Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent

“Ash Wednesday is ‘a day of God’s care and God’s mercy on us”, said Fr. Clarence D’Souza S.J. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lenten season in the Catholic Church Liturgical calendar. On this day people spend time in prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. Ashes are imposed on foreheads or tonsure spots in the sign of the Cross as a sign of repentance before God and a reminder of human mortality. While imposing ashes the priest said, “Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shall return” (Gen 3: 19) or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Jer 6: 26). Ash Wednesday is a symbolic commemoration of Christ’s 40 days of temptation in the desert, allowing 40 days to prepare for the celebration of His passion, death and resurrection. Fr. Clarence said, “The greatest challenge for us is to love God and to love one another during this season and everyday in our lives”. He encourages that as Christians we should walk with God who walk with us.

Internal and External Public of Public Relations

Internal and External Public of Public Relations

Contents

Introduction

1.         Internal Public of Public Relations

1.1       Shareholders/owners/investors relations

1.2       Employees Relations

1.3       Suppliers Relations

1.4       Distributors/Dealers/Retailers  Relations

1.5       Other Associate Relations

            What should Internal Public of Public Relations do?

2.         External Public of Public Relations

2.1       Consumer/Customer

2.2       Community Relations

2.3       Media Relations

2.4       Government Relations

2.5       Relationship with Financial Institutions

2.6       Relations with Action Group

2.7       Relationship with General Public

            What should External Public of Public Relations do?

Summary

Conclusion
PPT: http://www.slideshare.net/sslyngdoh/internal-and-external-publics-of-public-relations-by-shaining-star-lyngdoh

Introduction

A saying goes “Don’t cry over the spilt milk”. Prevention is better than cure. Public relations is a professional field to keep the image of a person, company or corporations.  Public Relations is the state of the relationship between a company or other organization or a famous person and the public. Public relations professionals work to build long-term relationships among individuals and institutions. Ex. Relationship of Rahul Gandhi with the youth.

First of all let us understand the meaning of the concept Public:  Publics are the interested audiences that are important in some way to an organization including current and potential customers, current and potential employees and management, investors, vendors and suppliers, media, government, and opinion leaders. They can be internal within an organization or external from an organization.

1.      Internal Public of Public Relations

An idiom goes “Charity begins at home”. If we want any good things to happen there should be change first from within. Understanding oneself or within is the basis of all transformation. It is in this context that internal public of public relations comes in. Internal publics are people employed by a firm or members of an organization and they are intimately related with the functioning of the organisation. Internal public relations is a special PR discipline which concentrates on enhancing companies relationships with the employees by facilitating good communication among the management and the employees, boosting their morale and giving them the right information at the right time.

Many corporate wizards like Hindustan Lever, Telco, Air India, Standard Chartered Bank, etc. suffered setback due to noncooperation of its internal publics. In case of Hindustan Lever, its employees’ union during their agitation called a press conference and exposed various anti-customer practices of the company. In Telco, after the agitation which was followed by strike and lockout during which many people lost their lives in the police firing, the company launched massive corporate image building advertisements in newspapers and on television, based on team work among its employees, but it failed to achieve it’s purpose. Whether it is employees of the company or its suppliers or shareholders, each one of them has special affinity and attachment with the company.

            Internal Public of Public Relations includes Shareholders or Investors, Employees, Suppliers, Distributors, Retailers/ Dealers and Other business associations

1.1 Shareholders/owners/investors relations

Shareholder is the legal owner of the company. He provides finances to the company either as shareholder or as a long-term or short-term creditor. They are entitled to dividend, rights shares, bonus shares, discount coupons for purchase of companies’ products or concessional usage of its services and gifts on special occasions like annual conference, anniversary or celebration. Shareholders deserve fair treatment, get statutory information, transfer of shares to them, information on change of address or non-receipt of dividend. However we see that most of the time the Company’s PR function seems to be performed only in rebuttal or quick requital after the complaint appears in newspapers.

1.2 Employess Relations

Employees are the hands and feet of the company. It is through them that the company fulfils its objectives. It needs their cooperation and understanding on a continuous basis in all its activities including the public relations activities. The principle of self-respect, self-determination and self judgment are to be applied when dealing with employees. If the company is able to communicate well with the employees and seek their participation and cooperation, they can act as the best public relations agents of the company while dealing with their friends, relations, neighbours, and business associates. The leadership and management styles of our executives, their values, attitudinal profile, all have undergo a sea-change in order to effectively deal with the situation.

1.3 Suppliers Relations

Suppliers are the business associates of the company who provide all types of raw material for the business activities of the company. Suppliers have a direct and crucial role in the functioning and profitability of the company. They have to supply the right quality and quantity of materials for the company. Suppliers need the company and the company need the suppliers. When the good gestures of supplier to the company are not responded with an equally good gesture relationship get strained. (Non-payment or delay of supplier’s bill, high amount of rejection or raw materials, rude treatment). A good company cannot be happy it its suppliers are not happy because they are its business associates and they also have to make profit.

