meetings, it was decided that their first step would be to sponsor orphan. They would save 50 paisa from their pocket money every day, which would amount to Rs. 15 per month. The total amount collected monthly from all the students of class VI, VII and VIII would be used to sponsor orphans through World Vision India. Eventually, with consistency and utmost passion, their reverie soon turned into reality and today these students are supporting life of two children. The sole purpose of involving students in such activity is to inculcate in them the importance of charity and giving to others in need even before the kids begins to earn their own money. Many parents wish to lavish their children with money, which the children squander it buying junk food. However, a small saving made out their useless spending would give a life to a destitute soul. Not only does this type of ‘giving’ provide a good feeling, but it also teaches kids, teens and adults to live on less than they earn. The importance of living beneath one’s means simply cannot be overstated, and charitable giving is one more way to achieve all important fiscal discipline.
Highly inspired by the work done by “World Vision India “and tireless effort taken by the students yielding fruitful results, the students of the school under the guidance of concurring teachers has now decided to work under a banner “Generous Students” a charitable community, that would sponsor our own local children and helps him/ her achieve basic necessities, education and food. It was surprising to know that even our Chief Minister gave affirmative consent to this Idea when discussed during an appointment.

“Generous STUDENT” would be a group of students committed to serve poor, orphan and needy local children by their full heart, irrespective of religion, caste and creed.
Objectives:
1. To generate in the student a sense of love, compassion and respect of God towards poor and needy children.
2. To involve students into social work, apart from imparting only bookish knowledge.
3. To enable student to reach among those children who have been deprived from education due to poverty and share physical, moral and financial supports to enable them to stand in the society.
4. To help inculcate in them their real responsibilities towards society, nation and world.
5. To nurture our students today into better human being for tomorrow.
6. To enable students to build their social status in the society.
7. Aware students regarding safeguarding of social justice for women and children.
How do we work: through-
1. Sponsorship: Life time sponsorship can be made to poor, needy children until they can stand on their own feet.
2. Community development: Community development based activities would be done by the students in the different sector of our locality.
3. Social Awareness: Student would involve in the various social awareness activities in and around our locality.
4. Fund rise: Each student would save Rs 0.50 per day from their pocket money and contribute to generous fund.

With such a confined resource the future prospects often seems vague. There would be numerous hurdles to confront with as these children march along their future endeavor. However, it is worth a try for the students who stand entwined with a resolute heart. The only focal point of all the efforts being to advocate the notion that no man stands as tall as when he knells to help a needy child with a generous heart, thus transforming the world to a better place worth to live in.
generous.student@gmail.com

“SHRI KRISHNA CINEMA HALL”: from a hub to a haunted.

It has become a routine for me to take a stroll on the terrace of my school building during recess; Everytime I take a walk, I confront a dull, old yet a massive view of a structure which lies opposite to my school building, the massive structure which once stood profound with its legacy of showcasing every new release of Indian and Nepali cinema. “SHRI KRISHNA CINEMA HALL” was indeed what made the then people of Rhenock proud, as there were hardly other places in Sikkim bestowed with the luxury of Movie Theater other than that in Gangtok. The very view of this majestic building brings back my memories with a feeling of nostalgia. I still remember how a convoy of vehicles staggered uphill from distant places to this theatre. People from nearby villages flocked in hundreds to watch their favorite Heroes and Heroinies (Heroines). Buzzing crowd consisting of men, women and children, waiting desperately for the bell to ring for the next show, and a queue that stood with eager eyes to purchase entry ticket, and a sense of fear “of not getting the ticket” always ran in their weary face, vendors yelling in a rhythmic mode were yet another way of attracting customers to increase their sales. Such was the exclusive picture one would confront with and the noise that always kept the place alive unlike the present days sleepy Rhenock.
I myself have enjoyed many super hit movies in this theatre during my kindergarten days. Disco Dancer, Sagar, Saino and Maiti Ghar were some of the most celebrated ones which my memory still retains. I still remember how my mother would wrap me up with the best available outfits I had, of how she would clench my hand as we made our way to the entrance through the infuriating crowd. As the show started there would prevail a dead silence, as though I was the only one watching in the pitch dark hall and every spectator had disappeared with a wave of a magic wand. No sooner the screen displayed their favorite “hero”, the entire hall would get enthralled with an uproar of cheers accompanied with whistles and applause thus kicking the silence with a drifting clamor.
Such was the vigor of Rhenock when it was bestowed with this cinema hall “Shri Krishna”. The hall was constructed by Shri Bhisma Pradhan in 1981, the then landlord of Rhenock, who enjoyed the most elevated status. He was known by a lofty title “Bhisma Hazur” in the society. After almost a decade of its consistent running, the cinema hall deliberately closed down due to several reasons. Thereafter, some charitable shows on several occasional were showcased by local club and NGO’s until early 90s.
At present the condition of this profound hall is wretched and sepulchral. Hardly a soul is seen to lurk around its surrounding. A passer-by would seldom have an urge for a second glimpse as it lies apparently haunted and abandoned from human activity. Engulfed with wild creepers, cracked walls, swampy damps, crawling lizards and tooting pigeons, the hall is at the verge of demolition. With the squall of time this mega structure might turn into mere debris but its memories shall always be cherished by all the people who acknowledge its significance until they take their final breath.

