Month: April 2023

~ Poovizhi, Sri Bhavani

On 08/04/2023 We organised a technical session for the teachers in Udavi school from C3STREAM land. In this session, we offered our learnings to teachers be aware of cookies, application permissions, agreements and terms and conditions.

The session was handled by Sanjeev. He began the session by screening the popular documentary “The Social Dilemma,” which highlights the dangers of social media and the impact it can have on our lives. The documentary served as an eye-opener for many of the teachers, who were unaware of the extent to which their personal data is being collected and used by tech companies.

Participants were able to understand the situation of how much children were addicted to mobile phone usage. How it affects their emotions.

In Social media platforms, we always get feeds based how we likes and dislikes. No one is monitoring each person to provide such things. It was done by AI algorithm do it. The feeds were customised for each person based what they search and see.

Notifications: Turn off notifications of applications. When people get notifications, at that moment they get diverted to notification message. Anyways we see our mobile phones many times in a day. Turn off notifications of some app may help us to reduce the distraction.

Ethical and un-ethical business:

Ellipsis: Ellipsis are three dots you can see in some social media while other person is typing a message. It makes us to keep wait for the message until we receive. It also takes our time to be keep waiting for what will be the reply. In some applications, there will be option to turn of this.

Password: Never Save your passwords online. There is always risk of losing your password when you are saving it online. When people need to save their sensitive information like password, they can use keyPass tree application to save their passwords safe in offline also.

Digital wellbeing: In every android phone, there is a inbuilt app called Digital wellbeing. In this application, user can set the timer to use mobile phone for a particular time period and also user can set timer for usage of each application in your mobile phone. It will be useful for the parents who wants to control their children phone usage. After the usage of that particular time, application will lock automatically.

The session was well-organized, and the teachers were appreciative of the valuable information they received. They left with a better understanding of the importance of data privacy and online security and Conveyed their gratitude for their learnings.

Insights from the Participants:

Insight 1: I am able notice that I don’t have the control over the mobile phone usage.

Insight 2: I am able notice I am being monitored based on likes and dislikes, feeds were customised based on my likes. This session helped me to be aware of how I am using phones.

Insight 3: Creating these kinds of applications affecting the people who don’t know about these AI algorithms. They simply using these applications, get addicted to it. It leads to loss of their life sometimes.

Sri Bhavani:

From the session, I learned about ellipsis, keypass application to save passwords safely and Digital wellbeing app in mobile phone. I am to be aware of how I am using the technologies.

~ Ajay, Arunkumar, Dinesh, Rajesh, Sivaguru Prasath

Vipassana experience and insights

We practiced 5 precepts in Sila

1. to abstain from killing any being.
2. to abstain from stealing.
3. to abstain from all sexual activity.
4. to abstain from telling lies.
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.

These avoided any strong negative mental volition.

We then practiced Samadhi which is Mastery of mind/ Concentration of mind using breath.

Then we practiced about Panna(Wisdom) – which eradicates the defilements from mind through observations of sensations without reacting.

Metta bhavana – a meditation which I shared my merits to all the beings to be happy and be kind.

Here are our reflections from the same:

Ajay:

I found that the initial days of practicing Vipassana meditation were quite physically challenging, but over time I began to feel that my mind became more active and my body felt lighter. After attending the meditation, I felt a sense of lightness and happiness. This practice helped me gain insight into myself.

Arun kumar:

Vipassana is a cause and effect meditation technique, I learned that the peace comes from within is more enjoyable than the transient excitement and happiness. The focus on the sensations helped me to grasp that everything in life is temporary and it will change, nowadays my emotions have been controlled and I am responding to the situations rather then reacting to them.