Ex. Automobiles co. Like Maruti Udyog, Telco, Eitcher etc. depend heavily on their suppliers.

1.4 Distributors/Dealers/Retailers  Relations

“Distributors are the face of the company”. They are the link between the company and its dealers. The success of the business of a company heavily depends on the performance of the distributors/ dealers, more so in Indian economy where the knowledge of the consumer about the company and its product is relatively poor. Retailer/Distributers/ Traders are the friend, philosopher, and guide of the customers or clients. In order to build up the company relationship Internal PR needs to announce the various schemes available for them like prizes, discount, and provide them alternatives both monetary and non-monetary benefits.

1.5 Other Associate Relations

It comprises of promoters, Management consultants, lawyers, solicitors, auditors, friends and family members of the directors of the company and the advisers of the company. These people may not be forefront of the company but their role and influence on the working of the company cannot be undermined under any circumstances. Company needs to show care and give them due recognition for their work and support. Copies of company publications, annual reports, new issues, preferential issues etc., should be regularly sent to them to give them special feeling that they matter to the company and they are eligible for these privileges. Congratulatory letters on their birthdays, marriage anniversary, and special achievement is a good gesture.

What should Internal Public of Public Relations do?

They should Share key messages with all the members. Give recognition to people during birthday or when they receive award. Internal Publics professionals keep the image of the company fly high. Internal Publics of an organisation looks into the goodwill of its collaborators and maintain good relations. They take corrective actions when problems arise within the company.

2.      External Public of Public Relations

External publics are people and organizations that are clients doing business with a firm or agency or company.

Ex. Coalgate scam-company influence the politicians and politicians allocates nation's coal deposits to them

The subject matter of External Publics is that it concentrates on issues pertaining the values, policies, procedures and attitude of the company towards various groups of people in society. No company or organisation can survive and flourish and survive without the active support and cooperation of publics.

External Publics of Public Relations includes Consumers/Customers, Community, Mass Media, Government, Financial Institutions, Action Groups and General Publics

2.1 Consumer/Customer

Customer is the centre of today’s business activity. A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use. An External PR needs to educate the audience pertaining the product or about the organisation and then get the suggestions of the audience. Present era of management belongs to marketing where every happening in the company revolves around the customer. Mahatma Gandhi , the father our nation,  a very simplistic man in his lifestyle and who does not involve much in business yet understood the important of customers deeply. He said, “A customer or consumer is not a means of business, but he is the purpose of business. He is not an intruder on our premises, he is our quest. He is the last inspector of our quality and he is always right”. Customer education, Market research, public opinion polls, customer satisfaction level, after sales services and constant relations is a must for company to public.

Ex. Customer meets, free servicing by Usha Sewing machine, Godrej typewriters

2.2 Community Relations

Looking after and protecting the interest of the community is the essence of community relations. Community represents that public which stays in the close vicinity of the company, its office, plants and godown, warehouse etc. Therefore it becomes a social and moral obligation of the industry to compensate community for these losses by making its humble contribution. In gratitude to public companies need to provide various types of services like education service, sewage and sanitation facilities, employment facilities and  health services and others. Participation in community’s social and cultural functions, making generous contribution towards its success by giving donation and infrastructural support leads to goodwill and longer lasting relations between the company and its community.

2.3 Media Relations

Mass media gives mass exposure to company’s activity. It includes Print Media and Electronic Media. With the improvement in transportation system, technology and increase in the literacy rate, newspapers, magazines, story books, comics, weekly newspapers, Radio, TV, and Internet are becoming more and more popular. The wining, dining, or gifting image of public relations practitioners is greatly due to how they interact with media. Mass media have always remain a very strong source of voicing opinion, building propaganda and influencing masses.

2.4 Government Relations

In a country like India, all major institutions for control of trade, business and industry are with the government. The purpose of the relationship with government seems to be disappearing because of vested interest of Individual or corporate.  From the point of view of public relations government and its machinery can be divided into two categories depending on their characteristics. i.e. politicians and bureaucrats. The public relation professionals have to ensure that without hurting the feelings of either of them and equally balancing their relationship with them, they have to pursue the objectives of their company, department and the profession.

Ex. Sugar and cement industry as a whole make substantial donations to political parties to seek favours after elections

2.5 Relationship with Financial Institutions

“Finance is the life blood of business”. Financial institutions have very important role in all commercial transactions of the company, commencement of business, its expansion and growth and even in retardation.  Visit site and plant of the company, giving details of their projects, technical and financial collaboration and market projection helps the financial institutions to understand the company’s plan better and thus gain more confidence. Timely submission of progress reports, payment of principal and interest amount and keeping financial institution abreast with the latest relevant information further helps the company to strengthen its credibility and goodwill with financial institution.

