Education – Page 95 – Take off with Natarajan

What is a Kudo , as in ” Kudos to You…” ?

July 21, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

First, it should be noted that “kudos” is not the plural form of “kudo”, so a “kudo” was once technically nothing. However, because so many people in the last century, mainly in the United States, have thought kudos was plural, in some dictionaries today “kudo” is considered a valid word meaning the same thing as kudos (yet another word created via back-formation).

To answer your question, kudos in English means:

1) Praise / Accolades

2) Credit for one’s achievements

The word “kudos” comes from the Greek κῦδος (kudos), meaning “glory” or “fame”. The “-os” ending in Greek typically indicates a singular noun and is supposed to be pronounced like “-ose”, rather than “-oze”, as many Americans usually pronounce it, “koo-doze”, or as a lot of British people tend to pronounce it “-oss”, “cue-doss”.

The word made its way into English around the late 18th century / early 19th century, meaning pretty much the same thing as it means today. The first documented instance of the “singular” word “kudo” didn’t pop up until 1926.

Source….www.today i foundout .com

Natarajan

This Epic Image of Earth will Floor You….

July 21, 2015Natarajan2 Comments

NASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera captures stunning view of the entire sun-lit side of Earth.

This colour image of Earth, taken by NASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC), a four megapixel CCD camera and telescope on July 6, 2015, shows Earth as seen on July 6, 2015 from a distance of one million miles.

Clicked from 1.6 million km away in space, a NASA camera on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite has returned its first stunning view of the entire sun-lit side of Earth.

DSCOVR is equipped with the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) that took the new photo on July 6.

EPIC captures a series of 10 different images in a variety of wavelengths, from near infrared to ultraviolet light, which can be analyzed in a number of different ways.

“Just got this new blue marble photo from @NASA. A beautiful reminder that we need to protect the only planet we have,” US President Barack Obama tweeted on his official @POTUS handle.

The images clearly show desert sand structures, river systems and complex cloud patterns on planet Earth.

“This first DSCOVR image of our planet demonstrates the unique and important benefits of Earth observation from space,” said NASA administrator Charlie Bolden in a statement.

“I want everyone to be able to see and appreciate our planet as an integrated, interacting system,” he added.

The primary objective of DSCOVR is to maintain the nation’s real-time solar wind monitoring capabilities, which are critical to the accuracy and lead time of space weather alerts and forecasts.

“DSCOVR’s observations of Earth, as well as its measurements and early warnings of space weather events caused by the sun, will help every person to monitor the ever-changing Earth, and to understand how our planet fits into its neighbourhood in the solar system, Bolden noted.

NASA will use the camera’s observations to measure ozone levels in Earth’s atmosphere and plant growth on the ground.

It will also help build maps showing the distribution of dust and volcanic ash around the globe, among other things.

“The high quality of the EPIC images exceeded all of our expectations in resolution,” said DSCOVR project scientist Adam Szabo.

“There will be a huge wealth of new data for scientists to explore,” he concluded.

Source…www.the hindu.com

Natarajan

” Healing Touch Through Your Fingers…”

July 21, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Mudras – Healing Through Your Fingers

Most people associate yoga with a person sitting in the lotus position, hands on their knees with their forefinger and thumb touching. This positioning of the fingers is called “Mudra” and just like pressure points, this technique can affect our physical and emotional states.

Mudras

Mudras have been known in the East for thousands of years, not only in meditation or yoga, but also as part of the treatment for various physical and mental ailments. At times, people put their fingers in the mudra position without even knowing it. There are hundreds of mudra variations, which include your head, hands and body, each one helping with different ailments. This list will show you the 10 easiest mudras that you can perform everywhere and at any time – simply choose the one that corresponds to your problem and stick to it for a few days, until you feel better.

Please note that there is no need to apply pressure on your fingers. Perform these exercises with both hands simultaneously, preferably while sitting down.

1. Gyan Mudra (Knowledge)

Mudras

The tip of your forefinger touches the tip of the thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: This mudra stimulates the pituitary gland, which controls your metabolism, as well as your sleep cycles. Gyan helps improve your memory, prevents insomnia, provides clarity of mind and can help in preventing dementia.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day.