I noticed the following changes in me at Vipassana and after being back:

1. Calmness in mind
2. Less anger
3. Increase in concentration
4. Lesser impatience
5. Taking responsibility for happenings around me

Dinesh:

My reflection about Vipassana was accept the reality as it is, don’t stress myself at any cause. Before Vipassana I got distracted easily and less focused but after Vipassana I am able to notice that If I got distracted I accepted it ,I wouldn’t regret it and then immediately got back to work rather than going into guilt and doing nothing. With Ana panna (breathing technique) I am able to focus on my breathe for longer time and got focused mind even though my mind got distracted. Previously, I gave more importance to my feelings and started to react but now with my equanimous mind I started to observe my feelings rather than reacting to it.

Rajesh

I have noticed that I have gained control over my wandering mind. Through Vipassana meditation, I have learned to stay present and accept things as they are, rather than how I want them to be.

Previously, I used to react immediately to situations based on my emotions, which would lead to long-lasting regret and negativity. However, by practicing Vipassana meditation, I have learned to be aware of the sensations that arise within me . I no longer create cravings or aversions towards any sensations, which has helped me avoid reacting to unpleasant situations.

As a result of my practice, I have also developed feelings of goodwill towards all living beings, including humans and animals. While I continue to practice daily to fully eliminate any remaining roots of aversion, I am grateful for the progress I have made towards liberation.

Sivaguru prasath

Learning the vipassana meditation is such a divine experience, I felt the sensations of my own body and also learned how determined I am.

To practice this technique, I prepared myself mentally and observed my sensations without reacting to it.

Being equanimous the best part I have practiced in this 10-day vipassana course without reacting to any impermanent reactions with craving or aversion.

-Pagoda cell

Vipassana in Swarna Bhoomi

We learned why the Pagoda structures are there at Vipassana centers in honor or Swarna Bhoomi (Burma/ Myanmar) where it is believed Vipassana was retained in its pristine purity.

It is said that King Ashoka who was called as Chand (Cruel) Ashoka and he was very proud of this name and about the killing the rulers and extending his reign across the country. When he came in contact with Vipassana and practiced it he was transformed. He realized his mistakes and changed after that, he insisted his sena members to learn this technique to master the mind and he then sent them to make Vipassana reach worldwide.

The two monks “Sona and Uttara” went to Swarna Bhoomi (Burma) to share this technique to Burmese people they kept the technique to its utmost purity, after 25 centuries the ancient technique to master the mind reached its origin (India).

– Pratap

Unending education is an important principle for Auroville and C3SLD, as part of my learning and engagement I participated in a talk on “Reimagining our future: communities confronting the realities of climate change” organized by forest researchers.

In this panel, experts and practitioners discussed the various ways in which climate change is affecting their respective regions and what measures they are taking to address it through community action. They shared insights on how communities can work together to develop innovative solutions to climate-related challenges, such as building sustainable infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and reducing waste.

One inspiring example is Auroville, an international city in southern India that aims to be a sustainable and self-sufficient community. Deepti, a volunteer from Auroville, shared examples of sustainable practices and innovations that the city has implemented. She also discussed the challenges and opportunities involved in building a sustainable community, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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The phrase “Reimagining our future: communities confronting the realities of climate change” emphasizes the need for us to rethink our relationship with nature and prioritize the health of the planet over short-term economic gains.

Communities play a crucial role in confronting the realities of climate change, as they often have unique knowledge and resources to address the impacts. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can create a more sustainable, just, and resilient world that can withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure a liveable future for generations to come.

Attending the talk on “Reimagining our Future: communities confronting the Realities of climate change” was truly inspiring and an eye-opening experience for me.  This exposure provided a platform for me to share my experiences and perspectives on how communities can confront the realities of climate change and work towards a more sustainable future. I was able to connect myself with Auroville as an international city approaching issues related to ecology and climate change, and the sustainable practices and innovations that they have implemented.

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I also got inspired by working together and sharing knowledge, communities can develop innovative solutions to climate-related challenges and promote sustainable practices in all aspects of life. Attending talks like these motivates me to learn more and see the connections between our work and the issues faced by the world at large and work towards more sustainability.

My name is Dharani. I deeply care about perseverance and equity for myself and others. It has been a year of learning in STEM this has been a shift from the management training that I was going through before I came here. Learning in STEM can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding in this blog I share my journey.