2.6 Relations with Action Group

Action Group is a group of people that work together to try to achieve changes relating to a particular situation or in order to help a particular group of people. The enactment of Consumer Protection Act, 1986, and the framing of the rules in 1987 have been a major milestone in the role of Action group.  It is small in number but very high in terms of their potential in building or exposing malpractices or inflict setback to the image and reputation of the company. They have high ego and esteem profile because of power, credibility and ability to influence masses. Relationship with them could be build up by regular dialogue, include them in the PR list and appreciate them.

Ex. Tarun Tejpal ruin the image of Tehelka

2.7 Relationship with General Public

General public is the ultimate judge of all the activities of the company, based on which it will survive or die. They are the largest of all the external publics of a company and probably the most tolerant of all the public’s. Interaction with general public is through Radio, Television, exhibitions, banners, hoardings, leaflets etc. is very important because they are the ones who will buy the product of the company. Companies need to show interest on social issues such as illiteracy, environment protection, pollution control to improve the quality of life of public and not just their ‘Product or Brand’  Most of the consumer goods companies whether it is Parle Beverages Ltd., or Cadbury India Ltd., have suffered massive setbacks whenever they got involved in some controversies.

What should External Public of Public Relations do?

External publics need to determine target outlets. Consider what local newspapers, Web sites, newsletters, radio stations, cable outlets and television stations provide news in your community. Make a list of these top outlets and find contact information (usually available on their Web site) for each one.  Build relationships, Prepare PR tools like fact sheet of the organisation or company, its background and its plans for the year. Enjoy news release success, Evaluates the and consider your audience.

Summary

The internal publics of an organisation are part of that core group which has very intimate relationship and a stake in the company. Company need to win their loyalty, confidence, trust them and provide them facilities. Lukewarm attitude to them exposes the company to high risk. They include Shareholders or Investors, Employees, Suppliers, Distributors, Retailers/ Dealers, Other business associations. The external publics of a company consist of its  External Publics of Public Relations includes Consumers/Customers, Community, Mass Media, Government, Financial Institutions, Action Groups and General Publics. It is the image and credibility that it enjoys in the minds of external publics which makes an organisation successful.

Conclusion

The public relations activities of the company are confined to its internal and external publics. If internal publics respect the company and hold it in high esteem, directly and indirectly, they create a favourable environment for the company to approach external publics. Communication with external publics is the lifeline of the organisation as it gives identity, image, reputation and credibility and based on which a company will get their support. Good internal and external public relations are like the blood in the human body. As long as it circulates, the man is hale and hearty and the moment it stops it causes to human life like heart attack, cancer, stroke and so on. Companies have to design specific and special communication channels with each group of publics to enjoy their continued support and patronage.

Pseudo-Hospitals in Shillong

I am greatly disappointed with the uncaring services rendered by some Hospitals in Shillong. About two months ago, my cousin sister who had a prolonged ear ailment approached Civil Hospital Shillong for remediation (My cousin hails from a very remote village and earns her living as an hourly-wage domestic worker in Shillong) The Doctor declared that her ear-drum was damaged and broken, moreover judging from her outlook the Doctor consulted her that it would get cured in a matter of times by his prescribed medicines. I am not a medical doctor but as far as I know in this type of case nothing can cure except going through operation, she later went to Woodland Hospital where she was explained as per measure of the sickness. The operation would cost Rs. 14000 and her poor parents who live from hands to mouth took her to NEIGRIHMS Hospital where it was done with a minimal expense, thanks to these two Hospitals. Another incident is that yesterday my cousin brother was declared to have suffered from Tuberculosis (TB) by the Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital, Shillong popularly known as Roberts Hospital. His ailment increasingly becomes critical, his swollen legs and agony chest worsen him. Though the Doctor affirmed him of having three major aching portions in his chest refused to admit and hospitalise him, he only prescribed him some medicines and advice to reappear in Hospital after every two weeks. Tuberculosis is a dreaded decease and not to play with. Did this Hospital discriminate my cousin just because he speaks Maram dialect? How many poor and underprivileged villagers lost their lives due to these deceitful Hospitals? The poor has suffered a lot of Injustice, Human Rights Violation, and other social evils but who cares for them? I plea to the concern authority to correct the vices, and utmost to the Government and Pressure groups to conduct timely inspections or other remedies to pseudo-hospitals as to bring justice to all sections of the people in the State. 

(This is a testimony)

BJP and its ‘Mission 272 plus’ campaign strategy

BJP’s communication strategy in the run up to the imminent general elections

“BJP and its ‘Mission 272 plus’ campaign strategy”