2. Prithvi Mudra (Earth)

Mudras

The tip of the thumb touches the tip of your ring finger while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: Prithvi helps you with physical and mental weaknesses, prevents chronic lethargy, provides an energy boost and reduces the symptoms of osteoporosis. Other benefits include prevention of dryness of the skin, rashes, aging, hair loss, and even stomach ulcers.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day.

3. Varuna Mudra (Water)

Mudras

The tip of the pinky touches the tip of the thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: Varuna helps balance your mental state, as well as your bodily fluids (it prevents dryness of the eyes, mouth, digestive system and skin). This mudra also aids in stopping cramps and constipation, as well as regulates the menstrual cycle and other hormonal irregularities in women. On top of all of these benefits, it can prevent joint degradation, anemia, and even may improve your sense of taste.

Perform for 45 minutes every day, or for 15 minutes 3 times a day. Avoid if you’re dealing with excess water retention.

4. Vayu Mudra (Air)

Mudras

The thumb holds the forefinger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: Vayu helps reduce stress and anxiety, as well as the intensity of your voice. It aids in decision making and impatience, shyness, unease, the hiccups, cramps, dizziness, and even Parkinson’s symptoms.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day.

5. Shunya Mudra (Emptiness)

Mudras

The thumb holds the middle finger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: Shunya is effective in cases of earaches and serves as a confidence booster. This position also prevents a feeling of emptiness, tinnitus, and even vertigo.

In cases of severe earaches, vertigo or numbness of a limb, perform this mudra until the problem is solved. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Note that experts recommend stopping once the problem is over.

6. Surya Mudra (Sun)

Mudras

The thumb holds the ring finger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: This mudra helps reactivate the thyroid, lose weight and revitalize the digestive system. It also aids in reducing stress and anxiety while keeping you focused on your goals. Another benefit of the Surya is in keeping you warm if you’re suffering from chills.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Pay attention to your body temperature while in this position, and stop once your body starts to get too warm.

7. Prana Mudra (Life)

Mudras

The tips of the ring finger and pinky touch your thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight.

Targets: Prana helps strengthen your mind and can boost your motivation. It also improves your eyesight, reduces tiredness and depression, and boosts the immune system.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day.

8. Apana Mudra (Digestion)

Mudras

The middle and ring fingers are held by the thumb.

Targets: Apana helps regulate your kidneys and intestines, thus aiding in cleaning your body from toxins and preventing constipation. Other benefits are the prevention of nausea and vomiting, as well as a burning sensation while urinating. This position is particularly useful for diabetics as it regulates blood glucose levels.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day.

9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Heart)

Mudras

The forefinger touches the base of the thumb while the middle and ring fingers are held by the thumb. The pinky remains straight.

Targets: Apana Vayu helps prevent heart diseases and other heart-related problems. In addition, it prevents gases and heartburn.

Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. If you’ve experienced heart problems in the past, it is particularly recommended to practice this position daily.

10. Linga Mudra (Heat)

Mudras

Interlock your fingers while keeping the left thumb straight. Wrap the left thumb with your forefinger and right thumb, both of which should touch.

Targets: Linga helps increase body temperature and reduces phlegm and congestion. It strengthens the lungs and is particularly effective in cases of a cold, flu, sinus infections and asthma. It is also known to aid in men’s sexual virility.

It is recommended that you do not practice this mudra regularly, but rather only when you’re sick. Once the symptoms are gone, stop practicing it.

Source…www.ba-bamail.com

Natarajan

Meet Mahesh Londhe…21 Years Old Who Cleared CA Final in One Shot…

July 21, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Mahesh Londhe, son of a Pune bhel vendor cleared CA in first attempt. Londhe, who was sponsored by Thermax CEO MS Unnikrishnan, now wants to take up a corporate job in a manufacturing firm

It was a group of 25 people in Pune that studied hard, exchanged notes and solved problems through much of the past year. They were preparing for the final exam of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), also known as CA Final exam.

When results came out a couple of days ago, only one of them could manage to smile.

“It was a mixed day for me. It’s happiness for myself and sadness for my friends who could not clear,” large-hearted Mahesh Londhe, who has cleared all his CA exams in the first attempt, told Business Standard.

The 21-year-old has not only cleared one of the toughest exams to crack (only about 8 per cent cleared it this year) in one shot, but also mounted other odds that would have put off many.

