Meditation kept the Thai boys trapped in a cave astonishingly calm

July 10, 2018 by PAUL RATNER

The story of the Thai boys soccer team trapped in a cave for two weeks has captivated millions of people around the world. Lost since June 23rd, the group spent ten days without any contact with the outside world. It was finally discovered on July 2nd and rescued on July 10th.

It turned out that Ekapol Chanthawong, the 25-year-old coach of the 12-player Wild Boars soccer team, is a former Buddhist monk. He spent a decade living as a monk and is a practitioner of meditation. It is that skill that has been credited with keeping the boys calm during this ordeal. In fact, when the British divers discovered them after ten days, the group was meditating.

Aisha Wiboonrungrueng, the mother of the 11-year-old Chanin, who was trapped in the cave, thinks the coach’s background definitely helped in this situation. Watching the video of the moment the boys were found, she thought it was very noteworthy how calm they were.

“Look at how calm they were sitting there waiting,” she said. ”No one was crying or anything. It was astonishing.”

Leah Weiss, a Standford expert taught by the Dalai Lama, told CNBC that meditating played a key role in keeping the group alive. It’s a kind of mental training that improves focus and compassion, according to the expert.

“For Buddhists, meditation is a go-to when distressed or in danger,” Weiss said. “Cognitive resources that would otherwise be hijacked by the threat can be accessed once again, meaning that problem-solving capacities increase."

In particular, she pointed out that "given that insufficient air and food was a major issue for the trapped boys, meditation is actually a very practicalresponse to both of these concerns."

Meditation creates a calming effect by slowing down the heart rate, breathing and metabolism, said Weiss. It also lowers the levels of cortisol and oxygen utilization. A meditating person would also emit less carbon dioxide.

More details about how the boys got trapped in the cave in the first place are to be uncovered, but it looks to be a very dramatic real-world demonstration of the power of meditation. The incident confirms a steadily growing body of research that shows how meditation and mindfulness practices lead to lower stress levels, improved positivity, and creativity as well as clearer focus and protection from depression.

Its tragic to see many educational institutions callous towards water conservation needs.

Its tragic to see many educational institutions callous towards water conservation needs. Universities and colleges with large areas are only sucking out water without any anxiety on what it doing...
This is despite so much of awareness/appeals..
In fact educational institutions ought to have been in the forefront of sensitising young generations towards social needs which is as much their own survival..
What kind of youth are we mentoring as educationists?
What kind of teachers are we? Which is why today the poor have to suffer due to serious water pollution. Their water has been sucked out.
Some areas have become cancerous because of water contamination across the country.
At least the minimum duty we have is to conserve and save. And also generate it back? Learn to do so.
Public officials too must go on vigilance checks on a regular basis to identify such culprits and name and shame them. As nothing else seems to matter to them. They are selfish.
At least let us not add to a generation of youth which will be indifferent to other rights.
In the end they will be left with nothing for themselves too.

As I felt this morning. Have a good day.

 As I felt this morning. Have a good day.

In Puducherry we are trying to change the way we have been working.
We are only making a small headway.
Not at the speed at which people need.
People are still complaining of garbage near by, a mosquito breeding pond, unclean and smelly water, public nuisance In the neighbourhood, delays in responding to their legitimate grievances, outdated skills, incorrect and unpaid bills, lack of data entry, lack of digitisation of records, absence of policies, and more.
Only recently we have removed all banners and now strictly enforcing it which is why all are complaining.
When all complain it means hopefully we are equal to all in law enforcement.
This is what it should be. When ALL complain it means we are being equally tough and not selective. We are not here to play favourites.
As Public officials our service gives us security in functioning. We must make that as our strength and perform without fear or favour.
If all department heads set themselves to improve their respective departmental performance even bit by bit every day Puducherry will be cleaner, neater, safer, more systematic, more organised, more law abiding in all respects including payments of their bills, and usage of Govt  services, respect its natural resources as responsible citizens.
We are here not for populism but performance. We are assessed in as performance appraisal not populism appraisal. Enforce the law for all for the good of all.
Wish to thank the officers in Municipalities the PWD, and the Ground Water Authority, Science and Technology, our Police Beat and Traffic regulation, Revenue Services for checking sand theft, power and property depts for getting after the defaulters by naming and shaming...
All for rising to the occasions in driving the small change. But it’s still not impacting enough to be called transformative.
The rural component needs to pick up. The land grabbing by vested interests must stop. Digital areas need attention. Speed of disposal needs a sense of urgency.
Policies need implementation...and more.
Best wishes.

start working as a CREW in Puducherry....