Introduction

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a political party in India with “integral humanism” as their central philosophy. It is translated as Indian People's Party. The BJP traces its roots to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), an Indian People’s Association which was founded by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1951 in response to the secular politics of the dominant Congress party. The BJP was formally established in 1980, following a split by dissidents within the Janata coalition, whose leaders wanted to prohibit elected BJS officials from participating in the RSS. The ideologies of BJP are nationalism (Indian), Integral humanism (official), Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) and Social conservatism. The youth wing of BJP is Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the women's wing      is Mahila Morcha. BJP is currently the leader opposition party to Congress led government, UPA in the 15th Lok Sabha. Some of the BJP stalwarts are Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L. K. Advani, Narendra Modi, Arun Jaitley, Vasundhara Raje, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and others. Narendra Damodardas Modi, the 14th Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat since 2001, is the BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) new slogan for the upcoming General Elections in 2014 in a bid to instill confidence among voters is “Nayi soch, nayi ummeed (new thinking, new hope)”.  Narendra Modi, who is considered as Kushal Neta, Nirnayak Sarkaar (able leader with decisive government), the party's prime ministerial candidate. As the next set of assembly polls and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections draw close, a battle-ready Bharatiya Janata Party has launched ‘Mission 272 plus’ to ensure Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s coronation as the country’s next prime minister. The party is specifically targeting the country’s young voters through a host of digital platforms and social media.[1] Preparation for this ambitious election is in full swing with a precise mission drawn up recently by the party during the brainstorming session. To enhance the campaign the BJP have decided to raise an army of volunteers who will be trained to use various digital platforms to increase the party’s nationwide outreach. Latest technology will also be used in the ‘Mission 272 plus’.

      “Our Mission 272 plus aims to get them to register as voters, educate them about what the BJP stands for and persuade them to cast their vote on that crucial day”, said Rajya Sabha MP  Piyush  Goyal who is also BJP’s information, communications and campaign committee. The BJP is taking a lead from Modi who was the first BJP leader to have realized the potential of social media, having used it effectively in his election campaigns. Khem Chand Sharma, coordinator of the Delhi BJP’s media cell and the brain behind the party’s social media campaign, believes the campaign will be pivotal for the performance in the elections. The BJP’s social media “warriors” and others implementing the communication strategy will also initiate a door-to-door campaign in the days leading to the polling to convince more people on the ground.
Mr. Sharma, an architect and a member of the BJP’s election coordination team, said, “The party will also set up a centralized data research centre that will receive live feeds from the volunteers across the state”.  To further boost its virtual campaign, the party has roped in highly educated volunteers, including IITans and tech-savvy professionals. BJP has been trying to make the best use of the Technology for which it built a core team of about 225 professionals who will simultaneously coordinate with various constituencies. In addition, the party has about 300 volunteers, who actively provide assistance to the core team, making the party’s virtual presence significant. BJP is confident of Modi’s growing stature and popularity and that it will be able to help the party cross the half-way mark of 272 in the 545-member Lok Sabha without the help of allies.[2] But will it be true? Let us keep watching.

“Success depends on hard work”, said Yobina. To make sure that BJP achieve the goal of “Mission 272 plus”, the BJP has worked out some systematic strategies for the effective campaign for the upcoming elections. They have prepared the spokes persons, with an emphasis on better research, to sound more convincing with more literate and researched responses from media teams. The BJP's 10 commandments or new mantras on media strategy for 2014 elections as given by the NDTV to enhance their “Mission 272 plus” are:

1.      Spokespersons must be better prepared, with an emphasis on better research, to sound more convincing. There must be more literate and researched responses from media teams.

2.      Only those who have expertise in a certain subject must speak on that issue. Every one need not speak on everything, Mr. Modi indicated.

3.      Need to take on the ruling Congress more aggressively. The party recently attacked Mr.  Modi for lifting Barack Obama's famous "Yes we can" speech at a rally in Hyderabad, which Mr. Modi defended by saying was an improvement on a slogan he gave in 2004. He cited that as an example of the preparation party spokespersons must do.

4.      Target the Congress on issues like corruption, state of the economy and mal governance.

5.      Force it to answer tough questions on its nine years of rule at the Centre.

6.      But do it with decency and decorum. Mrs. Swaraj said party leaders should exercise caution while hitting out at the Congress as “words once spoken cannot be taken back”.

7.      On TV discussions, Mrs. Swaraj said, panelists must speak in one voice, decorously, while firmly rubbishing arguments of political adversaries.

8.      Mr. Jaitley said he was dissatisfied at the manner in which BJP spokespersons had tackled the Congress’ charges against Mr. Modi after his Independence Day speech. He said Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had used derogatory words against Mr. Modi which should have been countered strongly, but decently.

9.      The BJP must set the agenda in media and public debates and not follow the one set by the Congress.

10.  There must be better coordination between the central and state units.[3]

Responding on the Mantras of BJP, Sachin T said, “I can see future leaders of India led by efficient NaMo. Such meticulous and clear instructions help groups to act on their given tasks. Precision comes with proper instructions”. The BJP’s Mantra has drawn many youths because of their meticulously plan method of campaign.

Modi will make a concerted effort to build on the anti-Congress mood which was so evident in the assembly elections by leading a high-decibel, aggressive campaign in the run-up to the general election. On the other hand, Prasad and Rudy maintained, the anti-Congress wave which was so evident in these assembly elections will convert into a wave of support for the BJP in the coming general election. Both Mr. Rajnath Singh and Mr. Modi were advised by the RSS at their recent meetings in Nagpur to ensure that the party's campaign reflects collective leadership and does not seem like a one-man, read Modi, show.[4] Giving details about Mission 272 plus, Goyal said, “The BJP plans to tap into growing anger among the youth with regards to corruption and poor governance. The young are yearning and aspiring for a new India and our effort is to become a platform for their voice.”