Chandra Dramatic Club of Rhenock.1935

Chandra Dramatic Clu: One of the oldest dramatic clubs of Rhenock, East Sikkim was formed in 1935.

MISS MARTHA HAMILTON

Martha Hamilton was born in 1929 to John Hamilton, a minister from Northern Ireland and the Hon. Lilias Maclay, a doctor; both instilled in her strong Christian values. She was grand-daughter of the 1st Baron Maclay, founder of Maclay & McIntyre, the shipping firm, and a member of the War Cabinet in 1918. Martha started out at St Denis School in Edinburgh and St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm before attending Roedean School in Brighton, where she became Head Girl. In 1942 she began what would become a life-long association with St Andrews when she enrolled to study Medieval History at the University.

Following the award of a Diploma of Education from Cambridge University in 1953 she taught for two years at Lansdowne House in Edinburgh before following her grandfather’s wishes to teach in a mission school in India. Her great enjoyment of an initial two-year post at a school in Kalimpong turned into eleven years in the region, the majority as Headmistress of the Paljor Namgyal school in Gangtok, capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim. During this time she learned to speak Nepali and became highly respected and widely known for her quick thinking and strong leadership. In addition to her academic teaching and leadership of a school of over 750 girls, she faced other challenges. Sikkim bordered Tibet and when China threatened to invade in 1965 she prepared her pupils by digging trenches and air raid practice in case war broke out.  Her work was acknowledged when she was awarded the Pema-Dorji Medal (Lotus Flower Thunderbolt) for ‘services to education’ by the Chogyal of Sikkim.

In 1966, following her mother’s death, Miss Hamilton returned to Edinburgh to care for her father. She completed a Diploma in Adult Education at Edinburgh University and was encouraged to apply as Headmistress of St Leonards in 1970. One student remembered, “It was a press event. Miss Hamilton was young, well educated, well connected, cosmopolitan, utterly glamorous. We received the newspapers in the boarding houses and there she was … our new headmistress!”

On her first morning at St Leonards, wearing a “trendy leather patchwork midi-skirt”, Martha asked her Head of School why they had chosen such a dreary hymn, ‘Through the night of doubt and sorrow’, to which the girl replied, ‘Miss Hamilton, it is the school hymn’. 

She proceeded to modernise St Leonards, introducing great changes reflective of the times. Affectionately known as ‘Martha’ among staff and students alike, it was her forward-looking and enthusiastic leadership which brought the School renewed direction and purpose, ensuring St Leonards’ success.

The girls were delighted by their new elegant Headmistress and the atmosphere was a very happy one when she was in charge. Seniors remembered her surging onstage for morning assembly, at the climax of whatever was belting out on the organ, often wearing a bright pink blouse with amber beads, “designed to wake us all up in the morning.” Her brilliant white Samoyed dog, Nicky and his successor became a firm feature of the scene at school. 

Her energy was formidable as also her strength of character and imagination. The Arts, in particular Music and Drama, flourished during her tenure and she was ahead with computers at a time of uncertainty as to the best approach to take with a technology whose scope and uses were then by no means clear. She was prescient and modern in this and other ways. Old fashioned practices were ended and ‘fuddyduddyness’ dispatched.

In 1977 St Leonards celebrated its Centenary and Miss Hamilton oversaw many special celebratory events including the visit of H.M. The Queen Mother to open the Junior Library in the vaults of Queen Mary’s Library. It was also the year in which she celebrated her marriage to Robert Steedman, the renowned Scottish Architect and became devoted step-mother to Scott, Helena and Sarah.

She announced her engagement to Robert at morning assembly by asking the girls if they had enjoyed their Easter holidays. ‘I did!’ she said joyfully, waving the engagement ring on her finger for all to see. The happy news was greeted with tumultuous applause from the girls. Robert became a familiar figure around School, supporting Martha in so many ways. Theirs was a partnership of talents which left its mark indelibly on the landscape of the school.

