International Women's Day is an annual event celebrated on March 8th to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women to society and promote gender equality. The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality". This theme emphasises the significant role of digital technologies in advancing gender equality and empowering women. Digital technology and gender equality The advancement of technology has provided numerous opportunities for women to access education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Digital technologies have also enabled better access to healthcare, financial services, and social networks. However, women still face significant barriers to accessing and fully utilising digital technologies. Women are underrepresented in technology-related fields, and they often lack the necessary skills and resources to participate in the digital economy fully. The "DigitALL" theme recognizes the need to promote digital inclusion and eliminate the gender digital divide. By providing women with access to digital technologies and the necessary skills to use them, we can unlock their potential to drive innovation and economic growth. To promote digital inclusion, investing in digital infrastructure and expanding internet connectivity is essential. In many parts of the world, women are less likely than men to have access to the internet or own a mobile phone. Governments and private sector companies can work together to bridge the digital divide by investing in broadband infrastructure, reducing the cost of data plans, and providing digital literacy training. In addition to improving access to digital technologies, we must also address the gender gap in STEM fields. Women are vastly underrepresented in STEM careers, and this gap starts early in education. Girls and young women need to be encouraged to pursue careers in STEM fields and see themselves represented in those fields. Mentoring programs and scholarships can support women and girls in STEM and address the gender gap in these fields. Digital technologies can also promote gender equality in the workplace. The pandemic has demonstrated the potential for remote work, which can provide more flexibility and opportunities for women to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. However, remote work can also exacerbate existing inequalities, such as the gender pay gap and the unequal distribution of unpaid care work. Employers must ensure that remote work policies are designed to promote gender equality and address these inequalities. Digital technologies can also be used to address gender-based violence and harassment. The pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence, and technology can provide support and resources for survivors. Hotlines, chatbots, and apps can provide confidential support and connect survivors with local services. Technology can also collect data on gender-based violence and inform policy and prevention efforts. All in all, digital technologies can promote women's political participation and leadership. Women are underrepresented in political leadership, and technology can provide new opportunities for women to engage in politics and decision-making. Social media, online platforms, and digital tools can help amplify women's voices and connect them with like-minded individuals and organizations. Digital campaigns can also mobilize support for women's rights and gender equality. Challenges of DigitALL Despite the potential benefits of DigitALL, there are still significant challenges that must be addressed. One of the main challenges is the digital gender divide. Women in many parts of the world still face barriers to accessing and using technology, including lack of access to infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and cultural norms that limit their use of technology. This digital divide can exacerbate gender gaps and limit women's access to the opportunities that technology provides. Another challenge is the potential for technology to perpetuate gender stereotypes and biases. For instance, algorithms used in recruitment or hiring processes can be biased against women, resulting in gender-based discrimination. Additionally, online harassment and abuse are significant issues that disproportionately affect women. This can discourage women from participating in online spaces and limit their opportunities for engagement and empowerment. Privacy and security are also significant concerns in the digital age, particularly for women. Women are more likely to experience online harassment and abuse, including cyberstalking and revenge porn. This can have serious consequences for their safety and well-being. Additionally, women's personal data may be more vulnerable to exploitation and misuse, putting them at risk of identity theft and other forms of online fraud. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from governments, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and individuals. One way to address the digital gender divide is by investing in digital literacy programs and promoting access to affordable technology. Governments can also implement policies that address gender-based discrimination and bias in technology. To address issues of online harassment and abuse, there is a need for stronger laws and policies to protect women's privacy and safety. Social media platforms and other online service providers must also take responsibility for the content on their platforms and take proactive steps to prevent and address online harassment and abuse. Finally, addressing privacy and security concerns will require a combination of individual action and collective efforts. Individuals can take steps to protect their online privacy and security, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Governments and private sector companies must also take steps to ensure the secure handling of personal data and prevent its misuse. Effective DigitALL In conclusion, the "DigitALL" theme of International Women's Day 2023 highlights the importance of promoting digital inclusion and closing the gender digital divide. By ensuring women have access to digital technologies and the necessary skills to use them, we can unlock their potential to drive innovation and economic growth. Digital technologies can promote women's political participation and leadership, and improve gender equality in the workplace. While the theme of "DigitALL" highlights the potential of digital technologies to promote gender equality and empower women, it requires addressing the challenges of the digital gender divide, gender bias and stereotypes, and issues of privacy and security. By working together to overcome these challenges, we can ensure that women are able to fully participate in the digital economy and benefit from the opportunities that technology provides. Let’s DigitAll Stay connected with Team #JOI at www.johnsonodakkal.com and do reach out for a facilitated journey to “Maximise Your Message” in the written or spoken mode. The Team will be happy to work with you if you seek to express your voice!

