Sow a thought and reap an action,
Sow an action and reap a habit,
Sow a habit and reap a character,
Sow a character and reap a destiny.
                                                            …Nissim Ezekiel 

Self-Development

Every successful man is a person of discipline who has made excellence a part of his life and has developed his personality accordingly. As the famous philosopher Aristotle said - ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.’ It is also possible to make excellence a habit by cultivating activities and other habits, which can yield a higher frame of mind. Organize your life in a way that it focuses on good living habits. To live a full life, one needs to be clear about his goals and the steps he needs to take to achieve these goals. Personality development is an important part of a wholesome education. Textbook knowledge alone will not help you get ahead in a life that requires good survival techniques.

Vastushastra, Ayurveda and Yoga lend themselves well to self and personality development. The wisdom of Vastu will present habits, which you can cultivate for a result-yielding lifestyle.

Morning is the Best Time

The East is the realm of the Sun god whose identification is enlightenment and inspiration. The Sun’s rays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. are most beneficial because at this time, they come from the east. According to the principles of Vastushastra, morning time is the ideal time for study. Not only are the Sun’s rays beneficial, but also after a night of sound sleep, the mind is fresh and free from tension and worries. It is like a clean board where everything that is written will be etched clearly. This is the best time for concentration as alertness will be at its peak. Since the mind is free of strain and pressure, whatever you learn in the morning will be retained. The early rays of the morning Sun can do wonders for the mind and the body. Exposing yourself to the rising Sun for some time will help refresh your mind and body and will alert your senses, leading to a better focus and concentration.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercising is a habit a student should cultivate and maintain throughout his life. The body needs to be active and alert in order to yield an active mind. Body muscles should be toned up because this promotes physical health and boosts energy levels. Work-outs improve not only the muscles and joints of the body, but also the heart and mind. They are kept alert fresh and responsive. Following a proper timetable will also help you to inculcate discipline into your life, learn to manage and use your time wisely. A morning walk or jog, pushups and stretching exercises are always a big help in building a fit and healthy body. Remember, a healthy body yields a healthy mind. 

Worship of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesh is the god of prosperity and wisdom. He is also the god of science and skills. He is worshipped to remove obstacles one may face in an endeavour, even in the way of worshipping another deity. Ganesha is called Ekadanta because he has a broken tusk. It is said that Parasurama knocked out his tusk in a fight. His mother Parvati was about to curse Parasurama because of this but Brahma stopped her with a promise that though he had only one tusk, Ganesha would still be worshipped by all men and even by the demigods. Brahma’s promise has remained true to this day and Lord Ganesha continues to be a very powerful deity. It is advisable for the student to perform pooja of Ganesha before that of any other deity so that any obstacles in the way of his studies may be removed.

Avoid keeping the statues of gods in the home or in the study room. Instead of placing a statue, a photograph of Lord Ganesha should be kept in the pooja room to perform Ganesh Pooja. Ganesha’s appearance is symbolically potent and he is powerful enough to remove any obstacles that hinder an individual from seeking knowledge. On the other hand, Ganesha also has the power to put obstacles in the way of an individual who shuns the path of true knowledge. It is essential for an individual to respect and maintain the divinity of the deity in his own surroundings so as to avoid incurring the wrath of the lord. A statue or picture of Lord Ganesha should never be used as a showpiece or a gift item. Indiscriminate display of this deity should be avoided because this violates the sanctity and respect to the lord.

Significance of the Swastika

The Swastika symbol is important and widely used in Hinduism because it is considered to be auspicious. The symbol itself means ‘auspicious’ or ‘well being’. It is the sign of the Ganesha and Sun. The significance and influence of the Sun on the soul is benefic, more so for the student. This requires due respect and adulation both for the deity and his symbolic representations. Place a symbol of the Swastika on the main door of your study room to keep away black spirits and disruptive forces. The right-handed Swastika, which goes in a clockwise direction, is considered favourable but the left-handed one is said to be inauspicious. The symbol of Swastika is usually made in red on a light background. Placing this symbol on the door of your study room will help to protect both you and the room from evil forces and elevate the beneficial influence of the Sun as well as Ganesha.

Stock Your Stationery

Always have enough supply of pens, pencils, ink and other stationery in your study room. It always helps a student to develop a habit of making short notes or underlining study materials to help in revision. An adequate supply of stationery should be kept within reach. It will be easier for you to keep these supplies on the study table itself. Using stationery that reflects your personality will make it easier for your soul to claim the workplace or the study room as your own. Having an adequate supply of the needed items, you will reduce chances of unnecessary tension over their use and the continuity of focus can be assured. The knowledge that you have what you need will give you a peace of mind and will also create a favourable ambience. A verse from the Bhagavad Gita says: ‘From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion, bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.’