When each department will start working as a CREW in Puducherry, the UT will be have enuf for all.
It shall be healthy, skilled, secure, water rich, financially sound, no more dependent on loans, pay all retirees their pension on time, pay provident funds on demand, clear past bills, banks capable of giving loans to the real needy, citizens pay their bills voluntarily while the CREW makes it easy for them to, have approved UPSC recruitment and promotion rules and not function on ad hoc basis.
No rowdies to land grab absentee French citizens properties, or of the weak, girls will complete their education and be skilled and earning, rural road sides free of strewn garbage and more.
Each department is a CREW.
Once we understand then alone will Puducherry be Prosperous for all not for a few in positions of privilege.
To be a CREW we do not need money or a project or centrally sponsored scheme from Govt of India or of a budgetary provision, we need to only work together and give our full attention to our responsibilities to serve...

Public service is service and service is to serve, not take.

Public service is service and service is to serve, not take.
Every moment in our public service is for others. Their needs and their welfare.
All decisions to be taken too for larger well being.
This is the standard touch stone.
If it passes the test we are in service.
Or else we are not serving but being selfish.
Service has to be above our own selves.
When we work from office or visit the field it is for enhancing the quality of life of people who are depending on us for decisions which promote welfare and prosperity. .
Public officials are in a unique position to do millions of good karma when they alleviate others suffering.
 By giving right decisions millions gain directly and indirectly.
Like good medical care, good teachers, Water and sanitation, law and order, integrity in financial management,sound polices,  as also courage to say No to vested interests.
Value your positions as public officials. It’s good karma for a whole life time.

Spot visits reveal the best without loss of Time

A three in one visit by Team RajNivas, with visible outcomes, for the good of Puducherry. 
1 visit to Kalapet Beach project. 
Shall keep it under the lens of regular review. 
2..Stringent Legal Action On K.V TEX for violation of Guidelines of Puducherry Planning Authority ( PPA) and Municipal Act and Rules. The business operation will be carried out subject to compliance of the EXTANT norms. (spot visit was made on the request of RWAs) Complaint found Primafacie genuine, in the presence of President Traders Association’s, Mr Shiv Shankar. 
3. Botanical Garden opened for walkers. Morning and evening. Excellent for locals and tourists..
4. And the open air theatre to be used to for creative performances by children and others.

Botanical garden now open to morning and evening walkers. 

Free of any ticketing. All 7 days. 6AM to 9 Am. And 5-7.

Inaugurated an empowering event.

Inaugurated an empowering event. Where Girls were being trained to be courageous & bold by the Puducherry Social Welfare Dept.
Survey conducted by an NGO revealed how girls feel restricted in their mobility because of incidents of being followed. Thereby lose out on economic and knowledge growth.
Also due to insecurities of parents are forced into early marriage. And also educate less due to dowry demands from the higher educated. 
Courses shall be held for boys, parents & teachers+others.
Trained girls will also be bold enough to report the Romeos.
And report to the police on 1031 in confidence.
All agencies will work together dealing with Child, Women, welfare, teachers sensitisation, university psychology dept, social work etc. FCC, women police etc.
Sec Welfare shall coordinate the training needs. And conduct regular surveys to understand ground realities.
Boys groups will be separately organised for them to listen to what girls have to say.
Boys groups as defenders too shall be formed, for them to understand the role they can play in improving the security scenario in Puducherry...
These training programs are being funded by GOI under Nirbhay’s fund.