Festivals !! The moment we hear this word we instantly think of holidays, get-togethers, special delicacies, celebrations, rituals and many more. Festivals are very close to our heart as they originate from ancient holy texts reminiscing the fascinating stories. These are the days which help us to relax and cherish the festive season and if this festival is conducted around the Sea then it just becomes more lively and better and that is what we call ' Sea Festivals ' or even # MaritimeFestivals . Many might be hearing this term for the first time or have known it but didn't know the exact terminology. Basically, Maritime festivals are related to sea areas which have maritime history linked to it's culture and tradition. So what does it actually mean? What are these Sea festivals that are celebrated in our country which many of us are not aware of? Let's just see what these intriguing festivals are all about. BOITA BANDANA: #BoitaBandāna also known as Dangā Bhasā , is a traditional Odia maritime and naval festival celebrated annually throughout Odisha, India. The name could be translated as "to float ritual boats and worshipping with lighted lamp" and comes from the tradition of making decorated boats, which are then floated on a river as a symbolic gesture of their ancestors' voyage. It is a major festival held on Kartik Purnima (November Full Moon Day), at Cuttack on the bank of River Mahanadi to mark the day when Sadhabas (ancient Odia mariners) would set sail to distant lands of Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Borneo in Indonesia and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) for trade and cultural relations. On this day people float miniature toy boats ( Boita ), made of coloured paper, dried banana tree barks, and cork, as a symbolic gesture to the ancient maritime history of Odisha. The significance of ' Bali Yatra ' was also highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora at the G20 Summit in Bali. According to the historian R. D. Banerjee. “ The people of Kalinga were the pioneers of Indian migration in farther India and the Indian Archipelago .” The local traditions ascribe the origins of the ritual tradition to around 3rd century BC as Kalinga was a well known powerful maritime power and with strong trading links across the oceans especially during the reign of Maurya empire whose rulers coveted the region for its influence. The voyages were undertaken in vessels known as boitas , by Sadhabas . They set off for months at a time, to trade with people from these distant lands across the ocean in Southeast Asia. They would start their voyage from November and head towards Southeast Asia with the help of Northeast monsoon winds for trade purposes across different regions. After trading the ships would take the ocean countercurrent to get back to Sri Lanka in time to take advantage of the Southwest monsoon around the month of May and return home. Hence the women from the families of the travelling sailors used to perform rituals on the day of Kartik Purnima for their safe journey and return, which hereafter became the tradition of Boita Bandana (Worship of the Boats). In current times, women in Odisha worship sea gods and float boats made out of coloured papers in rivers, ponds, lakes and seas, reciting ‘ Aa Ka Ma Boi ’ which symbolises three months of Aswina, Kartika and Margashira . This also highlights that during the ancient period, seafaring was predominantly patriarchal in nature. The last five days of the festival are considered auspicious, ending with Kartika Purnima . During these five days eating fish, meat or eggs is avoided and food is consumed only once in the afternoon which is known as ‘Habisa-Anna’ . They also worship the deity ‘ Taapoi ’ but the story of Taapo i has more significance in another festival called Khudurukuni Osha which is observed during the month of August/September and is held to celebrate the return of the Sadhabas . NARALI PURNIMA: #NaraliPurnima is a festival mainly celebrated by the fishing communities of the Western coastal regions of India especially in Maharashtra and Konkan. It is observed on Purnima of ' Shravana ' month as per the Hindu calendar. The word ' Narali ' is derived from Nariyal that is 'Coconut' and ' Purnima ' signifies the 'full moon day'. On this day offerings such as rice, flowers and coconuts are offered to Lord Varuna , the god of ocean and waters as people living on the western coast of Maharashtra believe that their life is only based on sea. Fishermen decorate their boats and bring them to the shore of the sea and then extend offerings to please the deity and seek his protection from all dangers along with having a prosperous fishing season ahead. The Brahmins of Maharashtra perform the ‘ Shravani Upakarma ’ and keep a fast on this day without consuming any form of grains. They keep the ‘ phalahar’ vrat by eating only coconut all day long. Food including coconut like Narali Bhaat or coconut rice is prepared as a special traditional food for this occasion. The sea is considered holy by fishermen as it is means of their survival, they also offer pooja to the boats. After completing the puja rituals, fishermen sail in the sea, in their ornately decorated boats and after making a short trip, they return to the shore and spend the rest of the day dancing and singing the folklore. However, the origin of this festival is still unknown. Narali Purnima is one of the joyous festival for the fishermen community as it marks the end of the monsoon season in Maharashtra and beginning of the fishing and the water-trade amongst the fisherfolk because it was stopped by the oceanographers during the season as it is a fish breeding period. It is also believed that after this day the strength of the wind and the direction of the same changes in favour of fishermen. Nonetheless, this day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the fishermen community as they hope to continue follow the traditions in the future. MASI MAGAM FESTIVAL: #MasiMagam is a Tamil festival celebrated on Purnima during the ' Masi ' month of the Tamil calendar. The crowds, particularly belonging to the Irular tribe of Tamil Nadu, gather around the shores of Puducherry to witness the annual Masi Magam festival; a time when the goddess Kaniamman takes a trip to the beach. Masi Magam is celebrated with high pomp and joy. On this day, devotees gather near holy water bodies and take a dip in the water to remove the sins of present and past life. Dipping in holy water is also believed to remove Pitra Dosh by earning the blessings of one's ancestors. Idols of deities are then taken from temples to riverside or seaside and are offered a ceremonial bath. This ritual is known as Theerthavari and is joined by thousands of devotees who carry the idols to the seashore and offer them a bath. The ritual is performed early in the morning and is accompanied by recitation of prayers, chanting of mantras, etc. According to the Hindu legends, there are many stories related to the festival of Masi Magam . One such legend mentions a time when Lord Brahma learned about Lord Shiva’s plan to recreate the universe after its destruction. Lord Brahma requested Lord Shiva to began the recreation from Kumbakonam (a sacred temple city in Tamil Nadu state). Shiva asked Lord Brahma to fill a pot called as Kumbha with Amrit and the source energy to recreate the world and place it at the top of Mount Meru. The pot was found on the Purnim a of Masi month ( Masi Magam ) and the recreation of the universe began from Kumbakonam . Since the festival is associated with the recreation of the universe, it is also considered the best day to begin new things and bring new hopes, eliminating all the negativity from a person's life. All these festivals have its own unique glory with rich culture and traditions yet it is similar to each other as it is one way or other related to the sea, providing a different perspective as to how to protect the sea and respect its favour to humankind. Isn't it intriguing and mind blowing about how these different cultures and stories are inter related to sea? I think everyone of us must value this cultural heritage and should try to preserve it. I would like to conclude by a quote that is "To celebrate a festival means: to live out, for some special occasion and in an uncommon manner, the universal assent to the world as a whole." ~ Josef Pieper I urge the readers to enjoy the festivals and further pass on this great heritage, especially the ones associated with SEA. HAPPY FESTIVALS!! Stay connected at www.johnsonodakkal.com References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1chEhxjYcjZxJ_D_QD0xMx8Uy9RfB-yGsl1wL-1uNyHE/edit?usp=drivesdk https://www.mhsindia.org/bali-yatra-boita-bandana/#more-3722 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boita_Bandana https://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/festival-calendars/information/narali-purnima/ https://m.timesofindia.com/religion/festivals/narali-purnima-2022-date-rituals-and-significance/amp_articleshow/93493484.cms https://www.edudwar.com/masi-magam/ https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/celebration-by-the-sea-tamil-nadu-s-indigenous-festival-of-union-community