Maintain a Scrapbook

The reason why manufacturers of stationery all over the world have started making so much money on organizers is that people have understood the usefulness of making notes and managing their time. A person can only be expected to remember so much, especially if he is a busy person with a lot of things on his mind. Keeping a diary or a scrapbook helps to remind him of his engagements and obligations and arrange his activities accordingly. A student should develop this habit early in life so that stays with him all his life. Keep a scrapbook and note down important points as you study. This will help you in your revision. Your scrapbook can also be used to note down addresses and phone numbers of your friends and people with whom you need to keep in touch regularly. It can even be used as a diary where you note down your activities so that it will be easier for you to assess your time and learn to manage it more effectively.

The Right Step First

Step into your study using your right foot first. The right side of the human body is usually heavier than the left and, in most cases, considered stronger. Except for a smaller number of the population who are called lefties, most of the word’s inhabitants are more comfortable using their right limbs for all kinds of work. The right part of the body is controlled by the left part of the brain and it is the activities of this part, which is constantly emphasized in our education system. As such, the right part of our body, especially our limbs, have gained an importance which may sound baseless but is nonetheless, very deeply rooted in our minds. The study room is the place where you will shape your future and where you will decide which course your life will take.

Be Punctual

Always be punctual for your exams and be in your classroom or exam hall at least 15 minutes beforehand. Most invigilators allow students into the hall around this time. Being late for an exam will make you lose a slight edge over the others facing the same exam because they have had the use of some time, which you have lost. If you reach the hall before the exam, you will have time to reflect on what you have learnt and bring to mind the important points which will be helpful in the course of the exam. This time will also give you a period of time in which you can relax and just breathe easily, releasing all the pent up tension in your body. Good time management will ensure that you always arrive with time to spare for your exams.

Be Systematic

Along with maintaining a timetable for your studies, you should learn to be systematic and follow a schedule to which you are best suited. Make a list of what you have to study, at what time and follow that table. Work out a way to get the most out of the time you have in your hands. Life is too short to fumble with, so live it to the fullest. The time that you set yourself with can be drawn up as a daily or weekly schedule. Make sure that you give yourself time to unwind, to relax or do some fun activities. Mark out any appointments that you have or people you have to meet, chores you have to do. Arrange your schedule in a way that they do not clash. Be accepted as a responsible person on whom people can rely on to get a job done. Develop a habit of being a systematic person. This will help you not only in your student life but also even later in life when you are ready to work and settle down.

Get Started At the Earliest — Never Put Off Work

Do not put off difficult tasks. Start working on tasks that are on hand and get over with them immediately.

Procrastination is the name given to the habit of putting off tasks and it is considered a handicap on the personality. When you put off tasks, the workload only piles up and in the end, you are forced to tackle many tasks at one go. In such cases, your work becomes a lot heavier and you are not able to devote as much time and care in doing your work. The work so accomplished can be of poor quality. Make sure that you finish one task before you start on another. If you start a new task before finishing a previous one, your thoughts tend to remain with the unfinished task. Thus, there can be paranoid distraction and you will not be able to devote all your skills to the task at hand. Remember the adage, ‘A stitch in time saves nine’. It means a tear that is stitched immediately will be fixed while that which is allowed to remain will grow so big that it will require work enough to fix nine tears.

Update your Skills

Keep yourself updated on the latest technology that you can use in the course of your study. In the present age, it is almost impossible to function without computer skills because all kinds of work are now being carried on with the computer. Even in the field of education, computers have come to occupy a very important place. There are specialized degrees for qualifications in the information technology and studies in this field can also be pursued along with other course studies. Computers are now progressively being used in classrooms for teaching and making presentations. There are almost no lucrative job openings now for someone without the necessary skills on the computer. If you can afford to have a computer in your study room, place it in the Southeast direction of the room. This area, according to Vastu principles, is the best place for any equipment or appliances that are powered by electricity and generate heat, as fire is the dominating element of this direction.

Stay Aware

It is an advantage for a good student to remain aware of what is going on in the world around him. Knowledge of world events that have a bearing on the national and international stage is a mark of a well-informed and respectable person. New policies of the government in the field of education or in other fields, v/hich can influence the daily life of the common man, are especially important and a good student is expected to know these things. Read the newspapers regularly; watch the news on TV, especially news that makes headlines as these are more extensively covered on the TV along with pictures. Listen to the news on the radio as well. An exposure to media items will help you stay in touch with the things that are going on in the world. If you do not keep in touch with the latest news items, the world may change around you and you may not even know about it. A student who only lives between the pages of his books does not make a bright, intelligent and useful person.