Innovation comes by reflection

Innovation comes by reflection of what is. And the willingness to change for the better.
Also not to consume only but provide for now and invest in the future.
In Human Resources or material. Also environment.
Be it water saving or water generating, energy saving or energy generating.
Also preparing the youth for responsibility taking by grooming them on leadership and team building.
Puducherry Vision plan Document, department wise, for the decade ahead, must incorporate mission statement, policies, strategies and operating procedures or operating manual for training, continuity and sustainability with flexibility to keep evolving.
We have to reform the past, provide the present and prepare Puducherry for the future.
This is our destiny to make for a ‘Prosperous Puducherry’ for all.

Faith in doing ones duty to the maximum

When one drives a break from the past, it can and does ruffle the status quo-Ists. It changes equations. Breaks vested interests too. These individuals express their desperation and attempt to come in the way to make things unpleasant.
But if the doer views it as evidence of dislocation to the ‘self-centered’ interests,  it increases the resolve to keep up the effort. 
Friends..
Puducherry needs improved systems in place. It needs a shared vision. Which demands a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Day after day keep putting that in place. With integrity and hard work.
This is what we as public servants are here for.
Some of us are temporary here. Puducherry is forever.
Work for Puducherry....

Free Rice scheme made conditional to MLAs and officers cleaning up their villages.

I am very anguished at the slow pace of rural sanitation. 
Last two years I have not seen local representatives and concerned public officials determined to make rural Puducherry clean within a time frame. 
I am sorry this cannot go on.—
This was the 155 Morning Weekend Round Of Team RajNivas spanning over the last two years. 
Yet we have not transformed in proportion to the effort and energy that has gone into. 
In all our rural visits we have seen community leaders putting forth various demands on behalf of the people, but I have never seen any of them impatient at cleaning up the village in their constituency. Which is the cause of several diseases also in the village through contamination of water. 
In view of this attitude I hereby direct that distribution of free rice to the villagers shall be conditional to the certification of the village being open defecation free and free of strewn garbage and plastics by submitting a joint certificate given by the MLA and the Commune Commisioner to the Civil Supplies Commisioner. 
Till then the free rice supplies will be kept on hold and in safe storage. It shall be distributed to the beneficiaries on the village being certified clean.
The certification shall also be cross checked to ensure its veracity. 
All constituencies are given four weeks notice to clean up their respective areas to be entitled for the free rice. 
The notice period ends on May 31st. 
I am sure the community leaders including concerned public servants will take the lead in this transformation.
I also urge the NABARD to support only NGO who has inbuilt waste managment as integral part of its training programs.

Giving Puducherry a ten year vision plan.

Here are my opening remarks today at the Meeting of the State Planning Board on Annual Budget 2018-19.
- We have financially scrapped through last year and could pay our committed bills till the end of last financial year.
- However at the cost of certain essential areas like Civic amenities and rural care.
- We have areas of revenue generation where we could have generated additional resources. Hence we need to correct that this year.
- After presentation of the annual plan by the Secretary Planning and detailed deliberations by the Board and the Cabinet the budget cap of Rupees 7530 Crores was approved.
- In my concluding remarks I asked officers to flag policy and financial issues and place matters before the cabinet for timely resolutions.
- There are three key players to improve matters further.
- First the role of administration leadership.
- They must attend and build from what they have. And address internal managment issues like training, capacity building, rationalisation of work force, redressal of public grievance and field delivery.
- For the cabinet I said. They must meet more often and take calibrated risks to address policy and financial issues.
- They need to inform and communicate their respective constituencies of the role people can play in sanitation, safety, skill learning, sustainable agriculture and public health. This will save resources and enable more quality service to the people.
- I requested our two members of the Parliament to engage with Central Ministries in addressing UT issues which will reduce time pressure on Secretaries for frequent travels to Delhi. Thereby being away from Puducherry.
- I assured that in the coming Governor’s Conf in June I shall raise the following issues a) include UT in the 15 th Central Finance Commision
- b) Central Govt to bear pension expense as is in Delhi)
- C) 100 % Central finding of Centrally Sponsored Scheme as is the case with other UTs.
- D) Setting up of High Court Bench at Puducherry
- E) waiver of legacy loan of Rupees 7000 Crores by central government.
- F) Setting up of Family and CBI Court. In the end I requested the CM and tasked the CS to bring out a vision document for Puducherry and Karaikal for next ten years which specifies meeting of annual targets in areas of water, sanitation, public Health, skill development, agriculture, Tourism, renewable power, education, rita Development and all other priority sectors. With a road map for finances.
- By this the the Board passed the budget projection of 7530 Crores for the current financial year.
-

Puducherry gift to rest of India. It breaks an historical nexus

When I called on PM. And PM Instructed all concerned to fully support. We thank our PM..

