Children Park – a type of real social business

(example of MOON PARK & MOON HOUSE)

This was also published in The News Today 09 Dec 2010 and other blogs

http://www.newstoday.com.bd/index.php?option=details&news_id=14376&date=2010-12-09

http://www.bdcomcn.com/English-Articles/children-park-a-type-of-real-social-business-of-moon-park-a-moon-house.html

 http://bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=343086  



Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, of Bangladesh while addressing the prize giving ceremony of a painting competition at Dhaka Osmani Smriti Auditorium on October 18, 2010, has directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to recover all the children’s parks in the capital. The prime minister, according to UNB Dhaka, vowed to establish a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for every child.

Yes, there is no doubt that concerned authorities would try their best to recover all government children parks, no matter how successful they would be to maintain and keep the campaign according to given directives from the highest executive of the government. But I, like many others, am little wondered as to how much those local influential illegal occupants have gone regarding places like Children parks too. There is no need to emphasize the requirement of children parks for the over all development of a total Children. Considering their importance’s, government did their parts and hopefully would continue doing the best in this regard always. But we being the brothers and sisters, parents and relatives, teachers and lovers of every child also got to think and do exactly in the same way as our Prime Minister thought and gave directives.

Because the government can not establish more and more children parks all of a sudden, and because we all also have the morale and social responsibilities too for all the children, so, we got to also do some thing, either individually or being in a group. We may think of taking following measures to ensure so that more and more children get the facilities of Children parks:

1. Authorities of schools and other educational institutions may consider establishing children parks at their own premises, no matter how small or big those could be. They should also ensure the proper maintenances of all existing children parks.

2. Those who, specially at rural area, can effort to make few items of children park at their own premises may also make such facilities available for their own and local children. There are few such items directly related to physical exercises which don’t need lot of space, cost or electricity. Besides, such can be made with collective efforts too. Some one may also think of making the same at their roof top at city location too. The idea is so that every child gets the minimum facilities of Children Park.

3. Many rich people of our society already have hundreds and thousands of “Farm Houses” (bagan bari in bengali pronunciation) of their own. Those are indeed their spare houses out side the city areas mostly for their personal leisure and pleasure. Of course I am not trying to say any thing against their farm houses, however, would like to humbly suggest so that they could also think of making those, whole or part of those, in to some thing like children park for the local children and thus allow local children to play there either free of cost or with little ticket money. We always talk about social responsibilities and social businesses. Arranging such facilities for the children could be one of the best social responsibilities. Again the concepts of social businesses often emphasized by our Noble Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus are known to the whole world and also widely discussed. So, from that point of view too, some token ticket money may also be charged from incoming children, however, the ticket fee got to be within affordable limit of those rural parents too.

Frankly speaking, I won’t suggest any of above if I won’t believe on those totally. I use to always think in the past about these children park facilities for our rural poor children. That is the reason I tried to establish two such children park at my own according to my personal interest, planning, limited economic capabilities and efforts. Spending my pension money, I have established one Children park named Moon Park at village PIRUJALI in General Area Hotapara, Gazipur. The area is near writer Humayun Ahmed’s Nuhash Polli and really green and comfortable in all seasons.

Well, for this case, I tried to establish and experiences by myself first and then now trying to suggest some thing for others too. It is said in the religion also that you try to do the same first before you suggest the same to others. When ever, I heard or read about the social businesses expressed by noble laureate Dr. Yunus, tried to think and identify as to how many types of social businesses could there be, specially for a country like Bangladesh? I also tried to think always as to what maximum social benefits can be offered with what minimum charges from different types of social businesses. Well, there can be many different types, but, for me, I have desired to do some thing related to children’s health, enjoyment, excitement, mental growth, physical exercise etc, and so thought of establishing one children park for them as part of so-well-discussed social business.

Now at this stage, being little encouraged by the noble directives of honorable prime minister of Bangladesh, I have only one aim of mentioning this as an example and that is, so that others who are interested may also establish such children parks at different parts of our country. Besides, those who are already having their Farm Houses (bagan bari) may also become interested as well as feel responsible to tern their those farm houses, part or whole, into children park for the local rural children and allow them to play either free of charge or with little token ticket money.