Participate in Co-curricular Activities

Develop an aptitude for taking part in activities outside of your academic studies. This will aid your personality growth and increase your brainpower as well. Take part in competitions at school or in your neighbourhood. A healthy spirit of competition between you and other competitors will prove to be a good motivator. It will teach you the importance of developing extra skills in order to win and ways to get that edge above the other competitors. Interactions in such an atmosphere is a good experience where you can build your public relation skills, analyse and assess personalities and skills and learn the art of survival in a competitive world. Certificates that are awarded in these competitions are an added advantage when applying for higher studies as also for job applications.

India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations the Indus valley civilization. It has been the seat of learning since the ancient times and the world’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. The university of Nalanda, built in the 4th century BC, was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. In the field of mathematics in particular, India has contributed a lot. The number system was invented in India, Aryabhatta is credited with the invention of zero and Budhayana, who also explained the concept of what is now known as the Pythagorean Theorem, first calculated the value of ‘pi’. Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus came from India while Sridharacharya first presented quadratic equations in the eleventh century. To date, Vedic maths is still very widely used by students, for instance, in calculating a number’s square value: 95 x 95 = 9025. The Vedic rules state that the square of any number with the last digit as 5 will always have 25 at the end. To find the number, calculate the product of the preceding numbers and add the same number and you will get the answer. Thus, the square of a given number can be calculated easily without going into lengthy multiplications.

Ayurveda, the earliest school of medicine known to humans, is another gift from India to the world, as is Vastu, the first environmental science. It is now accepted that Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software. Out of the Indians in the USA who form only 1.5% of the population, thirty eight per cent of doctors, 36% of NASA scientists and 34% of Microsoft employees are all Indians.

These are just a few facts to make Indians proud, and to prove that the rich educational heritage that we have inherited can be harnessed to an advantage. It is for students to follow up on the achievements made by our forefathers. Acquire an edge and sharpen your learning skills by following the codes of conduct that Vastushastra can offer you.

Pay Respect to the Deities Remain Bare foot within the Study

Your study room is a sacred space, which should be respected and shown the utmost care. You should be careful not to disturb the balances of the interconnected universe when you walk into the study room by disturbing the harmonious balance or insulting the presiding deities and elements. It is especially vital for you to maintain the room as a sacred space if you have pictures or symbols of deities in the room. Many people advocate taking off their shoes in the presence of such symbolisms, especially so when they are going to offer worship. If you remove your shoes once you enter your home, you are respecting an old tradition that was followed by Mahatma Gandhi himself. Taking off your shoes is good for your feet as well. You may slip on a pair of wooden sandals, which has wonderful ‘climatic controls’. They keep the feet warm in winter and cool in summer.

Be Organized

Be organized and learn to manage your time. Time is valuable and you should teach yourself to value it like you value money. Good organization and wise management of time can save you a lot of hard work and trouble. Have a set timing for all your daily tasks. You can time yourself as you practice your daily routines and also change your timings as you progress. Management in various fields has become the focus of many institutions and corporations in today’s world. It has become a very competitive world where a modern version of survival of the fittest is prevalent. In order to fully realize your potential, you will have to learn to manage your time and fit in the maximum you can within a specified span of time. Managing your time well will save you a lot of precious time, which you can, in turn, devote to other pleasant activities. If you can do your tasks in shorter periods because of good time management, you will, in turn, have more time for leisure also.

Correct Posture for the Body

It is essential to remain comfortable while studying. Comfort should not, however, mean an allowance for laziness. Correct posture should be maintained all through your period of study. Things have become easier to access for the present - day student. Good books, libraries, good schools and up-to-date technology are available to us within easy reach and not many physical hardships need to be encountered anymore. While this is a good development, it seems to have led many to become lazy as far as maintenance of the body is concerned. Orthopedic problems, which were confined only to the elderly, have now become a common malady for today’s youth. This is because care is not taken to maintain our body posture or keep the body active. To avoid such tensions, make sure you are aware of and practice correct body postures and that even the furniture you use is conducive towards it. Yoga provides guidance for better posture, leading to a better concentration and training for the mind.

Dress Comfortably

Make sure that you are comfortably dressed when you sit down to study. Your clothes should fit you well and not cause any uneasiness because you will only be giving yourself unnecessary tension when you wear clothes that do not fit well. Ill-fitting clothes disturb the blood circulation in the body and also the flow of other essential fluids. Tight elastics can cause skin rashes, which can be a disturbing factor if you are going to study. Wear clean clothes that soothe you. It is also important to take note of the weather when you dress. Make sure that you dress yourself according to the season. Wear warm clothes in winter and do not ever wear wet clothes while you are studying. Choosing the right clothes for study may sound like a trivial thing but it can go a long way in either helping you or harming you in your studies.