Unlock the doors to a world of opulence and exclusivity. Join the elite team of #LuxuryBrand Management (LBM) and be part of creating the most luxurious products and experiences the world has ever seen. As a #LuxuryBrand Manager, you'll work alongside some of the most iconic brands, shaping their image and reputation, and bringing their products and services to the most discerning consumers globally. Imagine being at the forefront of creating unique and innovative marketing campaigns, building relationships with high-end clientele, and staying ahead of the latest trends in the industry. A career in LBM is not just about glamour and luxury, but also about strategy, creativity, and hard work. It's a challenging field that offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Are you ready to take on the challenge and make your mark in the world of luxury? There are a few prerequisites that can help increase the chances of getting into a career in LBM. These include: Education : A bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions in LBM. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a specialized degree in LBM can also be beneficial. Experience : Relevant work experience in areas such as marketing, sales, or branding can be an advantage in this field. Additionally, experience in the luxury goods industry, whether through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions, can be helpful in demonstrating a candidate's understanding of the industry and their passion for luxury brands. Network : Building and maintaining a professional network in the industry can be beneficial in finding job opportunities or learning more about the field. Language : Fluency in multiple languages is a plus in this field, as luxury brands often have a global reach. Skills : Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills are important to succeed in LBM. The #LuxuryBrand market in India is growing rapidly, with a growing number of high net worth individuals driving demand for luxury goods and services. As a result, there are increasing opportunities for individuals with skills and experience in LBM in India. There is a high demand for #LuxuryBrand managers, marketing professionals, and sales professionals in India, with many opportunities for career advancement. Opportunities for LBM professionals in the country exist not only with luxury brands but also with luxury retail chains, lifestyle and hospitality companies, and consulting firms that specialize in LBM. However, as it's a niche field, the competition for jobs in LBM can be high in India, so it's important for individuals to have a strong portfolio of relevant education, experience, and skills, as well as a good professional network. In conclusion, it's not all about glamour and luxury, it's also about strategy, creativity and hard work. It's a challenging field, but with the right skills and mindset, you can make a real impact on the luxury industry. And if you're looking for a career that offers both personal and professional growth, LBM is the way to go. Surely you would want to know and read more about courses and other details. We are sharing one link each from an Indian and an International space. Learn about Luxury Brand Connect School at https://lcbs.edu.in/blog/post/career-scope-and-salary-of-luxury-brand-management-in-india/ Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) , an international institute at Berlin, has been helping graduates to become exceptional leaders in their chosen field. Further locations that provide opportunities for students to study globally are in Hamburg, Paris or Athens. Learn more about this institute at https://www.berlinsbi.com/blog/student-corner/a-quick-guide-to-a-career-in-luxury-brand-management Do stay connected with us and Chart out your way towards significance and book a Personal Navigation Plan session with us at https://go.johnsonodakkal.com/navplan

#DIDYOUKNOW? About 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered with water, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water. According to U.S. Geological Survey, there are over 332,519,000 cubic miles of water on the planet. This massive amount of water present on Earth is home to millions of animal and plant species. These species play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and are really precious, therefore they are considered as the treasure of the Marine Kingdom. You might have seen the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" or heard of similar human robbers who steal treasure. Here in this case we HUMANS are the pirates! YES HUMANS AGAIN…. Human activities are threatening the health of the world's oceans. According to a study, more than 80 percent of marine pollution comes from land-based activities. From coral bleaching to sea level rise, entire marine ecosystems are rapidly changing. Global warming is also causing sea levels to rise and rising temperatures increase the risk of irreversible loss of marine and coastal ecosystems. Anyhow, better late than never humans are getting aware of their foolishness and trying to divert their whole focus to solve the problems they created themselves in the first place. Many plans were made, many strategies were formed and then emerged a new concept- "Marine Park." Some of you might be already wondering - What is Marine park? A Marine park is a type of marine protected area (MPA). An MPA is a section of the ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity. The main objective of such parks is to achieve ecological sustainability, promote marine awareness and understanding, enable marine recreational activities, and provide benefits for indigenous people and coastal communities. Marine parks are basically the guardian of ocean treasure and they can take good care of nature. They are doing their job well and are providing a lot of benefits. Let us discuss a few reasons as to why there is a need for such parks and what benefits they provide? Protection of Biodiversity Amanda Feuerstein in one of her articles acknowledged the fact that biodiversity is the foundation on which our entire blue economy is based. Without the millions of different species in the ocean, we would not be able to support our fishing and tourism or our many inventions, technologies and medicines that we derive from the ocean. Marine parks play an important role in protecting biodiversity by imposing restrictions on the activities that are threatening for marine life. Protect Coastal Towns Mangroves and coral reefs act as fish nurseries and provide grounds for many other marine organisms to live in and breed, increasing the availability of food for local communities. For coastal communities the value of a mangrove or a coral reef is far more than the value of the fish that live there or the wood that comprises it. These ecosystems protect coastal homes against storms and floods, and reduce the disastrous impact of climate changes. Coral reefs can reduce wave energy by an average of 97 percent and mangroves secure the coastline so that rising sea levels do not reach coastal homes. Due to establishment of marine parks the threats to such ecosystems have reduced to a large extent. Boost Alternative Livelihoods The benefits of an MPA extend far beyond the boundaries of protection. Marine Parks act as the home base for species and these species use the protected area to reproduce, feed or congregate. Due to this their population increases and obviously these species won't restrict their growth in the park area, they will spread over a large region. Therefore even if fishing is restricted inside the Marine parks, just outside the border the fish are more numerous and far larger. This helps to boost the fishing sector. It also supports the tourism sector. In terms of marine tourism, aquatic parks offer the best solution for tourists because they are comparatively cheaper than watching animals in the sea. Many tourists can visit one aquatic park and watch various sea creatures. The global coverage of marine parks or marine protected areas (MPAs) is 7.68%. Progress in expanding the coverage of marine protected areas is underway. UN Environment assists countries in approving the effectiveness and equitable use of marine protected areas by providing technical expertise and capacity building support on governance of marine protected areas, and their use within wider integrated ocean and coastal management systems. The world has already made remarkable progress by increasing the spatial extent of the MPAs. In 2000 the area covered by MPAs was approximately 2 million km² (or 0.7% of the Ocean), since then there has been over a ten-fold increase in MPA coverage with 27,841,368 km² (or 7.68%) of the ocean being covered by MPAs. Plans are being made to increase the spatial extent of these areas further in the future. At the end let me share a mantra with you all. Hear what Jacques Yves Cousteau an Oceanographer said : " We must plant the sea and herd its animals using the sea as farmers instead of hunters. That is what civilization is all about - farming replacing hunting ." Let's take an oath to switch our roles from pirates to guardians and to protect and cherish the treasure of the Marine Kingdom! Stay connected for more at www.johnsonodakkal.com