In 1987, H.R.H. Princess Alexandra made the second royal visit of Martha’s tenure to open the new Music School building, designed by Robert Steedman, which has proved a huge asset for the school.

Miss Hamilton, always keen to introduce her pupils to foreign travel, led an expedition in 1977 to her former school in Sikkim. One Senior who was on the trip reflected, “Martha was adored everywhere we went; princes, government officials, parents and pupils.”  In 1986 she and Robert took another group to China when the country was just opening its doors to foreign visitors and very few groups were admitted. She opened the girls’ eyes to the world and encouraged them all to do their best, irrespective of their academic abilities.

Martha was an outstanding and charismatic Headmistress who took a great interest in her pupils and their families which continued after they left school. She knew each of her students by name and was always keen to know details of their successes when meeting them years later as Seniors.

Upon her retirement in 1988, Martha remained one of St Leonards’ most ardent supporters and was an active and loyal member of the St Leonards Seniors Society. She was greatly admired and respected within the community and possessed an infectious enthusiasm for education and keen interest in the lives of everyone she met.

Martha SteedmanOne tribute from a senior read, “She left a lasting impact on all of us who knew her and for me provided a great role model and aspiration for the impact a woman can have in the wider world if she so chooses.” Martha will be remembered with great affection and as one of Scotland’s finest educationalists. As James Murray, Chairman of St Leonards Council put it so eloquently, “The like of her will not be seen again.”

After her retirement she moved to the nearby village of Blebocraigs with Robert to live in the house they had built together. She served as a member of the Fife Health Board and was a driving force behind the establishment of the Women’s Centenary Fellowships by St Andrews University in 1992. They travelled extensively from the Himalayas to the Arctic and Antarctic, where she swam off a beach in South Georgia.

Courtesy: https://www.stleonards-fife.org/

“Coke Studio @MTV” A Brand New Musical Treats for the Music Lovers

Usually, I am not a fervent TV watcher, as I get easily fed up, switching over the channels, intending to watch with “what else is there in the channel” rather than “what is there in the channel”. However, yesterday as I was flipping over the channels as usual, I happen to tune in to the premier show of MTV coke studio, which was indeed, to my utter surprise, different from other musical shows as the show focuses only on music—and not on competition, as many music programs currently on TV do.
I did remain glued to the TV as I found myself captivated by the brand new musical show staged by musical legends of India like Richa Sharma, Kailash Kher and Shankar Mahadevan, engulfed in the crisscross of fluorescent illumination, MTV coke studio, The Indian version which is called “Coke Studio @MTV” is a unique musical programme that starts at 7Pm every Friday. The show which has already persuaded many music lovers in Pakistan, has now started to cast its spell in India too. Bringing together 45 dexterous musicians from different parts of the country, in various genres such as folk, classical and qawwali, sufi and others.

“We have such a rich musical heritage. It’s surprising that we don’t have a platform to bring this heritage out and show it to the common man. Film music has taken over completely,” Aditya Swamy, who heads MTV India, told IANS. “The show aims to bring to gather various cultures of the country on one stage, and mix three very potent elements. On one hand, it will have well-known classically-trained singers. On the other hand, we will have folk legends of the country, whether it’s a Bihu singer or a qawwal. The third one will bring young and new talent. We will be mixing all three ingredients together to get something very explosive out of it,” he added

The show has been produced by MTV India in partnership with Red Chillies Entertainment.Talking about ratings, Swamy explained: “I don’t think Television Rating Points (TRP) are the only scale to measure success. I’m not doing this show to see whether it will do better than ‘Indian Idol’ or a ‘Sa Re GA Ma’. The objective is to celebrate the music of India and build a community of people who want to listen to alternative music.”
“Having said that, I feel if you hunt for TRPs you never get them. You create something world class, and the TRPs will come,” he added. [Source: The Express Tribune].
The show is a “must watch show” for every music lovers as it shows the explicit blend of folk, classical with regional and western instrument.
Mr. Basir told India Real Time that Coke Studio aims to reflect the “aural culture of the country” by capturing musical traditions from across the nation. Each one-hour episode of Coke Studio features six songs that could be a diverse mix of old Bollywood songs, classical compositions and folk music. The show will also aim to mix-and-match established musicians and up-and-coming artists.
The show’s musical director, Leslie Lewis, said Coke Studio will be “another direction for the music in this country.” Mr. Lewis is known in India for his collaboration with singer Hariharan as part of Colonial Cousins, which was hugely popular in the 1990s. Across several albums, the duo mixed Indian classical music with Western pop sounds and English-language lyrics.
“Coke Studio isn’t a reality show. So there are no mentors, no anchors, no judges and no voting,” said Mr. Lewis. “It’s just live music that has been recorded from the beginning to the end. I didn’t allow artists to patch up later or make corrections.”
The line-up of artists for the first season which was held on 17th of June 2011 were some well-known Bollywood names like singer Richa Sharma, as well as folk legends like the Wadali brothers, who are musicians from Punjab who sing in the Sufi mystic tradition, and Advaita, a fusion band from New Delhi. The line-up also featured lesser-known musicians like the percussionist Bondo, from the former Portuguese colony of Goa, and Bihu musician Khagen Gogoi, who performs in a folk tradition from the northeastern state of Assam. The most unique feature of Coke Studio is that renowned artists actually breaks out of their comfort zone and come out to perform on a platform pushing their boundaries, collaborating with artists they haven’t worked with before, and taking their music to people it hasn’t reached before.


