Sunday, 30 April 2017

Little Information Regarding the State of Manipur

Physiography:- 

Physiography of manipur can be classified into following ways:-
  • Mountainous region
  • Valley region
  • Lakes and rivers

Mountainous Region:- 

In the north Manipur is surrounded by Naga hills and Patkai bum hills, in south it is surrounded by mizo hills. These hills are majorly resided by Naga Tribes and kuki tribes.

Valley region:-

Nearly 10-20% of land area comes under the valley region. This is land between mountainous region. Nearly, 60% of the Manipuri Population lives in the valley region. Among them, proportion of the Meitei people is greater than others.

Floating landmasses in Loktak Lake
Lakes and Rivers:-

In the middle of the Manipur there is Loktak Lake, which consists of the phumdi, Floating land masses. Large Land masses are called phumshong. Keibul Lamjao is the only floating national park in the world and it is in the midst of loktak lake. This national park is home to the endangered brown-antlered deer/ Sangai. 

Total 7 rivers are passing through the state of manipur. Among them, important one is barak river, which tributary to the meghna river.



Culture & History:-

About the Religion:-

Manipur has parallel history along with india. Before the advent of the vaishnavism into the manipur, Sanamahism was the religion practiced in the manipur. Some believes that it is practiced from 33CE.

Shri sankaradeva, A staunch vaishnavaite introduced the vaishnavism in manipur state.

William Pettigrew, an english man brought the christianity to the state  during the times of colonialism and now, this is one of the flourishing religion in the state of manipur.

Dance forms:-

Manipuri is one of the eight classical dances of India. Though expressions and themes of the dance exists since ancient times, Modern form is greatly influenced by the vaishnavism. It is particularly known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raslila. rajarshi bhagyachandra introduced the raslila into the manipur. However, the dance is also performed to themes related to Shaivism, Shaktism and regional deities such as Umang Lai during Lai Haraoba. 

Regal History:-

The history of Manipur is obscure; Royal dynasty records such as the Cheitharol Kumbaba were composed after Manipur became a Hindu Kingdom and are mostly based on myths.

The Kingdom of Kangleipak was established by King Loiyumba in 1110 who ruled between 1074 and 1121. He consolidated the kingdom by incorporating most of the principalities in the surrounding hills and is credited with having enacted a kind of written constitution for his state.[2] After subjugating all the villages within their valley Kangleipak kings grew in power and began a policy of expansion beyond their territory. In 1443 King Ningthoukhomba raided Akla, an area ruled by Shan people, initiating a policy of Manipuri claims to the neighbouring Kabaw Valley. The zenith of the Kangleipak State was reached under the rule of King Khagemba (1597–1652).

One of the last photos of S.C.Bose at Moirang,Manipur
the kingdom of kangleipak exists independent until british interfering into the burma. During the burmese expedition, manipur became the protectorate state in 1824. After the crushing the rebellion in anglo-manipur war in 1891, Manipur directly comes directly under the administration of the Britain.

Manipur has the rich history in modern india and the world history. During World War II, Moirang was the headquarters of Azad Hind Fauz. Colonel Shaukat Malik of the Indian National Army, (INA) hoisted the Tricolour for the first time on Indian soil on 14 April 1944, in Moirang with the help of Manipuris like Shri Mairembam Koireng Singh and others who were members of the INA. The INA Museum at Moirang displays some wartime relics and photographs.



In 1947, Manipur became the integral part of the India and became the union territory in 1956 and received full statehood in 1972.


Sports:-

Manipur has the credit of giving the Modern Polo to the world. Modern form of the POLO is played by the royal family in the back yard of the kangla Royal Fort. 


Regarding the Kangla Forts:-
Mystical Dragons in the Kangla fort

Kangla Royal Fort has the rich history. After loss of the anglo-manipur war, British took the control of kangla fort. Later, Assam rifles occupied after the independence. In the year of 2004, Assam Rifles vacated the Kangla Fort after the severe protests of the naked mothers of Manipur and death of Manorama, who is believed to be militant. Since then, Kangla Fort became famous tourist destination and symbol of manipur history and culture.



Current Events:-

  • Protests in-favour of the Inner Line Permit, which exists in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, nagaland and Mizoram.
  • Protest of the Naga People against the division of the existing districts.