My Blog on the historical SC order which caps the fees which can be charged by the Deemed Universities.-------------------------------------------------------------------

The RajNivas Secretariat intervened last year when no one in our political and departmental administration in Puducherry was willing to protect the interest of hapless but aspirational students. 
It’s a time in history of the UT when RajNivas had to stand by itself. 
Needy Students and their parents were seen running from pillar to post. 
The Open House at RajNivas brought forth the evidence of apathy. 
This is when Team RajNivas stepped in and take the bulls by the horns. 
It faced a huge hostile, back 
lash. (Media reports of that period are replete of this) 
The RajNivas Secretariat brought in GOI in the accountability right Upto the PMO. We wrote and went personally and explained the need for intervention to crush the prevailing mafia once and for all times. 
The MCI too realised it had to step in and supported us. They exposed the lies which were being told. ( evidence exists of this too). 

Meanwhile these efforts led to stepping in of a missionary and well placed lawyer in Chennai, Mr VBR Menon who took up the cause probono. 

Secretary to LG had to file a separate affidavit to support students in view of divergent views of our own administration who decided to wait and watch and did not even file an affidavit. (As it happened in the Court) 
All this was closely observed by the Chief Bench of the Madras High Court and commented. 
An interim judicial order led to capping of the fees to be charged by Deemed Medical Universities and need for a committee to fix their fees. 

We were defended by our ASGs at minimum cost. 
While the Medical mafia was by a battery of expensive lawyers. 
This powerful lobby took the matter to SC for a stay against the order of the HC, using its money and muscle clout. 
They have failed. Justice has won. 
This order is a final nail in the coffin of historical exploitation of a nexus which existed in exploiting the meritorious poor for decades not only in Puducherry but around the country. 
Not to forget CBI cases are still pending which also got registered on the complaints of the hapless parents associations. 
6+ Officers stand mentioned by name in its FIR. One of them lost his promotion 
This order is a culmination of determined fight against inherited injustice and prevailing mafia then. 
It remains broken now. 
The SC order not only does justice to Puducherry but to all other States if they choose to apply. 
The current changes in officialdom in Chief and Medical secretariat supported the break from the past in SC finally. 

Puducherry has changed. 
And is changing more with change of officers. 
Play your roles to the fullest. Clean up the systems. 
Remember every obstacle is an opportunity. 
Trophies are not won by spectators. 
Best wishes. 

Girls security demands drastic sustained action

——
Continued assaults on vulnerable girl child, abuse of powerful positions by perverse/starved men may not go away. India is 1.3 billion. We have a looming constituency of such like...
But what must go away and addressed is the causative-criminal behaviour of these potential criminals/and brutes who are overpowered by their lust..
We have to get to the root and branch. 
The root and branches are their homes.Their own Parents, family, communities and their teachers.
The root and branch is also the politico-criminal justice system visibly led by police and political reps at those vulnerable places. 
They are the real preventers and detectors. The real failure is here. 
Every home, family, school, educational institute, community leader, law enforcer has to repeatedly assert the message that women are for equal respect and not assault. 
We have come to a stage of demanding: 
Beti Bachao—Beta Samjhao. 
We have to recreate, create and renew this assertion perhaps for long time still to cleanse the past and the present till the mind sets change. 
And say 
Beti-Beta- ek Samman. 
Media too must also show responsible restraint from using the medium as a repeated biology class. 
It be best left to teachers to rationally explain in a science class room..

Invest not just spend. It’s public money.

We in Puducherry have revived two existing lakes, with another third in the process, without any external financial borrowing in the last few months. 