Sikkim stands nowhere inferior in the field of both western and eastern regional musical arena. Renowned bands like “Still Waters” and “Girish and the Chronicles” which have been born in the soil of Sikkim, is itself evident that we have reached the pinnacle of success in the musical sphere. There are numerous such talents lying dormant or awaiting opportunities. Thus, Coke Studio @MTV where versatile legends of Indian music exhibit the show in their splendid form can inspire and reenergize our budding musician of Sikkim.

http://www.facebook.com/cokestudioatmtv?sk=wall

MUSIC

With the notes played in serene air,
there comes a music one loves to hear.
Yours remorse fades in tranquility
and your sorrows left in vanity.

Though it might be tango or a ballet
rhymed with brief or a crotchet,
The music that reeds an unholy mind
is perhaps the music that succeeds.

So I pay you my utmost gratitude
and also to your creator.
for you shall be my destiny
that shall hover throughout my era.

Youths' suicidal tendencies: Causes and solution

One of the very reasons that strained me to comprehend over Suicidal tendencies is the increasing suicide cases in my society. Within a short span of two years three consecutive cases has occurred where every time the girls of age 19 to 22 has dare to take such a fatal step. Moreover, two of them being my cousins has indeed dragged my attention closer. It was just yesterday we have finished with the funeral ceremony and I heard numerous assumptions being made by the people attending the funeral. Some felt that it was because some evil force that had possessed the diseased soul, some felt it to be the 'Karma' of previous life or the result of the deeds of her parents, while some considered it to be a curse on the family. However, the most rational one was that, it was because of some unbalanced love affair she was undergoing.
There are numerous suicidal cases that have occurred all over the world, but it is reported to have occurred most frequently in Sikkim. Suicidal cases, though, has set a firm grip in Sikkim but it has been apparently ignored by our society and the Government.
I was fortunate to come across this article which provides us a comprehensive insight into the crisis prevalent among our youth and facilitates us further to comprehend over the matter.
Here are some opinions on the issue.

DR RITA Agarwal, a psychologist and the director of Tears (an institute for mentally retarded children) opines that the high expectations of the parents and the society are one of the major reasons of growing number of suicides among the students. She states that the problem begins at the level of parents as they hold high expectations from their children without to understanding their mental calibre. They overload their children with unbearable responsibilities and commitments. It becomes an obligation to fulfill the desires of their parents. As a result of this, the child lives under constant pressure.
The high expectations of the parents make them emotionally weak and insecure and the child loses the mental balance to overcome the problems. He lives in a constant fear of failure and this horror increases with the parents’ expectations. Gradually, when the child sees that he is failing in his efforts to fulfill the expectations of the parents’ and the society, it becomes tough for him to face them and as a consequence, he chooses death in order to let himself free and escape all the troubles of life.
So it is the responsibility of the parents to take care of their children and understand their emotions. Sometimes, this also leads to psychological problems like depression and hypertension. The problem could be surmounted with the joint efforts of the family, teachers and the close friends. But the role of the parents is most important because if they are able to understand the interest of their children, then such a problem may never arise.
Parents should seek career guidance to understand the aptitude of their children. There is no harm in taking the psychological tests and they should go for tests like aptitude tests and standard psychological tests to identify the IQ level of the students. If possible, parents should also take the help of family counselling to understand their children. Parents should understand that they play an important part in the lives of their children and therefore they should try to understand their needs and interests.
Attitude of admiration and acceptance.
Dr Seema Dixit, personal counsellor of St Conrads College, Agra, opines that the increasing number of suicides among the students is due to numerous reasons. She states that student’s can’t be blamed for poor academic performance. In fact, some parents think that it is the responsibility of their children to make them proud with their achievements. But they fail to understand that parents too have the responsibility to make their children proud by providing them with the best possible facilities.
Parents play an important role in the overall development of children. This is because they are the ones, who act as role models for their children. So its the parents, who actually make or break their children.
Sometimes, parents force their children to take up the career of their choice rather than the child’s. But they fail to realise that career is the result of one’s attitude, capacity, IQ, aptitude, and interest and it is the duty of the parents to understand this and make their children choose a career of their choice. Thus, one of the reasons behind the increasing number of suicide cases is the ignorance and indifferent attitude of the parents. Because of this parental attitude, children indulge in the company of bad friends thereby ruining their personal as well as professional life. Later, they feel that the only option left with them is to commit suicide.