Thursday, 27 April 2017

What is depression?

Definition:-
Depression is a mood or emotional state that is marked by feelings of low self-worth or guilt and a reduced ability to enjoy life.

It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could signal depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical condition.


Symptoms:-

  1. primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also be haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

  1. primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also be haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

  1. Depression is sometimes linked to physical symptoms. These include:
Fatigue and decreased energy
Insomnia, especially early-morning waking
Excessive sleep
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Depression can make other health problems feel worse, particularly chronic pain. Key brain chemicals influence both mood and pain. Treating depression has been shown to improve co-existing illnesses.

4.  Changes in appetite or weight are another hallmark of depression. Some patients develop increased appetite, while others lose their appetite altogether. Depressed people may experience serious weight loss or weight gain.

5.  the physical and emotional turmoil brought on by depression can derail careers, hobbies, and relationships. People with depression often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They turn away from previously enjoyable activities, including sex. In severe cases, depression can become life-threatening.

6.  People who are depressed are more likely to attempt suicide. Warning signs include talking about death or suicide, threatening to hurt people, or engaging in aggressive or risky behaviour. Anyone who appears suicidal should be taken very seriously. 


Causes of depression:-

a prominent theory says that altered brain structure and chemical function is cause behind the depression. Brain circuits that regulate mood may work less efficiently during depression. Drugs that treat depression are believed to improve communication between nerve cells, making them run more normally. Experts also think that while stress -- such as losing a loved one -- can trigger depression, one must first be biologically prone to develop the disorder. Other triggers could include certain medications, alcohol or substance abuse, hormonal changes, or even the season.

If your mood matches the season -- sunny in the summer, gloomy in the winter -- you may have a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The onset of SAD usually occurs in the late fall and early winter, as the daylight hours grow shorter. Experts say SAD affects from 3% to 20% of all people, depending upon where they live.


Treatment for Depression:-

  1. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy identifies how your relationships impact your mood. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps people understand how their behaviour and mood are affected by unresolved issues and unconscious feelings. Some patients find a few months of therapy are all they need, while others continue long term.

  1. Antidepressants affect the levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. There are many options. Give antidepressants a few weeks of use to take effect. Good follow-up with your doctor is important to evaluate their effectiveness and make dosage adjustments. If the first medication tried doesn't help, there's a good chance another will. The combination of talk therapy and medication appears particularly effective.

  1. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help patients with treatment-resistant depression that does not improve with medication. VNS is like a pacemaker for the brain. The surgically implanted device sends electrical pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These pulses are believed to ease depression by affecting mood areas of the brain.

  1. Another option for patients with treatment-resistant or severe melancholic depression is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This treatment uses electric charges to create a controlled seizure. Patients are not conscious for the procedure. ECT helps 80% to 90% of patients who receive it, giving new hope to those who don't improve with medication.

  1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:-

    A newer option for people with stubborn depression is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This treatment aims electromagnetic pulses at the skull. It stimulates a tiny electrical current in a part of the brain linked to depression. rTMS does not cause a seizure and appears to have few side effects. But doctors are still fine-tuning this treatment.


How to escape depression naturally?:-
  1. Choose something you enjoy and aim for atleast 20 to 30 minutes four or five times a week.
  2. Physical Exercise.
  3. A playful puppy or wise-mouthed parrot is no substitute for medication or talk therapy. But researchers say pets can ease the symptoms of mild to moderate depression in many people. Pets provide unconditional love, relieve loneliness, and give patients a sense of purpose. Studies have found pet owners have less trouble sleeping and better overall health.
  4. Because loneliness goes hand-in-hand with depression, developing a social support network can be an important part of treatment. This may include joining a support group, finding an online support community, or making a genuine effort to see friends and family more often. Even joining a book club or taking classes at your gym can help you connect with people on a regular basis.


Blogger’s own experience:- 


Depression is curable with the hope in yourself only. The present world has been created for our enjoyment(caution:- which doesn’t mean to hurt others). Diversification of our natural inclinations and creation of new and good habits will definitely create some hope in our thought process, which itself make us run for beautiful life, which we always sought after. Sitting idle and thinking about the same process would create the pain in the long run. Start anything in small pieces and bit-by-bit increase you capacity. Even a longest river in the world, Nile starts from the lake victoria.  Be Strong.