AlPhA KaPpA DeLtA PhI

Genetically modified BT-Brinjal has been stalled by the Government of India’s sudden reversal in policy. Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh was under immense pressure to back down from his earlier stand of backing the genetically modified version.

The last few days witnessed widespread opposition to the introduction of Bt-Brinjal. The discussions and the impact it had, is testimony to India’s vibrant democracy and the power of civil society. Concerns were raised from many quarters about the safety of such genetically modified products. Either the conglomeration of all these or due to fear of being accused in case of any mis-happenings in the future, forced the minister to change from his previous stand.

So what is the fuss all about? Well, GM foods or Genetically Modified foods create some very legitimate questions on safety of those who consume it. They may be genetically adjusted to withstand pest attacks, but their effects on humans, or other animals in the food chain are not proven.

However, the Minister clarified that the reversal of policy applied on to BT-Brinjal and not other genetically modified vegetables, such as cabbage or lady-finger.

White Hat – For factual thinking. Brainstorming for known facts on an idea

Red Hat – For Emotional Thinking

Black Hat – For weaknesses in an idea

Yellow Hat - For Optimistic/ Positive thinking on an idea

Blue Hat – For Thinking of an idea from an organizational perspective

Green Hat – For thinking on innovations possible, on a existing idea.

Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats is a rare book, providing insights on how to structure discussions. de Bono is an erudite thinker himself and his novel idea of the thinking hats should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following him. I have read one book of his before and though not path-breaking; the book gave me insights of the man behind it.

de Bono appears as a suave management expert, who understands the complexity and simplicity of the brain more than anyone. He emphasizes on logical thinking and exhorts us to think of possibilities to existing certainties. This unique view of him makes more compelling to read his works.

On the book, it’s not like any other book you might have read on group discussions. It does not tell you what to talk or even how to talk. It tells you how to think and how different you can think.

One phrase caught my attention while reading the book. The phrase is “Sensitizing your brain”. It made for interesting reading. de Bono says that if you sensitize your mind towards, i.e. actively and explicitly tell it what to do it does it correctly. In other words, the brain is willing to learn, the only think it needs is a constant input. I tried doing this by telling myself what I had to do and the brain keeps following it.

Let me explain. I have a really hard time waking up, especially if it’s early. One night I told myself, I am going to get up early the next and did not set the alarm. I told my brain to kick start its work the moment it had enough rest. And wonders..! I got up at 4 A.M the next day feeling fresh and without the alarm. The next thing I tried was that, I started to count the number of steps I walk to reach the cafeteria for lunch. I did this while walking to the cafeteria, and while returning I was subconsciously counting the number of steps!

Mr. Bono does have some interesting points. Do share with the readers if you have experienced similar things.

His looks have made everyone in Hollywood go green with jealousy. Brad Pitt recently revealed the secret behind his ever-green looks – 3 cups of green tea everyday for the past 6 years.

Tea is a healthier drink than coffee and green tea just adds to this. It is rich in anti-oxidants which help in breaking down complex carbo-hydrates. That’s why 3 cups of it everyday makes your face look young. It breaks down all the carbs that otherwise get accumulated in the body. This is turn causes ageing and especially loosening of the skin and gives you that old man look that you always dread.

Tea is consumed in several forms by people across the world. Conventional tea, as we know it is still the most popular. Organic tea, or what the Chinese call as Crimson Tea is also good to keep you young. In countries like Mongolia, organic tea leaves were used as a form of currency till the 19th century! Black Tea (tea consumed without sugar, just like black coffee) is also popular – more so, because of diabetics who can’t keep themselves off a glass of tea.

Coffee and Tea never go hand in hand. Avid drinkers of tea, vow never to bring coffee near their lips. Some people who are specialists in the tasting different flavors of tea are completely forbid to taste coffee. Their taste buds would reportedly get harmed beyond correction, is the reason. Surely tea and the tea industry is a truly unique one.