Tourism is all about relaxing, adventure and enjoying oneself, for what would be a better place than crystal blue water and sandy beaches. For better understanding of Marine Tourism there is a need to understand its various aspects including its meaning, importance, impacts to marine ecosystem and its benefits for coastal communities. Maritime Tourism is the sector of the tourism industry that is based on tourists and visitors taking part in active and passive leisure and holidays pursuits or journeys on (or in) coastal waters, their shorelines and their immediate hinterlands. Marine leisure is a collective name for a full range of activities or pursuits that are undertaken by local people, tourists, and day visitors in these marine related localities. This tourism is generally popular in the summer season. Typical Activities for a Marine Tourist Diving and Snorkelling : Activity which includes immersing in towering kelp forest, view unique coral reef ecosystem and exploring sunken relics of maritime history Boating : Tourist travel through boat enjoying senetic surroundings, wildlife and viewing opportunities Experience Maritime Heritage : Visitors have opportunities to explore, discover and appreciate historic, cultural and archeological sites and stories that represent the connection between humans and water bodies. Surfing :An activity where an individual uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore Wildlife Watching : Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins and other creatures in their natural habitat. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity, but it can also serve scientific and/or educational purposes. Camping : Tourists can stay using a tent near the seashore and enjoy the scenic beauty of the waters. Jet Skiing and Parasailing : These exciting activities involve riding small motorised water crafts which suit either one or two people. Some Global Locations for Marine Tourism Benefits from Marine Tourism It directly and indirectly contributes to the government revenue and also helps in earning foreign exchange to the host country's economy. The tourism income reverts back to the local economy due to informal employment such as street vendors and informal guides. It also creates ample opportunities for employment in various sectors raising the standard of living of local communities. Revenue collected by visitors can be used for protection and development of marine ecosystems. Tourism provides cultural exchange developing mutual sympathy and global brotherhood. Care and Attention to Sustainability While marine tourism has the potential to be sustainable ways to support coastal communities but as every coin has two sides, we need to exercise caution and be mindful to have sustainable marine tourism. Few aspects for attention are discussed next. Activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling have physical impact on coral reefs due to people standing, walking or kicking it which results in destruction of the marine ecosystem. Abundance fishing to cater the needs of growing demand leads to over exploitation of fishes. Heavy trafficked boats lead to growth of algae which obstructs sunlight and spoil water leading the water to change its chemistry into alkaline or acidic resulting harmful effects on wildlife and humans. People always tend to buy things from tourism spots for remembrance such as ornaments made up of shells and coral which endangers the species. Release of wastages from waterways restaurants and litter are reducing the beauty of marine life. What next as a Marine Tourist? Don't Litter, near the sea shore, or ANYWHERE Respect the Oceans as a Source of Life Buy Sustainable products Use Reef Safe products including Sunscreens Employ Responsible Tour & Dive Operators Volunteer to Protect Marine Environment So are you ready for being a responsible tourist next time and conserving our charismatic water ecosystem? References : https://www.cleartrip.com/collections/best-water-sports-destinations-in-india/ https://www.cheaptickets.co.th/en/blog/how-to-be-a-responsible-tourist-under-the-sea https://reef-world.org/blog/marine-souvenir-problem https://greentumble.com/how-does-tourism-affect-coral-reefs/ https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/things-to-do.html Editor Note : This is a Special Blog written by a zestful young Second Year University Student of B.Com at Tolani College of Commerce (Autonomous), Andheri, Mumbai, India who was a Knowledge Intern with #JOI for two months and is now a Guest Writer! Reach out for opportunities and internships by dropping an email to ops@johnsonodakkal.com

#JOI4U would made you aware that we have a series called #ExploringCareers wherein interesting & unconventional career options are showcased more often than mainstream careers. Our motive of launching such an informative series was to help young entrants into their vocational pursuit make informed decisions for their professional journey. Earlier this month our CEO, Dr Johnson Odakkal was in Goa on a day’s break after the academic orientation of an International Law University. He had the joy of meeting two professional clowns who went by the moniker Blim-Po with Agnel being “Blim” and Sachin being “Po”. While they were at the venue to discuss an event, the curious cat in our CEO enabled an exploratory conversation on the “serious” profession of Clowning! An offshoot of the conversation with “Blim-Po” was Dr Johnson reconnecting with his erstwhile colleague & friend, Lieutenant Commander Pravin Tulpule, now an Indian Navy Veteran and popularly known as ‘Happy – the medical clown’. I had the distinct honour of a fascinating conversation with “Happy” who has been in that industry for the last two decades. Pravin Tulpule, “Happy” shared his journey and overall experience with us to evolve this piece on #ExploringCareers anchored around on the choice to be in the business as a Clown. Clowning has traditionally been linked with circuses in India, yet it has enormous potential. It is one of the oldest kinds of art in existence. Mr. Tulpule simply joined the art to not make a great living out of it but to spread joy. In the interview he mentioned how the funny tactics which he could never do whilst in uniform, the clown get up helps him to do. He explained that the attention of an audience is hooked around the clown's clumsiness, reliving fond memories of their own childhood. Setting a unique stage is a whole new experience for the one wanting to come to this profession. As “Happy” expressed, for being a clown, one needs to be a target for the audience to laugh and make fun. Simply put, it is always easier to laugh at others. These days it is not difficult to become a professional clown as there's very little to no competition in this business. Showbiz may be blamed for its bad portrayal of Clowns. Pravin Tulpule also highlighted how a person with great jest and knack for the profession can easily make a mark with their efforts, as passion is what matters. Yet, with the right exposure and training, one can get a better hand to be the absolute best. Unfortunately, there is no institutionalised set up for Clowning in India. Nevertheless, one can easily be a member of various international communities, one being World Clown Association, and Clowns of America International Inc., in USA. #DidYouKnow that there is a whole new career as “Medical Clowning” as a pretty serious and a valid profession. This involves clowns interacting with patients to reduce the anxiety that comes with being in the hospital and foster optimism in gloomy wards. A path breaking venture, in the form of a school to educate and develop a pipeline of therapeutic clowns, has now launched in India, giving the budding profession a boost. A fellowship in the ‘MeDiClowning’ art and science has been established by the Chennai-based Saveetha University in collaboration with the Puducherry-based MeDi Clown Academy (a clown therapy provider) (FASMC). The 600-hour programme, the first of its kind in Asia, prepares clowns to bring laughter to a high-stress environment. The training involves workplace procedure, medical anthropology, well-being approaches, performative components, and other skills to help them develop their own clown personalities and emotional intelligence. Hope you enjoyed learning more of how serious a business is the journey to be a Clown! If you’re a person wanting to embark with intentionality into a professional career, or change tack to a more fulfilling option, do connect with us to know more. Chart out your way towards significance and book a Personal Navigation Plan session with us at https://go.johnsonodakkal.com/navplan References: http://www.historyofcircus.com/circus-facts/circus-clowns-history-and-facts/ https://www.globalindian.com/story/global-indian-exclusive/how-pravin-tulpule-the-former-naval-officer-became-a-medical-clown/ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/now-medi-clowning-is-career-option/articleshow/69549891.cms