“Moon Park” is a small eco friendly green garden which is also used for picnic or outing spot for those city people who may afford to rent it and be interested to enjoy the green nature as part of their rest and refreshment. However, the focus is always given to the local children’s playing and that is why the word “park” is associated with it’s name. Any one may be wondered to know that a local child may visit and play at Moon Park with only taka ten ($ US 10 cents only) per person. The Moon Park was inaugurated on 14 April 2010 (pohela boishak) through arrangement of boishakhi mela (local fair organized on the bengali new year) where all the incoming children along with their parents, friends and relatives were allowed to go inside and play with free of charge. Surprisingly the total presence on that very single day crossed the figure 2500 (almost 100% children of that general area) which really proved in my mind that, yes, our children really need such facilities. I also felt very comfortable inside for being able to make one such park for our rural children. The smiling faces of our rural deprived children are still in my memories, pictures of which can also be shared by readers from below web link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/113734232071731875096/MoonPark#

“Moon House” is also another such place, same eco friendly garden with children park facilities where children can not only play but also see life birds and fishes. No matter how many facilities children are enjoying inside but only taka 30 ($ US 40 cents only) is charged per person. It is designed to be a real safe house for the playing of children and that is why the word “house” is associated with it’s name.

It may be mention that the eco friendly green gardens of both Moon Park and Moon House are also attracting foreigners and as such contributing to the tourism in Bangladesh too. Hope the scope of tourism in this sector would also increase in future.

I hope both Moon Park and Moon House would be able to contribute for children’s playing in the long run as part of social businesses in real sense. I also hope that many other persons having similar feelings like me would also try to do some thing better for our children which are so necessary for their total development. Children would carry us forward, they are our future hopes and so we must do our best to do best for them.

For those who may be interested to know about Moon House and Moon Park for their picnic or outing purposes may also brows below web link:

http://www.moonhousemoonpark.com/

 email: moonhouse.moonpark@gmail.com,

Congratulation Tigers

Bangladeshis have very rare occasion of celebrating national victories. But we had one yesterday which people irrespective of political belief, cast and creed celebrated. An occasion which brought Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition close together. Our cricketers gave us the moment of joy and glory.

Bengal tigers white washing full strength black caps in ODI  is by any count the greatest sporting achievement of cricket loving sporting nation. The manner in which Saquib influenced tiger cabs hunted Kiwis deserves unqualified praise. Wining four matches in a row and some matches going down to the wire evidence the growing maturity and never say die attitude. The entire team gelled together in great commitment and determination. Tigers have now developed the habit of winning and will definitely act as a team to reckon with in the ensuing World Cup for all its opposition . Bangladesh won 1st, 4th and 5^th ODI after keen contest and second was a roller coaster. SaquibulHasan , the top ranked ODI all-rounder amply demonstrated his superiority with both willow and leaher scoring 211 runs with century and a fity and grabbing 11 wickets in four matches. He was man of the series. Two other youngsters SurawardyShuva and RubelHussain won man of the match accolade in two other ODI with Saquib winning the other two .

Kiwis were originally due to play a full series of test matches oDI and twenty twenty in Bangladesh. But BCB thought it wise to turn the series into 5 match ODI with an eye to the ensuing ICC World Cup preparation. Bangladesh preparation got a blow before even the series started as the flamboyant Bangladesh opener TamimIqbals delayed operation in his hands forced him out of the series. Captain and ace strike bowler Mashrafee also got injured in the very first match . We all know another key player Mohammad Ashraful was not in tune. So Bangladesh had to encounter strong Kiwis without three key players . But Saquib just returning from a successful English county stinct and Bangladesh unit after extensive preparation and hard work looked determined from the start.

For Kiwis adjusting to heat and humidity was a great challenge. Moreover rain and inclement weather at the end of the season also restricted their preparation. But a team having world class players like BredenMcCullam, Ross Taylor and Daniel Vittori can afdjust to any condition. Inspired by Saquib all round performance Bangladesh stunned Kiwis in the first ODI by 9 runs. Tigers started dreaming of winning the first ever oDI against a fdull strength major majoropposition . The second ODI was washed out without a ball being bowled. Bangladesh did not allow Kiwis to regroup in the third ODI and had a roller coaster 7 wickets victory when Young Suharawardy Shuvo bowled exceedingly well . Fourth ODI was Saquibs solo and the 5^th was a nail bitter.

No one expected in the wildest of drteams that Bangladesh will succesfuly defend a moderate target of 174 in the last ODI.But the changed Tigers were not willing to loose. In the first few overs they broke the backbone of Kwi batting grabbing 5 wickets forcing them to perspire for life. Vittori and Elliot were giving them life saving drugs and lamost pulled them out of danger zone. But determined tigers bowling and fielding like champions hit them back in time. When young Rubel knocked out Mills leg stump in the third ball of the last over Kiwis were only 4 runs away from target. Rubel got 4 wickets. Bangladesh erupted with tears of joy.