BJP’s “Mission 272 plus” has got its clear goal and has enthused the people greatly. BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who has cautioned the party against losing track of issues, admitted to NDTV: “Modi is the most popular leader not just in the BJP but in the country. He is an asset, the more our opponents attack Modi, the more it will help us.” For every mission or any undertakings there will always be positive and negative effects. We have to analyze it and get the best out of it. The BJP are also being criticized for various issues. Many senior leaders in the BJP fear that the focus on Modi is encouraging issues like corruption and scams that the party needs to continue highlighting to demonstrate what it calls the Congress-led UPA’s failure in governance. Also, that a Modi vs the rest situation could create an impression that the BJP is isolated ahead of the elections. Mr. Modi has also controversially asserted that he is a Hindu nationalist; his comments seem aimed also at re-assuring the BJP’s ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its more hard-line affiliates, that the Hindutva agenda remains germane to the BJP's political strategy. Today, he will meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur. Parties like the Congress, Left, SP, BSP and the Janata Dal (United), a BJP ally till last month, have slammed him first for his puppy analogy in an interview when asked about communal riots that lacerated his state in 2002 and then for accusing the Congress of hiding behind a “burqa of secularism.” His opponents allege that the remarks are anti-Muslim.[5] Mr. Modi has also been accused of various issues like the Godhra riots.

Conclusion

Balaji in his comment about Lok Sabha Election 2014 said, “The party with mission will win against the party with commission”. BJP’s “Mission 272 plus” seems to be a very good strategy because it has attracted many youth and get the support of many companies and business corporate. BJP has also achieved the target of enlisting 10,000 volunteers and another one-lakh online volunteer by the end of August. The level of preparedness and much political activity in the party suggests that the BJP is preparing for the Lok Sabha election in full swing. BJP bigwigs like Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and former party president Nitin Gadkari are given functional responsibilities in the new committees set for “Mission 272 plus” and the working of each panel will be supervised by Mr. Modi and BJP president Rajnath Singh. Though “Mission 272 plus” seems to be very effective tool for BJP but still we see opposition against Mr. Modi. Advocate Parikh writes, “After the Godhra train burning incident, a large number of kar sevaks indulged in provocative slogan-shouting at Godhra railway station and the situation was tense...And what he (Modi) did was to call VHP Gujarat general secretary Jaideep Patel to go to Godhra and Patel instigated other VHP men and Hindus against Muslims. Therefore, Modi conspired with Jaideep Patel to instigate negative and aggressive feelings of RSS, VHP workers against Muslims.” Who will win the Lok Sabha election? Is “Mission 272 plus” successful? Will BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mr. Narendra Modi win in the upcoming Lok Sabha election? The best answer for these questions which have unpredictable answers would be ‘Let us just wait and watch’.

Bibliography

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/battle-for-2014-tech-savvy-bjp-vs-tardy-congress/20130807.htm

http://www.bjp.org/

http://www.asianage.com/delhi/bjp-seeks-dominate-social-media-879

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/battle-for-2014-tech-savvy-bjp-vs-tardy-congress/20130807.htm

http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/assembly-polls/bjp-s-10-commandments-on-media-strategy-for-2014-elections-407248

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/bjp-ready-with-2014-campaign-plan-team-headed-by-narendra-modi-to-be-announced-today-394278

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[1] http://www.rediff.com/news/report/battle-for-2014-tech-savvy-bjp-vs-tardy-congress/20130807.htm

[2] http://www.rediff.com/news/report/battle-for-2014-tech-savvy-bjp-vs-tardy-congress/20130807.htm

[3] http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/assembly-polls/bjp-s-10-commandments-on-media-strategy-for-2014-elections-407248

[4] http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/bjp-ready-with-2014-campaign-plan-team-headed-by-narendra-modi-to-be-announced-today-394278

[5] http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/behind-narendra-modi-s-choice-of-words-some-see-a-careful-motive-392579

The transformative power of Christmas

The transformative power of Christmas

‘Christmas’ is a word that people love to hear. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ who was born 2014 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem. In modern times it is not just the birth anniversary of Jesus or a spiritual celebration for Christians. It is a season celebrated by all people irrespective of age, caste, creed, gender, religion or culture. It has impacted economic, political, social, cultural and religious aspects. According to Impact Social Media, “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”

Christmas is a season of transformation. It is a season where there is transformation in social relationship, business sector, in religion and in political sector. Christmas period is used by some to increase business, to cement relationship, to build vote bank, to deepen their spiritual life and to improve their talents or skills. During Christmas we see the crib, stars, Christmas tree, Santa Claus and other decorations. They are all metaphors signifying the oneness of God, human beings and nature. In the manger there were animals, insects, hay, Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the angels. If all things in this world come together, work together and live in peace and harmony as that of the manger of Jesus, then surely this world will be a paradise on earth. In fact Jesus came to usher in a new heaven and a new earth.