“My prime motivation was my parents. They supported me in all decisions. I am from a backward community. My father is a bhel seller. He did not force me to work. He believed his son could become a CA,” Londhe said.

Londhe’s father Vishnu Vitobha Londhe earns about Rs 200-300 selling bhel at the Pune Railway Station, while his mother works as a help assisting teachers at the Akansha Foundation, non-profit till recently.

The young CA acknowledges the role played by the foundation in helping his education, both financially and through other assistance such as mentoring.

“When I was in class XII, I used to have difficulty with accountancy. Akansha had arranged special classes to help me get over these,” Londhe said.

Akansha also helped him get a sponsor for the CA course. “Mr (MS) Unnikrishnan, CEO of Thermax sponsored my entire CA course from CPT, IPCC to final,” he said.

The entire course and fees for classes “which were quite high” would have cost around Rs 4-5 lakh, he estimated.

Despite this, there were hard times at home. “I faced several problems. My father used to work on commission basis for a firm. Unfortunately, he had to leave it and then start on his own. Those were difficult times for us,” Londhe recalled.

“Mahesh’s journey from being an Akanksha Child to a chartered accountant is like a dream come true. Mahesh Londhe, student of the first batch of Pune Akanksha centre has made it as a certified Chartered Accountant,” Akansha said in a statement. The foundation works with children from low-income communities with a high-quality education and has eight centres and 16 schools in Mumbai and Pune. Mahesh’s journey with the foundation began 13 years ago.

His mentor Aashish Patki made him realise he needed to work for a life beyond his 10th standard. “Patki gave him brochures of commerce colleges and asked him to visit them. This was a turning point for him. First Division in class X got him admitted to BMCC for B Com. A score of 72 per cent in HSC gave him the courage to join the course for Chartered Accountancy.”

A cheerful Londhe, who came fifth in his university in graduation and speaks fluent English, said he wants to take up a corporate job after completing his articleship later in September. “I am quite young. So, initially I’ll look for a job, preferably in a manufacturing firm focusing on internal control systems,” adding confidently, “After getting some experience, may be after 10-15 years I shall plan to start my own practice. That will be the second stage.”

Londhe’s parents, though not much educated themselves, understood the importance of education for all their children. Monica, Mahesh’s younger sister is in her first year of graduation wants to opt for an “beautician course”, while Ratnadeep, in class XII now, wants to pursue an MBA.

Source:

N.Sundaresha Subramanaian in http://www.rediff.com

Natarajan

“Bonsai”…The Story Behind this Name !!!

July 20, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Bonsai!

Long before the bonsai art form of creating miniature trees came to Japan, the wealthy in China were perfecting their craft known as “penzai” and “penjing.” The former means “tray plant” and the latter “tray scenery.” It is from the Japanese pronunciation of “penzai” that the word “bonzai” ultimately derives- “bon” meaning “tray-like” and “sai” meaning “planting.” (The Japanese equivalent of penjing is bonkei, meaning “tray landscape.”)

In the earliest form of penjing, first emerging as a developed art form around 600-700 AD in China, people would collect native trees and grow them in small containers as a part of elaborate miniaturized landscapes. Those tiny landscapes were often given as gifts among China’s elite.

While Buddhist monks and delegations sent from Japan to China had been bringing back to Japan miniaturized crafted landscapes as souvenirs starting not that long after the art of penjing had been established in China, it wasn’t until the Kamakura period in Japan (1192-1333 AD) that the Japanese seem to have adopted this craft. The catalyst for this widespread adoption was the introduction of Zen Buddhism to Japan. Around the same time in Japan, penjing was distilled down to single, miniature trees, rather than miniature landscapes being the focus, with famed Zen master Kokan Shiren being particularly influential in the spread of Zen Buddhism and defining bonsai as an art form.

Besides not strictly being “invented” in Japan, another common misconception about bonsai trees is that they are genetically dwarfed. Instead, they are regular tree and shrub species, traditionally pine, maples, and azaleas, which are manipulated using pruning techniques, including extensive root pruning, to dwarf and shape the plants.