We just did it by collaborative pooling in. 
We cleaned its boundaries or BUNDH of open defecation, cow dung, liquor bottles strewn around.. 
Planted trees along the boundary, we returned pigs to their owners, stopped spewing sewerage water into it or throwing garbage into the water. We had solutions. They were not interconnected 
We stopped water drainage by checking water theft. 

And we used near by places to share street lights to begin with. The Tourism Dept brought in rowing and paddle boats, put up sign posts of timings for use of the lake. The local community set up kiosks to sell refreshments. 
We put up benches from brick and mortar with us in our godowns or rubble yards. 
We asked a local bank to offer CSR services for installing watch camera or offer a few security guards. 
And the neighbouring resident associations also came together to now maintain and oversee by using it as a locality place of recreation. 

Local schools, colleges offered NSS students who pitched in to maintain and keep vigil. 
The Member Parliament offered support for the Walk way by sharing some resources from his MP local area development fund. 

Had we not come together in this way we would have spent money. 
Instead we gave it our time and energy. And took responsibility for our own respective areas. 
This is a model of synergy and austerity we can consider. 
Let’s do so whereever possible. Save what we can. 

Spend where we must because time is precious. 
Without postponing Development. 
Let us invest in collaboration. 
All public money is earned money. 
Invest not spend.. 
Be austere and remain trustworthy...
Make it win win.

For making Puducherry Rich in Water.

“Stop running away from your problems because that only increases the distance from the solution. Make it right today, tomorrow is too late”....

Yesterday the GOP came together coopting all stake holders to address the serious problem of falling water table in Puducherry. 

It synergy worked. 

We have together infused life and pur in place a collaborative system implementation system for our WaterPolicy and made it even more inclusive. 
We together identified all visible impediments to its holistic execution and the role of social audit and its participation. 
Our Own DC with his CE shall internally review on a monthly basis the implementation and progress. 
The CS will closely oversee it as he declared while announcing the formation of this collaborative mechanism under the leadership of MR Anabarsu. 
The Honorable Ministers will fully strengthen the efforts of the officials in vexed issues of Water managment. 
Team RajNivas will continue its field checks and remain a link amongst all stake holders. 
And review progress in its monthly policy implementation reviews to promote coordination.
Specific suggestions which were put forward from Political leadership and citizenry as compiled by the rapporteur ( Sridhar) shall be circulated before the end of the day. 
Have a good day. 

Thank u all for this colossal event and for your presence and contributions. 
We are here to make Puducherry Rich in Water.

Leadership Nugget.

In Puducherry we need a constituency wise list of issues which are impacting the day to day life of people.
Such as Water, Sanitation, education, security, roads, food, skills, communications, health, environment etc.
People’s groups must be formed to work on these for collective help.
Each elected reps must be asked to focus on this by working together collaboratively with residents of his/her constituency.
The performance of the elected rep ought to me the measure of the extent of fulfilling these needs first.
Not other extraneous issues.
Time is precious. Why wait. Why not work together with what we have to begin with. 
A performance appraisal of the elected representative can be made as per the needs of each area.
If People of Puducherry have to served well we need to give them a reasonable quality of life by working together and pooling our resources by combined energy.
We need to focus on serving people with whatever we have. And then see how can we generate more from where?

Seniors cannot escape responsibility ...

Surprise inspection and visit to Puducherry coopt bank yesterday revealed yet again some of us in senior supervisory positions are not being effective in checking the decline in institutions under our watch, due to which these are either poorly performing or going sick. 

This is costly on financial health of Puducherry. Besides presenting a feeling of weak governance as a government. 

We as senior officers are expected to be fully aware of issues and ensure early intervention and correction. 
This is our role and responsibility. 
Extraneous interference can never be ruled out but it is the job of the senior leadership to be the buffer and block what is not in the interest of good health of the organisation being their responsibility. 
Protection of the what is right and prevent the wrong is our primary duty. 
Also regular visits to your places of responsibility by surprise and planned are essential to keep personnel on their toes. 
Also to be a provider of their training and other resource needs. 
Such surprise inspections are absolutely essential part of our supervisory roles. 
Observations from these inspections may have to get appended to annual appraisals to present a realistic performance for truthful assessment. 
This is for your information..
This message is also be conveyed formally. 
** A Vigilance enquiry on the state of affairs of the coop bank shall be underway both for accountability and lessons to be learnt.