Learn to Manage Your Time Well

Everybody has heard and many have proven the truth of the age-old saying, ‘Time is Money’. There is no denying of the significance of time in our lives and how we are driven in our work by the passage of time. It is essential for everyone to learn to manage our time and more so for the student, who is time-bound to complete his specified tasks. There should be provision for a wall clock inside your study room and care should be taken to form a habit of timing yourself accordingly. The clock should preferably be in the direction of the East or North wall of your room. According to the principles of Vedic Astrology, the planets Mercury and Jupiter rule these directions. Mercury governs intelligence and therefore rules the field of education. It also enhances the ability to learn languages and scriptures and improves memory. A person under the influence of Mercury can usually perform tasks quickly and is often able to do several tasks at the same time. Jupiter, on the other hand, is the most benefic planet and rules the higher qualities of the mind and the elevation of the soul. It is associated with teaching, wisdom, knowledge, guru and education. The importance of these ruling planets and that of time should be significantly balanced in order to yield the most beneficial results.

Eat a Balanced Diet

To generate a good output, care should be taken on the nature of the intake of food as well. A balanced meal, which provides the required vitamins and minerals, is essential for the organs of the brain to function effectively. Eating a balanced diet is strongly emphasized in health education also. Ayurveda, a Vedic science and possibly the oldest medical system in the world, recognizes the need for a proper diet in maintaining the balance in the rhythm and proportion of the body. The state of our mind influences our body and vice versa. It is important that we identify and eat those food items that are seasonal and based on the climatic conditions of where we live. In addition to this, we must be careful not to disturb our digestive cycle. Do not eat food that is too heavy so as to avoid irritation to the stomach. Eating at proper intervals is another way of avoiding disturbance to the digestive cycle, it also prevents avoidable tension. Eat fresh food and never over eat, however delicious the food might be.

Eat Fruits and Salads 

 Eat plenty of seasonal fruits and green salad. Ayurveda has the system of tridoshas, which are the three metabolic processes that involve the elements inside the body and control all bodily processes. Every dosha has its respective element with its own characteristics. The Vata dosha’s element is air related to space, which controls our biological movements and certain functions of the mind and central nervous system that relate to movement and direction. The Pitta dosha’s element is fire with water, which controls digestion and manifests the characteristic of enlightenment, it helps us to absorb knowledge and understand it. Water with earth is the element of the Kapha dosha, preserving and binding the body together, which helps us to retain the knowledge that we require. Practitioners of Ayurveda assert that we must always eat according to the balance of our particular dosha and emphasize the importance of paying attention to the cycle of time and seasons and the daily weather. Fresh fruits and green salads are the direct products of nature and are good for brain growth and development.

Take a Stroll in the Garden

Nature, like everything else in the universe, is an expression of the five basic elements, which make up creation: space, air, fire, water and earth. Nature’s splendour is so enthralling that it impels us to connect it with the Supreme Creation. The foundation of Vastu is the Vedic wisdom, which lends it spiritual dimension, and this wisdom also governs nature with its harmonious relationship among the elements. The elements within us and in nature are similar and are mutually conducive to each other. It is good to have a garden around the house or somewhere nearby, where you can take a stroll occasionally. This will have a beneficial effect on your mind as plants produce positive Vastu energies. It is always refreshing to be surrounded by unhampered nature and smell the sweetness of life in plants. The element of fire in plants is life giving. Sunlight, which induces the cycle of life, is absorbed by nature. When we are surrounded by nature, there is inner peace, which makes the soul feel good in its ‘oneness with nature’. Care should also be taken not to disturb the harmonious relationship of the elements in nature.

Take a Break from Study

Extremely long hours of study will not help you much as your mind can only hold your concentration for a certain time period. It is more beneficial to sit for a shorter period than to mindlessly prolong the hours of your study. An overburdened mind cannot work efficiently. It is advisable to take respite for a while after every hour of study. A short break will help to refresh your mind and revive your energy. Just close your eyes and take deep breaths and try to relax. Feel the tension in your muscles go out and you can go back to learning your lessons in a better state of mind. During your break, it can be helpful to spend your thoughts on something interesting and uplifting. Bursting into a short song could also be quite stimulating.

Aim High

Every person nurses different ambitions at different stages in his life. Always aim high and ‘reach for the stars’. Set your goals high and work towards them, overcoming obstacles and experiencing a whole learning process on the way. There is a folk saying from the Northeast part of India, which says that if you aim high, you will also fall high. This means that when you aim high, you set yourself to achieve your aim and learn so much in the process that even if you do not reach what you initially aimed for; you will land up in another high position anyway. Remember that excellence can be achieved only if you dare to expect more than others think is possible.

Be Adventurous

A student’s life conies only once in our lives. Take advantage of your situation and be a little adventurous. Try to gain as much in the way of experiences as you can during this time. Going abroad or somewhere far from the home is a very good learning experience. Some of our great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were all students who went abroad for further studies. If going abroad is too expensive for you, you can still get your education in place within the country, but far from your home. Staying in a boarding school, away from the warmth of your parents home, can teach you a lot of useful things. You will learn to be independent and take care of yourself in the weird and harsh world. In countries abroad, students work to support themselves. In India, our system has not yet become too expensive and our parents can still support us. It is good, however, to find part-time work or summer jobs to earn your pocket money.