Christmas encourages spiritual renewal in people. During Christmas, people spend time to prepare themselves for the birthday of Jesus Christ. People attend daily mass, participate in novenas or prayers, use the sacrament of confession and other spiritual activities so as to be prepared for Christmas. People come together to celebrate the feast of Christmas as a family. The power of Christmas is bringing people closer to God.

Christmas transforms social life, inviting people to reconcile with one another and build a society of peace, love, helpfulness and joy. People sing Christmas carols to bring joy and build up relationship in society. Christmas encourages people to burn away selfishness, hatred, jealousy, power and prestige. It helps people to put on the new robe of sharing, love, humility, and honesty. It is a holiday season where people spend time with friends and family thus rejuvenating their relationship. The power of Christmas is bringing people closer in society.

Christmas is has positive and negative impact on environment. People start to think creatively and try to create awareness among people about the environment by making cribs out of waste materials like bottles, sack cloth, chocolate wrappers and others. As it is a holiday season people travel less and thus it reduces the consumption of fossil fuel and emission of smoke from motor vehicles. Christmas escalates donations of things which people no longer need and this leads to mitigate environmental damage. The dark side of Christmas to environment is that people buy gifts and dump the waste materials in open air. The ‘use and throw’ culture of people is against the law of the environment as Christmas decorations are made using different chemicals or elements that are harmful to the environment. In fact, the Environment wails after Christmas because people would just throw the decoration items or burn them.

Christmas is a booming season for economy and profit for business. It is a time of business. Business of various types like clothes, decorations, painting, food, transport, phone, internet, gifts and other experience huge sale and rake in profit during this season. J.Taylor, Omaha in his article The Economic Impact of Christmas Shopping said, “Christmas shopping warm the hearts of family and friends who are gift recipients, but it also invigorates a U.S. economy that is in dire need of a financial catalyst”. It is during this season that people would buy variety of food stuff for celebration, gifts for friends and relatives, decorations items to beautify their house and new clothes to wear. In the world of business the power of Christmas is getting more sale and profit. It is a blessing and a business season.

India is a country where vote bank play pivotal role because of its democratic form of governance. During Christmas season politicians would visit villages during village gathering or gave money for Christmas celebration or organise a Christmas celebration get together for the people. Politicians would also organise various competitions during this season. The core objective is not so much of social welfare or to bring development but to get vote bank. In politics the power of Christmas is to attract more people and get a greater vote bank.

Christmas is a season of joy, sharing, caring and celebration but during this season people are also in ruin. It is during this season that people start smoking, drinking, involves in drugs and ruins their lives. It is a time that people want to exhibits their prestige, power and position. It is a time that the poor have to suffer because things become costlier as the demand is more for different goods. Christmas is a time of party and picnic and people misuse the nature or pollute the environment because they litter waste everywhere in picnic or party spots. If we look into the negative impact of Christmas, it is a season of darkness and gloom and not a season of light and joy.

Christmas is a time where the focal point is Christ. Every year, for many, Christmas comes and goes without Christ being born in their hearts. But Christmas is not Christmas until and unless Christ is born in our hearts. If we deepen our relationship with God, people and nature, if we are instrument of love, peace, hope, joy, justice, equality, unity and forgiveness then Christmas is worth celebrating. Business, politics, status and enjoyment should not be the focal point during Christmas season. The power of Christmas should be love and not profit or vote bank. Christmas will be Christmas if our love-relationship with God, Cosmos and Fellow human beings is deepened.

May God bless you during this Christmas and throughout the year

                                                                                

Prayer of the Faithful during Christmas

Ka Jingduwai Ki Riewngeit ha ka Kristmas

1.     Ka Por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jing kyrkhu. Ngi duwai na ka bynta ka  Balang, ba U Blei un kyrkhu ia ka balang jongngi hakane ka por advent da ka da ka mynsiem sngewrit, iarap lem bad iamap khnang ba ka balang jongngi kan suhthied ha ka jingieid, jingsuk, bad jingiatylli. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

2.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ba wanrah jingshai. Ngi duwai na ka bynta U Kpa Bakhuid jong ngi U Pope Francis. U Pope Francis u long u briew ba jylliew ha ka jingngeit, ba ieid ia ki baduk, ba pynshlur ia ki samla, ba ai mynsiem ia ki longing longsem bad ba ai jingkyrmen ia ki phadar bad ki riewniam. Ngi duwai naka bynta jong i ba U Blei un kyrkhu ia i da ka jingshai U Krist khnang ba un nang iai lah ban ialam ia ka balang Katholik jongngi sha ka Jingshai U Krist. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

3.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingpynbna. Ngi duwai naka bynta ki Bishop, phadar, ki brodar, ki sistar bad baroh kito ki ba pynpriang ia ka khubor ba bha jong U Jisu ba U Blei un nang iai kyrkhu ia ki da ka mynsiem jong ka jingshlur, un ai ia ki ka met ba koit ba khiah bad ka mynsiem len lada ban dup lah ban pynbna ia ka khubor babha jong U Jisu kylleng satlak ka pyrthei. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