In the history of Bangladesh cricket the just concluded oDI series victory will remain as a significant milestone and future inspiration. Well dione Bangladesh. Tiger cabs are really maturing. In the past there were isolated victories. But now the team has grown in confidence and does not throw the towel .

With series against Zoimababwe in December and World Cup next year Bangladesh need to further iron its efforts. Batting will be definitely bolstered with the return of TamimIqubal. Middlre order batting still remains in a spot of bother. We will love to see a rejuvenated Ashraful back into action soon. Junaid and Roquibul did not bat well in the series. ShariarNafees is getting back his tune. He can bat at number three when Tamim gets back and opens with ImrulKayes> Bangladesh needs some late order stroke maker to make best use of batting p[ower play. Return of fully fit Mashrafee will be useful. Bangladesh also needs to improve bowling at the batting power play in death overs. Much improved Rubel and Shafiul give hope . India and South Africa are in Bangladesh Group in ICC Woreld Cup. Bangladesh beat both in 1997 World Cup. We must make specific plans against both.

The Tiger White Washing Black Caps will make Bangladeshis around the world start dreaming for greater glories. Tigers must gear up to match that.

Congratulations tigers – a job well done.

The Zurich-based International Football Arena is organising the round table. It is their first such round table event plus their first-ever event into India. The IFA has been organising a yearly football congress in Zurich for over a decade and since 2006 a second event has been held each year in Asia. They have held events in Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, now New Delhi is being added to that list while Qatar is set to host the next event in January 2011 during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

The IFA conferences are designed to facilitate the global transfer of knowledge within the world of football. Over the years, IFA has become the leading marketplace for quality encounters within the football industry. It is the leading and foremost event for the business of football and football’s global leaders.

And India is not new as a theme for IFA. In November 2008 India was one of the headline topics on their 10th anniversary. The event was held at the auditorium of FIFA House in Zurich and I had the honour and task of making a 40 minute introductory speech-cum-lecture on Indian football’s past, present and possible future with two panel discussions to follow it up.

September 9, 2010
The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

Timetable for Day

10.00 Welcome coffee

10.30 – 12.30 IFA Round Table Part I

12.30 – 14.00 Lunch, 1911 Restaurant

14.00 – 16.30 IFA Round Table Part II (with a break in-between)

16.30 – 17.00 Cocktail reception

17.00 – 18.00 Media Round Table

For more on the International Football Arena go to their website www.internationalfootball.com/

International FootBall Arena

In Rio de Janeiro things are looking better as the world famous Maracanã-Stadium is undergoing refurbishment since Wednesday, August 25; but even this project is behind schedule as originally work was planned to start in March 2010. Until late 2012 around 300 Million Euros will be spend on the arena to bring it up to World Cup standard as in its current form it is outdated and wouldn’t qualify as a World Cup venue. And besides the World Cup, Rio is also set to host the 2016 Olympics for which the stadium would also be needed.

The Maracanã in its full name is called the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho and it is one of the iconic venues of world football. Legendary stories are told about the 1950 World Cup final in the stadium between hosts Brazil and then giants Uruguay. It is said that over 200,000 people where live at the ground to watch the final. It used to be the biggest stadium in the world, but development work over the years have reduced the capacity to now 88,000. The last time the stadium was redeveloped was in 2007 ahead of the Pan American Games.

Now for the 2014 FIFA World Cup the capacity will come down further to around 83,000 as tough FIFA guidelines are enforcing less capacity at the ground plus better facilities for players, media, VIPs and the general public. Still the outside of the stadium will remain the same as it is a Brazilian national monument, but besides improvement inside the ground it will also get a new modern roof. Currently the Maracanã is the home venue of local Rio giants Flamengo and Fluminense plus also hosting to matches of the Brazilian Selecao.

Road to Maracanã-Stadium

But where are the problems? If one looks at the media reports there are to many to mention. Allegations of corruption, venues aren’t ready yet while some are already crumbling under monsoon rains plus officials and politicians fighting each other over who should get the credit for things going well or who should be blamed for failure and mismanagement. And to top it all there is former sports minister Mani Shankar Aiyar who is wishing the worst for the games so that the inabilities of certain sports administrators are exposed. That wouldn’t be the worst only if India’s interest weren’t harmed in the process. This all sounds like a real life soap opera. And a really bad one.