Be Optimistic

Encourage yourself by using words like ‘I can’ and ‘I will’, and eradicate ‘I can’t’ from your speaking vocabulary. Have confidence in your abilities by reminding yourself that there is nothing too hard for someone who is willing to work sincerely and dedicate himself to his work. The attitude and desire to do better can greatly improve your productivity, irrespective of the means you have to improve your standard. Never let any outside forces set you back from achieving your goals. A famous sportsman, Roger Bannister refused to acknowledge that the 4-minute mile was impossible. In 1954, he set a new record of 3:59.4 by breaking through the self-limiting attitude that was held by many runners at that time. Similarly, you can boost your performance by adopting an optimistic attitude. You are your own stiffest competition; always attempt to improve your output and judge yourself not by others’ performances but in terms of your personal capabilities.

Read Biographies

It is beneficial to include biographies and autobiographies in your reading list. The lives of great men and women always inspire us in ways beyond our imagination. Their lives set examples for us to follow. Their life stories become lessons for us because they teach us the way to live our lives through their experiences. We can identify situations where we can apply their lessons in our own lives. Take the case of Abraham Lincoln who was the son of a woodcutter and rose to be the president of the USA. In fact, it was he who preserved the unity of this great nation by successfully concluding the civil war. He also abolished slavery in the land. The story of his life is a source of constant inspiration for a student. Our national leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Abdul Kalam also had to face immense hardships but they were able to find the inner strength to rise above the opposing circumstances and bring freedom for India.

Rising from humble beginnings through an illustrious scientific career leading to the highest office of the President of India are the spectacular achievements of Abdul Kalam. Born on 15 October 1931 in a middle-class Tamil family at Dhanushkodi in Rameshwararam district of Chennai, Abdul Kalam was hard working, intelligent and dreamed high. As a child, the seagulls fascinated Abdul Kalam. He grew up in the island of Rameshwaram in south India, where his father was a boat builder. He even worked as a newspaper boy to supplement the family income. Kalam’s interest in flight led to a degree in aeronautical engineering and eventually, to his supervising the development of India’s guided missiles.

After graduating in Tiruchi, when Abdul Kalam finished B.Sc, he was not aware of any other professional course. He soon realized that engineering subjects were his favourite rather than Physics. So he applied at the prestigious Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). Though selected on the merit list, it was an expensive affair for him to get enrolled. His sister Zohra stood by him, mortgaging her gold bangles and chain. Thus he was able to enroll himself at MIT in Aeronautical Engineering in 1954.

At MIT, two de-commissioned aircrafts displayed for the demonstration of various systems of flying machines, fascinated Abdul Kalam. He would sit for hours together observing them, even after other students left for their hostel. His professors and teachers encouraged him.

On 25 November 1997, in appreciation of his contribution to Indian defence and science, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. In October 1998, he bagged the prestigious Indira Gandhi award for national integration.

Kalam, according to himself, is no miracle man. He has had his share of hard work and problems. Every time he emerged as winner through sheer hardwork, grit and determination.
Abdul Kalam is a true Indian, having received all his education in India itself. He worked tirelessly to bring glory to the nation. He has proved that one does not have to go abroad, if one wishes to pursue higher scientific studies.

On 25 July 2002, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was sworn in as the 11th President of India in the Central Hall of Parliament at an impressive ceremony telecast live across the country.

Thus, we see that a child from a small town, with big dreams, ambitions, strength, determination, grit and courage could achieve the highest office of the country. With sacrifice, he has achieved so many milestones that India shall forever remain proud of him.

The story of the 16th President of the USA is an inspiration in itself. It shows how hard work and determination can raise a person from the lowest depths of obscurity to eminence, honour and fame.

Born dirt-poor in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln grew up in frontier Illinois. He was the son of a woodcutter and was largely self-educated. The man, who till date is considered the greatest president of all, attended school less than 12 months in his entire life. A poverty-ridden childhood, coupled with rejection did not dampen his spirits. He even swept floors to support himself. He endured failure many times. He failed as a businessman, as a storekeeper and as a farmer. He failed in his first attempt to go to Congress, when he ran for the United States Senate. Inspite of these failures, Abraham Lincoln, also called ‘Honest Abe’ and ‘The Great Emancipater’, became the 16* President of the United States. He preserved the ‘Union’ during the civil war and brought about the emancipation of the slaves. Among American heroes, Lincoln continues to have a unique appeal for his countrymen and also for people of other lands. This charm derives from his remarkable life story of rise from humble origins to a dramatic death. From his distinctive humane personality as well as from his historic role as savior of the Union and emancipator of the slaves his relevance endures and grows, especially because of his eloquence as a spokesman for democracy. In his view, the Union was worth saving not only for its own sake, but because it embodied an ideal, the ideal of self-government. This accounts for the universality of his appeal. Lincoln learned through his failures. He was educated by his defeats.