While there are many different styles of bonsai, keeping everything balanced is key for whatever type and shape of bonsai tree that is grown, hence Mr. Miyagi’s lessons to Daniel-san about balance in The Karate Kid:

Miyagi: Go, find balance.
Miyagi: Bansai, Daniel-san.
Daniel: Hey, bansai!
Miyagi: Bansai!

For instance, if a leaf or a branch is disproportionately large given the size of the tree, throwing the whole thing out of balance, it should be removed. One should also hide any signs of pruning, so that the resulting tree looks just like it was naturally grown that way and a perfect, to scale, miniature of what the full size version of the tree would look like if it had the same shape.

Once Japan adopted the craft from China, it began to spread among all classes of Japanese society. According to bonsai historian Robert Baran, by the late 18th century a show for “traditional pine dwarf potted trees” was held annually in Kyoto where, ”Connoisseurs from five provinces and the neighboring areas would bring one or two plants each to the show in order to submit them to the visitors for ranking or judging.”

After Japan ended its over two centuries of isolation in the 19th century, the bonsai tree would be popularized outside of the country at fairs and expos around the world, including the Paris Expositions (1878, 1889) and the St. Louis World’s Fair (1904).

WWII proved both a blessing and a curse to the growth of the bonsai art form. On the major downside, many growers did not continue in this line of work after the war and numerous extremely old bonsai trees were destroyed. Some effort was given to preserving them, however, such as workers at the Tokyo Imperial Palace continually pouring water over and ultimately rescuing some of the remarkable Imperial Collection as the Palace was burning around them after the allied bombing of Tokyo on May 25, 1945.

On the positive side, at least in terms of helping to continue the popularization of the bonsai tree outside of Japan, many Allied troops occupying Japan admired the art form and even took classes in it, bringing it back with them to their respective homes.

More recently, the art form has been popularized in cinema with, of course, The Karate Kid leading the way.

Today, there is a World Bonsai convention that takes place every four years to showcase the best bonsai masters and their work internationally. Washington D.C. also houses the National Bonsai & Penjing Museumdedicated to the miniaturized trees and landscapes. And if you visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace and tour their bonsai collection, you can spy some of the finest specimens in the world, including one of the oldest known bonsai trees, the Third Shogun (pictured right), which is a five-needle pine that has been steadfastly maintained for an astounding five and a half centuries.

Source….www.today i foundout.com

Natarajan

” Hamara Bharath …” Incredible India …A Travel Paradise….

July 19, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Let’s see… there’s history.

(Leh Palace, Leh)

Photograph: Sandeep Kashyap

There’s religion…

(The Golden Temple, Amritsar)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Like everywhere! Even under a few inches of snow!

(Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Fancy a drive in the snow? You got it!

(Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Or maybe zorbing? No sweat You can have that too!

(Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Are you a hills person?

(Manali)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Are you a beach bum?

(Kovalam beach, Kerala)

Photograph: Shounak Pal

Or could you do with just a lake?

Photograph: Piyush Goel

(Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh)

Do you fancy a road trip?

Photograph: Sandeep Kashyap

(Leh-Manali Highway, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir)

One packed with adventure? 🙂

(Manali, Himachal Pradesh)

Photograph: Ruturaj Gorakh Mulik

Why go away from India?

Because even though there may not be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…

(Nainital, Uttarakhand)

Photograph: Rahul Kumar

every cloud does have a silver lining! 🙂

(Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand)

Photograph: Rahul Kumar

Source….www.rediff.com

Natarajan

NGO Sponsors Civil Service Aspirants From Minority Community…A Charitable Move

July 18, 2015July 18, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

The Zakat Foundation of India runs welfare initiatives for the destitute and helps with the education of poor students. Upasna Pandey/ Rediff.com discover the origins of this organisation

When Shah Faesel from Jammu and Kashmir topped the Civil Services Exam in 2010, it marked the beginning of a new dream. This year a new chapter was added after Afaq Ahmad Giri joined the ranks of those who made it through the Union Public Service Commission entrance examinations.

For Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, who founded the Zakat Foundation of India, it is a realisation of dream to enable youth from minorities to join mainstream and be empowered.

“Ever since 2010, when Shah Faesal, who was the first from Jammu and Kashmir topped the civil services, we have seen a steady rise in awareness and interest in the national exams and we are supporting such aspirants,” says Dr Sayed Zafar Mahmood, founding president of Zakat Foundation of India and Interfaith Coalition for Peace, which has been sponsoring civil service aspirants from Muslim and other minority communities.