I joined STEMland as a volunteer and later joined the working team. I learned scratch programming, GeoGebra, puzzles, and games. Then I started working on codifying STEMland. Now I m part of an exciting online mentorship program Mathegramming Academy.

I was introduced to the Radical Transformational program by STEMland for the first time.  I had positive experiences with learning Radical Transformational Leadership (RTL) and filling out a CFSR. I have become more time-conscious, which is an essential skill in STEM and in life in general. It underwent significant personal growth and transformation through learning and practicing RTL. The principles of RTL, such as believing in the dignity and worth of all people, embodying a mindset of abundance and sufficiency, and practicing a commitment to integrity and authenticity, had a profound impact on me and the organization. By learning to fill out a CFSR and becoming more time conscious, I have developed valuable skills that help me succeed in STEM. I continue to embrace the principles of RTL in my personal and professional life.

STEM developed many skills like Critical thinking, Creativity, Perseverance, and Collaboration in me.

One of the most important qualities that I have incorporated into my life during my journey in STEMland is perseverance. STEM is a challenging field, and there are inevitably times when I encounter obstacles or setbacks. However, by persevering through these challenges, I developed resilience and grit that serves well in all aspects of my life.

Another quality that I have developed during your STEM journey is critical thinking and asking questions. In STEM, it is essential to be able to analyze complex problems and come up with innovative solutions. By developing critical thinking skills, I’m equipped to tackle challenges and find creative ways to solve them.

Finally, my journey in STEMland has likely taught me the value of collaboration and teamwork. STEM is a highly collaborative field, and many of the most significant breakthroughs in science and technology are the result of teams of people working together. By learning to work effectively with others, I learned to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the world.

I learned time management and I notice my integrity being held throughout my endeavors. I got opportunities to learn more about Auroville and take part in meditations. I learned many things through peer learning and helped myself with the insights from fellow mates to groom better. I learned to take feedback for growth.

Overall, my one-year journey in STEMland was full of exciting opportunities and valuable experiences. I learned that staying committed to learning is the way to achieve the goals in STEM and I continue exploring.

My name is Dharani. I care for perseverance and equity for myself and others. This blog is a reflection on attending a session on Data privacy.

On 8^th April 2023, C3streamland organized a session on Data privacy for the teachers of Udavi School and STEMland. Dr. Sanjeev Ranganathan briefed us on data privacy and some of the ways by which our personal data can be protected. As we teachers handle children, we must be aware of ourselves and educate children.

The session started with the movie The Social Dilemma. It is a documentary that explores the unintended and at times designed aspects of social media and its impact on society. It highlights the ways in which social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube use algorithms and data mining to keep users engaged and addicted, while also nudging their behaviour and opinions.

The film features interviews with several former executives and engineers from major social media companies who discuss the ethical concerns they have about the industry. They explain how the business models of these platforms rely on collecting vast amounts of personal data from users and using it to create highly targeted advertising, which can reinforce user’s existing beliefs and create echo chambers.

The film also addresses the psychological effects of social media, such as increased rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, as well as its impact on political polarization and the spread of misinformation.

Overall, this raises important questions about the role of social media in our lives and the need for greater regulation and accountability in the tech industry.

Sanjeev discussed the applications of Artificial intelligence and the intended and unintended consequences of technology. He also briefed us on how to transcend it by self-awareness.

He also enlightened us on the policies on data protection and the strong need to have data protection policies. Data protection safeguards sensitive data against loss, manipulation, and misuse. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India established the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India as part of the right to life and personal liberty.

As a part of self-awareness, a few smart ways to have personal data protected by ourselves were discussed. Some of them are noticing our engagement with phones by turning on the digital well-being in the smartphones, turning off unwanted notifications, not just randomly accepting without even going through the privacy policies, cookies management, and software to protect passwords.

Overall, the session was enlightening and an eye-opener for us. Many of us shared insights and wanted to have a few more sessions on data privacy protection.