How often have you been asked “why should we hire you?” or “What do you think makes you stand apart from others?” in an interview? Many of us choose to focus on one’s work credibility, our last experience of how they will be helpful for the current profile that they've opened. Another part of this is your work ethics. Personally, I believe work ethics or certain principles across professions help to take you places. Ethics can be defined as the study of the origin and scope of moral language. In order to understand what is morally right or wrong, just or unjust, ethics explores the intellectual justifications for our moral judgments. There are certain things with which any professional can grow. It is very important for people to maintain the basic professional degree. “Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness” – Immanuel Kant The term "professional ethics" refers to a set of guidelines that people must willingly follow in order to carry out their professional duties in accordance with their nature and the voice of their conscience; failure to do so will result in legal repercussions. Individual ethics refers to a person's responsibility for his or her personal conduct simply as a human being, whereas work ethics refers to a person's conduct as the holder of a particular profession or organizational position and is therefore accountable for their professional and professional conduct. A strong ethic offers a host of advantages to professionals. From outstanding results to a brighter career path, the benefits of developing a strong work ethic are numerous for an employee. Here are just a few of them: Building Trust : When you act ethically, you gain the trust of your coworkers and business associates. This results in more encouragement for your ideas and more opportunities for leadership, allowing you to move ahead up the corporate ladder. Lasting Networking Connections : When working your way up in your career, it’s often who you know that can help you land your dream job. Whether a former manager agrees to serve as a reference for a new job you’re interviewing for or a connection passes an exciting career opportunity your way, they do this because they trust that you’re an honest person. If people think you’re disreputable, they won’t maintain their connection with you. Build Public Image : Yes working on fulfilling your responsibilities helps build a credible public image. Moreover, your work gets noticed by the higher ups giving you the edge in building your career and networking. In simpler words your great work ethics tell you apart from others. Adaptive to Changes : The key to success is unquestionably held by employees who uphold professional ethics in the workplace. A group of sympathetic, devout, dependable, driven, caring, and responsible individuals will unquestionably fit into any role and task they are given. Additionally, it has generally been seen across the globe that in the regressive market conditions, if the corporation requests any modifications in the production or changes in the type of job, the workers object. Allow us at Johnson Odakkal Initiatives to come along side in your journey to effectiveness. Stay connected at https://www.johnsonodakkal.com/ References: https://www.careeraddict.com/ethics-professional-growth-career-development https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/organizational-structure/principles-for-ethical-professional-practice/ https://www.slideshare.net/DrRhea1/lesson-1-introduction-to-professional-development-and-applied-ethics https://www.ethicsboard.org/projects/revised-code-ethics-completed

#DidYouKnow! Conference of Parties (COP) this year is the 27th conference of climate change. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995. The COP Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions - that is, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others – thus the venue of the COP also shifts among these groups. This year the United Nations Climate Change conference is being held from November 6th to 18th, 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements. Rising global temperatures have wrecked havoc ranging from devastating floods in scorching heat ultimately disrupting communities globally. Almost half of the global population is highly vulnerable to climate change. The real work of the summit is to hash out the details of international climate agreements, particularly the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to try to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures. The main battle of the summit will be over funding, in particular for the developing countries that bear the brunt of the impact of climate change such as drought and flooding. Sources : UNCC official website https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/supreme-bodies/conference-of-the-parties-cop https://www.wri.org/un-climate-change-conference-resource-hub Enhance your #KnowledgeInfluence to journey to an effective direction & purpose. Learn more through booking a DISCovery Session at https://go.johnsonodakkal.com/DISCover

Democracy or लोकतंत्र is the rule of the people. The term is used to describe a type of an administration in which citizens have a voice in the choices that shape their region. A system that is popularly known as “for the people, of the people & by the people”. A system of government in which every adult citizen (those who are over 18 years old) has a voice in the election process. The goal of the elected government is to safeguard the populace's rights, interests, and welfare. Today's democracy is a form of free government in which the people directly exercise their power or choose their own representatives. The term democracy originally emerged in the political and philosophical writings of the ancient Greeks in the city-state of Athens during the classical era. The word democracy itself derives from the ancient Greek words demos , which means people, and kratos , which means power. Athenians formed what is usually considered to be the first democracy between 580 and 507 BC. The assembly, which was made up of male citizens, the boul , which was made up of 500 citizens, and the courts, which were made up of a sizable number of jurors chosen at random and without judges, were the key institutions within Athenian democracy. The democracy in Athens was direct not only in the sense that the assembled people made decisions, but also in the sense that the people - through the assembly, boul , and law courts - controlled the entire political process and a disproportionate number of citizens were actively involved in politics at all times. Since most modern democracies are representative rather than direct, they differ from the Athenian form. Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary were the initial three foundations upon which Indian democracy was being built. The creators of our Indian Constitution intended for the three distinct wings to keep one another in check through a system of checks and balances . The media is yet another crucial component of democracy; in fact, it is regarded as the fourth pillar. There is a widespread belief that the media lacks credibility and transmits news based on their economic commitments, political ties, and what the editor wants to showcase instead of actual news. The media must have editorial freedom and clear ownership if they are to succeed in influencing the public's perception. It is time for the media to acknowledge and respect the crucial function that it serves as the fourth pillar in the operation of democracy. Montesquieu's original doctrine of separation of powers can be clearly seen as compromised in modern democracies. The basic precursors to democratic backsliding are the three strains of inequality, insecurity, and incapacity. Each of them can be used and abused by power-hungry and corrupt executives seeking to undermine institutional safeguards. They support anti-systemic political movements and figures that use the traditional binary populist rhetoric—we are here to defend the "people" against the "enemy of the people"—as their basis. In addition to encouraging the entry of fresh faces with innovative ideas, its election programme encourages the ouster of established institutions and politicians. The political structure is completely redesigned as a result of these movements. We are aware of the significance of hearing from the people in a democracy. Due to the current war crises, the failure of governments and democracies has grown to be a major issue. In the middle of this protracted catastrophe, protecting