The ZFI was set up in 1997 by Dr Zafar, who retired as a chief commissioner, income tax, in 2009.

He started with running welfare initiatives for the destitute and helping pay of tuition fees of poor students, support for widows, single women, among others.

But in 2007, Dr Zafar realised that more needed to be done.

I was inspired by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan who in 1887 started the Mohammedan Civil Services Fund Association to finance the travel of Muslims to London to write the ICS examination. The Sir Syed Coaching and Guidance Centre for Civil Services was set up in 2007. In eight years, 63 of its students have cleared UPSC including the 15 in the current year, the 63 include seven Christians. Of the 40-odd it sponsored this year, 26 cleared the UPSC prelims and 15 made it to the selection list,” he said.

Dr Zafar explains the reasons for setting up ZFI.

“Among Islam’s five basic pillars, ‘zakat’ is the third. According to this mandate, each Muslim has to annually donate as charity 2.5 per cent of his wealth and annual savings. In addition, there is the ‘sadaqah’, an optional means of charity extending to all that is not needed by the family,” Dr Zafar.

“The ZFI is a registered trust and it undertakes the organised collection and utilisation of zakat, sadaqah and other charitable donations. I got an opportunity to organise the Haj pilgrimages as part of the Indian consulate in Saudi Arabia, which was a great learning opportunity. Also, I served on the Sachar Committee, appointed in 2005 to ascertain the socio-economic condition of Muslims in India. The Committee travelled and met departments, miniseries across states, it was an exhaustive exercise. The main findings were that Muslims are lagging behind every field and there is need for institutional measures. I realised that the community needs to also take responsibility,” recalls Dr Zafar.

There is an annual written test and interview for selection of ZFI `fellows’ and the focus is to get an all India representation. “We are more keen to have girl aspirants as their representation is the poorest but there are not many coming forward for the coaching,” laments Dr Zafar.

Zainab Saeed of West Bengal, qualified for UPSC on her third attempt this year. She toldRediff.com that “there need to be many more ZFI like organizations in smaller cities and towns. I came to Delhi to attend free mock interview sessions which were organised by ZFI, which proved very helpful.”

“The core purpose is to assimilate Muslims, in more numbers, from different parts of the country, into the mainstream governance of the country. We need to inspire them, sponsor them and help prepare them better for the civil services. We organise orientation sessions across backward areas across the country to build awareness, I start by showing photographs of North Block and South Block and young district collectors, police officers, and revenue officers. I urge the youth that they could sit in these offices by appearing for civil services. This creates impact and there are people who show faith in ZFI,” shares Dr Zafar.

Over the years, more people have shown confidence in giving charity for the civil service coaching program of ZFI.

ZFI allows students to choose best coaching institutes in Delhi. “ZFI provides hostel accommodation and we pay for the coaching fee which is around Rs 1.75 lakh per aspirant. It is around a 20 month cycle for each aspirant which includes preparation for prelims, mains and interview level,” explains Dr Zafar.

Dr Zafar says that “Civil services are the most fair and institutionalised way of empowering people from diverse backgrounds. But unfortunately, sufficient numbers of Muslims are not appearing for civil services exams.”

Yunice R Ismail, ZFI fellow from 2013, now posted as assistant collector in West Bengal, toldRediff.com that “in the poorer parts of the country, there is ignorance about the benefits and empowerment one gets by joining the civil services. Also, the coaching centres there are not of high quality.”

Ismail, who belongs to Kerela, hopes to be part of the orientation for Muslim dominant areas such as Malappuram in the state. He is also using social media to reach out to create awareness about civil services.

“We need to bring more community role models and instil confidence in the youth,” he adds.

Shahnawaz came to ZFI in 2013 and has attempted once to clear UPSC prelim exams.

“I have been focusing on my strategy to crack the prelims and then the interview. At ZFI, we get exposure to a diverse group of aspirants so we benefit in our preparations. Also, the group discussions, which are organised are enriching as these are done by retired or serving bureaucrats and prove to be beneficial. I spend around 12 hours every day for preparations and am confident I will make it in the next attempt,” said Shahnawaz.