The question I ask myself is India ready to host such an international mega-sporting event? I have been of the opinion, we will have problems but will manage to get everything in place in the last minute, but the closer the Commonwealth are getting the more doubts I now have. And I don’t seem to be alone with my doubts as yesterday’s statements from Baichung Bhutia show.

Baichung said in Kolkata, “We should not have taken a decision to host the Games. The infrastructure is not ready. Look at the situation, the grounds are not ready. Even in hockey, there are not many turfs in India. Even a nation like Malaysia is better-placed to host the Games. We should not have bid for the Games.”

Harsh words from Baichung but he is known to speak his mind on pressing issues and not to take a diplomatic view just to please others. And in my opinion his views are spot on!
Instead of hosting the Commonwealth Games now, maybe hosting it in four or eight years would have been better. The funds would have been better utilised to create infrastructure now for youngsters to train and increase the participation in sports. That is India’s biggest drawbacks besides qualified coaching and a system for overall sports development, irrespective of sporting discipline. And we also need young, dynamic people to come in and run sporting bodies to bring with them fresh, new ideas and not age old methods which don’t seen to take us anywhere.

But still I hope the Commonwealth Games will be a success, but thereafter an overall clean-up needs to happen. Especially the media needs to ask for accountability and those found guilty for offences need to be pushed. But for now India and I mean the whole of India needs to focus on making the Games a success or otherwise our reputation will take a massive hit.

Commonwealth Games

England was riding high after winning T20 world cup and beating Australia. They plotted to win three matches ODI against Bangladesh comfortably to boost their morale after beating Australia in hard fought 5 matches ODI series 3-2. They were so confident that they rested key bowler Swann for the series. The first ODI they won relatively comfortably .Before the start of play at Bristol complacent David Gower and David Lloyd in prematch preview was discussing about batting form of English captain Andrew Starus. England won the toss and put Bangladesh into bat on a greenish wicket under cloudy sky. England had Anderson. Broad, Shezad to exploit the situation. We all know sub continental teams struggle on such wicket , in such situation. Gower thought Bangladesh can not put up competitive score; Staruss will not get opportunity to post a century. Bangladesh made Gower eat his words.

Bangladesh not only put up a competitive score but also won the match playing all-round good cricket. Tigers out gunned vaunted England in all departments. Top order Tamim ,Kayes, Junaid and Jahurul batted with resolve , Tail Enders Mashrafee and Mahmudullah made valuable contributions. All bowlers bowled with great heart, fielding was sharp and agile. Bangladeshis even kept their cool in tight situation and won the match.

Tamim started in usual flamboyant style .But after his brief stay Kayes anchored the innings and Junaid stepped into Tamim shoe. He too left after scoring a brisk 21. The foundation of the innings was laid by a 83 run third wicket solid partnership of Kayes and Young Jahurul .But like recent matches main stay Saquib and Ashraful failed to make substantive contribution. Kayes was still there .Mashrafee and Mahmudullah made useful contributions. Yet the final score of 236 appeared at least 40 short of a formidable target on a smallish ground. But tigers looked resolved and determined. It did not matter that regular keeper Mushfiqur was injured. It did not matter the batting hero of the previous match Roquibul Hasan was unavailable through injury. Masharfee and his men had spring in their legs. Once they withered early storm of Staruss Tigers were always on the hunt. Once openers and Kieswetter were undone by bustling Rubel Hussiain Bangladesh never looked back. Collingwood and Morgan were removed by Razzak. Bell twisted and fractured his ankle while fielding and was stretchered to hospital in ambulance. Heavily strapped Bell was not fit to bat.

At this stage only Jonathon Trott was the thorn for Bangladesh. But he hardly looked convincing.Saquib; Shafiul bowled tight and got the rewards. Ground fielding was sharp and bowling was professional. England still rallied around Trott and with Broad playing some strokes 43 valuable runs were scored at 8th wicket.Pendulam for once swung in England’s favour. But Lion hearted never say die Mashrafee returned and accounted for Broad at a critical stage. Yet Trott fought. Mashrafee removed Anderson and was about to go for victory lap. But an injured Ian Bell with Morgan to run for him limped to saty with Trott to saviour the grace of English lion. The last over of the tense match.Trott was at the strikers end. Six runs were pinched of the first three deliveries with one wide. Young Shafiul did not panic.He let out a well disguised slower delivery. Trott nicked to the keeper .Tigers wrote the history at Bristol in red letters.