oneself and one's loved ones has taken precedence over expressing your unhappiness. The power of people to speak up, both directly and through their elected representatives, and decide how they are governed is at the very core of democracy. Thus, I believe people’s voice for a successful democracy holds foremost importance. Public opinion or people’s voice is a vital component of a running, successful democracy and therefore, one thing that can take us into the future, a more open and comprehensive future is a confident Voice. Distinct voices all have different things to say, thus no two voices are the same. Speaking up for what is right instead of what is convenient is of utmost importance and it can only be done with a clear and concise voice. With a boisterous voice, you may express your ideas and gain insight into important issues. Furthermore, one’s voice serves as a potent symbol of freedom and democracy in a society. To make the world a better place, it's crucial to speak out for the truth and therefore, each individual's voice counts. Voices can communicate any emotion or idea, including passion and excitement. Change can be brought about through voices. Your voice is one of the few things that cannot be taken away, even though other people may be able to take anything tangible from you. Voices are supposed to urge other voices to unify and support one another. “Only people who claim their own voice can hear the true song of another”. — Elizabeth Lesser This International Democracy Day, let us become the voice of the unheard by providing them with one. JOI in an effort to contribute to the cause of boosting one's confidence to deliver their message in this special upcoming seminar, Maximise your Message . Join us in our quest to become a person of influence because your voice matters. Stay connected at www.johnsonodakkal.com for a soon to be scheduled event : “Maximise your Message”. References: Laws and courts in ancient Athens: A brief overview . (n.d.). Kosmos Society. https://kosmossociety.chs.harvard.edu/law-and-courts-in-ancient-athens-a-brief-overview/ Ancient Athinean Democracy . (n.d.). Ancient Greece. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://ssancientgreece.weebly.com/ancient-athinean-democracy.html Mondal, A. (2022, February). Four Pillars Of Democracy . The Creative Post. https://thecreativepost.co.in/four-pillars-of-democracy/ Corrales, J. (2022, January 28). Telltale Signs of Democratic Backsliding . Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.persuasion.community/p/telltale-signs-of-democratic-backsliding The Power of Using your voice . (2021, February 17). Voices of Youth. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/power-using-your-voice

India is a glorious country that is rooted on ethical norms, cultural traditions, and a rich human legacy. It is also a nation of stories about governance and geography, rich cultural past, a glorious present and an optimistic future. The celebration is about people across the length and breadth of the land of India and their continuing journey of freedom. The world takes note of a populace that having navigated storms and successes today proudly is poised to be an enduring voice of influence across the globe! On the eve of its Panchsaptithi (75th Years) - Our India @75 the voyage from 15 August 1947 declares that there is a fresh vision for growth and significance. From digital diffusion to a diversified demography ‘Indian’ is a global tagline across language, intellect, dance and attire. The celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (Glorious Celebration of Freedom) is dedicated to the people of India who played a significant role in bringing India in its evolutionary journey. It recognises activation of India 2.0 being achieved with the help of a spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India) into an Amrit Kaal (Age of Glory). Over two years, India, as a nation, has been resolute in its campaign in the unrelenting global war against Covid 19 pandemic. Efforts to manage the unprecedented challenge caused by COVID-19 infections have become a global success story, with both government and non-governmental sectors boosting preventive health-care facilities, diagnostic and research facilities, to mitigate the loss of human life. For planning and execution during these challenging circumstances, India has received plaudits both nationally and internationally. Despite the impact of the virus, India has resisted and has not seen a collapse in the supply chain of its health and food systems. India is proud to be able to diagnose its affluent and poor equally throughout this crisis. While the successful, developed nations were hoarding giant shares of vaccines and other medical supplies, India became a world distributor whilst managing its domestic needs as a part of its tradition Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. India, as well as the rest of the world, undoubtedly experienced a major catastrophe during the pandemic period. New sectors of frontline warriors have battled on, facing the difficult new normal during COVID-19 and addressing the deadly threat while still working, and yet resolute in purpose. The Indian healthcare system has evolved over time to be mostly centralised, expensive. Such treatment is costly in a nation where healthcare spending is low. The COVID pandemic made these truths much more obvious. It has also increased the urgency for a more distributed, decentralised, and responsive system. Similarly, clinical testing and diagnostics which earlier during the precovid period, considered not so economically favourable. But today with increase in healthcare awareness and improvised setup, the aforementioned mindset has been replaced. The expectations on health care providers are shifting as a result of changing consumer behaviour, with a rising preference for non-traditional settings for the delivery of healthcare. Additionally, people are open to a longer-term relationship with service providers they come to trust and feel at ease with. The Johnson Odakkal Initiatives (JOI) was privileged to engage with one such service provider that values trust, while providing sophisticated pathology solutions : Metropolis Labs. Their brand manifesto proudly boasts –“We are pathology specialists. We believe in truths. We are convinced that every human being deserves to know truths, especially if they are about inner health. And our aim is to present these truths in the most human way possible”. Metropolis plays a pivotal role in raising the bar of diagnostic accuracy, technological equipment, customer experience and research-driven empathetic service in the industry. We as Team JOI cherish the unsung heroes in healthcare diagnostics, their contributions, and their stories. On 12 August 2022 Metropolis Lab celebrated Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and invited two distinguished veterans. Col P Shashidharan, VSM, CRO & Tour Director of Tibro Tours at the event inspired Team Metropolis to imbibe high ideals of the Indian Military while progressing individual and institutional growth. It was a personal inspiration as many from Team Metropolis shared their adoration of the motivating personal stories shared by CEO of JOI, Commodore (Dr) Johnson Odakkal, an Indian Navy Veteran. A heart touching narrative reflected pride at what an Indian was able to achieve and gain in serving the nation. Beginning from a poignant point as a 12 year old and intertwined with stories from his freedom fighter father, Dr Johnson enthralled the audience with the story of ‘Dreams come True’. His visit to Hawaii, Switzerland, and to stand on the Prime Meridian at Greenwich Observatory were captivating. There was in the air a belief that anyone's life can change thanks to our glorious country. Commodore Johnson had earlier in a special activity triggered off with Col Shashidharan a thumb printed flag which was inked by the Metropolis Lab Team. A creative depiction of the Tricolour was an adorable celebration of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav! The nation and its people would be well served in recognising the unsung army of healthcare diagnostic professionals across institutions such as Metropolis Labs. The phlebotomists, the histopathologists, the diagnostic technicians and the many support teams continue to be relentless in their mission to enhance the advanced healthcare of a fit and robust population. At JOI, we engage with people and organisations to learn about their journeys, which are then curated, channelized, and accomplished applying pragmatic skills and abilities in ways that were never thought to be feasible. We hope to serve as a facilitator for anybody seeking to modify their way of thinking or their way of living. We highly encourage you to embark on this journey with us and get the agility of Structure, Hope, Integration, Joy, and Transformation! Reach out to us at www.johnsonodakkal.com and allow us the honour to curate your journey of Life Navigation.