It is the duty of the parents to provide them quality time and they should have an attitude of acceptance and admiration. Parents should learn to appreciate their children and never make a mistake of comparing them with other children as this can create an inferiority complex in the child. Parents should try to encourage their child’s faith in God, so that he may regard this body as the temple of god and that we have to live for god’s sake. The most important thing is that parents should always keep a note of their child’s activities
Teachers should be impartial.
NS Chauhan, senior lecturer of St Patrick’s Junior College, states that the problem of suicide has become a major problem among the students of almost all age groups. Earlier, these problems were common among the students, who failed to perform well in the competitive exams. But with the passing of time, this problem is becoming common even among the school going students. One cannot deny the fact that sometimes, these problems occur because of the environment in which the child seeks education.
There’s an increasing trend of suicide cases amongst the school going children. In school there are students with different IQ levels and often a weak student finds it difficult to meet the set standards of the intelligent ones. Another major reason is the partial attitude of teachers towards the students.
Sometimes, the a teacher’s attitude towards a student is guided by the social, cultural, economical background of a child. Teachers often make a mistake of according more importance to some students. This results in a feeling of neglect among other students and they inculcate a feeling of inferiority. This ultimately leads to problems like depression and tension and life seems a dull and aimless affair to them.
These problems need a solution and the key to these problems lie in the hands of the teachers. They should try to understand the needs of a child and hold an attitude of equality towards each and every child. They should give equal opportunities to all the students irrespective of their backgrounds. It’s the responsibility of the school to keep a watch on the attitude of a child and report to the parents about the psyche of the disturbed child. Apart from this a child needs an overall development and therefore it’s the duty of the school to organise events that may help achild to showcase his talents. Schools should make an attempt to enhance the hidden talents of the students.
Its time for the teachers to realise that they play a vital role in the life of a student and they are the inspiration of a child and therefore they should be unbiased in their treatment.
Proper purgation of emotions.
Suicidal cases show a normal probability curve, which shoots up as soon as the results are announced, says Neharika Sethi, a student These days, suicide has become a trend among youngsters either to escape the circumstances or the parental expectations. Every year, this number is increasing and apart from parental reasons and circumstances, there is something more about the victim, something that’s within the person, she explains.
When one misses the inner zeal to live, it makes a person to commit suicide. The reason can be anything from poor result to love affairs among youths. The pressure of problems stops the proper purgation of the emotions of these people, which leads to a psychological imbalance, which finally leads to mental frustration. This may also lead to aggression and hypertension, all of this then leads to hypersensitivity and forces the person to develop suicidal tendencies. The situation is really pathetic and does need a lot of initiation. Movies like Tare Zameen Par are a good step address the issue. Regular psychological counselling and education sessions should be conducted in schools to help eradicate this sin, she opined.
Parental fear forces such actions.
Dr Amitabh Chauhan (former emergency medical officer of district hospital Agra) states that doctors come across many cases where the youths make an attempt to end their lives. The major reason behind such violent actions of youths is the treatment that children get in their respective families. Many a times doctors come across cases where the parents fail to tell the circumstances which, lead their children to take such extreme step. This simply reflects the pitiable parent-child relationship. In such cases, parents fail to understand the needs and requirements of their child and in such circumstances the child starts getting away from his parents that forces them to take such actions.
Another reason behind suicide attempts is the strict attitude of parents towards their wards. They think that austere behaviour is the only alternative to protect their children and make them a good human being. But when the child fails to fulfill their hopes, he tries to take his life. Parents need to understand the needs of their children and should play the role of a friend to understands their inner feelings and share their joys and sorrows.
Hence it is evident that many of us have to revive our outlook towards suicide cases. It is the responsibility of every individual of the society to direct our youth towards right direction, to guide them every time they falter. Above all, anyone suffering from Suicidal tendencies requires to be treated with our love and concern rather than ignorance and suspicion.