In 2010 Bangladesh did not win any cricket match at international level but went tantalisingly close to winning a few. Just the killer instinct was not there. With Mashrafee back at the leadership let us hope that Bangladesh grows winning habit,Congrats Mashrafee and his men for making Bangladeshis proud yet again.

Bilić has likewise opted to bring emerging talents Pamić and Sharbini on board in back-up roles. “We chose 23 players and we are also taking two youngsters,” explained the coach. “Not because we want to give them a chance to fit in or to thank them, but because they are young, talented and playing in the positions we need.”

The former national-team defender also put the finishing touches on his two-year contract extension earlier today. “The final decision came after the [3-2 qualifying] victory [over England] at Wembley [last November], so the signing of the contract could have happened six or three months ago,” said Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Marković. “Instead, it happened today. We are very happy to have Slaven Bilić and his assistants.”

The Croats face Austria, Germany and Poland in Group B at this summer’s tournament and Bilić is hoping his squad will make a major impact. “We have a goal to continue with our good work,” said the 39-year-old. “We have a difficult task ahead, but if we get a little luck we can end up being proud.”

Croatia squad

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).

Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dario Knežević (AS Livorno Calcio), Hrvoje Vejić (FC Tom Tomsk).

Midfielders: Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg), Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Luka Modrić (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Nikola Pokrivač (AS Monaco FC).

Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Ivan Klasnić (Werder Bremen), Igor Budan (Parma FC), Nikola Kalinić (HNK Hajduk Split).

Reserves: Manuel Pamić (FC Salzburg), Anas Sharbini (HNK Rijeka).

Photo: Getty Images

Liverpool’s star striker Fernando Torres was proud of having equaled Roger Hunt’s club record of having scored in eight successive home league games in the 1-0 win over Manchester City. The 24-year-old Spain international has netted 32 goals in all competitions in his first season with the Reds and has scored in his last eight outings in the league at Anfield, equalling Hunt’s record from the 1961-62 campaign.

Torres told the club’s official website: “I’m very proud. I knew about the record before the game and I am pleased to have scored again. Now I will try to do even better next season. The first season is normally always difficult but it has been made easy for me by my team-mates. It’s thanks to them that I can keep scoring and keep improving.”

Reds manager Rafael Benitez added his own tribute, commenting: “It was another good game from us and another fine goal from Fernando. I believe he will score more, which will be a great benefit for the club, for him and for the fans.”

Photo: Getty Images

The Frenchman said after the game: “It was a farewell and I wanted him to have a chance to say goodbye to the fans, that we respect him for what he has done for us. Jens was 100 per cent professional, if not always an easy character. In all his time here, I have not known Jens to not be fully committed for a single minute. That deserves a lot of respect.

“He was the best keeper in the Premier League. He reads the game well, he is brave and had all the assets to come into the Premier League, because he is not frightened of anybody. Jens has become better and better, because at the start he was a bit upset easily sometimes, when people walked on his toes at corners. But he got more controlled through his career. Jens was 38 this year, and at some stage in a club like ours you have to make a decision to change.”

Lehmann has made 199 appearances for the Gunners since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2003.

Photo: Gety Images

The 24-year-old is expected to undergo a medical at the San Siro on Monday. Despite the offer of a new five-year deal from Arsenal, Flamini’s future remains unresolved and both AC Milan and Juventus are reported to have been tracking the France international.

Following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, the Gunners’ last home game of the season, Wenger conceded that he was not “super-confident” Flamini would still be with the club next season.

“Frankly, I don’t know [if he is staying],” said Wenger. “But if you ask me was I overall super-confident, I would say no. He has an offer on the table which is valid until tomorrow [Monday], then we will see. We have done what we had to do, it is now down to him to make a decision. My ideal solution is that he stays, so I am not happy if he goes – but we’ve done everything we can. We can’t wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market.”

Meanwhile, Milan club owner Silvio Berlusconi has cast fresh doubt over the potential signing of Barcelona star Ronaldinho.

“I have always been doubtful over whether Ronaldinho is needed, at this point I really think we don’t need him,” he said.

The Italian club has agreed terms with the 28-year-old Brazilian playmaker but failed to settle on a mutually satisfactory transfer fee with Barcelona during preliminary talks.

If I were a sports betting man, I wouldn’t bet on Ronaldinho coming to Milan.

Photo: Getty Images