|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 12 September 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Valuable book of reference Ayurveda Osu This compact valuable book 'Ayurveda Osu' on traditional medicine which had rooted deeply in the temperament of the people in this country in the past has been written by Sirisena Ukwatte, the youngest son of Don Mendris Ukwatte Vedaralahami of Dambara, Horana who treated the people in and around Raigam Koralaya free of charge. Though the material in the book is based on his father's pharmacopoeia, the author has presented his own experiences and observations in simple and economical style avoiding repetition. Traditional medicines are prescribed to keep the 'Va', 'Pith', 'Sem' or wind, bile and phlegm in balance. These three forces are expected not to supersede one another for a healthy body. Most of the people even today attribute their illness to Karma (retribution) and to the influence of planets at birth. So astrology and witchcraft are also playing a prominent role in traditional medicine which is becoming less phenomenal in today's context. For the matter, to have a knowledge in sociological aspect of traditional medicine of this country, one should read Professor Nandesena Ratnapala's 'folklore of Sri Lanka'. Great achievement of traditional medicine of King Buddhadasa recorded in the medical history of Sri Lanka reflects the popularity and advanced level of it in ancient Sri Lanka. In this book, with the purpose of educating the younger generation of the value of age old traditional treatment practised by the well respected Village Vedamahatayas who became physicians by family inheritance. A lot of valuable facts including the illness such as common cold, Rheumatic conditions, pulmonary and Metabolic disorders troubles in circulatory and digestive system, migraine and emotional troubles are discussed with the observations in pertinens medicine. But the author hints that this is not alternative for a first hand encounter with a medical practitioner. The book will be a valuable source of reference for the laity, about food and drink to be preferred or which are to be avoided, even in today's context where the science of medicine has made a great stride and health and illhealth are not a matter of luck and accident as in the olden days. Sanitary and prevention measures presented in a direct effort to control the spread of communicable or infectious diseases will have an influence on the health of the community life. The author indirectly says that life is worth living and that it is stupid to ignore some of the basic facts that may affect the well-being and the resultant enjoyment of the life. The section analysing the 'at behet' or time tested and efficary proven medicine which are easily accessible to all is very interesting to note the interwoven relationship between the rural people and the verdant environment. ########### A look at pre and post 911 Why Should I Give a Damn for the Global Economy? September 11 affected the world like never before. Even before the 9/11 disaster, problems of the world existed, but answers were not sought as urgently. With the turn of events in the contemporary world, global citizens came to be aware of the global economy, its inter-connectedness, and how it directly or indirectly affects the lives of everyone. In 'Why should I give a damn for the global economy?", author Gerard D. Muttukumaru explores the pre and post September 11 perspective, using incidents from day-today life to illustrate his propositions. He opens with world headlines, something we all read, but maybe not so much something we give a damn about. Moving on to the power of advertising, he explores the three driving forces of global business - global capital, the global consumer and the global labour force. In a separate chapter on global brainpower, Muttukumaru looks into the increasing power of the woman, in almost every aspect of life. He tells us of the importance of women in the global economy, as they begin to take on the role of the deciders and drivers of the global market and advertising. The question of "Are women smarter than men?" is addressed. The role of American products, especially in the media, communications and entertainment scene, and their direct impact on teenagers around the globe is actively discussed. World monetary and political organizations and their effectiveness and purpose are discussed. The author poses some thought-provoking questions: After all the billions that have been poured into the underdeveloped and developing nations over the past 50 years has the world become a better place? Why is there a crisis and meltdown of the global economy? The answers are discussed in-depth. The book provides the reader with a thought-provoking insight into the all-too-well-known 'Love-Hate' relationship of the USA with the rest of the world, with observations from top-notch CEOs such as Jerry Levin (AOL Time Warner) and Shelly Lazarus (Ogilvy and Mather). The chapter questions as to why America, a nation with the capacity to do so much good for the betterment of this planet, is loved, and hated so much. Offering a detailed perspective of the pre and post September 11 outlook of world citizeness, this book also discusses the heart of the world's problem with America, even for those who admire it and need it, exploring the 'Go-it-alone' policy of the USA, and the resulting show of condescension and contempt for global institutions and opinion. In the obviously widening gap between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in this world, and in the face of this growing problem of international PR, this book frankly suggests solutions for its resolution: A transformation of the US diplomatic service, in order that the correct message is marketed to the world; serious dialogue between America and each country before they further down the road to divorce with 'irreconcilable differences': or better still, a simple act of 'listening' to what others have to say. The USA cannot change the other nations and their perspective, says the book. "It must first respect them, understand them and then work with them to help reach their aspirations". What happened on September 11 in the USA can happen anywhere else in the world. What happened in Bali a year after, can happen in your city, says the author. What happens anywhere else in the world, could still affect someone living millions of miles away, because the global economy is, in fact, interconnected and interdependent. Should you not, then, give a damn for the global economy? The key to cohabitation in this world of constant differences is listening and understanding one another. "We must give a damn for the global economy, and realize we are in the same boat. We sink and swim together," reads the book. The book identifies with the common man, with the taxpayer whose rupees or dollars or euros are pumped into a system that doesn't make optimum use of it, where donors become the 'Santa Claus' for officials in a corrupt system of administration. It recognizes the world-wide resentment of international financial organizations. It identifies with YOU, your feelings, your ideas... and tells you that you 'should' give a damn. In the face of all of this, author delves into living life, how to be happy, while at the same time caring for that other half of the population that doesn't enjoy the life that some of us do. It gives valuable advice to the teenager and the adolescent who thinks that at 21, you've seen the world, know what to expect and have the answers to all of life's questions. It tells you to enjoy life, appreciate the arts, develop curiosity, made better use of your time, and enjoy youth - that carefree period in life that will never come again. The book moves on to the period in which you are straddled with the responsibility of picking up the pieces, and gives you guidelines on good parenting. Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Be authentic, passionate and understanding, it says. In a separate segment, the book tells you what corporations, governments and employers must do to make responsibility to community and the world a major part of its mission statement. This is first-hand guidance on more effective living practices for virtually every member of society, as we live in a hope for a better tomorrow, IF tomorrow ever comes. Muttukumaru's book says that we are a Titanic, re-named Planet Earth and struggling to keep afloat, to survive and be equal in a world in which nobody is equally placed. To say the least, this book is food for thought indeed, of not only how to make your life better, but of why you should be giving a damn, (or a little more than that), for the global economy. "This book must be read by every head of state worldwide, every leader and manager in business and government, every marketing, human resources, technology and finance professional, every student, every parent, every teacher and educator, all officials of multilateral and non-government organizations, and everyone responsible for planning the future of their own lives, their organizations and nations. No human being is left untouched by this book". Aaysha Cader |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