Climate change is a phenomenon that is no longer unknown to us. It has affected different aspects of human life in recent times. Time and again, there have been stressors pointing toward the need to delve into sustainable modes of development to avoid and reduce the impact of climate change. Ocean health influences climate change. The changing temperatures of the oceans have directly impacted human life. The Indian Ocean is a major source of livelihood and security. It is responsible for bringing in monsoons which is vital for the agrarian country. It is also a huge contributor to the Indian economy as it is a biodiversity hotspot, one that is home to several million species of flora and fauna. The key climate change indicators are the greenhouse gas concentration, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification all of which set new records in 2021, in a clear sign that human activities are causing planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean, and in the atmosphere, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in its State of the Global Climate Report 2021. Combined with exploiting marine resources and even disasters at sea, a significant threat is visible to the rainforests, marine reefs, and other ecosystems in the region. All these threats, including the environmental threats, also have grave implications for the fishing community with millions of fisherfolk depending on the natural resources of the region for their livelihood, which is at stake in the current situation. Communities directly reliant on the sea are direct victims to climate change. People all over the globe are indirectly reliant on the seas for their needs. With changing patterns of food due to the changes in harvesting, people all over are equally dependent on the ill-effects of climate change. Just a year ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had issued warnings for India in terms of possible loss of 12 coastal cities in the country. The cities could be nearly three feet underwater by the century's end, the climate change report has warned. The cities mentioned include Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam, among others. With floods and tropical cyclones being a frequent issue in a number of states in India, there is an emergency which needs to be addressed. There is a dire need to look into methods that can resuscitate the adverse impacts of climate change. The increased water levels have not just disturbed the livelihoods for the people and communities at the coasts who thrive through their association with the seas, but also have disturbed fishing patterns, changes in trade routes globally and the likelihood of this is the global south submerging underwater. An immediate outcome that is followed post a calamity such as a rise in water levels is the displacement of people from the coasts to a safer place. This would be a cause for livelihood disruptions and in turn affect the development in other parts of the country with increased demands for the population in terms of housing, sanitation, employment and so on. As India is surrounded by water all around, it is natural for the country to take up initiatives that can help mitigate the effects of climate change. According to a report by the World Meteorological Organization, more than 1 lakh people displaced in India between November and December 2021 alone due to climate related hazards, it added that India has among the highest number of people facing prolonged displacement who are not able to return to their homes after climate hazards. According to Abinash Mohanty, program lead for the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, the recently released Climate Vulnerability Index suggested that 8 out of 10 people in India reside in extremely climate-vulnerable districts. This will impact the lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and economies, triggering internal displacement. The estimates by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) suggest that 14 million people have been displaced in the last 2 decades. Climate extremities will rise exponentially in the coming decades, and will further exacerbate internal displacement across Indian districts. The report suggests how India needs to climate-proof its economic sectors by integrating granular information on climate risks and investing in ecosystem-based approaches to mitigate these harsh impacts and reduce internal displacements. As an appeal to the policy-makers, institutions and governments, the need lies in combining forces and having a team at each tier of governance to help mitigate the effects of climate change. It is hence imperative to coordinate multiple national and state research agencies through the development of a multidisciplinary research fund focused on the coast with sharing of data and information which can help save the coasts and the communities in these areas. Establishing a local body which looks after the coastal city administration with decision-makers and officials participating in periodic training for climate-resilient coastal protection and management. Lastly, there is an urgent requirement to strengthen the link between science, engineering, biology, management, policy and economics for informed decision making using multidisciplinary teams. A better unification of science (to investigate nature), engineering (for construction design) and policy (for implementation) is a high priority. An emphasis to craft and design an exclusive policy framework for the coastal zones of India after due consultations with the fishing communities, stakeholders, scientists and the department concerned is the need of the hour. Timely awareness and action would bring a ray of hope through the dark clouds that loom. References (1) Climate Change Is the Biggest Threat to Indian Ocean Security - https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/climate-change-is-the-biggest-threat-to-indian-ocean-security/ (2) These Indian cities likely to go three feet underwater by century-end, IPCC report rings warning bell - https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/ipcc-climate-report-coastal-cities-in-india-sea-level-rise-environment-global-warming-indian-ocean-1839061-2021-08-10 (3) Four key climate change indicators break records in 2021 - https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/four-key-climate-change-indicators-break-records-2021 (4) Why we need a coastal zone protection act - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/why-we-need-a-coastal-zone-protection-act-62876 Please do allow us to serve you and add value through #KnowledgeInfluence in the maritime domain, heritage, governance & leadership. Do stay connected with us at https://www.johnsonodakkal.com / & email us at ceo@johnsonodakkal.com for great keynote talks and inspiring conversations.