Attended today the 6Th Edition Of ThinkEdu Conclave organised by the New Indian Express at Chennai.

Attended today the 6Th Edition Of ThinkEdu Conclave organised by the New Indian Express at Chennai.
The Honorable Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Mr Javadekar addressed the audience and shared a very comprehensive plan for better education at all levels in the immediate future—A change from the current ‘Aanna Khannaa and Jannaa ‘ ( coming, eating and going)..
Once the plans are implemented the country will see much better educated youth. The RTE will be amended to bring back the examination at fifth and eight grades. He also talked about autonomy and substantial support to educational institutions of credit. He said the direction of Honorable PM is ‘Sabko Shiksha-Achhi Shiksha’
( Quality Education for All).
I too was a panellist to speak at the Conclave.
I wish to share what I said as this is relevant for Puducherry as I see it today.
Here is what I said.
“Based on my school visits, while the GOI plans will have a gestation period, current students of class 10, 11 and 12 in Puducherry need a RESCUE plan.
Which means most of the students of rural Government and private schools may need to be assessed on their aspirational needs.
We need to link them with a vocational skill immediately after their class exams are over.
Their respective school principals can be asked to find out from the boys and girls the trade they will like to learn. Then a plan can be drawn to link them with nearby training facility. Of a polytechnic school or an industry to learn as interns or apprentices.
After the March exams our Schools could serve as Polytechnics for our Youth. Teachers could be oriented for it.
Also we must do a survey to know what happened to last year’s batch. How many went into higher education and how many got self  employed, or how many are still unemployed? And what are their preferred trades they will like to learn to be self employed.
We could also link them with MUDRA scheme for entrepreneurs bank loans.
I have already briefed Honble Minister for Education, Mr Kamlakanan and requested Secretary Education, Mr Anabarsu  to make a RESCUE PLAN.
The Secretary education has already been assured by GOI for need based Support in Skills Development.
For our this year’s passing our students.
We have to ensure our youth becomes employable. And thereafter too.

A mentoring note.

A mentoring note.

This is essential to know how do we career guide our boys and girls of Govt schools of standard nine above.
Immed the ones in 10-12. Class.
They have very high aspirations. And must be guided. If frustration is to be prevented.
It’s is the duty of all leadership levels political and education and administrative and social to have a combined plan to deal with this situation.
Early skill development linkages from 10 th and 9 the class is one the options. So that they have a skill to go to.
They earn and study further too. Be it open Universities or colleges. They must get guided.
We must not lose time.
Most of those we have interacted with are first generation learners in their families.
Hence it is the duty of the social and administration leaders to step in and have a proper linkage plan for this youth.
We need to be worried for them.
I will like to see a practical skills linked plan in place without delay.
We are not to lose any more time. It is their life at stake.  Kiran Bedi.

New Skill will growth in digital eco...

Which is why constant training is important to match people's needs.
And govt officials to be ahead of the curve.

Ask each employee to declare what is that one thing they will do better.
And what is that one thing they will upskill or learn anew. ( Self Help)
This way we will add 30 Thousand new skills and 30 Thousand improved responses.
This does not exclude Departmental training programs which u must organise alongside.
Let us do it this year. And make it a annual habit.

All departments. All units big or small.
Let the Secretaries and HODs lead this.
I propose to visit your respective departments during the month of Jan. As already shared in the annual wrap up meeting.

I shall ask this question from all I will meet.
Let the annual evaluation be based on the fulfilment of that commitment as well.
Kindly read and communicate this message to all ranks..Every one matters.
I repeat I WILL check if employees were informed of this suggestion.
Will do a feedback how many knew.

Which means as leaders you will meet and convey...
Will declare Dept wise after the visits, the quality and extent to which this message was communicated by you all. How many really understood the purpose and how did think  this through.
Thanks.