The steps may be small but it is important that a beginning has been made. More such efforts are needed to take the nation forward and ensure that no one is left behind.

Image: Students participate in mock interview sessions organised by ZFI. Photograph: ZFI

Upasna Pandey in New Delhi for http://www.rediff.com

Natarajan

A Humble Request from Your Heart to YOU….Pl Listen…

July 18, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Hello, I’ve been feeling a bit low these days, especially during the weekends and on Monday mornings.

You keep your liver, lungs and stomach happy with a lot of alcohol, cigarettes and food that is rich in fat and cholesterol.

Well my friend, I feel neglected because I work overtime trying to function to keep you alive, guess why? It’s because I’m built to love, I’m a heart after all and love is what I’m good at.

However, I feel suffocated, and it would be nice if you could do me a little favour which will help me, help you to continue loving your friends and family by keeping you alive.

Here’s what you can do…

Source….www.rediff.com

Natarajan

How a Differently Abled Student’s Letter to Nike is Now Changing Many Lives…

July 17, 2015July 17, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Image Courtesy: Screengrab taken from YouTube video uploaded by Nike Basketball

A 16 year old cerebral palsy had a very simple request. He was going to college soon and wouldn’t have his parents there to tie his shoelaces for him. So he wrote a letter to one of the biggest shoe brands in the world and put it up on social media.

And it was Matthew Walzer’s 2012 letter to Mark Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Nike, that resulted in an invention that will help millions of differently abled people in the world.

“I wanted to say look, this is a real issue; these are daily challenges that millions of disabled people face,” says Matthew Walzer in a video released by Nike. It explains how designer Tobie Hatfield and the company came up with the idea of a “wraparound zipper system” that makes getting in and out of shoes much easier for those who face difficulty while using their hands.

“I’ll never forget that night. Taking them out of the box and putting them on – I just felt this wave of independence that I never got to experience before,” says Matthew.

The video makes for a beautiful watch, not only because of the shoes they present to Matthew. They also surprise him by introducing him to one of his favourite sportstars.
Take a look at video below and always remember Tobie Hatfield’s words: “At some point, some people become less able sooner than others. But eventually, we all become less able.”

Source….www.ndtv.com and http://www.you tube.com

Natarajan

‘Turmeric may help treat diabetes’….

July 17, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, combined with an omega-3 fat may delay or prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes.

Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, combined with an omega-3 fat may potentially delay or prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes, researchers, led by an Indian-origin scientist, say.

Health scientists from the University of Newcastle’s Nutraceuticals Research Group, led by Professor Manohar Garg, are seeking 80 recruits for a new clinical study to find out whether the Indian spice combined with an omega-3 fat can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes or prevent it altogether.

“The root cause of type 2 diabetes is systemic inflammation, which impacts insulin secretion and function,” said Garg.

“We want to nip the inflammation in the bud,” he said.

“This study will use two bioactive compounds that we find in food — curcumin and omega—3 fat. Both are very important anti-inflammatory agents,” Garg said.

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is part of the ginger family and commonly used for food colouration. Its healing properties are well known in India.

“Turmeric has been used for centuries to promote healing of bruises, sprains, wounds and inflammation,” he said.

Nowadays in India the level of curcumin (turmeric) intake has dropped considerably as people switch to Westernised fast foods, and it parallels with a significant rise in type 2 diabetes cases. In fact the disease is now an epidemic in India and may soon be the number one health burden,” said Garg.

The randomised control trial will test both compounds, with the recruitment group being segregated into four.

One will get curcumin only, the second will get omega-3 fat only, the third will receive both, and the fourth will serve as a control group.

The capsules contain 200 mg of curcumin and one gm of omega-3 fat respectively.

People who are prone to develop diabetes because of impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose, and who are aged between 30 and 70, may be eligible.

“The anti-inflammatory mechanisms surrounding curcumin and omega-3 fats are different, so we want to test if they complement each other and have treatment synergies beyond their individual effects,” Garg said.

“Our thinking is that the combination is safe, free of any side-effects and may prove to be as effective as drugs used for management of diabetes,” he added.

Keywords: turmeric, ancient Indian medicine, University of Newcastle research

Source….www.the hindu.com

Natarajan