In the evolution of humankind the discovery of things around us and a curiosity of the workings of objects have held fascination across time, region and communities. Art and creativity triggers and inner harmony that pulls our whole being. Humans started exploring and experimenting with the available material in nature to create various artworks. This feeds and fuels a range of emotions that renders in colour, form and texture to behold and cherish. This was the inception of the art. The need and feeling of showing and showcasing of art gave birth to the forms of displays using various mediums whether on the walls of various caves, palaces, temples or on the walls of the special buildings or structures which are dedicated for this purpose only. Art truly flourished when it started getting patronage through the royal families, specially made artworks were specially preserved and displayed on the walls of the royal palaces initiated the concept of ‘Art gallery’. The concept of Museum did not suddenly come into function. Historically there are many references to collections, displays and organizations like libraries or other learning institutions that have existed across geographies. A comprehensive history of museums begins with the origin of the collection of the prehistory and traces of museums from grave goods to treasure troves, from Alexandrian temple of the Muses to the Renaissance cabinets of curiosities and the diverse institutes' array of modern institutions worldwide. In terms of antiquity, Ennigaldi-Nanna’s museum dating to 530 BCE and dedicated to the Mesopotamian Empire is perhaps the oldest known collection and display. The Curator was Ennigaldi, daughter of Nabonidus, the last King of the Neo-Babylon empire. It was in the historic location of Ur in modern day Iraq. Archaeologists in their excavations found dozens of artefacts arranged neatly in rows with clay cylinders with descriptive texts in three scripts. Museum as an institution came into formal existence in Europe and flourished during the Renaissance period. Exploration of the European model and its international adaptations is an important aspect of the study of museology. ‘Museum’ as a word may have been new for modern or pre-modern Indians but the concept was present. The idea of museum existed in ancient India in pre-historic cave paintings, alekhyagrihas (Ranga Mahal - Hall of paintings), chitrasalas (Paintings Gallery), devakulas, visvakarma mandirs and monasteries, that served the purpose of education and healthy entertainment. We have references of ‘ Chitrashala ’ which were the centres of the exhibitions where many art exhibits were exhibited in the palaces for the enjoyment and to prevent and preserve the art objects. ‘Chitrasalas’ (चित्रशाला) refers to “art galleries” which existed in ancient Laṅkā, the city of King Rāvaṇa, according to the Valmiki Rāmāyaṇa verse 5.6.36-37. — विविधाकाराः स कपिर्मारुतात्मजः। लतागृहाणि चित्राणि चित्रशालागृहाणि च।।5.6.36।। क्रीडागृहाणि चान्यानि दारुपर्वतकानपि। कामस्य गृहकं रम्यं दिवागृहकमेव च।।5.6.37।। Translation - The son of the Windgod (Hanuman) saw at the palace of Ravana, the lord of demons, colourful palanquins of several kinds, bowers, picture galleries, and spots for sporting, hillocks (artificial) made of wood, apartments for romance, for pleasures and day time activities. Beyond the references in these epics, Kālidāsa’s Śakuntalā and Daṇḍin’s Daśakumāracarita make many references to art galleries or chitrasalas . In the medieval period there was a concept of a room in which the specimens were kept in the private collectors which were known as chambers or cabinets. In the colonial period the wave of museum movement reached the sub-continent. Amidst the tragic stories of plunder and pillage of antiques to European locations, there was a move to establish museums in India. The need was for preservation of objects as evidence of a rich culture, heritage and glorious past. It led to the dissemination of science of conservation and preservation amidst development of the museum movement in India. Ihe pre-independence era museums had a twin function of collection and research. Another important function, of display of objects was added later. Modern museums have multi-fold activities of collection, conservation, research, display and education. Museums were established for various purposes but mainly for trade and business purposes. The establishment of the Asiatic Society (1784) and the Indian Museum (1814) were landmarks in the history of the growth and development of museums in India. Later many museums were opened in different parts of the country. National Museum of India was established at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and opened for the public after its formal opening on 15th August 1949. CSMVS Museum, formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum was established to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1906 which finally opened its doors to the visitors on 10th January 1922. We at Johnson Odakkal Initiatives have a special link with heritage and its narrative. Our founder and CEO, Commodore (Dr) Johnson Odakkal was mentored by the Grand Sire and Maritime Icon, Late Vice Admiral MP Awati to conserve and archive the rich collection at Maritime History Society. That is a work that is in a critical state of attention. Collaborative efforts with many individuals and institutions are the need across museums. At the celebrations to mark 150 years of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, Mumbai, Shri Aaditya Thackerey, Maharashtra Minister of Tourism, Environment and protocol stressed on the need of private-public partnerships in the progress of heritage, culture and museums. He lauded the collaborative efforts of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum with Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation and Bajaj Foundation in an International Award winning conservation effort. The even saw the release of a special edited work – “Mumbai : A City Through Objects.” It is an amazing labour of love by the Managing Trustee and Honorary Director, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta and her team. Nowadays when the aims and objectives of education have been diversified, the museums have become an inevitable source for successful visual education. Image and popularity of a museum depends upon its public friendly approaches, entertainment, amusement facility in addition to its contribution towards research and education. Museums are ready to take challenges and think out of the box. Museum approaches have changed, they not only try to attract audiences but also they step out and try to bring exhibits to the doorsteps of the visitors by running projects of mobile exhibitions. Schools in their return to in-person activities would benefit from making museum visits a vital part of the learning experience of the emerging generation of Nation Builders. Our history and its objects need to inspire our collective minds with creative insight for a vibrant and resurgent India. On the occasion of this International Museum Day, let's think about it in a different way. Why do we need particular artifacts acquired through different resources? Why do we have to go anywhere? Just look around… You will get to see the objects which are very close to your heart. You can establish your own museum at your home with simple creative ideas, and methods. Why do we need huge space and fancy display techniques? We can make our own museum using ‘What we have’ and ‘What we like’. Sounds interesting? How? Want to know more? Connect with us. Stay connected with us at www.johnsonodakkal.com for a workshop on basics of collections and your role in this endeavour starting from your home!