4.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ban pynsuhthied ia ka jingieid jongngi bad U Blei bad ruh bad ki parabriew. Ngi duwai naka bynta ki pa pang ba shitom, ki ba duk ba toi, ki khunswet khun rangli bad ia baroh kito ki parabriew ki bym ioh jingieid, jingkmen ha kane ka pyrthei ba U Blei un bsuh ia ka mynsiem sngewlem ha ki parabriew ban iarap bad duwai ia ki. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

5.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jinglen ialade. Ngi duwai na ka bynta ki nongshynshar ia ka ri bad ka jylla jongngi, Na ka bynta ki NGO bapher bapher bad ki briew ba trei na ka bynta ka jingbha ki parabriew ba U Jisu un kyrkhu ia ki da mynsiem ba luilui, ka mynsiem trei hok bad ka mynsiem ban long kum ki nongsharai ym kum ki nongbishar. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

6.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingiatylli. Ngi duwai naka bynta ki longing longsem ki ba la iapaid iapra ba U Blei un pyniatylli biang iaki ba kin don ka mynsiem sngewthuh, ba kin iamap bad ba kin iaieid biang. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

7.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingkmen. Ngi duwai na ka bynta i mei-i pa, ki hynmen ki para bad ki ba haiing ha sem jongngi ba U Khunlung Jisu un wanrah ka jingkmen, jingieid, jingsuk bad jingkyrkhu ia ki iing ki sem jongngi. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

8.     Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ban kham pynjanai ia ka jingim jongngi. Ngi duwai na ka bynta jongngi i wei pa iwei ki ba don lang hangne ba U Jisu yn kyrkhu iangi da ka mynsiem ban kham trei shitom ha ki kam ki jam jongngi, ban kham pynleit jingmut ha ka pule puthi jongngi bad ba ngin don borabor hapdeng ka met ka bakoit ba khiah. Ngi duwai ruh na ka bynta baroh ki member ka BCCM ki ba la leit nangne na Bangalore bad ki bym lah ban wan ha kane ka sngi. Na ka bynta kane ngi kyrpad ia me ko Trai.

Youth celebrate The World youth Day for Better Tomorrow

Youth celebrate The World youth Day

    The 28^th World Youth Day (WYD) which is organized by the Catholic Church is held from 22-29 July, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. The theme of WYD is “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Approximately 3,000,000 pilgrims are expected to attend the event. Pope Francis will grant a plenary indulgence – a remission of all temporal punishment due to sin – to World Youth Day participants. Various activities like seminars, cultural events, faith sharing and other major events like Opening Mass, Papal Welcome Ceremony, Stations of the Cross, the Vigil with the Pope and the Final Mass will take place during the WYD. The aim of WYD is to unite the youth from all over the world irrespective of class, colour, caste and sex.

    The World Youth Day was started by Pope John Paul II in 1984 and in December, 1985 he announced that World Youth Day will be an annual gathering.  From 1984-1986 the WYD was held in St. Peter’s square, Rome. In 1987 it was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina with the theme “We ourselves have known and put our faith in God’s love towards ourselves (1Jn 4:16)”. In 1989 it was held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain with the theme “I am the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6)”. In 1991 it was held in Czestochowa, Poland with the theme “You have received a spirit of sonship (Romans 8:15)”. In 1993 it was held in Denver. USA with the theme “I came that they might have life, and have it to the full (Jn 10:10)”. In 1995 it was held in Manila, Philippines with the theme “As the Father sent me, so am I sending you (Jn 20:21)”. In 1997 it was held in Paris, France with the theme “Teacher, where are you staying? Come and see ( Jn 1:38-39). In 2000 it was held in Rome, Italy with the theme “Jubilee – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14)”. In 2002 it was held in Toronto, Canada with the theme “You are the salt of the earth; You are the light of the world (Mt 5:13-14)”. In 2005 it was held in Cologne, Germany with the theme “We have come to worship him (Mt 2:2)”. In 2008 it was held in Sydney, Australia with the theme “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1, 8)”. In 2011 it was held in Madrid, Spain with the theme “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith (Col 2:7)”. In 2013 it was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the theme “Go and Make Disciples of All Nations (Mt 28:19)”. Youth make up more than 50% of the total population in the world. In India itself as per the survey in 2013 the current population is 1,270,272,105 (1.27 billion) but more than 50% of India's current population is below the age of 25. Since the youth population is half of the total population Pope John Paul II felt the need to unite the youth, trained them in various aspects of life, channelize them for purposeful work and gather the youth to be messenger of peace, love and hope.