Although Lincoln was almost entirely self-educated, he took great pleasure in the study of Shakespeare, Byron and the Bible. Lincoln loved to study the great orators and took great care to write clearly well. His thoughts and writings had a very deep meaning.

Take up a Hobby

Take up an interesting hobby to keep yourself occupied when you are not in the mood to study. The kind of hobbies you pick up will depend on the area you are naturally inclined towards. If you are physically active, outdoors sports like football, cricket or tennis might interest you. On the other hand, for someone who prefers to stay indoors, hobbies like painting or music could be developed. Collection of stamps and coins can be mentally stimulating and lots of fun too. If you develop an interesting hobby, you will keep your time occupied and stimulate your mental and physical abilities as well. One thing you must be careful about is that you should never let your personal hobbies interfere with the time that you have set aside for your studies. Your hobby could well develop into your profession if you have enough interest and talent for it.

Cultivate Interest in the Subject of Study

Try to cultivate a keen interest in what you are learning by asking yourself questions like, ‘Why am I studying this subject?’ and ‘What do I want to learn from it?’ Such questions will help you to put your studies in perspective. Knowing what your goals are, what the purpose of your study is and what you hope to learn from it will take you closer to your subject matter. The case with students everywhere at all times has been that the more familiar one becomes with a particular subject, the more interested he becomes in it and learning becomes more fun because he is clear of what he wants and has found a way to achieve it. Try and invest the maximum amount of time you can spare to read the subject matter you have chosen for study. Apart from reading the prescribed academic textbooks, read other related reference materials and talk to people who are more knowledgeable about it. This will open doors for you to widen your knowledge and cultivate an interest in the subject.

Set Aside Time for Play and Enjoyment for A1I-Round Development

‘All work and no play make jack a dull boy’. Except for the periods when you have exams or have a particularly heavy test, take time out from your studies to enjoy yourself. In the Western countries, working days are totally devoted to work and the weekends are used as a time to catch up on personal interests and just ‘letting the hair down,’ as they say. This is a good way to maintain and manage the time that we have on our hands. Take a break from your studies for a few hours every week to do whatever you wish to do. You can simply hang out with friends and catch up on the latest news. Or you could go for a movie or a music concert. A weekend trip to some place nearby where you can just relax without any worries is another good way of refreshing yourself. Keep yourself in touch with things outside of your academics for an all-round development of your personality.

Play Outdoor Games

Participate in various outdoor sports and give your body the exercise that it needs. Physically enhancing sports like football, cricket, and tennis, help the body to remain active and responsive to situations. Learning a new game or playing one can also enhance your mental qualities as the brain activates itself to accommodate new skills and develops it to quickly adapt and respond to new information. The earlier conception of a scholar as a nerd who kept himself confined to indoors has gradually taken a backseat with the emergence of the promotion of an active outdoor life as conducive to scholastic pursuits. Games which demand great physical participation on your part will help to release tension that may mount up and provide an effective outlet for the constraints in the mind.

Nuture Fruitful Friendships

Maintain a good circle of friends. Try to associate with those people from whom you can learn something. By improving relations with friends who can help you out in your studies, you will be cultivating a spirit of healthy competition among yourselves from which you and all of your friends will benefit. It has been said that ‘a man is known by the company he keeps’; so make sure you choose your company carefully. Peers can lead students because at the age of adolescence, there is what psychologists have called ‘peer pressure’, which is even stronger than the influence of the family. If you fall into bad company, you will be led to wrong ways and do wrong things without even knowing that you are moving in the wrong direction. Your classmates should ideally end up being your friends but make sure that you do not become rivals. Develop friendships with your classmates with whom you can discuss ideas, issues or specific subject related questions. Share the results you get from separate experiments and increase your knowledge. Benefit from each other’s hard work.

Respect Your Teachers

Your teachers are a source of knowledge. They are your guides to a bright future. Ouf debts to our teachers cannot be acknowledged enough. This is why Teachers’ Day is observed in India to pay respect to our teachers. It is not just another day with a fancy name. It is the day when you do all you can to show your genuine appreciation for the teachers who have taught you what you need to know to get ahead in life. This celebration has its’ roots in the ancient Indian tradition of treating teachers at par with gods. In those days students paid their respect to their teachers by offering them guru dakshina to show their appreciation. Lord Rama himself was a student of the well-known scholar Maharishi Vashishta. He owed a lot to his teacher for the glory and honour he received. In fact, it was Vashishta who gave Sita’s hand in marriage to Rama. Always remember your teachers and find ways of repaying them back in whatever way you can.