    When we look into the various aspects of growth and development in our society the work is done mostly by youth. IT companies, BPOs, Banks, and other sectors have employed so many youth because they know that they could get the best from the youth at the required time. Youth are involved in various sectors whether it might be private, government, joint venture undertakings.  World Youth Day brings the youth from all over the world so that they can share with each other about the various types of work, methods, and techniques they do and use. The WYD will transform thinking and acting pattern of the youth and thus get energized and work with zest and enthusiasm when they return.

    Youth today have been affected tremendously by the fast moving world. They want to grow, get educated, and work fast. Youth in modern times are money, pleasure, power and possession oriented. They will build and break relationship just to obtain their goals. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US survey reveals that 56.2% of the youth drink, 44% of the youth take drugs, and 42% of the youth involves in criminal acts. Most of the crimes like fighting, rape, murder, robbery, terrorism and others are done by the youth. National Crime Records Bureau data shows that 60% of criminal acts in India is done by the Youth. According to WHO reports there are around 1 million suicides a year in the world. Why the youth are falls in such a category or stage of life? The World Youth Day through various seminars, faith sharing, and presentations try to answer the problems face by the youth today. Through talk and various meetings held during WYD the youth will come out with various solutions which will be beneficial for the youth throughout the world.

    Most of the youth today have whatever they need; they have good education, enough money, fame and all sort of entertainment they wanted. However, we see that many of the youth do not have a happy life. Why is it so? The reason is because they do not really know who they are from deep within. They have all materialistic things but their heart is empty. The World Youth Day gather the youth of all faith and countries to help them to enter into their inner being through prayers and fill their hearts with an inner joy which material things will not be able to give.  Pope Francis said, “World Youth Day aims at bringing the youth from all over the world for prayer, worship, to build and strengthen the bonds of faith, friendship and hope, symbolizing the union between people of different cultures and countries and it invites the youth to take up the call to the mission, and to be witnesses of the Risen Christ”.

    World Youth Day has also been criticized because of immoral behavior of the youth during this occasion. When youth of mixed sexes travel together like one big family for camping trips or overnight retreats they are tempted to other vices like drinking, fighting, consuming drugs and live a loose moral life. Marian T. Horvat, Ph.D. in her book What’s Wrong with World Youth Day? writes: “World Youth Day delivers a counterfeit, emotional pep-rally religion. Its ceremonies contain countless novelties, practices and sacrileges that have been condemned by the constant teaching and practice of the Popes throughout the centuries. WYD is a scandal to our young people. It corrupts the youth.” WYD is like and occasion to brainwash the youth to become fundamentalist, to imbibe western culture and neglect our reach traditions, and to run away from the reality by seeking refuge in God, through religion. WYD is a waste of time, money and resources for a youth. A youth could have used that money to educate himself or get a job during those days instead of going for WYD. Some said that WYD is a Christian method conversion.

    St. Joseph’s College is an institution that educates and transforms many youth for a better tomorrow. So as we celebrate the World Youth Day let us be messenger of peace, love, and hope to all people irrespective of status, colour, caste and sex. Josephites are suppose to be persons with good education and with a loving heart; loving God, nature and human being.

Celebrating the World Youth Day for Better Tomorrow (Edited Version)

The 28^th World Youth Day (WYD) an initiative by the Catholic Church is being held from 22-29 July, 2013 at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The event which has “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) as its theme is expected to gather approximately 3,000,000 youth from across the world. The Supreme religious head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis is scheduled to pray along with the youth during the meet. Various activities like seminars, cultural events, faith sharing and Eucharistic celebration, Stations of the Cross are all geared towards uniting the youth from all over the world irrespective of caste, class, colour, creed and gender.

The World Youth Day was started by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Realizing that the youth population is half of the total population of the world Pope John Paul II felt the need to unite the youth, train them in various aspects of life, channelize them for purposeful work and gather the youth to be messengers of peace, love and hope.

Youth today have been affected tremendously by the fast moving world. They want to grow, get educated and be settled in life at the earliest. Money, pleasure, power and position are driving their decisions quite often. They will build and break relationships just to obtain their goals. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US survey reveals that 56.2% of the youth drink, 44% of the youth take drugs, and 42% of the youth involves in criminal acts. The number of youth involving in crimes like fighting, rape, murder, robbery, terrorism is on the rise. National Crime Records Bureau data shows that 60% of criminal acts in India are done by the youth. According to the WHO reports there are around one million suicides a year in the world. These figures only reiterate that youth today are at the cross roads.

Inspite of being the beneficiaries of the most advanced modern technologies the youth today seem not be content with themselves. They are engaged in a deep search and longing which the pleasures of the materialistic world cannot provide. Pope Francis’ words, “World Youth Day aims at bringing the youth from all over the world for prayer, worship, to build and strengthen the bonds of faith, friendship and hope, symbolizing the union between people of different cultures and countries and it invites the youth to take up the call to the mission, and to be witnesses of the Risen Christ,” assures an assistance in their search for meaning.

St. Joseph’s College is an institution that educates and transforms many a youth for a better tomorrow. Let this World Youth Day celebration enable each of its students to be a messenger of peace, love, and hope in the society that is increasingly being divided.