Listen to your Parents

Always listen to your parents and elders, knowing that they always have your best interest at heart. All the advice that you get from them may not be good or worth following but give them the benefit of listening even if you do not intend to follow them. Do not show disrespect by arguing with them or showing off your superior knowledge and belittling them. Remember that our elders have all gone through the same age that you are in and that they might have experienced the same things that we face at one time or another. They can teach you from what they have learnt through experience. In the present fast-paced world, many of their ideas may sound outdated but give them the benefit of the doubt. If you disagree with them, let them know the reasons why their advice may not be the best in the subtlest way possible, without hurting their feelings. At the end of the day, you will not find anyone who wishes you better than they do.

Student Corpus Fund

There is a lot of money involved in the education of students and everyone may not be able to afford the best possible. A good step to take in this direction is for the parents to make a one-time investment for the education of their children. A Corpus Fund means that a principle sum is locked and the interest from this sum can be used for the education of the child. This can create a feeling of abundance in the child, knowing that his education will not be cruelly cut off by shortage of funds. Our fortunes are subject to change, so even if the parents face a gloomy day with regard to finances, the education of their children will not suffer because of it. The increment from the fund will be useful for further study of students.

Be Helpful

Study should comprise not only of book knowledge and your whole life should not be given up to reading in isolation. Always keep in mind the fact that human beings are social animals who need to be in touch with their fellow men and live in mutual support. Nobody is able to live alone, without being in contact with people at one time or another, unless they take up the lifestyle of an animal and live in total isolation. It is for this reason that you should learn to be helpful to your family and the people around you. Develop relations with others by lending a helping hand to those who need it. You are sure to appreciate aid just when you need it. Others also feel the same way and your timely help will always be appreciated. We should learn to give not only what we have but also give what we are. Do your share of work in the house and surprise your parents by occasionally doing more than your share of the work.

Do Not Neglect Your Family And Friends

Never neglect your family and friends no matter how busy you find yourself. Always find the time to be with them. We all need support in everything we do. A successful person cannot function alone and he cannot be a success unless there are others who encourage him and open doors of opportunity for him. Your friends and family are your well-wishers and you cannot afford to drop them from your life. A lot of people let their egos grow out of control and lose touch with their friends and family once their status in life improves. This attitude is sure to backfire on them some day or the other. The people who are closest to you can offer you unlimited support. They are also the ones who can offer honest criticism when they find that you need some. You can be sure that their criticisms are without malice and learn to correct yourself from them. So, make sure that you always find time to spend with people who genuinely care for you.

Respect Your Books

Show your books the respect that is due to them. Our collection of books can reveal our inner self by displaying our personal interests. The way we manage and take care of our books also goes to show our attitude towards them. It is best, therefore, to keep them tidy and in some order. Take good care of them and keep them neatly. Have a separate rack or shelf for your books, where you can arrange them when you are not using them. Clean the covers of the books and the rack regularly so that they do not collect dust. Put cover jackets on them to prevent them from tearing. When you read your books, you might want to mark or underline parts of it to help you later. Do this with a pencil but never with a pen or a marker. The books will then remain neater and you can also erase the marks you have made after your purpose is done to prevent them from being spoilt permanently. Make your books accessible to yourself and others who may need them by keeping them clean and appealing. Make reading a pleasure by respecting and taking good care of your books.

Do Not Keep Damaged Paperwork

Do not keep any dusty or damaged files, books, etc., in the study room. Collect only those papers or books, which are relevant for the studies. You will obviously neglect files and books, which you do not need and they will remain untouched, gathering dust and cobwebs. This will disturb the ambience and sanctity of your sacred space. To maintain a productive study room, the things that are collected there need to be taken care of and used on a regular basis. Keeping damaged files or books inside the room will damage and disturb the harmony and ambience of the room. Make sure you clean the room thoroughly and discard the things that you do not need anymore. Strike a harmonized balance with nature by promoting the presence of useful objects, books and files in the study room. Damaged paperwork, which has no relevance to your studies, will only lead to unnecessary clutter and dust. The study room is your sanctuary; maintain it as such.

Follow the Path set by High Achievers

Indian value systems have always fired the entrepreneurial zeal in the Silicon Valley. Gumeet Naroola’s book, The Entrepreneurial Connection, offers readers an analysis of the attributes that carried the success path of some successful Indians. Some of the Indians covered in his analysis are Sabeer Bhatia, founder and creator of Hotmail, Deepak Chopra, motivational speaker and author, Desh Deshpande, co-founder and Chairman of Sycamore Networks, Inc. It also includes Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, Vinod Dahm, creator of the Pentium chip and Aziz Premji, the CEO of Wipro Industries. The following points are some of the conclusions drawn by a detailed analysis of the effective habits and lifestyles of these successful people:
-     All of these individuals are from excellent universities of repute like the IITs and HMs.

-     They are early risers and highly principled by nature.
-     They are aggressive listeners who are clear about their priorities.
-     They have close-knit stable families.
-     They are voracious readers and hard workers.

Closing in on Aziz Premji, the CEO of Wipro
Industries and once the third richest man in the world, he typically works at home from about 6a.m. to 7:30a.m. and is at the office at 8:30 in the morning. He usually leaves the office around 7 p.m. and catches up on his reading at night.

Vastu in Your Life

The science of Vastu has a remedy for overall prosperity in domestic life as well as in business and profession. It can enhance careers and resolve conflicts that block a person’s path to success by creating low stress and a highly productive environment. It inspires us to be in harmony with nature so that we might live a happy, successful and satisfied life. Vastu is a practical, architectural as well as an environmental science, offering codes of conduct for the construction and planning of buildings and its interiors. Evidences of such a practice can be seen in ancient temple designs as well as modern structures. The planning and constructions should be done following principles of Vastu, which will yield success for its inhabitants.

The north is the direction of wealth and success to which extra attention should be given. It is the direction from which knowledge flows and nothing should be kept in the northern direction that could block this positive flow of energy. As such, it is wise to keep objects connected with the presiding deity, Lord Kuber, in this direction. Worship rooms can be placed in the north, and the face should be turned towards this direction while undertaking any form of work so that the gods may bless it.

Make it a point to have the source of light for your interiors in the northern corner and never leave it cluttered or dirty. A practical step that one can take for success is to have a list of resolutions and wishes pasted on the northern wall. Read this list before your morning prayers and request the Vastu Deva to grant the wish.

Spare some thought to the location of your bedroom where you rest and sleep. This room is best located in the southwest while the kitchen where your food is prepared which should be in the southeast. The southwest portion of the building would best be used by the head of the family it is a good area for relaxation and balancing energy forces. Make sure that your home adheres to Vastu principles of providing a sacred central space in the midst of a flurry of activities. Special attention should also be given to the interior decoration by choosing the right colours and items of art. Gentle soft colours create a soothing effect but should be accentuated with stronger colours to balance positive energy in the interiors. The ambience of your home can also be improved by introducing Vastu symbols for luck and prosperity as part of the decor.

Make a Wish

Keep a few coins in a piece of red cloth, and place a pot containing Ganga Jal beside it on any desk in the northeast portion of the study room. Write your wish for success on a piece of paper and keep it wrapped in the red cloth. Remember your wish everyday and make positive efforts for its’ fulfillment. This arrangement is a potent symbolism. Ganga Jal is the symbol of purity, red is the colour of auspiciousness and coins represent the material wishes that the person makes. The northeast is the most important direction in Vastu because it is the portion where the head of the Vastu Purusha lies. It is also the region from where the Sun rises, bringing light and understanding to the world. The pot containing water should be placed in the northeast because of its beneficial effects. Moreover, it is the realm of the element of water and its presiding deity. Praying for your goals everyday will remind you of your physical goals and the steps you might take in order to fulfill them. The list of wishes that you prepare is important because you are putting it in the realm of the divine. So, take care to include only those wishes, which are practical and goal-oriented. Building castles in the air will not help you.

Make a list of all that you would like to achieve, whether it is related to career, money or something tangible that you would like to have. It could even be something spiritual or health related. Put all your wishes in an order of preference. The things that you would like to have the most should be at the top. Put your list in a closet along with five coins tied in a piece of red cloth.

Your model wish list could be as follows:
1 Need a house
2 Need a job and career
3 Need a vehicle
4 Need a life partner
5 Wish to have children
6 Wish to win money in a lottery
7 A wish for good health
8 A wish for happiness
9 Spiritual upliftment
10 A wish for good friends
11 A wish for a good companion

Visualize the Future

Once your wish list has been made, visualize what you would be in the next ten years, and what you could be with extra efforts and by following the Vastu rules. When you have become what you want to be, you will also be able to achieve your aims. Your efforts should be genuine and to achieve that end, following Vastu rules is a must. For example, if you are desirous of owning a car or a house, you know very well that for this dream to come true you will need a lot of money. You could work harder in your business or career and earn more money. You could save your money and put an end to all watseages. This way, you are bound to have some more money. Loans on easy installments for housing or buying a car are also available. You could learn the details from your bank. Do not forget to pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for them to be more benovalent towards you. Place five coins tied in a red cloth with your cash. Place your locker in the north, as it is the realm of Kuber, the god of wealth. Follow other Vastu rules, work honestly, diligently and with determination and very soon you will realize your dreams.